Question Best gaming headset I can get for under £45 ($57)?

[Vanch3]

I'm on the lookout for a new gaming headset, and have been given a gift voucher for £45 ($57). I'll be using it for my Xbox Series X and PC.

I've absolutely no idea what to look for though. I'm not really picky at all so little differences probably wouldn't bother me and I'd barely notice them. I'm just looking to get the best pair with the budget I have.

I'm also not sure whether to get wired or wireless. I've heard that wireless can cause delay when gaming, where you do an action in game and then don't hear it on your headset for a split second. If that's the case, then I'll stick with wired.

Also, should I get gaming specific headsets, which have their own section in stores, or just a normal headset? Do gaming headsets sound better when gaming, like for example having better 3D sound where you can hear someone coming from a specific direction, so the sound plays louder in that ear? I only ask, as I found a good wireless headset with 72 hours battery life, but it's not classed as a "gaming" headset. It's just in the section of the site for basic headsets, like for listening to music, movies etc. Is there any real difference and should I be looking at gaming specific headsets, if I want to hear the footsteps of enemies around me etc?

Any help I can get would be massively appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

[Lutfij]

have been given a gift voucher for £45 ($57). I'll be using it for my Xbox Series X and PC.
Is this voucher valid on any site? If not, then you would need to specify your preferred site for purchase.

I'm also not sure whether to get wired or wireless. I've heard that wireless can cause delay when gaming, where you do an action in game and then don't hear it on your headset for a split second. If that's the case, then I'll stick with wired.
You should be fine with wired or wireless.

Gaming specific headsets do tend to have RGB lighting, sometimes a better mic, sometimes add on software to enhance the audio you hear on top of virtual surround sound.

Moved thread from Computer Peripherals section to Home Audio & Theater section

 

[Eximo]

At this budget you aren't going to be getting anything fancy like surround or directional audio, just stereo.

Gaming headsets might be more tuned for bass, would be my guess, to explosions and such deeper. Beyond that I don't think it would make much of a difference.

Upper end of your budget:

https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2

Make sure to read the caveat about XBox compatibility at the end.

 

[Vanch3]

have been given a gift voucher for £45 ($57). I'll be using it for my Xbox Series X and PC.
Is this voucher valid on any site? If not, then you would need to specify your preferred site for purchase.

I'm also not sure whether to get wired or wireless. I've heard that wireless can cause delay when gaming, where you do an action in game and then don't hear it on your headset for a split second. If that's the case, then I'll stick with wired.
You should be fine with wired or wireless.

Gaming specific headsets do tend to have RGB lighting, sometimes a better mic, sometimes add on software to enhance the audio you hear on top of virtual surround sound.

Moved thread from Computer Peripherals section to Home Audio & Theater section

My vouchers are valid at PC World & Argos. If you're not in the UK, they're basically places where you can get most electronic/tech based things. I had a look on both their sites, and they've got a huge selection of headsets within my price range.

At this budget you aren't going to be getting anything fancy like surround or directional audio, just stereo.

Gaming headsets might be more tuned for bass, would be my guess, to explosions and such deeper. Beyond that I don't think it would make much of a difference.

Upper end of your budget:

https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2

Make sure to read the caveat about XBox compatibility at the end.

I was actually looking at the Blackshark as one of my preferred options, having read some reviews on it. Having just read the review you linked though, it states that one of the cons is "USB sound card not compatible with Xbox One or Xbox Series X". I didn't realise that, and assumed they'd be fine for Xbox as they come with a jack that I can just plug into the controller. Is the review mistaken?

Also, there's also others like it such as Arctis Nova 1, HyperX Cloud Stinger, Astro A10, Logitech G435 etc. and they're all the same price, so I'm not sure which would be the best. I don't mind paying a little bit extra also, on top of the vouchers.

 

[Eximo]

"USB sound card not compatible with Xbox One or Xbox Series X". I didn't realise that, and assumed they'd be fine for Xbox as they come with a jack that I can just plug into the controller. Is the review mistaken?

Yes, you can plug directly into the controller. The USB you could use to connect to the PC, or use the audio inputs directly.

To me it looks like the highest quality under 45 from an ergonomic perspective. And audio quality aside, that is the most important thing. Nothing worse than uncomfortable headsets.