PS5 Wireless Headset Under €100 Tested: Is It a Steal?

The Trust GXT 499 Forta Wireless gaming headset is a wireless version of the GXT 498 Forta. Being an officially licensed PlayStation product, it positions itself as an affordable, plug-and-play, no-frills headset. It features 50 mm drivers, a detachable microphone, and boasts a generous battery life of 55 hours.

Supporting 3D audio on the PlayStation 5, the GXT 499 Forta Wireless can also be used with a wired connection, thanks to its 3.5 mm jack. Importantly, it’s priced very reasonably at 80 euros, making it one of the most affordable PlayStation licensed wireless models available.

Technical Specifications

PlayStation-inspired Design, Comfort Needs Improvement

In its white variant, the GXT 499 Forta Wireless easily incorporates the typical design elements of PlayStation. The headset is entirely made of white plastic, with only the fabrics, paddings, and the detachable microphone in black, providing a break from the monotony of the design.

The assembly of different components is flawless, although the overall design lacks subtlety and appears somewhat bulky. The use of plastic helps keep the Forta Wireless light, weighing just 261 g, which should make it comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The headset features a sufficiently flexible and broad headband to adapt well to the user’s head shape. This headband includes a padded, fabric-covered central area. The forks holding each ear cup are adjustable, sliding to accommodate different head sizes, and the range is ample enough for larger heads.

For the ear pads, Trust opted for a dual-material coating that uses synthetic leather on the outside and a more traditional fabric for the part in contact with the skin around the ears. The padding is quite generous. Additionally, the ear pads can pivot on two axes to ensure a good fit for each individual.

Initially, wearing the headset does not pose any problems, although the ear pads’ foam may be a bit too firm and the overall design doesn’t breathe well. However, after extended use, the headband inevitably begins to cause significant discomfort on the top of the skull. Regular breaks or minor adjustments to the headset’s position are necessary to avoid prolonged discomfort.

With no dedicated PC software and primarily targeting console gamers, the GXT 499 Forta Wireless includes a few controls on its ear cups. The right ear cup houses the power button and the USB-C connector for charging. The left side, in addition to the 3.5 mm jack, features a switch that mutes the microphone and a volume control wheel.

The detachable microphone connects via a dedicated jack and has a flexible boom with a built-in windscreen. It also features a ring that lights up to indicate when the microphone is muted.

Generous Battery Life and Passive Operation

The Forta Wireless offers two distinct connection methods. The primary method is via the wireless adapter, which provides a dedicated 2.4 GHz connection for both PC and PlayStation. However, the headset can also be used with a wired connection thanks to its 3.5 mm jack. It doesn’t need to be powered on for wired use, allowing it to function without battery power.

The wireless connection proved very stable during testing, although its range isn’t the best on the market. Regarding battery life, Trust claims up to 55 hours away from a power source. During testing, the battery lasted slightly longer, with about 60 hours of use before needing a recharge. Without dedicated software to display the remaining battery level, the headset simply emits a regular beep when the battery is nearly depleted.

Impressive Sound Quality for the Price

Equipped with 50 mm drivers, the Trust GXT 499 Forta Wireless delivers impressively convincing audio performance for its price point. It features a typical gaming headset emphasis on bass frequencies, but the rest of the sound spectrum is not neglected.

The immersion in gaming is enhanced by the broad soundstage (and compatibility with 3D audio on PlayStation), as well as the overall sound definition. Importantly, the sound reproduction doesn’t show significant weaknesses for gaming use, where everything seems to naturally find its place. Immersion in RPG soundtracks is very successful, while FPS games benefit from impactful explosions.

For music listening, the output is also satisfying, though one must appreciate the strong emphasis on the lower end of the spectrum, which can somewhat overpower the higher frequencies. Importantly, even at high volumes, no distortion was noticed, and the overall audio remains coherent and pleasing to the ear. Overall, the Forta Wireless performs well and matches or even exceeds some more expensive models.

The microphone also proved effective during testing, capturing voices clearly and intelligibly. Compression is minimal, and only a slight canned effect is perceptible. Although no noise reduction is specified, the microphone capsule does an excellent job at reducing background noise.

Price and Availability of the Trust GXT 499 Forta Wireless Headset

The Trust GXT 499 Forta Wireless headset is available at a recommended price of 80 euros.