The Jlab Play Gaming Wireless Headset leaves something to be desired on every level

Build quality

That the JLab Play Gaming Wireless Headset is a budget option, unfortunately you immediately feel it when you pick up the headset. The materials are light and thin. The headband is completely covered with a synthetic leather variant and it is therefore difficult to trace what it is actually made of, but it most resembles a thin, metal construction. However, it is mainly the thin metal rods that connect the earcups to the headband that raise questions about the durability of the headset.

An additional advantage of the choice of materials is that the headset is incredibly light. In addition, the ear cups can be folded, so that you can fold the Jlab Play. The ear cups are also covered with synthetic leather and, unlike most gaming headsets, they do not fall over, but on the ear cups. That takes some getting used to for some users, but it does result in exceptionally good shielding for ambient noise. The clamping pressure is quite firm, despite the headset being so light. This means that the headset is quite pleasant on the head, but after an hour or two you long for a break.

The As mentioned, Jlab Play has both wireless and wired connection options in the form of bluetooth 5.0 and a minijack cable. The input for the minijack cable can be found on the right earcup, next to the USB input that is used for charging the headset. You can fully charge the Jlab Play in about three hours and then use it wirelessly for no less than twenty hours. However, it is also possible to prepare the headset within ten minutes for an hour of fun.

In addition to the inputs and outputs, the right earcup also features the on and off button. This has a second function as a bluetooth pairing button. With the volume button, which is also located on the right earcup, you can also switch between gaming mode and music mode. The headset plays a bit more bass in gaming mode, while music mode pays more attention to mid-high frequencies.

Finally, there is a retractable microphone hidden in the right earcup. You will find a mute button on the outside of the shell for this. The microphone sounds quite decent, especially considering the price of the headset. Unlike many other gaming headset microphones, the nasal sound is not that bad and the microphone even manages to deliver some fullness. A big lack, however, is a separate button for the balance of the game and chat sound.

The sound

In music mode, it is immediately noticeable that the Jlab Play manages to have quite a lot of power despite its slender design. deliver in the low. Your eardrums flutter in all directions while listening to modern hip-hop. That’s nice for a while, but in the long run you have to watch out for permanent damage – loud low-frequency sound is just as damaging to your ears as loud, high frequencies. It also does not result in a very balanced or pleasant listening experience.

With softer, acoustic pop music, the listening experience is slightly better, but it can never really convince. Real definition in the mid-low is missing and this ensures that sometimes a somewhat boxy and hollow sound is emphasized in the music. What the headset does do very well is reproduce a reasonably dosed amount of mid and high frequencies; the sound rarely becomes shrill. It results in a listening experience that matches the price of this headset.

In gaming mode, the headset behaves emphatically different. There is a pronounced emphasis on the mid-highs and a lot less lows in this mode. This creates a pointed sound that lends itself well to (fast) shooters. Too bad the localization isn’t great. If you prefer to play slower games, such as narrative RPGs, it is better to put the headset in music mode. Then cutscenes translate just a little better.

In conclusion

The Jlab Play does not really convince in any way. You can play (multiplayer) fine with this budget option, but both the sound and the build quality leave something to be desired. The exaggerated bass response in combination with the lack of precision in the mid-low also means that you can’t really enjoy music either. A good, multi-purpose budget option is always welcome. The Jlab Play looks good at first glance, but for the same money there are headsets available that perform better in every area.