Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max: Gaming Headset – Great Sound, Low Price!

Let’s look closely at Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max, a budget gaming headset with impressive features at an unbeatable price. Priced at just $29, this headset promises a lot—7.1 virtual surround sound, a detachable microphone, and a comfy design that’s perfect for long gaming sessions. But does it actually deliver, or is it just another cheap headset that falls short? Well, I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’m here to break it all down for you.

• Key features:
  • 7.1 virtual surround sound.
  • 40mm dynamic diaphragm + 10mm high-frequency driver.
  • Detachable microphone.
  • Lightweight design (258g) for comfort during long gaming sessions.
  • Future-tech color-block design.

Design and Comfort

Let’s be honest, no matter how good a headset sounds, if it’s uncomfortable or looks like a mess, you’re not going to want to use it for long. Thankfully, this headset nails both areas pretty well, especially for the price. First off, the design is sleek and modern. It’s got this black-and-white color-block style that gives it a futuristic vibe without being too flashy. There are some subtle LED lights on the front of the ear cups, but they’re not over-the-top RGB rainbows—just a nice, understated touch that adds a bit of personality.

Now, let’s get into the comfort, where this headset shines. The ear cushions are made of a soft fabric material that feels great against your ears. They’re not the cheap, sticky foam you find on some budget headsets—they are breathable and plush, so you can wear them for hours without feeling like your ears are suffocated. I’ve had some headsets that start to hurt after an hour or two, but with the GoPlay 1+ Max, I’ve gone through multiple gaming sessions without any discomfort. Big win there.

The headband is also well-designed. It’s adjustable, so it fits snugly without putting too much pressure on the top of your head. Some headsets feel like they’re clamping down on your skull, but this one feels light and balanced. Speaking of weight, the whole headset is super lightweight at just 258 grams. That’s lighter than a lot of other gaming headsets out there, and it makes a huge difference when you’re wearing it for long periods. You barely even notice it’s there, which is exactly what you want.

Another thing I really like is the adjustable ear cups. They swivel and tilt to fit the shape of your head, so you don’t get that awkward gap that some headsets have. Plus, the ear cups are big enough to fully cover your ears without pressing too hard, which is great for people with larger ears (you know who you are).

Oh, and let’s not forget the detachable microphone. If you’re not using it, you can just pop it off, and the headset still looks clean and stylish. The mic itself is flexible, so you can position it exactly where you need it, and it doesn’t get in the way when you’re not using it.

One thing I really appreciate about the Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max is the in-line control box that comes with both versions. It’s got a volume wheel for adjusting the sound, a button to mute the microphone, and a middle button that lets you turn the sound on or off. It’s super handy, especially if you’re in the middle of a game and need to adjust the volume or mute yourself quickly. The controls are easy to reach and use, so you don’t have to fumble around trying to figure out what button does what.

Compatibility and Connectivity

First off, the Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max comes in two versions: one with a USB connector and another with a 3.5mm jack. This is great because it gives you options depending on what you’re using it for. The USB version is the way to go if you’re a PC gamer or playing on a PlayStation. It’s plug-and-play, meaning you just stick it into your USB port, and you’re good to go—no drivers or complicated setup required. I tested it on my PlayStation 5, and it worked like a charm. The sound came through crisp and clear, and the microphone picked up my voice without any issues. On a PC, it’s just as easy—plug it in, and you’re ready to game or hop on a call.

Now, if you’re more of a console gamer or want to use it with your phone, the 3.5mm version is the one you’ll want. This version is perfect for connecting to your Xbox controller, Nintendo Switch, or even your smartphone. Just plug it into the headphone jack, and you’re set. The only thing to keep in mind is that if you’re using it with a PlayStation controller, you’ll need the 3.5mm version since the USB one won’t work directly with the controller. But honestly, that’s pretty standard for most headsets.

Speaking of smartphones, if you go for the USB version, you can still use it with your phone, but you’ll need an OTG adapter. These adapters are pretty cheap and easy to find, so it’s not a huge deal, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use it on the go. Once you’ve got the adapter, though, it works just as well as it does on a PC or console.

In terms of connectivity, there’s no wireless option here—it’s all wired. But honestly, for a $29 headset, that’s to be expected. The cable is over 2 meters long, which gives you plenty of room to move around. The cable is also pretty durable, so you don’t have to worry about it fraying or breaking after a few months of use.

Audio Performance

7.1 Virtual Surround Sound

One of the standout features of the Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max is its 7.1 virtual surround sound. Now, I know what you’re thinking—virtual surround sound on a $29 headset? Sounds too good to be true. But honestly, the price is pretty impressive. While it’s not going to blow your mind like a high-end gaming headset, it does a surprisingly good job of creating a sense of space and directionality in games.

For example, when I was playing Warzone, I could clearly hear footsteps coming from different directions, which is crucial for figuring out where your enemies are. The sound isn’t as pinpoint accurate as you’d get with a premium headset, but it’s definitely good enough to give you a competitive edge. Explosions, gunfire, and environmental sounds all come through with decent clarity, and the surround effect adds a layer of immersion that you don’t usually get at this price point.

Sound Quality

The Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max uses 40mm dynamic drivers and a 10mm high-frequency driver, delivering a surprisingly balanced sound profile for a budget headset. The bass is present but not overpowering—it’s enough to make explosions and action scenes feel impactful without drowning out the mids and highs. The mids are clear, so you can hear dialogue and in-game sounds without any muddiness, and the highs are crisp enough to pick up on subtle details like reloading sounds or distant gunfire.

When it comes to music, the headset holds its own. It’s not going to replace your high-end audiophile headphones, but for casual listening, it’s more than adequate. Songs with a lot of layers and instruments still sound good, and the bass doesn’t distort even at higher volumes. If you’re someone who likes to switch between gaming and listening to music, this headset won’t let you down.

The headset gets plenty loud, so you shouldn’t have any issues hearing every detail in your games or music. Even at higher volumes, the sound remains clear without any distortion, which is impressive for a headset in this price range. The volume wheel on the in-line control box makes it easy to adjust the sound on the fly, so you’re never stuck fumbling with settings mid-game.

Microphone Performance

The Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max comes with a detachable mic, which is a nice touch, especially if you’re using it for music or just don’t want the mic getting in the way. When it comes to performance, the mic is clear and does a decent job of picking up your voice without too much background noise. I used it for in-game chat and Discord calls, and my teammates had no trouble hearing me.

That said, there is one small issue: the mic volume is a bit on the low side. I found myself having to speak a little louder or get closer to the mic for it to pick up my voice clearly. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re someone who tends to speak softly. On the plus side, there’s a mute button on the in-line control box, which is super handy for quickly silencing yourself during a game.

Noise Isolation

The ear cups do a decent job of blocking out external noise, though they’re not noise-canceling. If you’re in a noisy environment, you might still hear some background sounds, but for the most part, the headset keeps you focused on your game or music. The fabric ear cushions help with this, as they create a good seal around your ears without feeling too tight.

Pros and Cons

Final Thoughts

So, after spending some time with the Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max, here’s the bottom line: this headset is a fantastic value for the price. With just $29, it’s an absolute steal for what you’re getting. When you stack that up against other headsets in the same price range, the GoPlay 1+ Max stands out as a clear winner. Most budget headsets at this price point cut corners on sound quality, comfort, or features, but Baseus has managed to deliver a well-rounded product that punches above its weight.

Now, let’s be real—It’s not perfect—the microphone volume could be louder, and it’s not going to replace a high-end gaming headset—but for $29, it’s hard to find anything that comes close in terms of features, comfort, and performance. This isn’t going to compete with a $150+ gaming headset from brands like SteelSeries or HyperX. Those headsets will have better build quality, more advanced audio tech, and premium features like wireless connectivity or noise-canceling mics. But for $29, the GoPlay 1+ Max gets you about 80% of the way there, which is incredible value.

The Baseus GoPlay 1+ Max is available on platforms like AliExpress; you can snag it for even less by maximizing discounts and coupons. You might even find it for under $25 during sales or promotions, which is an absolute no-brainer.