We’re always on the lookout for gaming headsets to fit pretty much any budget, and in the past two years EKSA have proved themselves a more than capable supplier of good quality budget offerings. However, from the E900 to the Air Joy Pro, there’s always been some level of compromise brought about by the desire to hit a lower price point. The E910 looks to turn things up a notch, a 5.8Ghz wireless offering that aims to compete with brands like Turtle Beach and Logitech for the best value wireless headset. It’s an accolade that they come pretty close to collecting, but there’s a few concessions you should be aware of.
Importantly, the E910 doesn’t feel like a budget headset. As with many headset designs right now they’ve gone for an exceedingly sensible black colour palette, with red speaker coverings that no one’s going to see when they’re sat on your head. They have included just a taste of RGB with red triangular lighting that sits beneath the external metal mesh of each earpiece. It’s a lovely bit of design work, and the E910 manages to look both futuristic and timeless. They’re certainly one of the better-looking headsets released this year.
You can show them off too, with EKSA including a simple but sturdy headphone stand to pop them on when you’re not playing. I don’t fully understand how EKSA manage to include as much as they do in the box – there’s a stand, leatherette travel bag, the headset headset, wireless dongle, 3.5mm cable and USB-A charging cable – but it’s an impressive feat.
The more premium touches extend to the construction materials. Where the Air Joy Pro went for lightweight and came away feeling overly cheap as a consequence, the E910 feels more robust. Metal mesh on the outside of the earpieces gives an industrial look, though the plush leatherette memory foam ear pads and headband cushioning mean that it feels anything but. The frame and the extendable arms are solid metal, the styling aping HyperX’s Cloud build, all giving the impression that this is a headset built to last.
The wireless connection is via a 5.8Ghz USB-A dongle, and while it’s a chunky affair you at least shouldn’t lose it too easily. Happily working with PC, Switch, PS4 and PS5, there’s also a cheeky little 3.5mm input on the dongle, allowing you to add wireless functionality to tech like your TV or music system that might not immediately have it. It’s not likely to add much to many people’s setup, but it’s nice to have the option.
Controls are straightforward enough, with a volume dial, mic mute and power button. The power button also doubles up to allow switching between stereo and 7.1 surround sound functionality, with a handy voice telling you what the headset is up to in case you’re not too sure. The controls are nicely recessed, ensuring that you don’t accidentally activate them, and they’re differently shaped so you can easily identify them when you need to. EKSA have been paying attention here, and it shows.
There’s an extendable mic, a perfect addition to a wireless headset like this, so you can tuck it out of sight when it’s not in use, while the connective wire is sturdy enough to flex the mic into position and it’ll stay there. Sadly, it merely functional and its delivery is thin, making this the first clear sign that this is in fact a budget headset.
There’s no concessions in the 50mm driver’s audio output. The EKSA E910 is a great-sounding headset. It is pretty bass-heavy by default, and while it’s a warm and comfortable bass delivery it’s not particularly well controlled. However, if you select the EKSA preset EQ that ups the high-end frequencies this is an incredibly enjoyable headset to listen to, whether you’re gaming, watching movies or listening to music.
I really enjoyed a long session of Forza Horizon 5, with the soundtrack pumping away while the array of different engines revved, cracked, and purred around me. Following it up with Halo Infinite’s Multiplayer showed just how accurate the E910’s audio can be, easily helping me to identify gunfire and movement on a stereo plane, while explosions certainly had plenty of depth.
That’s not true when it comes to EKSA’s own 7.1 surround sound option. Where the audio packs plenty of punch in stereo mode, switching over to surround sound adds a heap of reverb and distance that feels distinctly messy in comparison to other providers no matter which preset you opt for. I’d stick with Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic over the EKSA offering, or you could go for the Immerse Gaming HIVE plugin which sounds fantastic in use with the E910.
The EKSA E910 is currently available for £65.99 in the UK and $89.99 in the US. That puts it up against headsets like the Corsair HS70 and the Logitech G345, with the EKSA E910 holding its own against those well-established rivals, particularly in terms of comfort and audio quality. The question mark will stand over the weaker microphone, but if you and your regular online gaming buddies can live with that, then the E910 is well worth considering.