Attack on the gaming elite –Teufel Cage Pro review

The Teufel Cage Pro have an RRP of around £235, but are now available at a lower price. Teufel sells the gaming headset through Amazon.

With the Cage Pro, Teufel is launching a wireless gaming headset that is supposed to combine the sound expertise of the Berlin-based audio specialist with modern gaming technology. In addition to a low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connection, the headset promises rich sound, a precise microphone and high wearing comfort. But does the Cage Pro also deliver what Teufel promises in demanding everyday gaming, music and communication? 

For the Cage Pro, Teufel relies on a mixture of robust plastic and targeted metal reinforcements, which give the gaming headset a solid and durable appearance. The workmanship looks high-quality: Clean gaps, stable joints and a solidly manufactured headband give the impression that the headset can easily cope with intensive gaming sessions. At the same time, the weight remains pleasantly low, so that there is no unnecessary pressure on the head and neck.

The generously padded ear cups and the softly padded headband ensure a high level of comfort. The closed design effectively shields ambient noise even without ANC and supports a concentrated gaming atmosphere. Thanks to the movable ear cups, the Cage Pro adapts well to different head shapes. Even during longer sessions, the contact pressure remains comfortable without the headset pressing uncomfortably on the ears. The ventilation system proves to be effective even during longer sessions. 

Teufel sets visual accents with integrated, configurable LEDs on the ear cups. The software allows you to adjust the lighting effects and colors to your own preferences or deactivate them if necessary. The controls are placed directly on the ear cups and can be reached quickly while playing, only their positioning requires a certain amount of time to get used to. 

The Cage Pro scores above all with a robust construction that is designed for a long service life. Interchangeable ear pads extend the life of the headset and avoid unnecessary e-waste. However, information on recycled materials or a simple repair is missing. The built-in battery also remains a possible weak point, but this can be changed by customer service.

In terms of functionality, the Cage Pro is a versatile gaming headset with a successful mix of comfort and gaming features. The connection is either via the low-latency 2.4 GHz USB dongle, Bluetooth or classically via a 3.5 mm jack cable. It is particularly positive that Teufel appeals to PC and PlayStation gamers as well as users of mobile devices. Wireless operation via the dongle scores in everyday life with a stable connection and short response times. 

The equipment also includes an integrated 7.1 USB sound card, which can be used via the wireless adapter and is supposed to provide more spatial sound reproduction with DTS Headphone:X v2. The Teufel software can be used to adjust various audio settings, including sound profiles, equalizer settings and the lighting of the integrated LEDs. 

A practical control element is the multifunction button on the ear cup. Depending on the operating mode, various functions can be controlled directly on the headset, such as pausing playback, answering calls or switching between functions. This means that users do not have to reach for their smartphone or software. The button expands the everyday usability of the Teufel Cage Pro and is a useful detail, especially when used with several devices. 

The rest of the operation is relatively intuitive thanks to the easily accessible buttons and controls, but it takes a certain amount of time to get used to, as they are sometimes difficult to distinguish haptically. Volume adjustments, muting the microphone and selecting the connection can be made directly during gaming. The detachable microphone is also practical, which can be removed when not in use, making the headset more flexible. 

Nevertheless, there is room for improvement: The Cage Pro does not offer a real USB audio connection via cable, which could be missed by users who want to operate their headset without a wireless connection. Teufel also does not provide additional comfort functions such as automatic wear detection or active noise cancellation.

When it comes to gaming, the Cage Pro plays to its strengths: The large drivers deliver powerful, dynamic sound with rich bass that impressively stages explosions, engine noises and sound effects. At the same time, voices and important details remain easy to understand, so that even footsteps or changes of direction in games can be perceived precisely. The switchable 7.1 sound function provides more spatiality, which can be a real advantage depending on the game, as the location of the source works well, for example in shooters like ARC Raiders. But the mood can also be pushed enormously, as with Resident Evil: Requiem. 

The headset also cuts a fine figure with multimedia content. Music benefits from the punchy low-frequency range and clear reproduction, although the sound is designed more for entertainment and gaming than for a neutral hi-fi tuning. If you like to watch movies or listen to playlists, you will still get a balanced and pleasing sound. However, it is a pity that Teufel only provides standard codecs for Bluetooth transmission. 

The detachable microphone leaves a mixed impression. Voice transmission is sufficiently clear for chats and gaming communication, but voices don't seem quite as natural and detailed as with high-quality floor microphones. Especially in quieter passages or higher demands on recording quality, it becomes apparent that Teufel has placed more focus on the headphone than on the microphone area. Also, the positioning of the microphone arm makes a big difference, as it quickly becomes quiet if it's not optimally positioned in front of the mouth. We would have liked to see the arm as such more flexible. 

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): Harmonic distortion quantifies the magnitude of the components that arise from non-linear distortion (harmonic content) in relation to the original signal. THD refers only to the fundamental harmonic content. The distortion factor is often mentioned in the same breath, but refers to the overall signal.

THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise): This value is comparable to THD, but in addition to the interference from harmonics, the interference from noise is also recorded as an effective value.

For the measurement, a low-harmonic sine wave signal (1 kHz, > 0 dB) is played through the headphones to be tested and recorded by a linear measuring microphone (measuring distance: approx. 1 cm) in an artificial head.

When it comes to the battery, the Cage Pro is one of the enduring representatives of its class. Teufel promises up to 68 hours of playtime at medium volume, which is enough for many gaming sessions without having to constantly reach for the charging cable. Up to 88 hours are even possible via Bluetooth AAC.

In practice, however, the battery life depends heavily on use: A higher volume, activated LEDs and the wireless connection via the USB dongle reduce endurance. Lighting in particular is a factor that users should turn off for maximum runtime.

There is criticism above all in the transparency of the battery level indicator: A clearly visible remaining runtime directly on the headset would be desirable. The Cage Pro still delivers strong battery performance, making it one of the long-lasting gaming headsets on the market.