EKSA E900 Pro — BEST 7.1 VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND ON A BUDGET

Introduction and Overview

The EKSA E900 Pro has emerged as one of the most popular budget gaming headsets in the Indian market, carving out a distinct identity through its combination of virtual 7.1 surround sound, robust metal construction, and aggressive pricing. EKSA, a relatively newer player in the gaming peripheral space, has gained traction by offering features typically reserved for mid-range headsets at prices that undercut established competitors by significant margins.

Priced between ₹2,499 and ₹2,999 depending on ongoing sales and retailer promotions, the E900 Pro represents a compelling middle ground for gamers who want more than basic stereo but cannot afford premium surround sound solutions. The headset's popularity stems from its ability to deliver a genuinely immersive audio experience through its USB DAC-powered virtual surround sound, combined with a detachable microphone and RGB lighting that gives it a premium aesthetic without the premium price tag.

The E900 Pro is particularly well-suited to PC gamers who want enhanced spatial awareness in open-world games, RPGs, and casual FPS titles. While it may not match the competitive precision of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, it offers a more feature-rich package that appeals to gamers who value versatility and visual flair alongside audio performance.

Complete Technical Specifications

Design Philosophy and Build Quality

The EKSA E900 Pro embraces the classic gaming headset aesthetic with RGB lighting on the ear cups, angular design elements, and a bold color scheme that immediately signals its gaming pedigree. However, unlike many budget competitors that feel hollow and cheap, the E900 Pro incorporates a metal-reinforced headband that adds structural integrity and a sense of durability.

The suspension-style headband design is a thoughtful touch that distributes weight more evenly across the top of the head. This approach, borrowed from more expensive headsets, reduces the pressure points that cause discomfort during extended sessions. The protein leather ear pads are soft and plush, though they can become warm after several hours of continuous use — a common trade-off with closed-back designs.

The detachable microphone is a genuinely valuable feature. When removed, the E900 Pro transforms from a gaming headset into a pair of over-ear headphones suitable for music and general use. The microphone connection uses a standard 3.5mm jack, making replacement easy if the original becomes damaged.

Audio Performance and Virtual Surround Sound

Driver Performance

The 50mm dynamic drivers deliver a sound signature that leans slightly toward the bass-heavy side, though not as aggressively as some competitors. The low-end is punchy and present, providing satisfying impact for explosions and environmental effects without completely overwhelming the mid-range. Mids are reasonably clear, and treble is detailed enough for footstep detection in FPS games, though not as crisp as the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2.

Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound

The headline feature of the E900 Pro is its virtual 7.1 surround sound capability, enabled through the included USB DAC. When connected via USB to a PC, the headset processes audio through a dedicated digital-to-analog converter that applies spatial audio algorithms to create a wider, more immersive soundstage.

In practice, the virtual surround sound works best in open-world games, RPGs, and cinematic experiences where environmental immersion matters more than precise competitive positioning. Games like The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2 benefit significantly from the widened soundstage, with environmental audio feeling more three-dimensional and atmospheric.

For competitive FPS gaming, the virtual surround sound is a mixed blessing. While it does enhance directional awareness compared to standard stereo, it can also introduce a slight processing delay and occasionally muddy the precise positioning that competitive players need. Serious competitive gamers may prefer to disable the surround processing and use the E900 Pro in stereo mode for maximum clarity.

Soundstage and Imaging

The E900 Pro offers a wider soundstage than most competitors in its price bracket, thanks in part to the virtual surround processing. Left-right separation is excellent, and the USB mode provides noticeably better depth perception than the standard 3.5mm connection. However, the imaging precision falls slightly short of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, meaning that while you can generally tell where sounds are coming from, the exact positioning isn't as surgically accurate.

Microphone Quality

The detachable omnidirectional microphone is adequate for the price point but not exceptional. Voice capture is clear enough for Discord and in-game chat, with reasonable background noise rejection in quiet environments. However, the omnidirectional pickup pattern means that ambient noise — keyboard clicks, mouse movements, room echo — can bleed into the audio signal more than with noise-cancelling alternatives.

For casual gaming and communication, the microphone is perfectly functional. Streamers and content creators will want to invest in a dedicated USB microphone, as the E900 Pro's boom mic lacks the clarity and noise rejection necessary for professional-grade audio production.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The suspension headband design and memory foam ear pads create a comfortable wearing experience for sessions up to 3-4 hours. The protein leather material, while soft, doesn't breathe as well as fabric alternatives, leading to gradual warmth buildup. The approximately 280-gram weight is well-distributed thanks to the suspension system, preventing the top-of-head pressure that plagues many budget headsets.

The inline remote control is conveniently positioned on the cable, providing easy access to volume adjustment, microphone mute, and LED mode switching without requiring software interaction.

RGB Lighting and Aesthetics

The RGB lighting on the E900 Pro offers multiple modes including breathing, static colors, and color cycling. While purely cosmetic, the lighting adds a premium feel that many budget headsets lack. The ability to control LED modes via the inline remote is convenient, though the lighting is only active when connected via USB.

Dual Connectivity: USB and 3.5mm

The E900 Pro's dual connectivity options provide genuine versatility. The USB connection unlocks the virtual 7.1 surround sound and powers the RGB lighting, making it ideal for PC gaming. The 3.5mm connection works across all platforms — consoles, mobile devices, and PCs with dedicated sound cards — though without the surround processing and LED illumination.

This dual-mode approach means you can use the E900 Pro as a premium PC gaming headset with all features enabled, then switch to 3.5mm for console or mobile gaming without carrying multiple headsets.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

• Virtual 7.1 surround sound via USB DAC
• Detachable microphone for dual-purpose use
• Metal-reinforced construction adds durability
• Dual connectivity (USB + 3.5mm) for maximum versatility
• RGB lighting with multiple modes
• Suspension headband design improves comfort
• Wider soundstage than most competitors
• Aggressive pricing for feature set

Cons:

• Virtual surround can introduce slight processing delay
• Microphone quality is merely adequate
• Protein leather ear pads can become warm
• Omnidirectional mic picks up ambient noise
• Surround sound less precise than true competitive headsets
• Build quality, while improved, still has some plastic feel
• No companion software for advanced customization

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The EKSA E900 Pro is the headset for gamers who want the most features for their money. The virtual 7.1 surround sound, detachable microphone, RGB lighting, and dual connectivity create a package that feels significantly more expensive than its price tag suggests. While it may not satisfy hardcore competitive FPS players who need absolute positional precision, it excels as an all-rounder for PC gaming, console use, and general entertainment.

For gamers who play a variety of genres — from immersive single-player experiences to casual multiplayer — and want one headset that handles everything competently, the E900 Pro is an excellent choice. Just be aware that the virtual surround sound is a bonus feature rather than a competitive necessity.

Who should buy: PC gamers wanting surround sound on a budget, users needing dual connectivity options, those who value RGB aesthetics, casual to mid-level gamers across multiple genres.

Who should skip: Serious competitive FPS players, streamers needing excellent microphone quality, users prioritizing build refinement over feature quantity.

Also read: 7 Best Gaming Headsets Under ₹3,000 – Complete Buying Guide for a full comparison of the best options.