Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 review: Entry-level gaming headset on a budget!

Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 review: Entry-level gaming headset on a budget!
Rating

Trust is a well-known company in the world of gaming devices and peripherals, and many of their products have accessible prices. Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 is one such device - a gaming headset that's officially certified for use with PlayStation 4 consoles, sold at an entry-level price. We've tested it, and now we're ready to share with you what we have found out. If you're curious about it and want to know whether the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset delivers good audio and build quality, read our review:

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Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset: Who is it good for?

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset is a good buy for:

  • Gamers who are looking for a decent headset
  • People who like their headphones to look sturdy and reliable
  • Those who have limited budgets

Pros and cons

There are plenty of positives about the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4:

  • The microphone is excellent
  • They're comfortable to use, even for more than a couple of hours
  • Good audio quality for gaming
  • The headset feels durable and robust
  • The headset is certified for PlayStation 4, and it's also compatible with Xbox consoles, computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

As negatives, the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4:

  • Is not great for listening to music
  • Has a short cable and you don't get an extension for it in the package
  • Is a bulky headset
Product rating 4/5

Verdict

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 is a sturdy but lightweight headset that is designed for gamers on a budget. It's officially certified for PlayStation 4 consoles, but it's compatible with any computer, gaming console, or any other device that has a 3.5 mm audio jack. We can't recommend it to music aficionados or cinephiles, but hey, this headset wasn't designed for any of that. While the headset may look bulky, it is comfortable to use, even for long gaming sessions. If you don't have a generous budget, and you also need a good quality microphone for online gaming sessions, Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 is a choice to consider.

Unboxing the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset arrives in a fairly large box. The main colors used by the manufacturer on the package are white, blue, and black. On the front side of the box, you see what the headset looks like and some details about it, with an emphasis on the fact that the Trust Forze is designed and certified for PlayStation 4 consoles.

Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4: The box
Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4: The box

On the back of the box, you get to see even more details about the specs and characteristics of the gaming headset, including what you're going to find inside the box.

Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4: The back of the box
Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4: The back of the box

Opening the package reveals everything you get: the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 headset, its user guide, and a GXT sticker.

Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4: What's inside the box
Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4: What's inside the box

Unboxing the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 is a straightforward experience. You only get the basics, but that's to be expected considering the low price point. It would have been nice for Trust to also bundle an audio extension cable.

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Design and hardware specifications

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 headset uses 50 mm drivers made with ferrite magnets. They have an impedance of 32 Ohms and a frequency response between 20 and 20000 Hz. The drivers are built into some very large over-ear cups covered with synthetic leather. They can swivel a bit but aren't the rotating type and can't fold.

A view of the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4
A view of the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4

Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 works with your PlayStation 4 console, PC, smartphone, or any other device that has a 3.5 mm audio jack. To connect, it uses a non-detachable audio cable that's 3.94 feet (120 centimeters) long. The cable is braided and looks durable, but, in our opinion, it's too short to use it on desktop computers. On the wire, the headset also has an in-line controller that you can use to raise or lower the volume, as well as enable or disable the built-in microphone.

The in-line controller found on the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4
The in-line controller found on the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4

Speaking of which, on the left earcup, the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 has a non-detachable but foldable microphone. It's an omnidirectional mike with a frequency response between 50 Hz and 10000 Hz and no echo cancellation.

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 with its microphone on
The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 with its microphone on

To make this headset, Trust used mostly plastic materials, except for the headband, which is made of reinforced steel. Overall, the headphones look sturdy and durable, as Trust didn't skimp on the amount of plastic used.

The adjustable headband on the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4
The adjustable headband on the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4

Thanks to the fact that its body is made of plastic materials, the headset is pretty lightweight, even if the pictures may have you think otherwise: it weighs just 11.96 ounces or 339 grams.

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 has large and bulky earcups
The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 has large and bulky earcups

If you want to check all the specifications and features of this gaming headset, visit: GXT 488 Forze PS4 Gaming Headset PlayStation official licensed product.

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 is an entry-level gaming headset. Its specs are not impressive but should do the job for gamers who don't want premium quality. Its main selling point is the fact that it's officially certified for use with PlayStation 4 consoles, but otherwise, the Trust GXT 488 Forze is similar to other regular gaming headsets.

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Using the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset

I used the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset for about ten days, during which I had plenty of time to form an opinion about it. Let's start with how comfortable these headphones are. Even though my first impression when I saw the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 was that this headset is extremely bulky and large, I must admit that it proved to be comfortable to wear. The large ear cups cover your ears completely, and the headband is not too rigid. In consequence, the headphones don't "squeeze" your head and don't feel too tight. Even after four and more hours of continually using them while gaming, I didn't feel the need to take them off.

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 is made of plastic materials mostly
The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 is made of plastic materials mostly

In terms of audio quality, Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 are fine and good enough for gaming, but they're not going to impress you. The sounds come out a bit muffled and muddy, and with too much bass for my liking. There's also a lack of detail for highs and mids, which don't make these headphones a good choice for music listening. The reason for all that is probably the type of magnets used by Trust: ferrite drivers, which are OK but not as good as neodymium drivers. Still, considering the entry-level price at which Trust sells the GXT Forze 488 gaming headset, I can't complain about their choice.

The earcups on the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 are covered in soft faux leather cushions
The earcups on the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 are covered in soft faux leather cushions

Regarding the built-in microphone, I only have good things to say. It's both foldable and adjustable, and, what's more important, it captures sound very clearly. I've played a few matches of League of Legends and talked to my friends using this headset. They said that they could hear me loud and clear each time.

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 with its microphone retracted
The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 with its microphone retracted

The in-line controller does its job well and, besides the volume rocker, it also has a microphone on/off switch that's useful at times. It's sturdy and gives you the confidence that the cable won't break easily from it, which is an issue with many headsets that I've used over the years. The only small complaint I have is that the controller is positioned a bit too far away on the cable, so it takes a while to accustom yourself to finding it without looking. However, it's not a real issue - more of personal preference.

The volume controller found on the cable of the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4
The volume controller found on the cable of the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4

The Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset is a good device for gamers who are not particularly picky in terms of audio quality. It feels reliable and sturdy, and, although very bulky, I've found it extremely comfortable to wear. In the end, while I can't recommend it for music listening or watching movies, it's a decent choice for gaming on a budget.

Would you buy a Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset?

So now you know what's good and what's not so great about the Trust GXT 488 Forze PS4 gaming headset. It offers decent audio quality, it feels durable, and its microphone is excellent. Would you buy it for yourself or for the young gamers in your family? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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