Good Gaming Headset under $300?

Hey guys, I've just thrown away my $50 piece of crap headset I got off Ebay and want to make a proper investment this time. I'll be using the headset for gaming and talking with friends on discord, but I also listen to a fair bit of music so I'd like some with a bit of bass to them. If you can, please rate these categories out of 10:

  • Sound quality
  • Mic quality
  • Comfort (I'd be wearing them for 4+ hours at times)

I'm a total noob when it comes to audio equipment, so I was wondering if you audiophiles could help me out!

Edit: Some additional details:

  • Platform: Desktop PC (probably wouldn't use it anywhere else) and yes I would be using the headset as my general headphones
  • I'm only keen on wireless if it doesn't cost much extra, not too fussed about a cord
  • If there's a huge jump in quality then I don't mind going over $300, I just thought that was a reasonable initial price range

Many thanks

Edit: Maybe a little trigger happy, but I purchased the Philips SHP9500 and the V-MODA BoomPro mic to go with it. I'm not thrilled about the lack of bass in the 9500s, but the cheap price and raving audiophile reviews about the sound quality when listening to music convinced me it was worth it. Came to $133 + $21 shipping = $154 AUD. Thanks for all your help guys!

Comments

  • +1

    Depends what platform you want to use it on (or platforms, plural, if you want not to be versatile). Then also factors like wired vs wireless, if you want it to double as a general headphone etc

    • Thanks, I updated my post :)

  • +2

    I got a Kingston Hyper X Cloud 2 headset and its been an absolute dream - seriously can't be more satisfied with it

    Sounds BEAUTIFUL and has great digital 7.1 surround sound which works well in games and the build omg the build

    the headband is made of a thick stainless band and the cans are a combination of soft touch plastic and stainless, the cord is a lovely supple braided cable and the padding on the headband and earcups are really nice (you get a set of memory foam and velour in the box)

    I have a really big head (my headband is adjusted to max size) and I can wear this thing all day with my thick ass face

    the microphone works well too - friends have no issues with my mic in discord

    even go check out the reviews of this headset on amazon - they are close to flawless and I agree 100%

    I adore this headset especially considering its only a wee bit over $100

    • +1

      also should add the headset itself ends in a 3.5mm jack so you can detach it from the 7.1 usb soundcard that comes with it and use it with your phone

      mic is also detachable if you arent using it

      • Wow sounds good, and cheap too! I really like the detachable mic and 3.5mm jack (I can see myself sometimes using it with my phone). I wonder if there's any improvement to buying the more expensive models from HyperX such as the Alpha/Revolver or if that's the best one of the bunch. I'll definitely keep that in mind tho and check out a couple reviews. Thanks :)

        • +1

          the Alpha supposedly has better audio drivers than the cloud 2 (but no 7.1 sound card) I think its fairly comparable otherwise

          and I remember skimming over a review for the Revolver and the person said that some people may not like the bungee style head strap but thats down to preference (cloud 2 and alpha are manual adjust)

          anyway good luck for your search!

        • @Sock: Mk, how much of a difference does a 7.1 sound card make? (sorry if I sound like a total noob, I am ;p)

        • +1

          @Eltyo: It's not a whole lot different but I have it turned on in games and basically it processes the audio to make directional sounds more apparent. Its not real 7.1 but it works well, you can disable 7.1 on the fly (with a little button) for when you want to listen to music and with it disabled the audio sounds more 'neutral in distance'. I actually prefer listening to progressive edm in 7.1 it sounds closer and bassy

          the 7.1 soundcard is also great for ergonomic reasons too as the usb soundcard will sit on your desk and when you want to detach it to use with your phone you dont have to reach to the back of your PC.

        • +1

          @Sock: Ahh okay, thanks for the explanation. That does sound pretty good, the way my computer is setup it's really annoying to reach around the back. Appreciate your feedback :)

    • Nice headset but my one didnt last a month cable becomes tangled quick and good luck untangling it. :(

      • are you sure we are talking about the same headset? Mine has a supple braided cable that doesn't tangle. I tried scrunching it up right now and it just falls flat again

        • Yeah same headset bought t it from jb for $140
          Tangled up went to untangle it tor a bit so i shortened the cable resolder it.
          Was working fine a bit then started tangling up again then read a few forums others had same problem they sent it back and got a replacment spewing i didnt read up on the forums before i modified it at the end just bought some corsair rgb wireless.

          https://www.jbhifi.com.au/games-consoles/platforms/gaming-he…

        • @stussy: honestly I can't say I've had this problem at all and I've been using mine for almost a year now maybe its a specific batch issue? I got mine from pc case gear

        • +1

          @Sock:

          Dont get me wrong they are a good headset while they lastex my brother recommended them to me as he has the same set his are still goin hard a year later maybe down the track will look out for cabling and fix them up as of now there locked away but the sound on them is awesome.

    • How does a headset with 2 speakers create 7.1 sound? I fail to see how it makes sound directional.

      • its simulated not real as I said in one of the replies above. It basically processes the audio to give the impression of more depth but its absolutely not the same as real 7.1

        and on that note- I don't really get why companies call it 7.1 when its not really 7.1; its like a marketing gimmick

  • +1

    One combination I've read is really good is Phillips SHP9500 + ModMic 5.

    • Damn that ModMic thing is really cool and the Phillips seem awesome in terms of comfort and sound quality. My only concern is that the top review says "If you are a bass head, this is not for you" (I'm a little bit of a bass head). To be fair I only have earphones atm so any headphones would be an improvement in bass… so idk if that's a deal breaker for me. Thanks for the tip tho! I'll definitely look into the headphones w/ ModMic combo from now on tho

    • Pretty sure the V-Moda Boompro sounds better and is cheaper than the ModMic so I would suggest you go for that

  • +1

    I'd recommend giving this a watch

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOIPAWG0SMw

    • I have the corsair rgb wireless and have to admit they are good shame it doesn't work on xbox one though. :(

      Paid around $130 from msy

    • Kind of makes me think the headphones + attachable mic is an even better option now

    • Hmm, didn't know that existed, I'll check it out!

  • massdrop x sennheiser 37x? pretty good

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