RIG R5 Spear Pro Headset Review – No Frills, Just Functionality

RIG R5 Spear Pro Headset Review

When it comes to headsets, gamers have more options than ever. It can be overwhelming. There is just so much to choose from. The RIG R5 Spear Pro, officially licensed for PlayStation 5 and 4, offers a solid, no-fuss entry point for anyone looking for a reliable gaming headset without breaking the bank. While it may not be loaded with every premium feature, and I certainly had some issues with it, it delivers in the areas that matter most: sound quality and value.

Out of the box, the headset looks sharp. The included PlayStation-branded ear plates give it an official PS5/PS4 vibe, which adds to its appeal. The overall design is clean and visually appealing. It’s simple, minimalist aesthetic works well, and the absence of RGB lighting doesn’t take away from the look. In fact, it helps keep the design focused.

Comfort, however, is average at best. Granted, I do appreciate how light it is. During extended sessions, I never felt any real fatigue on my ears or head, thanks to its lightweight design. That said, while the headset includes memory-foam ear cushions, it isn’t all that glasses-friendly – at least for me, it wasn’t. The clamping force and shallow ear cups put pressure on frames, making long sessions a little uncomfortable. Not to mention, it’s tricky pulling your glasses on and off with the headset in place. Also, my ears sure get toasty with these cans. After about 30–45 minutes or so, my ears were cookin’! That said, I recognize that could be a “me” thing, and folks with a skinnier build than mine might not have that issue. My furnace is always running hot!

The audio experience, on the other hand, is decent. With graphene-coated 40mm drivers and an extended 20 Hz–40 kHz frequency range, the sound is rock solid. Sure, it lacks a bit of punch in the bass department, but that makes sense. It’s clearly tuned for competitive gaming, with a boosted mid-range to highlight footsteps and reloads. So naturally, it won’t be bass-heavy. Tempest 3D Audio support is present, but the directionality and immersion are pretty average overall. With these specs in mind, it is ideal for first-person shooters. I could distinctly hear footsteps and bullets whizzing by, which is a plus when it comes to audio quality. For the price point, the sound quality is excellent, but make no mistake: there are many better-sounding headsets available on the market.

The microphone is equally solid. It provides clear enough chat audio through its flip-to-mute 6mm boom, but the “broadcast-grade” label feels a little exaggerated. It works, and I had no issues with it, but I never experienced studio-quality voice capture. It’s a mic, and it worked as intended.

One of the biggest drawbacks is usability. The R5 Spear Pro is wired through a 3.5mm jack into the controller, and it lacks your typical onboard controls. There’s no volume wheel, no mute button, no chat/game balance. There is a volume slider on the cord, which works just fine, but nothing on the headset itself. All adjustments must be made through the console’s software, which quickly becomes tedious. There’s also no companion app or EQ settings, so you’re stuck with the factory tuning. This might be expected at a budget price, but even cheaper headsets offer a little more in this department.

That being said, I appreciate that the straightforward setup makes it plug-and-play friendly. For gamers who don’t want to fuss with apps or software adjustments, this simplicity is a strength rather than a weakness.

As for the Mod-Plates (swappable side panels), they’re purely cosmetic and don’t add any real value. That said, they do snap into place nicely. It’s a gimmick that feels like filler for an otherwise thin feature list. Maybe a younger generation of gamers will dig the swappable plates, and sure, it makes the headset look a bit cooler, but it’s not something I’m personally looking for in a headset.

At $69.99, the R5 Spear Pro delivers solid performance without breaking the bank. It may not pack every premium feature, but it offers reliable audio, lightweight comfort, and a durable build that’s ready for hours of gaming. For anyone looking for a simple, plug-and-play headset that just works, the R5 Spear Pro hits the sweet spot of value and performance, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great gaming experience.

***The headset was provided to COG for the purpose of this review***

Editor’s Note:

We mention the lack of EQ settings or a companion app for tuning. PR clarified that when a headset is tuned for Tempest 3D Audio, any EQ adjustments can actually compromise the intended sound design. The 3D audio render is meant to go directly from the source to the speakers without alteration. In this case, additional EQ would act as a red herring and potentially reduce overall audio accuracy and quality.