Alienware

Alienware AW988 Wireless 7.1 Surround Gaming Headset

4.4 (547 reviews)

Wireless 7.1 surround gaming headset with customizable AlienFX RGB lighting, noise-canceling mic, and lag-free 2.4 GHz connectivity.

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Overview

The Alienware AW988 is a wireless gaming headset built around 40 mm high-fidelity neodymium drivers that deliver deep bass and a wide soundstage through 7.1 virtual surround sound processing. The 2.4 GHz wireless connection provides lag-free audio at distances up to 40 feet from the USB receiver, while a detachable 3.5 mm cable offers a wired fallback for consoles, mobile devices, or when the battery needs charging. The noise-canceling uni-directional microphone sits on an extendable boom that tucks away during solo sessions, and in-line controls on the ear cup give quick access to volume and mute without tabbing out of a game.

Comfort and style are core to the AW988's design. The headband and rotating ear cups use moisture-wicking sports fabric cushions that stay cool during marathon sessions, and the overall weight of 13.4 ounces keeps fatigue manageable. Two customizable RGB lighting zones powered by AlienFX let you dial in 16.8 million colors with effects that sync across over 150 supported game titles, tying the headset into the broader Alienware ecosystem. The construction uses a mix of premium plastics, aluminum, and stainless steel that echoes the design language of Alienware's flagship desktops and notebooks, giving it a cohesive look on any gaming setup. Compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, the AW988 aims to be the single headset that covers every platform a gamer might use.

Key Features

Customize your lighting: 16.8M RGB lighting with 2 zones and AlienFX allow personalized in game lighting and looks, so your games and accessories reflect your style; Program effects, colors, brightness, tempo and custom animations on over 150 Supported games; You also have the ability to create and download unique themes; The product is compatible with Inspiron 15 5000 Series (5570), Inspiron 13 7000 Series (7373), Inspiron 15 7000 Series (7573), Inspiron 17 5000 Series (5770), Inspiron 13 7000 Series (7370), Inspiron 15 7000 Series (7570), Inspiron 15 5000 Series (5575), Inspiron 17 5000 Series (5775), XPS 13 9370, ALIENWARE area 51 R6, ALIENWARE area 51 R5

Mindfully made: we designed our gaming headset both strong and lightweight with ultra premium materials for maximum comfort and stylish wearability; With a well made headband, comfortable ear cushions with moisture wicking fabric and easy access controls, you can game for hours and look good doing it

Don't miss a beat: your headphones take you deep into the game with sophisticated sound technology; Expect polished, professional in game sounds with ALIENWARE 7.1 virtual Surround sound and a clear, broad acoustic signature; Hi fidelity 40 millimeter neodymium drivers round out the deep, rich bass and expansive soundscape for an unparalleled gaming experience

Amplify the action: multiplayer games demand crystal clear communication; Make sure your entire team hears every directive and every battle Cry with the enhanced, Uni directional, noise canceling mic with natural voice communication

High performance wireless means you clear your game space of cables; Equipped with lag free 2.4Gz wireless and a 40 foot range, your headset lets you stay connected, even during snack breaks

Built with a lightweight, comfortable design, the ALIENWARE wireless gaming headset is specifically crafted to let you game for hours with ease; Your breathable ear cushions rotate to fit just how you want them and the microphone has an extendable boom mic that lets you tuck it up and out of the way when you're gaming solo

Our new headset leverages the latest updated and iconic ALIENWARE design with elements similar to those found on our flagship desktops and award winning notebooks

Specifications

Brand
Alienware
Model
AW988
Driver Size
40 mm Neodymium
Driver Type
Dynamic
Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Surround Sound
7.1 Virtual Surround
Connectivity
2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm Wired
Wireless Range
40 feet
Microphone
Uni-directional, Noise-Canceling, Retractable Boom
Noise Control
Active Noise Cancellation
Lighting
AlienFX RGB (16.8M colors, 2 zones)
Ear Placement
Over-Ear
Ear Cushion Material
Moisture-Wicking Sports Fabric
Frame Materials
Premium Plastics, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Weight
13.4 oz (0.38 kg)
Dimensions
3.68 x 7.59 x 7.19 inches
Included Cables
Micro-USB to USB, 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm (both detachable)
Compatible Devices
PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Lag-free 2.4 GHz wireless with a 40-foot range keeps your desk cable-free during gameplay
  • 7.1 virtual surround sound with 40 mm neodymium drivers delivers immersive directional audio
  • AlienFX two-zone RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors and per-game profiles adds a personalized visual element
  • Noise-canceling uni-directional microphone with retractable boom provides clear team communication
  • Moisture-wicking sports fabric ear cushions and lightweight build support extended gaming sessions

👎 Cons

  • At 13.4 ounces, it is heavier than some competing wireless gaming headsets
  • AlienFX software and per-game lighting profiles are only available on compatible Windows PCs
  • Battery life requires recharging via Micro-USB rather than the more current USB-C standard
  • Wireless surround sound features are limited to PC — console and mobile use relies on stereo via the 3.5 mm cable
  • RGB lighting while wireless will reduce battery life between charges

Frequently Asked Questions

The AW988 supports a wireless range of up to 40 feet using its 2.4 GHz connection, allowing you to step away from your desk without losing audio.
Yes, it includes a detachable 3.5 mm cable so you can connect directly to any device with a headphone jack and continue playing without wireless.
It works with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The 2.4 GHz wireless mode requires the USB receiver on PC, while the 3.5 mm cable provides universal compatibility.
The microphone has an extendable boom that can be tucked up and out of the way when not in use, keeping the headset clean-looking during solo play.
Yes, the two-zone RGB lighting operates in wireless mode and is customizable through AlienFX software with 16.8 million color options and programmable effects across over 150 supported games.