Gaming headsets are increasingly expected to be more versatile. These days, the most versatile headsets not only connect to gaming consoles, but also to computers, and even wirelessly to smartphones. The latest company to adopt this mantra is LucidSound, which has launched the Bluetooth-compatible LucidSound LS50X.
The new headset is built to be used with the Xbox One, but it should support the Xbox Series X when it’s released, and it offers PC connectivity and Bluetooth support. But is it worth the $250? Or should you turn elsewhere? We put the LucidSound LS50X to the test to find out.
Design
LucidSound has long built premium-feeling headsets, and the LucidSound LS50X is no exception to that rule. The headset offers a stitched leather headband and ear cups, plus there’s a metal frame the feels more than strong enough for the majority of day-to-day use.
While the headset has a black-and-silver color-scheme, the stitching and branding help give the headset enough character for it to stand out from the rest — without getting rid of the classy look.
On the left ear cup, you’ll get the wireless controls — including a power button, an aux port, a USB-C port, and a microphone port. There are also controls in the left ear cup for controlling play and pause, and on the right ear cup there’s an EQ and Bluetooth pairing button. It’s a good selection of controls, and we’re glad LucidSound is using USB-C here instead of MicroUSB.
In the box, there’s a solid selection of accessories too. There’s a wireless dongle, an aux cable, a charging cable, and the detachable microphone. There’s also a really nice hard case — which is a great addition for those who might want to bring their headset on the road.
Comfort
The LucidSound LS50X headset features plenty of padding both in the ear cups and under the headband, and the result is a relatively comfortable experience throughout.
The only downside to the comfort-level of the headset is the fact that it is relatively heavy, and because of that it can get a little uncomfortable on the top of the head, after long periods of listening. You’ll get used to it, and it’s not a huge deal — but still something to note.
Sound
When it comes to gaming headsets, comfort is just as important as sound quality — but that doesn’t mean that sound quality isn’t important. The LucidSound LS50X, thankfully, sounds great. It’s not the most natural-sounding headset out there, but it does make for an excellent gaming and music-listening experience.
The bass response, for starters, is deep and powerful. For gaming, that means you’ll get strong, full-bodied explosions, while music will get punchy kick drums and a smooth bass.
The mid range is relatively warm, and iyt skews a little more towards low mids rather than high mids. That’s true for all of the EQ settings on offer — but using the EQ button on the right ear cup, you can achieve a slightly more natural sound when in “music mode.”
The highs are detailed and crisp, no matter how you connect to your listening device. Even over Bluetooth, we found that there was a solid amount of detail, which is always nice to hear.
Ultimately, this is one of the better-sounding gaming headsets out there. The fact that there’s a built-in EQ helps allow the user to tune the sound to their preferences, which is very helpful.
Performance
The LucidSound LS50X can connect to your devices in a range of different ways. For starters, you could connect through the included aux port. Or, you could use the included wireless dongle with the Xbox One or Series X for an even better wireless connection. Last but not least, you can use Bluetooth connectivity for mobile and casual use. Even the Bluetooth connection, we found, performed well, though it would have been nice if the headset offered Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity instead of Bluetooth 4.2.
The battery life on the headset sits in at 20 hours, which is pretty good. That should last even the longest gaming sessions, and for most, it will last at least a week or so before needing to be charged again.
Conclusions
The LucidSound LS50X looks great, sounds great, and is pretty comfortable. It’s also one of the most versatile headsets out there, and the built-in EQ button means that users can get a frequency response that best matches what they’re looking for.
But it’s also not cheap. If you’re an Xbox gamer and want the most versatile headset you can find, this one is absolutely the way to go. There really aren’t any other headsets that offer the same versatility as the LucidSound LS50X.
Because of the headset’s excellent sound-quality and premium design, we’re awarding the LucidSound LS50X the Headphone Review Silver Medal.
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
 |
$249.99 |
| LucidSound | $249.99 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz | Active noise cancellation | No |
| Driver size | 50mm | Noise attenuation | Unknown |
| Driver type | Dynamic | On-ear controls | Yes |
| Design | Closed | Microphone | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 97dB | Earpad material | Memory foam |
| Rated impedance | Unknown | Magnet material | Unknown |
| Total harmonic distortion | Unknown | Water resistance | Unknown |
| Rated input power | Unknown | Battery life | 20 Hours |
| Maximum input power | Unknown | Wireless distance | 10m (33ft) |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth 4.2 | Cable length | 4ft (1.2m) |
| Wired connection | Yes | Case type | Yes |
| Detachable cable | Yes | In-the-box |
|
| Weight | 408g (14.4oz) | Colors | Black |