ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 Against Its Competitors in 2021
But how is it compared to other headsets available on the market? Let’s see what makes it so different.
6 Competing Gaming Headsets
Author's Choice
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ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 Gaming Headset
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Check Price |
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People's Choice
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Razer Nari Ultimate for-Xbox One Gaming Headset
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
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Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE Gaming Headset
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Check Price |
Best Budget
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HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
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Check Price |
PC Gamers' Choice
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JBL Quantum 600 - Wireless Over-Ear Performance Gaming Headset
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Check Price |
Long Battery Life
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HyperX Cloud Flight S - Wireless Gaming Headset
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Check Price |
ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 Detailed Overview
So what makes the ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 different is the abundance of features that come directly on the gaming headset.
- Wireless support for most major platforms
- Two noise-cancelling mics add flexibility
- Light and comfortable design
What’s Interesting About ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 Headset?
ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 is a wireless full-size gaming headset with enclosed acoustic design, 40mm Essence dynamic drivers, detachable bi-directional microphone, optional omnidirectional built-in microphone, and AI Mic intelligent noise reduction technology. A 2.4 GHz radio channel is used for wireless communication. The headset is compatible with PC, PS4, XBox, Nintendo Switch and Android smartphones. A Type-C connector transmitter is used for connection. The headset can run for up to 25 hours on a single charge. Quick charging is supported, which will allow the headset to work for 3 hours after a 15-minute “recharge” from the cable.
What’s In the Kit?
The kit of delivery is complete and has smart arrangement. The box is large, with the usual for ROG line bright black and red design with a lot of beautiful printing. Inside you will find a headset itself, Type-C cable for charging, 1.2 m cable 3.5 mm for wired connection, removable external microphone, USB Type-C transmitter, adapter from Type-C to Type-A and a hard black zipped case in which it all fits. Very convenient solution for regular transport.
What Does ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 Look Like?
You can’ t just say it’s a gamer’s headset just by its appearance. ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 looks strict, expensive and rich, but when you look ahead, it’s not very practical. The headphones are almost entirely made of black and dark grey plastic. There’s no colored patterns or backlighting. Just small chrome headband inserts and silver ROG logos. Only the headband base is made of metal, but it’s not a fragile design.
The cups are massive, embossed with ROG logos. Made of black Soft-Touch. It is very nice by touch and cool looking. But finger prints remain instantly, and you can’t call such a coating as durable. The headphones came to our office after several reviews and the cups are already with clearly visible signs of use. The headband is fastened with a standard “plug” made of dark-gray matte plastic. Mounting allows the cups to take the right angle, and it is also possible to turn them towards yourself.
The headband is classic, with sliding size adjustment. Inside there is a steel frame, upholstery is made of artificial leather with soft filler. On the outer part you’ll see embossing Republic of Gamers.
The ear cushions are also made of artificial leather, inside – fabric with ROG logos. Cups and ear cushions are medium sized, not too massive, which is nice. After all, headphones are also positioned as a portable solution. The identification of the left and right is next to the cups, on the inside of the bindings.
The microphone is detachable bi-directional on a flexible leg. When used on the road, you can remove it and use a built-in microphone.
All functional elements have been concentrated on the lower parts of the headset cups. There is a USB Type-C connector and a charging indicator on the right earpiece.
There’s more interesting stuff on the left. The volume control and the multi function button, responsible for controlling music play, are slightly shifted back. Next to them there is a two-step slider to switch on/off a wired operation mode with LED indicator. At the bottom there is a 3.5 mm jack for wired connection, and next to the external microphone jack there is a small hole for the built-in microphone.
The transmitter is compact, equipped with a Type-C connector. Yes, it’s less convenient than a Bluetooth connection, but it’s also quite acceptable. Together with a smartphone it fits perfectly into your pocket. There is an adapter from Type-C to Type-A for connecting to devices without Type-C.
How Convenient Is It To Use ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4?
The design allows you to adjust the size of the headband over a wide range, so the headset size is suitable for all (or almost all) users. The headband downforce is sufficient for the ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 to sit securely on your head and not to fly off during sharp movements. The headset does not make pressure and the 290g weight isn’t felt much on your head. The size of the cups and ear cushions allows the ear shells to be completely inside. The headphones are comfortable, and with long gaming sessions (up to 5-6 hours) they do not cause discomfort and desire to take them off. As for the ear cushions, they provide very decent soundproofing, also thanks to the use of artificial leather, not fabric. The back side of the coin is that the artificial leather does not let in so much air, which is especially important in summer. The ears in the room are not sweating, but it is worth considering that the air conditioner has always worked during the test. Anyway, in summer heat any full-size headphones are not the most comfortable option if used outside.
There are several options for connection. The most obvious is a kit transmitter with a Type-C connector. It can be used to connect ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 to a smartphone, Nintendo Switch and most of the relatively fresh notebooks or PCs. The transmitter isn’t very large, but it can still give you a bit of an unfamiliar experience when playing on a smartphone. It’s noteworthy that the connector itself is slightly shifted, so there’s a small gap for smartphones in the protective bumpers.
For PS4 or older computers – the same system, but with a kit adapter. The design is not the most elegant, but in the case of stationary systems it makes no difference. There is also an alternative with cable connection: the headphones insides are disconnected and no battery consumption. You cannot connect the headset to a PC with the USB Type-C cable. In this case, it will only charge. To use it, you will need to connect an additional transmitter.
ASUS promises a 20-meter working range with a stable connection. It was tested at a distance of about 10 meters with two walls. There were no problems. Now about the spontaneous disconnection of the headset, of which you probably had overheard. Maybe the problem was with the firmware. The first thing I did was to upgrade the firmware of ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 to the latest version. I had never had such problems with my headset while using it. By the way, the upgrade procedure was successful only after the second try.
Sound Quality, Microphone and Software Functionality
ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 uses 40mm Essense dynamic drivers with sealed loudspeakers. In terms of gaming and movie watching, the sound is bringing joy with very bright and colorful explosions, gunshots, engine hum and other special effects. Headphones produce very dense and lush bass in abundance. In general, the sound is somewhat focused on the bass: the average frequencies are slightly reduced, and the high frequencies are slightly smoothed, so as not to cut through the ears in some situations. Pretty typical sound tuning as for gaming headsets. But within reasonable limits: the bass doesn’t score all the other frequencies. With the positioning of sound sources, it’s still at its best. From a musical point of view, it’s not bad, but it’s nothing more. Sound is dense and energetic, but the detail, resolution and control are a bit lacking, especially in the mid range. Sound is good for electronics, hip-hop or pop music, but more complex instrumental styles sound a little flat. Although if you do not own serious headphones, Hi-Fi player, and not too picky, the sound is quite suitable.
There are two microphones in the headset. The built-in microphone is more convenient on the way and in the street. It’s worse in quality, of course, but you can get the information. Further you’ll find test audios, which are made in exactly the same conditions. There was quite a loud music in the room (but not so loud to call the neighbors).
As mentioned earlier, headphones support AI Mic’s intelligent noise reduction system based on machine learning. ASUS is actively integrating it into its headsets, and has even released a separate USB-dongle to run this “smart” noise reduction system with any headset. As it turns out, it works very intelligently. Yes, the dynamic range and quality are slightly reduced, but the speech is transmitted adequately. And on the whole, you can see from the graphics that the system recognizes a person’s voice and “jams” almost everything if you say nothing.
The detachable bi-directional microphone transmits voice much better and generally reduces the ambient noise level quite well. It remains, but in a minimum amount and does not interfere with the voice.
And this way the detachable microphone sounds with sound suppression:
The manufacturer’s common gaming software Armoury Crate peripherals are used for configuration. In addition to the apparent volume and equalizer, there is a number of additional ones. These include Virtual Sound 7.1, Noise Setting, Compression, Bass, Voice Gain and even Reverberation. By the way, the first time you turn it on, virtual 7.1, reverb, and some EQ preset were enabled by default. Accordingly, the sound is…let’s just say… somewhat baffling. But it all came back to normal after you turned off all those locks. There’s a separate tab that shows the battery charge and when to go to sleep. The last tab is responsible for updating the software.
What About Battery Life?
It is claimed that ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 can run for 25 hours on one battery charge. It’s hard to say exactly how true this is, but I’ve had about 3 hours a day on one charge for a week. So it looks like the real figures are true. There’s also a quick charge. 15 minutes of recharging should be enough for 3 hours of work.
Pros:
- Compatible with all possible gaming platforms
- Convenient design and stylish look
- AI Mic noise-canceling microphones
- Long-lasting operation time and fast charging
- Functional and easy to use software
Cons:
- High cost
- Easy to smear and non-durable Soft-Touch plastic
How Does It Stack Up Against Competitors?
People’s Choice – Razer Nari Ultimate for-Xbox One
- HyperSense haptic technology
- Good surround sound gaming experience
- Really comfortable, regardless of the heavy weight
The Razer Nari Ultimate features HyperSense’s proprietary tactile feedback technology, which complements the low frequency with vibration. It works great in shooters and action games, but it is better to turn it off when listening to music. The headset also supports THX Spatial Audio to create a 3D audio effect. As a result, a plane flying over your head sounds very true to life. The soft auto-adjusting headband and soft cloth cushions with cooling gel ensure comfort during long gaming sessions. The Retractable Mic on the left bowl eliminates background noise, and a special wheel can adjust the balance between game and chat. RGB backlighting and fine-tuning are controlled using Razer Synapse software. Nari Ultimate supports wireless connectivity to PC and PlayStation 4, with up to 8 hours of battery life with active Chroma and HyperSense backlighting or up to 20 hours without these features. And, yes, it can be used wired with the audio cable included in the box. Razer Nari Ultimate for Xbox has a native wireless connection with Xbox One but needs the Microsoft Wireless Adapter to work with PC without a cable.
Razer Nari Ultimate vs ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4
Razer Nari Ultimate | ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 | |
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Platforms (wireless) | PC, PlayStation 4 | PC, Mac, Mobile device, PS4, Nintendo Switch |
Driver | 50 mm, Neodymium magnets | 40 mm, Neodymium magnets |
Impedance | 32 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
Connection | USB wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5 mm | USB wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5 mm |
Microphone | retractable Unidirectional mic | boom mic (Bi-directional)
built-in mic (Omni-directional) |
Operation Time | 8/20 hours | up to 25 hours |
Weight | 15.2 oz | 10.2 oz |
Premium Choice & Best Sound – Corsair Virtuoso RGB
- Crisp and powerful sound
- Flexible connectivity options
- Premium, less gamer-y look
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE is equipped with 50mm high-density neodymium speaker drivers and delivers virtual 7.1 surround sound. The headset also supports High Resolution Audio (24bit/96kHz). The combination of gunmetal aluminum, soft-touch plastic and synthetic leather gives the headset a premium and almost classy appearance. With the iCUE app, you can set up equalizer, presets, backlight modes and even sleep timer. All of this is stored on the USB Dongle, so when you switch to another PC or PS4 console, the settings aren’t reset. You can use both a 3.5mm cable and a USB Type-C cable for wired connection (also responsible for charging). Still no Bluetooth, though. The microphone is detachable, there is an operation indicator at its end and a mute button at its base. The battery life can reach 20 hours.
Corsair Virtuoso RGB vs ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE | ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 | |
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Platforms (wireless) | PC, PlayStation 4 | PC, Mac, Mobile device, PS4, Nintendo Switch |
Driver | 50 mm neodymium speakers | 40 mm, Neodymium magnets |
Impedance | 32 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
Connection | USB wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5 mm | USB wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5 mm |
Microphone | Detachable
Omnidirectional mic |
boom mic (Bi-directional)
built-in mic (Omni-directional) |
Operation Time | up to 20 hours | up to 25 hours |
Weight | 13.8 oz | 10.2 oz |
Best Budget – HyperX Cloud II
- Feels durable and robust
- Extra ear pads in the box
- Great value for money
The convenience of wireless gaming headsets comes with a few trade-offs. They cost more than wired analogs, and if you forget to recharge them in time, the battery may die in the middle of the game. If you decide to go wired, the HyperX Cloud II is a great option. The headphones are equipped with a removable microphone, ear cups include cushions with memory foam, and there are velour ear pads in the box. No RGB at this price point. USB sound card supports virtual 7.1-channel surround sound and works on PC, Mac, and PlayStation 4. There is also a 3.5mm jack on the headset, for Xbox One you’ll need Stereo Headset Adapter from Microsoft.
HyperX Cloud II vs ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4
HyperX Cloud II | ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 | |
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Platforms (wireless) | wired only | PC, Mac, Mobile device, PS4, Nintendo Switch |
Driver | 53 mm, Neodymium magnet | 40 mm, Neodymium magnets |
Impedance | 60 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
Connection | USB-cable (PC, Mac, PS4) 3.5 mm | USB wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5 mm |
Microphone | Detachable microphone | boom mic (Bi-directional)
built-in mic (Omni-directional) |
Operation Time | – | up to 25 hours |
Weight | 12.3 oz | 10.2 oz |
PC Gamers’ Choice – JBL Quantum 600
- Quantum Surround sound
- Great microphone quality
- Comfortable design and sturdy build
One of the first gaming headsets in JBL received Quantum Surround sound technology. But since JBL’s proprietary QuantumEngine software is only available for Windows, you’ll need a PC to configure the feature. The ear cushions are filled with memory foam, and the noise-canceling microphone can be turned off by flipping it up or using a separate button. JBL logo on each side backlit by an RGB LED. Next to the master volume rocker on the left bowl is a game-chat balance wheel (certified by Discord). 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle can be connected to a PC, Playstation 4 or Mac. On other platforms you will have to rely on a 3.5mm cable. Like the Razer headset, the JBL Quantum 600 focuses on bass. It runs for up to 14 hours at midrange volume, so you can’t use your headphones while charging.
JBL Quantum 600 vs ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4
JBL Quantum 600 | ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 | |
---|---|---|
Platforms (wireless) | PC, Mac, PS4 | PC, Mac, Mobile device, PS4, Nintendo Switch |
Driver | 50 mm, Neodymium magnets | 40 mm, Neodymium magnets |
Impedance | 32 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
Connection | USB wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5 mm | USB wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5 mm |
Microphone | Unidirectional boom mic | boom mic (Bi-directional)
built-in mic (Omni-directional) |
Operation Time | up to 14 hours | up to 25 hours |
Weight | 12.2 oz | 10.2 oz |
Long Battery Life – HyperX Cloud Flight S
- Convenient on-board controls
- Qi Wireless Charging
- Battery life: up to 30 hour
HyperX Cloud Flight S has no built-in backlight, but can handle up to 30 hours at 50 percent volume – one of the best in the class. Users will also appreciate Qi-compliant built-in wireless charging. There are four concave touch buttons on the outside of the left cup: mic mute, microphone monitoring (when the user hears his voice) and game/chat balance buttons. As a result, the user does not need to open the settings again, plus in the NGenuity software the buttons can be reassigned. The microphone itself is detachable, with LED indication of the mode of operation. The company has added 7.1 surround sound feature, but together with the sense of spaciousness and depth it adds distortion (so we don`t recommend turning it on). Cloud Flight S has no wired mode and supports only PC and PS4.
HyperX Cloud Flight S vs ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4
HyperX Cloud Flight S | ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 | |
---|---|---|
Platforms (wireless) | PC, PS4 | PC, Mac, Mobile device, PS4, Nintendo Switch |
Driver | 50 mm with neodymium magnets | 40 mm, Neodymium magnets |
Impedance | 32 Ohm | 32 Ohm |
Connection | wireless only, USB 2.4 GHz | USB wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5 mm |
Microphone | Detachable Bi-directional mic | boom mic (Bi-directional)
built-in mic (Omni-directional) |
Operation Time | up to 30 hours | up to 25 hours |
Weight | 11.3 oz | 10.2 oz |
The Verdict
ASUS ROG Strix GO 2.4 is a very good gaming headset, the main advantage of which is its versatility. It can be used with all gaming-friendly devices available: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, smartphones, PS4 and Xbox One. Whether wireless or wired (Xbox One – corded only). At the same time, it is very comfortable to use and has a convenient shape. We highlight such useful features as two noise-reducing microphones that really work, and long operation time on a single charge, plus fast charge support. In terms of sound quality, the headset is quite suitable, but does not strike the imagination. You should consider the general functionality and to choose what is more important. The Soft-Touch coating is somewhat controversial. It is beautiful, but extremely non-practical, as it not only collects fingerprints, but also very quickly wears out. If durability is one of your priorities check also its competitors above.