OXS Storm G2 wireless gaming headset review – a budget headset that kicks up a storm with its unique look, but not with its sound

The OXS Storm G3 wireless gaming headset instantly earned my attention when it initially came my way. Not just because of its unique design that fits in alongside any licensed Star Wars merch with its off-white retro-futuristic colorway clad with unique markings, but because it’s not too often that a sub $100 headset that boasts of multi-platform support and multiple methods of connectivity comes across my desk.

I’ve always been an advocate of that kind of tech, especially the best gaming headsets, doesn’t have to cost a fortune to impress and become staples of your gaming setups. In fact, I’m always more thankful that brands, from Razer to Turtle Beach, still produce budget-friendly alternatives for those who can’t quite fork out the cash needed for all the bells and whistles. Especially as someone who knows what it’s like being fanatical about tech, but who hasn’t always had the funds to enjoy it. While the OXS Storm G2 is much more affordable than the headsets I’ve used to testing, even at $79.99 / £79.99, it fails to provide the “premium” sound quality, nor even a great sound quality, that everyone stuck to any budget deserves.

It’s not all doom and gloom. It’s one of the comfiest headsets I’ve had on my head, and the detachable mic surprised me with just how clear it was despite its flimsy quality. Not to mention its RGB lighting is some of the most striking and nicest looking I’ve seen on any headset I’ve ever used. That said, its measly good points don’t make up for its cheap-feeling build quality and cheap sound.

Key Specs

Design

• Unique off-white space age colorway
• Subtle RGB lighting
• Comfortable soft-to-the-touch cushion cups & incredibly lightweight

The design of the OXS Storm G2 wireless gaming is a double-edged sword – on the one hand, it’s one of the best-looking budget headsets I’ve come across. Its decision to go with an off-white, almost cream-colored form factor (for the white version I was provided) makes it look unique and almost space-age in its design. But the actual quality of the build leaves a lot to be desired and reminds me of one of the many off-brand, lower-end headsets clogging up big retailers’ search results.

If I wasn’t any wiser, I’d think that the Storm G2 wireless headset was a licensed piece of Starfiend tech. Its colorway and unique printed markings on each cup make it look like it would fit right in the cockpit of an X-Wing. It even reminds me slightly of my favorite budget headset, the Turtle Beach X-Wing Pilot headset, which featured its own printed markings to tie in with the Star Wars franchise.

When you get up close and personal with the build quality, you start to see past its distracting, albeit, funky design pretty quickly. To put it mildly, it feels cheap. The metal attachments connecting each cup to the leather-bound headband feel flimsy and almost sharp to the touch. This wouldn’t be too bad if it was the only issue I had, but after spending close time with the Storm G2, I noticed you can get a clear look at its internal specs through every port on the left cup. This isn’t something I’ve experienced with other budget-friendly headsets, or even headphones for that matter.

Each port on the left cup is illuminated once you turn on the headset, and the RGB lighting does its thing. With that, you can get an in-depth look at what makes the headset tick, which upon my initial discovery, didn’t instill a lot of confidence. It’s unfortunate that that’s the first thing I noticed with the RGB lighting on, as the Storm G2 actually features one of the most stunning uses of lighting on a headset I’ve come across. Rather than the harsh, saturated rainbow lighting that adorns many pieces of gaming tech I own, the RGB back-lit OXS branded logos, and ring of lighting on each cup, are subdued and almost pastel colored.

The RGB lighting is nice, but I was even more impressed by how lightweight and comfortable the Storm G2 was to wear, even after hours upon hours of Marvel Rivals and Sea of Thieves. It only weighs 250g, which is monumentally lighter than the 408.2g of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3, which I just had across my testing bench. This comfort is aided by the nicely cushioned leather foam pads on the cups and the leather padded cushion on the headband. I’m also super glad that OXS opted to avoid a fabric coating for the cups, as it means I don’t have to squirm thinking about the sensory issues they fuel within me. But also, the soft-to-the-touch headband with its finely done red stitching gives the headset a more professional edge. Just enough to distract me from its more flimsy elements.

Features

• Limited wired, Bluetooth & 2.4GHz connectivity
• Easily identifiable and awkward to press onboard controls
• Up to 40 hours battery life (RGB lighting off)