The TRN Atoll is an interesting proposition in the budget headphone market: an open-back design with substantial bass, a wired microphone, and a sound signature that makes it particularly appealing for gaming. At around $80, it offers an unusual combination of features for the price, but its appeal depends heavily on what I want from a headphone.
TRN Atoll
What makes the Atoll stand out is its ability to deliver a satisfying low end without completely sacrificing midrange clarity. I like the idea of an open-back headphone that doesn’t leave bass enthusiasts feeling shortchanged. The presentation has enough weight to make games and music engaging, while the spacious design gives it a different character from a conventional closed gaming headset.
There are compromises, however. The Atoll has a noticeable treble peak around 5 kHz that can make certain sounds harsh, and the lack of swiveling earcups limits its flexibility. I also wouldn’t choose it as a general purpose headphone without considering those limitations.
My overall impression is that the TRN Atoll is a promising budget gaming headphone with a distinctive sound signature. It gets the fundamentals right for someone who enjoys strong bass and wants an open-back presentation, but it isn’t the most versatile option in its price range.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The TRN Atoll arrives with a straightforward presentation that reflects its budget oriented positioning. I appreciate that the package includes a detachable cable with an integrated microphone, making it possible to use the headphone for gaming and voice communication without immediately needing to purchase additional accessories.
The cable uses a standard 3.5 mm single ended connection, which makes it easy to connect to a computer, controller, or compatible audio device. Its detachable design is particularly welcome at this price, since it gives me the option to replace the cable if it becomes damaged or if I want a different setup.
The included microphone is a practical addition. For someone building an affordable gaming setup, having the microphone integrated into the cable is convenient and avoids the need for a separate desk microphone.
The overall package is uncomplicated, but it covers the essentials. I wouldn’t expect an elaborate accessory selection from a headphone in this price category, and the inclusion of a microphone equipped cable makes the Atoll a more complete option for its intended use.
My first impression is that TRN has prioritized functionality over unnecessary extras. The result is a package that gets the headphone ready for everyday use without requiring much additional spending.
TRN Atoll Accessories
Build Quality and Design
The TRN Atoll uses an open-back, over-ear design with a dynamic driver. Its earcups surround the ears rather than sitting directly on them, creating a different fit from the typical gaming headset. The design sits somewhat lower around the ears, which may feel unfamiliar at first, but I find the overall approach appealing for a headphone intended to provide a more spacious presentation.
The headband is one of the more successful aspects of the design. Its pleather covered upper section looks simple, but the structure distributes the weight effectively. I like that the headphone doesn’t rely on an elaborate suspension system to achieve a reasonably comfortable fit.
The headband could benefit from additional padding. A little more cushioning would make the design feel more refined, particularly during longer sessions. Still, the existing construction is functional, and I appreciate that the weight distribution works well without requiring a complicated adjustment mechanism.
The biggest practical limitation is the lack of swiveling earcups. This restricts how the headphone can adapt to different head shapes and makes it less convenient to handle than designs with more articulation. I would have preferred some additional movement in the earcups, especially for a product positioned as a gaming headphone.
The detachable cable is another positive aspect. The 3.5 mm single-ended connection is straightforward, and the included microphone adds useful functionality without complicating the design.
Overall, I like the Atoll’s practical approach. It doesn’t feel particularly elaborate, but the headband, cable arrangement, and over-ear design make sense for its price. The limited earcup movement and modest headband padding are the compromises I would most like to see addressed.
Sound Quality
The TRN Atoll has a bass forward presentation with enough midrange clarity to keep it from sounding completely dominated by the low end. I find this combination appealing for gaming and music that benefits from weight and impact, although the treble peak prevents me from recommending it without reservation.
Bass
Bass is one of the Atoll’s strongest features. The low end has substantial presence, giving music and game audio a satisfying sense of weight. For an open-back headphone at this price, I find the bass performance particularly appealing.
The presentation is more substantial than I would normally expect from an open-back design. It provides enough impact to make explosions, percussion, and bass heavy music engaging without making the entire sound signature feel excessively heavy.
I also like that the bass doesn’t completely overwhelm the midrange. There is enough clarity in the middle frequencies to preserve the distinction between low end impact and the rest of the presentation. That balance is an important part of what makes the Atoll enjoyable.
The bass is not the most linear or restrained presentation, so I wouldn’t choose it for someone who prioritizes neutrality. For listeners who enjoy a fuller, more energetic sound, however, the low end is a genuine strength.
Midrange
The midrange benefits from the Atoll’s ability to maintain clarity alongside its strong bass. Vocals and other central elements remain reasonably distinct, preventing the headphone from becoming a one dimensional bass experience.
I appreciate this balance because it makes the Atoll more versatile than a headphone that simply emphasizes low frequencies. It can deliver an engaging presentation without sacrificing all the detail and presence that make music enjoyable.
That said, the overall sound signature isn’t especially neutral. The strong bass and prominent treble shape the presentation, and I would choose something more balanced if natural tonal accuracy were my priority.
For gaming, the midrange clarity is particularly useful. Dialogue and other important sounds can remain intelligible even when the low end is doing its part to create a more immersive experience.
Treble
The treble is the Atoll’s most significant weakness for me. There is a pronounced peak around 5 kHz that can make certain sounds harsh and fatiguing, particularly for listeners who are sensitive to upper-midrange and lower-treble emphasis.
I find this peak difficult to overlook because it affects the overall character of the headphone. The bass is enjoyable, and the midrange has useful clarity, but the treble can become too aggressive when the content emphasizes that region.
This is not the kind of presentation I would recommend to someone who prefers a smooth, relaxed top end. The Atoll can sound energetic and engaging, but its treble emphasis comes at the expense of refinement.
Technical Performance
The Atoll’s open-back design gives it a different presentation from a conventional closed gaming headset. I find the spacious character appealing, particularly for gaming, where a sense of space can contribute to immersion.
It also has a relatively restrained amount of sound leakage for an open-back headphone. That makes it more practical than I might expect from the design, although I would still avoid using it in situations where sound isolation is essential.
The overall performance is appealing for the price, but the treble peak and limited tonal neutrality keep it from being a universal recommendation. I would choose it for an engaging, bass-rich presentation rather than for critical listening or a consistently smooth sound.
How It Compares
The TRN Atoll occupies an interesting position among affordable open-back headphones. Its bass-forward tuning gives it a different character from more restrained alternatives, and I find that distinction particularly relevant for gaming.
Compared with the TRN Cipher, the Atoll has substantially more bass. I would choose the Atoll when I want greater low-end impact, but the Cipher may be a better direction for someone who prefers a less bass-heavy presentation.
The FiiO FT3 is another relevant alternative. I find the Atoll’s overall sound signature more appealing for someone who prioritizes bass weight, while the FT3 offers a different balance of comfort and tonal character. The Atoll’s lack of swiveling earcups is also a disadvantage when compared with more flexible designs.
The Sony MDR-MV1 is worth considering for listeners who want an open-back headphone with a different approach to sound. The Atoll’s treble peak is a concern for me, particularly because a prominent peak around 5 kHz can become fatiguing. I would be cautious about choosing it over a smoother alternative if treble sensitivity is a priority.
Ultimately, the Atoll’s strongest argument is its combination of bass impact, open-back presentation, and gaming-oriented practicality at an affordable price. Its weaknesses are just as important to consider, especially if I want a headphone that works equally well for every genre and listening situation.
Is It Right for You?
The TRN Atoll is best suited to someone looking for an affordable open-back headphone with a bass-rich sound signature and practical gaming features. I would particularly recommend it to listeners who enjoy a fuller low end and want a more spacious presentation than a conventional closed gaming headset can provide.
For gaming, the combination of bass impact, midrange clarity, and an included microphone makes the Atoll an appealing option. It can provide an engaging experience without requiring a separate microphone or an elaborate audio setup.
Music listeners who enjoy bass heavy genres may also appreciate its presentation. The low end has enough weight to make the headphone fun and energetic, while the midrange remains clear enough to keep vocals and other central elements from becoming completely buried.
I would be more cautious about recommending it to someone who is sensitive to treble peaks. The pronounced emphasis around 5 kHz can make the sound harsh, and listeners who prefer a smooth or neutral presentation may find it difficult to enjoy.
The Atoll is also not my first choice for someone who needs strong isolation or a highly adjustable fit. Its open-back design and limited earcup movement are important practical considerations.
If I wanted an affordable headphone primarily for gaming, bass heavy music, and everyday listening in a relatively quiet environment, the TRN Atoll would be worth considering. For a more neutral, refined, or universally comfortable option, I would look elsewhere.
Final Verdict
The TRN Atoll is an appealing budget headphone with a clear identity. Its bass forward sound, open-back design, and included microphone make it a practical option for gaming and enjoyable everyday listening.
I particularly like the way it combines substantial bass with useful midrange clarity. That balance gives the Atoll more versatility than a headphone that simply emphasizes low frequencies, and the price makes the overall package attractive.
The treble peak around 5 kHz is the main reason I would hesitate to recommend it to everyone. It can make the presentation harsh, and the lack of swiveling earcups is another compromise that limits its flexibility. The headband could also benefit from additional padding.
Despite those limitations, I consider the TRN Atoll a worthwhile option for someone who wants a bass-rich open-back headphone without spending much. It is especially appealing for gaming, where its engaging sound and included microphone make it a convenient choice.
My recommendation is straightforward: choose the Atoll if you enjoy strong bass and want an affordable open-back headphone for gaming and casual listening. If smooth treble, neutrality, or maximum comfort are your priorities, I would look at alternatives instead.
Where to Buy
You can find the TRN Atoll on:
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