We review the Cougar Phontum Essential headphones. Budget proposal

The Cougar Phontum Essential are well-reviewed stereo wired gaming headphones. They don’t have too many features and complicated drivers, but they have everything you need to play.

Raw box, but solid workmanship

Let’s start with the box, which is difficult for me to assess, because a test copy came to me, which was previously opened. In fact, it’s hard to expect premium packaging in this price range, but even for this amount of around PLN 200, it could look a bit better. Inside, I found only the headphones and the plastic that held them together.

First impressions after removing the equipment? I liked their execution. The earmuffs themselves are made of very pleasant eco-leather, under which there are sponges that fit my ears quite quickly. The top of the headphones is also upholstered in eco-leather, and the whole thing is held on flexible aluminum. This is what gives these headphones solidity and makes them look a little more expensive than they really are. Importantly, during use, they did not press on the top of the head and did not cause pain.

I’m used to using wireless headphones, so I had some concerns when putting on the Cougars. However, it turned out that it was unnecessary. The two-meter cable is flexible and you hardly feel it. I felt like I was wearing wireless headphones. On the cable you will also find a potentiometer, which also allows you to adjust the sounds, as well as a microphone switch.

Where is the sponge?

As for the microphone itself – it is permanently attached to the headphones, which may be slightly disturbing to some. For me, a big minus is the fact that it does not have a sponge that suppresses interference. This makes him look quite strict. The design could have been done better here. It works quite ok. My gaming partners easily understood what I was saying to them, which is the most important thing in this type of headphones.

Cougar Phontum Essential photo Cougar

How is the sound? It’s pretty good. The maximum volume level could be a little higher, but it is perfectly adequate in the end. The bass could be a little deeper, but we must remember that it is a budget model, which must have its limitations due to the price.

One thing, due to the limited time, I couldn’t check – it’s about their durability. The more expensive headphones differ from the cheaper ones in how quickly the earmuff covers start to “fall off” or how quickly the interference caused by the plug wears off. Unfortunately, you have to experience it for yourself.

Cougars are really good headphones for their price. A small, great microphone, good sound, and a cable that doesn’t really feel wired. You can buy them in shops for about PLN 200