Best cross-platform gaming headphones under $150

[KCL992]

Hi, im trying to find a good set gaming headphones that supports pc,xbox one and xbox 360 under $150 but i cant seem to find any. If they can include surround sound that would be great.

Thanks for any help

 

[manofchalk]

Pretty much, the only thing that will make it cross compatible is either outright getting Xbox branded set (I wouldnt do this), or getting yourself a pair with low impedance, connects via 3.5mm jack with an adapter of some kind.

Impedance is just a measure of electrical resistance, the lower the impedance the less electrical energy you need to achieve a certain volume. High impedance headphones could cause problems as an Xbox unlike with a PC you cant throw an amp at it if its too weak. Most headphones will be fine though, if impedance is high the product specs should let you know (above 64ohms is considered high).

You want a 3.5mm jack because getting a USB one introduces software and drivers, each of which just makes it annoying to move between devices and limits compatibility.

Adapter is the difficult bit. 3.5mm should plug into whatever PC you can find, the consoles not so much. You either need a USB to 3.5mm adapter and one that is certified to work on Xbox's, or your display needs to offer a 3.5mm jack to play the audio it receives through the HDMI cable.

"Surround Sound" headphones are pointless. You can cram in 7 speakers into a pair of headphones, doesnt change that they are all literally next to each other.

 

[KCL992]

Pretty much, the only thing that will make it cross compatible is either outright getting Xbox branded set (I wouldnt do this), or getting yourself a pair with low impedance, connects via 3.5mm jack with an adapter of some kind.

Impedance is just a measure of electrical resistance, the lower the impedance the less electrical energy you need to achieve a certain volume. High impedance headphones could cause problems as an Xbox unlike with a PC you cant throw an amp at it if its too weak. Most headphones will be fine though, if impedance is high the product specs should let you know (above 64ohms is considered high).

You want a 3.5mm jack because getting a USB one introduces software and drivers, each of which just makes it annoying to move between devices and limits compatibility.

Adapter is the difficult bit. 3.5mm should plug into whatever PC you can find, the consoles not so much. You either need a USB to 3.5mm adapter and one that is certified to work on Xbox's, or your display needs to offer a 3.5mm jack to play the audio it receives through the HDMI cable.

"Surround Sound" headphones are pointless. You can cram in 7 speakers into a pair of headphones, doesnt change that they are all literally next to each other.

Thanks thats good to know. So can i get a adapter for pretty much any pc headset and use it for console? Sorry if i read it wrong i just dont have much experience with headphones.

 

[manofchalk]

I dont know if just any adapter will do, that's the point where you will need to look into whether it will work with the consoles.

 

[KCL992]

Alright thanks for the help. I found a good deal on a pair of astro a50's so i think im gonna try those out.