Less than two weeks ago off the heels of the IFA 2017 expo in Europe, Sennheiser surprised everyone and announced an update to its popular GSP 300 gaming headset. What was one model has now become four by the addition of three new color variants. These new versions, the GSP 301, 302, and 303, add some variety to an ever-growing gaming headset marketplace. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Sennheiser GSP 301 gaming headset review.
[envira-gallery id=”9428″]Sennheiser GSP 301 Gaming Headset Review
GSP 300 Design
So…what’s the difference between the GSP 300 and these new versions? Beyond the color variants, absolutely nothing.
You get the same great wide-ranging sound, comfortable ear cups and headband, swivel microphone, and volume control as you do with the GSP 300 gaming headset. In fact, it’s nearly identical to the Sennheiser GSP 350 except for the Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound.
On the left of the headset is the “broadcast quality noise-cancelling microphone” with its ease of access swivel to mute feature. Just like on its sister gaming headsets, the ease of access swivel to mute feature is back. On the right is another hassle-free feature–the easily accessible volume wheel. There are no menus to navigate, no Alt+Tab to strike. Just turn the wheel and voila.
Like the slightly more expensive GSP 350 headset, the GSP 300 series headsets have the same superb black leather over memory foam earcups. Like my older nephew who reviewed the GSP 350, I’ve worn the satin white on black GSP 301 for many hours consecutively with little-to-no discomfort. I’d even go as far as saying these Sennheiser GSP gaming headsets are the best fitting, most comfortable gaming headsets since I’ve begun this website. That’s no understatement. My love for the GSP 301 and GSP 350 is real!
If satin white on black is not you’re preferred color option, there’s the GSP 302 with it’s all black design. There’s also a third option, the GSP 303 with it’s nearly all black design and red “Need for Speed” lettering.
The only downsides to the GSP 300 series are that the ear cups don’t swivel 90°, aren’t noise-cancelling, but get a little warm and wet with extended play. One should expect this with leather or leatherette ear cups.
The vented foam padding on the top of the headset feels terrific, even on my semi-bald head. There’s no heat build up there.
Again, like the GSP 350, this headset is adjustable using a notch system (13 notches to be exact) to fit heads large and small. It’s much more compact when compared to the Game One, Audio-Technica ATH-AG1, or the HyperX Cloud Revolver. Unlike the GSP 350, this headset requires no software to achieve its full stereo sound capabilities.
There’s one last thing that needs mentioning. The cable isn’t braided like the Game One headset, meaning the cable can coil upon itself which can get a bit annoying. I haven’t had this issue, but there are those that always complain when they don’t have a braided cable.
GSP 301 Specifications
• Cable length: 2 M
• Headphone frequency response: 15 Hz – 26 kHz
• Impedence: 19 Ω
• Sound Pressure Level: 113 db @ 1kHz
• Microphone Pick-up pattern: Noise-cancelling
• Microphone Sensitivity: -41 db ± 3 db
• Weight: 287 grams
• Dimensions: 221 x 101 x 240mm
• GSP 301 white/black gaming headset
• 2 x 3.5mm /1 x 3.5mm combo audio adapter
• Multi-Language Safety Instructions
Sennheiser Gaming Performance
The stereo sound ability of the GSP 301 headset is absolutely terrific and adds to the gaming experience.
I’ve sampled this headset with a handful of games, YouTube gaming videos, and even Unigine benchmarking programs. This closed acoustic headsets audio quality is as good as any at the $99 price point.
Once again, like on the more expensive Sennheiser gaming headsets, the noise-cancelling microphone quality is exquisite. Of the more than a dozen or so gaming headsets withing our sample library, it’s one of the best we’ve got.
If you happen to wear prescription eyeglasses or Gunnars while you game, you need not worry. As someone who falls into this category, I can vouch that your glasses will almost certainly fit comfortably; mine sure did.
Final Thoughts
We’re very pleased with the Sennheiser GSP 301 headset, and will continue to put it to great use. It’s not every day we rave about a gaming headset. We’ve seen our share of average and below average headsets this year. Fortunately, the GSP 300 Series is one for the Plus Column, ranking well up there.
The price of this Sennheiser gaming headset is very reasonable and will only set you back $99. It provides gameplay in beautiful stereo sound, a noise-cancelling boom mic, and close to the same level of comfort as found in the more expensive Game One. This headset is for use with PC, Mac, Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, among other platforms. If you’re comparing the GSP 301 to other headsets, look within the $80-120 price range.
The Sennheiser GSP 301 gaming headset is available for purchase on Amazon (see link below) as well as the Sennheiser website. On the latter, you get a free GSA 50 headset hangar.
What do you think of this Sennheiser GSP 301 gaming headset review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.
Don’t hesitate to head over to the Sennheiser Headphones page to see their newest products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click here for their Service-Support page. The GSP 301 headset comes with a 2-year warranty.
FTC Disclosure: Sennheiser provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Sennheiser GSP 301 gaming headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.
All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017