SENZER may be known for its affordable range of gaming accessories, but they are rapidly becoming a contender in the headset market, too. Much like how many of their products aim to offer simple but effective feature sets at attainable prices, the SG500 continues this trend, offering a lightweight wired headset with foldable design, memory foam padding and detachable microphone.
Overview
The SENZER SG500 is a surround sound headset that is compatible with PC, Mac, Switch and PS4/5 or Xbox using the 3.5mm connection. Lightweight, comfortable and tuned for gaming, the SG500 has surprised me in all the right ways.
There are a couple of areas where SENZER could make improvements, but considering the price and that this is their most popular wired headset, I think SENZER has made a fantastic choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Design and build
What’s in the box?
- SG500 Gaming Headset
- Detachable microphone
- Quick-start guide
I like some of the detail that has gone into the SG500. Anyone familiar with SENZER products will recognise the simple black finish, but the way it has been integrated is very tasteful. Contrasting stitching joins the soft leatherette around the padded headband, which looks clean and is very neatly done, whilst the folding arms have a smooth finish that feels solid in use.
As these are folding arms, the cups rotate inward – I sometimes like to have one earphone half over my ear so I can keep an ear out for my kids or chat to my partner; although it’s not uncomfortable to do this with the SG500, it causes the ear cups to move slightly which changes the seal and causes a drop in bass and mids.
The ear cups are made of hardened plastic, with a simple matte section that has the SENZER logo visible on the side. This design is purely functional, however, as this is a closed-back headset. The ear cups are compact without being too small, and they are very well assembled, with no creaking when flexed.
The earpads are filled with soft memory foam and coated with leatherette. It’s comfortable, but it can make your ears warm compared to fabric coverings. I found the sizing to be enough to cover my ears, and wearing the headset correctly created a good acoustic seal, which is important for both sound quality and passive noise reduction.
SENZER has judged the clamping force well; some headsets can squeeze across your temples or below your ears but these sit comfortably for my taste. The SG500 is also fine for glasses-wearers, as the ear pads are soft enough that they won’t press too much on the arms and cause discomfort. It’s not quite on the same level as headsets with specialist padding, as you do lose the seal slightly, but that is common for glasses-wearers.
Features and controls
All of the controls are located on the left ear cup, and I found them very easy to locate and operate. The detachable microphone connects here, and once attached it has a firm fit. The microphone arm is flexible and can be positioned close to the mouth, providing clear voice pick-up and reducing background noise.
The SG500 does not feature additional buttons or dials, and there is no inline remote on the cable. Volume and mute functions are controlled directly from the connected device. It’s a simple approach, and while it lacks extra convenience, it keeps the design lightweight and straightforward.
The folding mechanism is integrated neatly into the headband, allowing the ear cups to fold inward for storage or travel. The movement feels solid, with no looseness or creaking, and it makes the headset easy to carry in a bag when not in use.
Connectivity
The SENZER SG500 is a wired headset that uses a 3.5mm connection. It can be used with PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox consoles, Nintendo Switch, laptops and mobile devices with a headphone jack. No drivers or downloads are required, as this is a simple plug and play device.
You can connect the SG500 directly and it will work immediately, which makes it very versatile across different platforms. Users with older Xbox controllers may need an adapter, but otherwise the compatibility is wide-ranging.
The wired connection ensures zero latency, which is ideal for fast-paced games. The cable is permanently attached to the headset and has a standard length suitable for desktop or console use. While there is no wireless option, the reliability of a wired connection means there are no dropouts or interference.
Sound Quality
Much like with other gaming headsets in this range, the SENZER SG500 has an audio profile tuned for clarity. Rather than a bass-heavy signature, the SG500 delivers a mostly balanced sound with emphasis on mids and highs, making footsteps, gunfire and voices come through clearly. For competitive gaming this works well, as you can easily pick out directional cues and small details in the environment.
Bass response is present and has enough punch for explosions and cinematic effects, but it does not overpower the rest of the mix. The overall sound is crisp, and while it can lose definition at maximum volume, performance remains consistent at regular listening levels.
The surround sound capability enhances immersion, adding depth to gameplay. Subtle details such as rain or distant movement are reproduced with accuracy. The soundstage is not as wide as on higher-end headsets, but separation between different audio elements is still effective. For the price, the tuning is well judged for gaming use.
Microphone quality
The detachable microphone is what you would expect from a budget headset. Clarity is good, but bass tones are reduced, giving a lighter representation of your voice. It has a flexible arm, which makes it easy to position, and once adjusted it stays in place securely.
The microphone reduces static and filters background noise reasonably well. Keyboard clicks and household sounds may still be picked up, but in general team communication is clear and free of distortion. For in-game chat and online calls it is more than adequate.
There is no dedicated mute switch, so muting has to be done via software or device settings. The microphone can also be removed completely when not required, which is convenient if you want to use the SG500 purely as headphones.
Summary
I’m impressed with what SENZER has managed to achieve with the SG500. It has a clean design, lightweight build and foldable frame that make it practical and comfortable for long sessions. The memory foam padding adds comfort, and the detachable microphone provides reliable voice clarity.
Sound quality is focused on gaming, with clear mids and highs that make important audio cues stand out. Surround sound adds immersion, and while the bass is moderate, the overall balance is well suited to competitive play. The microphone could be improved with more depth and a dedicated mute function, but for its category it performs as expected.
Overall, the SENZER SG500 is a strong wired headset within its price range. It offers wide compatibility, comfort and portability, and while it lacks the premium features of higher-end models, it delivers a gaming experience that is more than capable for the cost.
ENZER SG500 Surround Sound Pro Gaming Headset
ENZER SG500 delivers immersive surround sound for gaming, with noise cancelling microphone, soft memory foam padding, and a portable foldable design. Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Switch.
Product SKU: ENZER-SG500
Product Brand: ENZER
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 21.59
Price Valid Until: 2026-12-31
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
Pros
- Memory-foam pads and gentle clamp stay comfortable for marathon sessions
- Lightweight, foldable frame survives daily knocks
- Clean, mid-forward mic with physical mute switch
- Honest stereo imaging with enough bass punch for games
- Magnetic ear pads remove easily for cleaning or upgrades
- Universal 3.5 mm plug, no drivers or batteries to worry about
Cons
- Midrange detail sits a step back in busy music mixes
- All-plastic construction lacks the longevity of metal-reinforced frames
- Inline control module sits high and can tug on clothing
- No virtual surround or software EQ options
- Box includes no carrying pouch or spare accessories