It shouldn’t be this hard… - Alienware AW720H
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Promos
check out the new Alienware AW720H headset to see if gamers should check these out or just play their games without audio. Buy HyperX Cloud Alpha S Headphones: geni.us Buy SteelSeries Arctis 5 Headphones: geni.us Buy Logitech G PRO X Headphones: geni.us Buy an Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset: geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► LTX 2023 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW: lmg.gg ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg ► PRODUCTS WE USE ON THE SHORTCIRCUIT SET: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt TikTok: @linustech Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Alienware is getting around 0:27 Checking out the box 1:47 What's in the box? 2:39 Headset controls and build quality 6:10 Sponsor - Grammarly 6:52 Plugging it in 7:15 Mic test 7:42 Listening to music and Labs' results 9:38 Adam's gamer software rant 12:39 Dolby Audio compatibility 13:10 Audio latency test - Melatonin 13:37 Dolby Audio testing - Cyberpunk 2077 14:50 Pricing and overall thoughts 15:35 Outro
Channels and socials
You’ll be amazed at what you can do with GrammarlyGO. Sign up at grammarly.com and get 20% off Grammarly Premium. Alienware is a meme on this channel for Plouffe's love of the AW3423DW monitor, but are their other products any good? Adam is here to
The video opens with an introduction to the Alienware AW720H headset, setting the stage by acknowledging Alienware's mixed reputation across product lines. The host walks through the unboxing experience, noting design details like the embossed logo and the included cables, mic, and accessories, while pointing out practical questions about wired vs wireless use and the absence of Bluetooth. Early on, they test the headset controls, build quality, and comfort, highlighting the memory foam ear cushions and the adjustable headband, but also criticizing the overall plasticky feel and clamping force that requires fine adjustments for a secure fit. A major portion is devoted to software and ecosystem concerns, including the cumbersome Dell proprietary software, the 1.1 GB Command Center download, and the Dolby Atmos setup via the Dolby Access App, with strong emphasis on how these hurdles complicate a straightforward gaming experience. The reviewer then conducts audio tests, including microphone performance, music listening, latency tests, and Dolby Atmos impressions, revealing that while certain features like fast charging and dual mode operation exist, the overall sound quality for music is underwhelming and the feature set is undermined by software friction. Pricing and value are scrutinized toward the end, with the verdict that the AW720H fails to beat established alternatives, particularly given software bloat, limited multipurpose usage, and questionable audio performance. The video concludes with a blunt recommendation to consider other headsets like HyperX Cloud Alpha S or SteelSeries Arctis 5, and a closing jab at the Dell software experience, reinforcing the message that the AW720H is not worth its asking price. Overall, the review blends hands-on hardware critique with a strong software usability critique, delivering a verdict that emphasizes practical usability and sound quality over marketing buzzwords.
Topics · hardware · gaming · audio · tech_review · consumer_electronics
Questions answered
- What are the main hardware strengths of the Alienware AW720H according to the review?
- The headset offers a dual mode setup with wired and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, fast charging for short play sessions, a comfortable memory foam ear cushion, and a collapsible microphone solution with a mute feature.
- What are the primary software drawbacks highlighted?
- The review criticizes the bulky 1.1 GB Command Center software, the reliance on proprietary apps like Dolby Access, and the overall bloatware that complicates setup and ongoing use.
- Is Dolby Atmos universally beneficial on this headset?
- Dolby Atmos is available but only through the digital USB-C wireless path, and the reviewer finds the experience not clearly superior, with setup friction and mixed in-game results.
- What is the final purchasing recommendation for potential buyers?
- The reviewer recommends skipping the AW720H in favor of other established headsets such as HyperX Cloud Alpha S or SteelSeries Arctis 5 due to better sound quality and less software hassle.