ASUS launched a new series of gaming headsets called ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4, Go, and Go Core. All of them share similar audio characteristics and build quality, but differ when it comes to the way they connect to your PC or device. During the last few weeks, we've had the pleasure of using and testing the ASUS ROG Strix Go and Go Core headsets. Did you hear whispers about them on the internet? Are you curious to learn more about them and find out which one you should buy? Read our review and see what these gaming headsets have to offer:

ASUS ROG Strix Go & Go Core: Who are they good for?

You can't go wrong with either the ASUS ROG Strix Go or the ASUS ROG Strix Go Core, if you:

• Want gaming headsets with excellent audio quality
• Prefer a headset that's comfortable but also foldable, so you can take it with you
• Like well-built devices that are truly plug-and-play and keep your life simple

Furthermore, if you want a top performer in terms of sound recording, the ASUS ROG Strix Go is better than the Go Core, thanks to its AI noise-canceling microphone.

Pros and cons

There are plenty of positives about the ASUS ROG Strix Go & Go Core:

• Both gaming headsets are comfortable to use, even for long periods of time
• The audio quality they deliver is top-notch in games, and also for music and movies
• Beautiful looks, and solid build quality
• It's easy to take them on your travels because they can swivel and fold
• Their microphones are excellent (especially the one on the Strix Go, which has AI noise-canceling)
• They're officially compatible with PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles

We don't consider this a real negative, but some gamers may prefer their headsets with RGB lighting on them, and the ASUS ROG Strix Go line-up doesn't offer this feature.

Verdict

Both the ASUS ROG Strix Go and the ASUS ROG Strix Go Core are great gaming headsets. Except for their audio connection and microphone, everything else is identical between them. They're both comfortable to wear, and the audio quality that they deliver is outstanding. Furthermore, they swivel and fold, so they're also easy to pack and take on your travels. I like both models and recommend them to any gamer who wants more than just a gaming headset. If you want a well-balanced sound that's great not just in games, but also for listening to music or watching movies, both the ASUS ROG Strix Go and the Go Core are fine choices.

Unboxing the ASUS ROG Strix Go & Go Core

The ASUS ROG Strix Go and the ASUS ROG Strix Go Core arrive in similar packages. The boxes are identical in size and shape, and both are made from high-quality cardboard. On each of them, you can see large pictures of the headsets inside, as well as their names, awards, and the fact that they are part of the Republic of Gamers lineup.

On the back of the boxes, ASUS printed details about the specs and features of the headsets. This is where you find out that the only meaningful differences between the two models are the fact that the Strix Go uses USB to connect to your PC or device, while the Go Core uses the classic 3.5 mm audio jack.

Inside the boxes, things are again similar: you get the headset, the detachable microphone, the user guide, and the warranty leaflets. For the ASUS ROG Strix Go, you get a USB-C to USB-A extension cable, while for the Go Core, you get a 3.5 mm extension audio cable.

The unboxing experience for both the ASUS ROG Strix Go and the ROG Strix Go Core is very pleasant, and you get everything you expect.

Design and hardware specifications

Both headsets use the same ASUS Essence 40 mm drivers based on high-quality neodymium magnets. Their impedance is 32 Ohms, and the headphones' frequency response goes from 20 Hz to 40 kHz.

The drivers of the headphones are covered by large over-ear cups filled with soft plush material enfolded in synthetic leather.

A nice thing about these headsets is that they were designed by ASUS to be travel-friendly: their earcups swivel and fold, so they don't take a lot of space in your luggage.

Both the ASUS ROG Strix Go and the ASUS ROG Strix Go Core are compatible with computers, smartphones and tablets, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles. In short, the ASUS ROG Strix Go works with almost any device that has a USB-C or USB-A port, and the Go Core works with any device that has a 3.5 mm audio jack.

The non-detachable USB-C cable of the ASUS ROG Strix Go headset has a length of 1.2 meters (3.93 feet), and its extension USB-C to USB-A cable is 1 meter (3.28 feet) long. ASUS ROG Strix Go Core has a 1.2 meters (3.93 feet) audio cable and another 1.2 meters (3.93 feet) 3.5 mm audio cable that splits at its end into one audio and one microphone connector. On the Strix Go Core, both cables are rubber-coated. On the Strix Go headset, the main non-detachable cable is braided, but the extension cable is rubber-coated.

On the left ear cups, the headsets include dedicated microphone jacks where you can plug the bundled mikes. The specs of the microphones are also roughly identical: unidirectional sound pick-up patterns, frequency response between 100 Hz and 10 kHz, and sensitivity of -45 dB. However, unlike the Go Core, the ASUS ROG Strix Go also features AI noise-canceling, just like ASUS' AI Noise-Canceling Mic Adapter.

Also, on the left ear cups, both the Go and the Go Core headsets have two physical controls that allow quick and easy volume adjustment, media control, and microphone muting.

Both headsets' bodies are built using mostly plastic materials, except for the headbands, which are made of steel. The good thing is that the plastic materials are high-quality: not only do they look good and help in making the headsets lightweight, but they should also last unscathed for a long time. Speaking of weight, the ASUS ROG Strix Go weighs 262 grams (9.24 ounces), while the Go Core weighs just 252 grams (8.89 ounces).

If you want to check all the specifications and features of these gaming headsets, visit ASUS ROG Strix Go or ASUS ROG Strix Go Core.

Using the ASUS ROG Strix Go & Go Core gaming headsets

I had the chance to test and use these two gaming headsets for over three weeks, which is more than enough time to get a good idea of how good they are. First of all, I'd like to say that, except for the microphone audio quality, everything else you get from either headset is pretty much the same, both in terms of how comfortable they are and how good they sound. Although their drivers are not the largest in the world of headphones, the ear cups are well designed, and the memory foam on them makes them comfortable, even after long sessions of gaming.

One of the most important features of any headset/headphones is how good it sounds. I can tell you that both the ASUS ROG Strix Go and the Go Core deliver outstanding sound quality, both in games and when listening to music. ASUS says that these headphones are made to deliver extra bass. I can agree somewhat: there's plenty of low-frequency sounds, but it's not so much as to make the overall listening experience unbalanced. Actually, I felt like the mids and highs were extremely well represented, and vocals really do stand out. Audio quality is top-notch by any standards.

The microphone mute switch and the volume/media controls button are well positioned on the left ear cup. They're easy to identify and use, and work as they should. Also, another thing that I like about these headsets is the fact that their microphones are removable. I don't use the mike often, so being able to get it out of the way is something I appreciate. Regarding audio quality, both microphones are excellent, although the one on the ASUS ROG Strix Go is better. Its AI noise-canceling really does a great job blocking unwanted noises around you - anything from dogs barking to hammer drills making holes in walls. 🙂

Both the ASUS ROG Strix Go and the ASUS ROG Strix Go Core are excellent gaming headsets. They're comfortable, and the audio quality they deliver is top-notch: well balanced and clean bass, mids, and highs. In my opinion, they're worthy choices both for gaming and for music listening.

Are you interested in buying an ASUS ROG Strix Go or Go Core?

After reading this review, you know what to expect from ASUS' ROG Strix Go and Go Core gaming headsets. Do you like what they have to offer? Are you going to buy one of them? Will you choose the Strix Go Core because it uses 3,5 mm and is cheaper, or will you go with the Strix Go because it features USB-C and a better microphone? Tell us what you think in the comments section.