Best Gaming Headset Under £100

The Look

As one of the gaming industry’s longest-running producers of quality gear, you’d expect the G PRO X 2nd Generation to be a pretty noteworthy piece of kit – which it is! On the inside, it makes full use of Logitech’s Blue Voice software and clearly looks the part on the outside. Here’s a better look at what to expect…

Having handled all sorts of gaming headsets in recent years, it’s clear to us that the G PRO X 2nd Generation headset is made of premium materials. Design-wise, it’s not quite so “out there” or outlandish as other sets on the market, but they definitely look and feel the part up close. The fact that they’re not wireless may put some people off, but for a wired gaming headset, they certainly stand up against other products in the looks department.

The Feel

The set comes with two varieties of ear pads: velour & leatherette. It’s up to you which ones you go for, based largely on aesthetic preference. Each is perfectly comfortable as they are fitted with memory foam. It’s worth pointing out that they can be a bit fiddly swapping one for the other, so we advise picking one and ideally sticking with it. Which one would we choose? Simple, leatherette: they better isolate the incoming sound.

The Experience

Comfort-wise, they offer adjustable ear height and rotation, meaning you can customise them to your needs. With only limited tweaking, they should fit just right. When laid around the neck, it is slightly annoying that they aren’t able to lie flat against your chest; but don’t let that put you off, as it has only a minor impact on the overall gaming experience.

When in-play, the Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset really does come into its own. During gameplay, they can pick up even minor sounds, such as the pitter-patter of rain, or the thudding sound as you run. When listening to music, it offers up clear vocals and great depth to all tracks. For the best sound quality for any use, we advise plugging in via the USB adaptor.

The Features

The most notable software feature in play here is Logitech’s Blue Voice. This makes use of advanced software presets and adjustable settings which in turn make your voice as clear as possible. If you’re an advanced gamer, familiar with the adjustable settings, then you’ll be right at home. For beginners, you may find these settings slightly daunting.

We recommend recording your voice and playing it back to yourself under the different presets on offer. You’ll soon find the perfect one for you. Inside the box, you’ll find plenty for your money. Besides the headsets, you get two varieties of earpads, PC/phone cables, a PC Y splitter and even a carrying case. Everything you need for gaming, listening to music or chatting with friends.

The Final Word

Overall the Logitech G Pro X is a great gaming headset for the money. With it’s next gen surround sound, software that’s actually useful and the excellent build quality it’s a headset that will please many.

It’s perfect for all types of gaming, offering top quality sound and the chance to immerse yourself inside your favourite songs. Better yet, access to Logitech’s Blue Voice software means you can continually tweak settings and improve the quality of your own voice over time when playing with others. They are well priced for what they offer and you have the added bonus of buying from one of the industry’s leading and most trusted brands.

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The Look

In terms of design, quality and performance, the Corsair VOID Elite Surround delivers exactly what you’d expect from a budget to mid-range gaming headset: no more, no less.

The look is understated: compact, simple and straightforward. The headset is black with detailing on the outer ear logo and the rubber brackets that protect the long cable from subsequent wear and tear. It’s subtle enough to wear out and about, although the cable is pretty long and might be cumbersome when you’re away from the desktop or console.

The ear cup and headband padding features a soft memory foam for prolonged gaming sessions, and the headset controls are easy to locate and use. The mute button is big and can be easily reached at the back of the left ear cup, while the volume wheel is found just below.

A major plus point is the VOID Stereo’s versatility. It’s compatible with PC/Mac, PS4 and mobile devices that support a 3.5 mm jack.

The Feel

The microfibre ear cups are large and more ‘ear-shaped’ than the traditional oval shape of most gaming headsets. They do feel a bit odd at first, but once you get used to them they’re actually very comfortable. The headband expands and retracts either side with numbered bars which click into place for different head sizes.

Unlike other headsets, the VOID Elite Surround doesn’t clamp down on your head, so you can spend hours wearing them without feeling overwhelming pressure. However, the lack of grip does mean that the ear cups don’t seal in the noise as much as they should. If you want to pump up the volume while riding the Tube, be prepared for some disapproving looks from fellow passengers.

The Experience

Usability is ideal for those who can’t be bothered with complex software configurations. There isn’t even a mute/volume dongle. Everything you need is positioned clearly on the headset itself.

Thanks to the 50 mm drivers, the sound quality is more than satisfactory for casual gamers who don’t want to lose out on the action, and the surround sound works very well, with smooth, 360-degree transitions and accurate positioning.

Listening to music isn’t too bad either. Okay, these are never going to be Sennheiser and Bose quality, but you can’t expect them to be at this price. However, musical notes come through well with a nice, deep bass and clear sounding highs.

The omnidirectional microphone is the type that flips down, then up when not needed; simple enough, however, it’s not that flexible to position and very sensitive, so you may get complaints of heavy breathing from your game buddies or during Skype calls.

The Features

The headset comes with a long cable with a 3.5 mm jack, so is compatible with PS4 and most mobiles devices. There’s also a Y adapter so you can plug it into your PC or Mac. There’s also an additional adapter available for Xbox, that you can buy separately.

The Final Word

Not at all bad for a budget to mid-range headset. If you’re a casual gamer and want a versatile headset that you can use on all platforms, without having to pay a fortune, then you’ll be more than satisfied with the Corsair VOID Elite Surround. The microphone could be more flexible with better sound quality, but even with some of the more expensive models that’s an issue. For those who want an affordable, comfortable headset specifically for gaming, or even as a backup pair, the VOID Elite Surround shouldn’t disappoint.

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The Look

The Arctis 5 gaming headset has a very fuss-free design, with clean lines and none of the bulkiness that we so often see in modern headphones. This lack of bulk contributes to the headset’s comfort too. In a barely-glossy black finish with orange detailing the Arctis looks smart and stylish without being gaudy. It has well-padded and smoothly-textured ear-cups as well as a flexible headband made from Velcro, which makes adjustable fitting easy.

It’s a moderately large headset but due to it’s sleek design this isn’t readily-apparent to the observer or the wearer, meaning you wouldn’t feel like a freak wearing these outside! Some thought has obviously gone into the placement of the microphone, which is flexible and extendable, and the volume dial and mute button which are both at the rear and easy to find, even in the middle of a firefight.

Because the Arctis 5 has been designed to work well on any gaming platform, it necessarily comes with a lot of cabling as well as an amplifier for your desktop. So though it does work with any platform, it can make for a cluttered desktop, but this is a small price to pay for the connection flexibility the headset offers.

The Feel

SteelSeries are known for their comfortable headsets and the Arctis 5 continues this tradition. The flexible headband seems to magically shape itself to your head, and if you need further adjustments then simply alter the Velcro straps to suit. The ear-cups feel quite luxurious and won’t be sweaty after a marathon gaming-session, they are nice and firm without feeling too tight.

The Experience

When it comes to gaming configuration, the Arctis 5 has a lot of options. This is good because you can tweak almost everything, but not so good if you just want to plug-and-play and can’t be bothered with lots of options. Luckily there are preset configs for those of us that don’t like too many choices.

In-game sound is absolutely fantastic, richly-detailed and highly-positional. Far Cry Primal really comes to life with this headset, the sounds of the jungle seeming to be all around you and not just to your left and right. On some older games the surround-sound doesn’t quite do the job, ending up sounding a little muddy at times, but they still sounded amazing with surround-sound disabled.

When it comes to listening to music, the Arctis 5 puts in a good performance, but it won’t be replacing your Bose or your Sennheiser headphones. Music sounds good from all sources, whether HiFi or television, if a little muddy sometimes when playing bass-heavy music.

The Features

With it’s retractable microphone, on-ear volume control and mute button SteelSeries have made the Arctis 5 easy to operate. The mic sound quality is very good, making this an excellent headset for voice-work, though the lack of a pop-shield means you need a little more distance between you and the mic than normal.

Running on the usual SteelSeries Engine software, there are plenty of options for your listening pleasure, especially when it comes to the microphone. There may be too many options for some people but it’s better than having too few.

The headset also comes with RGB-lighting, something i’m not a big fan of but if it’s the kind of thing you’re into then you’ll be pleased with the RGB customisation options on offer.

The Final Word

SteelSeries have another fantastic product in the Arctis 5. With incredible gaming sound, great musical performance and great voice capabilities it really isn’t lacking as a specialised gaming headset or a good all-rounder. It’s smart, no-nonsense design offers simplicity, ease of use and unrivalled comfort. The software is well-designed and offers many options. The only thing letting the headset down is the multitude of wires, and this is a small gripe really for a product that is outstanding in so many areas.

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The Look

The Hyper X Cloud II gaming headset has that low-key, music-studio headphones look, with a traditional curved headband and well-padded, rotatable ear cups as well as adjustable metal forks which have about an inch of play in either direction.

The modular design features a detachable microphone with an extendable, bendy coil which enables accurate positioning of the large foam tip.

Available in faux leather black with a choice of discreet gun metal grey or funky red detailing, the Hyper X Cloud II is as stylish as they come. The brushed-metal forks and subtle, embroidered logo on the top of the headband add to an overall classy and stylish look, while the faux leather ear cups give it a luxurious feel.

The microphone is easily detachable, transforming the Hyper X Cloud II from a gaming headset into a pair of headphones which are attractive and discreet enough to wear out and about.

The Feel

Kingston has put a lot of thought into comfort. As well as being incredibly lightweight, the headset features memory foam ear cups, which fit snugly around your ears without feeling too tight, making the Cloud II a great choice for those who like to game for hours on end.

There are two types of interchangeable ear cups included in the price: faux leather and soft velour. Add to that the memory foam, and it’s hard to find a more comfortable gaming headset on the market today.

The Experience

The overall sound quality is good, both for gaming and listening to music. The 7.1 surround sound helps distinguish subtle sounds such as the swish of a blade or footsteps, and you can easily hear where the enemies are coming from. It’s easy to turn the surround sound on and off, which is handy when you just want to listen to music.

Bear in mind though that surround sound only works with PCs and Macs, not with consoles. However, the sound quality is still good so it doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience.

The mic quality is quite impressive and works well during games and Skype calls, although you can’t monitor your own voice, so be careful not to talk too loudly, especially during late night gaming sessions.

The Hyper X Cloud II doesn’t come with accompanying software, so you can’t tweak the treble and bass, which is a pity because the bass could do with a little more oomph. However, it makes life simpler for those who just want to plug-in and play.

Unlike many headsets, the volume and surround sound controls are on a separate USB dongle, so you’re not fiddling around with the headset or risk accidentally pressing the wrong button. It may lack software configuration, but it’s far more user-friendly than more sophisticated models.

The Features

For a gaming headset under £100, the thoughtful extras included in the price are a pleasant surprise. The Hyper X comes with an extra set of ear cups, an airplane headphone adaptor and a mesh carry bag.

Another handy feature is the 4 pin 3.5 mm jack used for the USB adapter, which also fits many smartphones, so you can make calls and listen to music on your phone too.

The detachable microphone which allows you to go from gaming headset to simple headphones is another plus point which adds to the Hyper X’s versatility.

The Final Word

The Hyper X Cloud II is a stylish, well-designed, attractive, good-all-rounder. But the three things that set it apart from its rivals are its versatility, added extras, and above all, extreme comfort. Considering how many features you’re getting for your money, it’s a definite winner for those looking for a reasonably priced, good all round gaming headset.

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The Look

As the name would suggest, the Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma is a sturdy, tough-looking beast. The compact and stylish design features large, well-padded black faux leather ear pads and a thick headband with a retractable pencil-thin microphone that extends and retracts easily.

The bright green Razer name is emblazoned on the top of the headband, and the centre of the mesh grille on the outer side of the ear cups feature the distinctive, triple-headed snake logo of the Esports elite.

But the head turner of this gaming headset is the LED lighting that comes as standard. Once you plug the headset in, the Razer logos on the ear cups light up. There’s a choice of customisable lighting effects and an inexhaustible range of colour spectrum’s to choose from; 16.8 million to be exact!

Some gamers may find the bright green Razer name and lighting a bit gaudy and off-putting, whereas younger gamers and die-hard Razer fans should find them particularly appealing.

The Feel

With all that padding, you’d expect the Razer Kraken to be comfortable. The headband certainly stretches wide enough for the biggest heads while fitting snugly around smaller heads. However, that ‘snugness’ could start to feel heavy and tight after a couple of hours, so they may not be ideal for long playing sessions.

The Experience

The sound quality is impressive and nicely balanced with a deep and full bass. The surround sound is helpful for picking up the tiniest of footsteps, while the headset does a top rate job in cutting out background noise for a truly immersive experience.

The Razer Synapse 2.0 software, included in the price, has a range of features including equalisers and LED colour customisations, so you can tweak each game for exceptional sound quality. The one year software warranty is an added bonus.

On a negative note, the software doesn’t let you set individual profile options and you have to repeatedly fine tune the software for each game to get an optimum, customised experience. However, if you can’t be bothered with all that tweaking and are not that pedantic, the presets are pretty good in their own right.

The ability to adjust the bass and treble via the software, or simply using the presets, makes the headset particularly pleasant for listening to music. While not quite at the level of Sennheiser headphones, the Kraken still does a pretty impressive job.

The microphone works well and cuts background noise to a minimum, and you can be heard clearly enough without sounding too mechanical. The white LED light on the mic can be distracting though, and can only be turned off when the microphone is muted, which is a bit annoying.

The Features

The digital microphone isn’t detachable but retracts neatly into the left ear cup which keeps it safe when travelling.

The colourful lighting, for those who like this function, is included in the price; an added feature that’s not usually offered as standard on similar headsets.

The Razer Synapse software is also included in the price, and the one year warranty is a definite plus point.

The headset also comes with a long, 2 metre cable which allows you to easily reach the other side of the room without having to remove the headset.

The Final Word

The Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma certainly lives up to its name both in terms of design and sound quality. A few niggles hold it back; long playing comfort being its main let down. But for the price range, it’s a good-looking, sturdy headset that will make a cool and welcome present for gamers and Razer fans who want illumination features with a decent sound quality.

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The Look

Available since 2014, the Kingston HyperX Cloud gaming headset is often overlooked in favour of the newer HyperX Cloud II version which has 7.1 surround sound.

However, if you’re after good looks, great sound quality and exceptional comfort, the original HyperX Cloud is still a fantastic choice at a more affordable price.

Colour wise, you can choose between a traditional black or silver detailing, or a more stylish and interesting white version; a colour option not available in the Cloud II model. The white stitching around the headband and HX logo on the outer ear cups add a nice, stylistic touch.

The Cloud comes with a choice of faux leather over-ear cups for a luxurious feel, or soft, velour cups for optimal comfort.

The solid design is built with durability in mind and can withstand a few knocks without damaging the headset, so are a good choice for more heavy handed users. The detachable microphone is a handy feature and coupled with the sleek, slimline look, makes the Cloud ideal for wearing out and about as a simple pair of headphones.

The Experience

The HyperX Cloud doesn’t have any software to configure, so it’s ideal for those who just want to plug in and play. The stereo output is impressive and strong enough to pick up small details in games such as footsteps, while the deep and rich bass makes listening to music and watching videos a particularly enjoyable experience.

Although the lack of surround sound won’t give you that ‘fully’ immersive feeling you get with the HyperX Cloud II version, the original Cloud still offers a high quality sound experience, while the ear cups, especially the faux leather ones, do a good job of blocking out exterior noise.

On the down side, the HyperX Cloud has a couple of annoying niggles. The cables tend to get tangled far more easily than other models, and the in-line audio controls are a long way down the cable, almost out of reach, which is a pain when you need to react quickly.

The detachable microphone is adequate, if not spectacular, and the bendy coil helps you easily customise the position of the black foam tip. But although you can be heard clearly enough, the effect is a bit ‘nasal’ and makes you sound like you’ve got a cold.

The Features

A major thumbs up for the amount of generous extras included in the price. The HyperX Cloud comes with mobile and aeroplane adapters, USB and analogue extension, Y splitter cable, an extra pair of velour ear cups and a handy carry bag.

The detachable microphone is a handy feature, so if you’re not into multiplayer games, or just want to listen to music, you can easily remove it.

The Final Word

The HyperX Cloud is the ideal headset for casual gaming, single-player games, listening to music, watching movies and making the odd Skype call. The extra accessories included in the price are an added bonus.

If a high performing microphone isn’t your top priority, but you still want a simple-to-use, durable, comfortable headset with good sound quality at an affordable price, then the HyperX Cloud definitely ticks all the boxes.

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The Look

The Turtle Beach Stealth 450 wireless has a subtle, understated design: black with just a touch of colour, which for the PC compatible model is a thin red band around the ear cups.

The controls are positioned towards the back so there’s less risk of accidentally adjusting anything.

The microphone is easily removable and there’s also a basic 3.5 mm jack cable for mobiles and tablets so you can also listen to music on your smartphone.

The logos on the ear cups glow white when the headset is in use, and red when it’s charging, so you can continue to play even when the headset’s in charge mode. The ear cups swivel and fold flat, so can be packed away easily for travelling.

The Experience

Set up is straightforward and easy. Just plug the small, stick-like transmitter into your PC’s USB port, wait for the computer to recognise the output sound , and away you go.

Surround sound 7.1 can be set up via the Turtle Beach installation tool which configures with Windows. There are 3 presets: Game, Movie and Music which can be switched on or off via the buttons on the actual headset, which is handy.

The DTS:X decoder delivers a clear and crisp surround sound that picks up the most subtle sounds for a truly immersive experience.

But the icing on the cake has got to be the unique ‘Superhuman Hearing’ setting which sounds a bit over the top, but really does help you to distinguish footsteps from other sounds so you can hear your enemies approaching before you can even see them.

The sound quality for listening to music is excellent, with an impressive bass and clear mids and highs. The 3.5 mm lets you listen to music on your mobile, although the absence of in-line controls is annoying.

The microphone works well, output is loud and clear both for games and Skype calls. It also has a voice monitoring feature, whereby you can hear the actual volume of your own voice when talking, so you won’t get into trouble for shouting, although the sound leakage from the ear cups may annoy those around you if the volume’s high.

The biggest plus point however, is the wireless range. The frequency hopper cuts out any interference and you can walk to another room or even another floor level without losing the signal, which makes it really handy if you want to make a cuppa without removing the headset.

The Features

The removable microphone is flexible and easy to remove, allowing you to wear the Stealth 450 as a simple pair of headphones.

The added ‘Superhuman Hearing’ will particularly appeal to the more serious gamers, while the fantastic wireless frequency range gives you freedom and movement without being tied to the spot; ideal if you want to do other things while listening to music.

The Final Word

Turtle Beach could have worked harder on the comfort levels of the Stealth 450, and the ear cups could be better quality, but the sound quality and wireless range certainly make up for the design failings. You’d be hard pushed to find a better wireless gaming headset anywhere else in this price range.

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The Look

The Logitech G430 gaming headset is a stylish and good-looking device, predominantly black with attractive blue detailing and long metal slides which add to its impressive build quality.

Although the G430 doesn’t have a removable mic, you can easily fold it out of the way when you don’t need it. It also has a handy volume scroll and microphone on/off button on the long braided connection cable.

The Feel

The Logitech G430 is a budget gaming headset, so you have to consider what you’re getting for the price. One massive point in its favour is comfort. The large over-ear cups fit nicely over the ears and allow you to spend hours gaming in maximum comfort without feeling pressure on the ears. Comfort is also enhanced by the swivel cups and the foam padded headband so you can fit them exactly to your head size.

The Experience

Comfort is the main plus point with the Logitech G430. The large cups fit well over the ears and allow you to play games or catch up on marathon Netflix sessions in absolute comfort. However, by their very size, the cups do let some sound out, so don’t expect a fully immersive experience.

The microphone works well and is perfectly adequate for casual multi-player gaming and VOIP calls. It’s not removable, and the cable is very long, so it’s not an ideal headset for taking on journeys or to use while commuting. The mic head folds away, although it can be a little stiff. However, these niggles are offset by the very handy volume scroll feature on the braided connection cable.

Sound quality is adequate. It’s here that you can appreciate the price of the G430. You are never going to get the crystal clear quality of more expensive headsets: there’s a lack of clarity and detail when gaming, and bass and treble can sound a bit dull when listening to music. But for the price, these are small details that shouldn’t bother casual gamers and movie goers.

The sound can be improved via the software, but this too, lacks many of the features of more costly models, such as presets which automatically adjust the sound quality based on what you’re listening to.

Connection-wise, the G430 has a USB connector, plus a normal audio jack, so you can easily plug it into your PC or phone if you don’t want to bother tweaking and configuring software.

The Features

The Logitech G430 features Dolby 7.1 surround sound with a powerful software positioning for a 360 degree effect sound.

The ear cups feature a breathable performance-sport cloth which provides optimum comfort while reducing moisture build-up and that sweaty ear feeling. Additionally, the swivelling ear cups provide a more balanced and natural fit.

The versatile G430 features handy USB cable connection as well as a standard audio jack that can be easily plugged in to your PC, tablet or phone. The USB connector also allows your sound card to be utilised with desktop speakers and other audio devices.

The built-in microphone folds away discreetly and features a noise cancelling function to remove unwanted background distractions.

The long braided cable also features handy sound controls so you can easily adjust the volume levels or turn off the microphone.

The G430 is compatible with Playstation 4 in stereo mode.

The Final Word

The Logitech G430 doesn’t have the advanced capabilities and features of more sophisticated models. But if you’re looking for a stylish, well-built and incredibly comfortable gaming headset that does all it’s supposed to do and is easy to use, casual users will find this budget priced headset by Logitech great value for money.

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The Look

The Logitech G533 wireless is a neat and simple gaming headset with black glossy detailing and the standard Logitech G logo, plenty of padding and a built-in microphone that extends out with an adjustable arm.

It’s a popular headset for those who want the freedom of the wireless function without having to spend a fortune.

The Feel

Weighing in at 350g, the G533 isn’t the lightest headset on the market. It feels heavy, but sturdy in the hand, yet once on, feels far more lightweight than it actually is. This is thanks to an even weight distribution and the soft, plush ear cups which make you forget you’ve got them on after a while. Ideal for long periods of gaming or video watching.

The padded ear cups are large and comfortable with a breathable cool mesh which doesn’t irritate the skin. Comfort is further enhanced by the padded headband which ensures a good fit, whatever your head size.

The Experience

Set up is extremely easy, and the software pretty self-explanatory. It comes with a few presets for those who just want to set up and go, although it has a range of options for configuring for those who like to tweak and customise their settings.

The sound quality is quite impressive. Some reviewers were pleasantly surprised by deep bass tones and the balance of the sound. Although not a dedicated music headset, the G533 still offers a pleasant music experience for the casual user.

The surround sound function (which you can also turn off if you prefer) provides a good immersive experience, although it’s more suitable for single gamers as other players can sound at bit distant.

The large ear cups fit well and provide a high level of comfort, but they do tend to bleed out sound, so may not be ideal if you want to play loud games into the night.

The microphone works well, if a little on the quiet side, so you need to position it quite near to your mouth. Although there were a couple of complaints that the extendable arm could be more flexible.

Where the G533 does excel is battery life. The manufacturers boast 15 hours on a full charge and they’re not far off. The range is also pretty good, a generous 30 feet.

The Features

The Logitech G533 comes with DTS 7.1 surround sound technology which lets you get a fully immersive gaming experience within a wireless capability range of 30 feet.

The G533 features an extendable, noise cancelling microphone which automatically mutes when folded upwards. The mic also features pop filter technology to reduce popping and breathing noises, offering a clear sound within a fully integrated design.

The Logitech Gaming software is easy to use with presets as well as the flexibility to set equaliser, surround sound and microphone levels for a more customised experience.

Durable and sturdy, the G533 offers supreme comfort for hours of gaming, while the easy to reach volume wheel makes the headset effortless to use.

The Final Word

The Logitech G533 is not enough to satisfy sound purists or serious multi-player gamers. But for casual gamers it provides a great gaming experience at a reasonable price. Comfort and superior wireless capabilities, with a super long battery life are what make this headset stand out above others in this price range. A great choice for those who want a well-functioning, comfortable headset without having to spend a fortune.

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The Look

 The Corsair HS60 surround gaming headset is a sleek and classy looking piece of equipment which straight out of the box, looks far more expensive than it is. Thanks to its excellent build quality and thoughtful touches such as the stitched headband and metal structural components, the carbon black version gives an immediate impression of sturdiness and durability.

The HS60, although not wireless, does come with a detachable microphone, so you could wear it out and about without it giving away the fact that it’s a dedicated gaming headset.

The Feel

The HS60 features plush memory foam padded ear cups which are fully adjustable and comfortable enough for average sized heads. Larger headed gamers may find them a bit restrictive and not suitable for longer hours of gaming. Some reviewers also remarked that the foam padding felt a little stiff compared to other headsets.

The Experience

Considering its low price, the HS60 delivers exceptional surround sound quality for fully immersive gaming action that could definitely compete with more expensive brands. There’s no software to mess about with, you simply plug in and go. The 7.1 surround sound is unlocked via a USB adapter.

The sound itself isn’t bad at all. Yes, it lacks the clarity of more sophisticated models, and the high ends can sound a little muddy at full volume, but it does a good job of delivering an acceptable bass which should be more than adequate for casual users.

The microphone is a pleasant surprise. It’s clear with very little background noise thanks to its unidirectional capability. It’s also detachable so you can easily wear the headset out and about.

A very handy feature is the volume slider which is easy to reach and use, although some reviewers noted that it’s quite sensitive and can be knocked a bit too easily by mistake.

The Features

The Corsair HS60 features a simple to use USB adaptor which unlocks 7.1 surround sound on your PC for a truly immersive gaming experience.

The crystal clear microphone does a good job of reducing background noise while enhancing voice quality,  and is ideal for multi-player gaming.

The microphone is also detachable so you can use the HS60 as a simple pair of headphones when you’re out and about.

HS60 has an excellent build quality and features plush memory foam padding for superior comfort.

The HS60 is compatible with PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. The 7.1 surround sound function is only available for PCs though, not consoles.

The Final Word

If you’re a musical purist or die-hard long duration gamer, then the Corsair HS60 might not meet your expectations.

But if you’re a casual gamer who enjoys immersive action games and wants a decent gaming headset with good surround sound capabilities, then the Corsair HS60 could be the headset for you.

The sound quality may not have the depth and tone of more sophisticated models, but at such an incredible price, what you do get is a great headset that’s well built, versatile and provides an enjoyable gaming experience. At such a budget price, you really can’t ask for more.

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The Look

Looks wise, the Razer Kraken Pro V2 is a very similar design to the more expensive Kraken 7.1 V2. But the Pro V2 doesn’t have the lighting effects on the ear cups, which is why they are cheaper. If lights aren’t something you want, it’s a good choice if you want to enjoy a Razer headset while saving a bit of money.

The design is no-frills, simple and notably chunky. Available in all black, the Pro V2 has very large ear cups supported by a bauxite aluminium frame. This isn’t a discreet headset and for some, the bulky ear cups may be a bit too much for wearing out and about.

The Feel

Large and chunky, you’d imagine the Pro V2 to be heavy. But thanks to the bauxite aluminium frame, once on, it’s surprisingly lightweight.

The aluminium frame is extremely flexible too, so you can customise it to fit you better. You’ll need a bit of patience at first. Straight out of the box, the Pro V2 feels fairly stiff. However, the flexible frame can be stretched, and once you’ve customised the fit, you should find it very comfortable.

The faux leather ear cups nicely cushion the ears, providing a great level of comfort for gaming into the small hours. This model comes with oval ear cushions, but they are interchangeable and can be replaced by circular pads if you prefer (sold separately).

The Experience

The Pro V2 doesn’t have the sophistication or features of Razer’s more expensive models, but for the price, sound quality is good. Tones are warm and the bass is rich, although some reviewers complained that it was too heavy. The sound can be adjusted via the Razer software, so it may just be a case of tweaking the equalisers to get the balance you want.

The unidirectional microphone is fully retractable. Just pull it out from the left side ear cup then move the flexible arm to the position you want. The mic isn’t studio quality, but you can’t really expect it to be at this price. However, it works fine for Skype calls and gaming, and team mates are able to hear clearly enough. Like the bass though, straight out of the box it’s quite loud, so you’ll need to tweak it to a more acceptable level via the software.

The ear cups, although nice and comfy, aren’t that great at noise isolation, and, possibly because of their large size, they do tend to bleed out a bit of noise; something to be aware of if you’re playing late into the night and others in the house are trying to sleep.

The Features

The  Pro V2 is fitted with larger drivers (50mm) which offer a richer and louder sound than former versions.

The braided cable has a handy split extension cable for both the microphone and audio. The cable also has an inline remote, so you can adjust the volume or mute, without having to use the desktop controls.

The large and comfortable ear cushions are interchangeable, so you can choose to fit either oval or circular shaped pads for a more customised fit.

The Pro V2 is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox One, PS4 and mobile devices.

The Final Word

The Razer Kraken Pro V2 doesn’t have the sophisticated features of more expensive models, or the sound quality that will satisfy more demanding users. It may also be a bit too bulky for some users, especially if you want to wear them out and about.

But what you are getting is a well-functioning, versatile headset which offers a very decent level of comfort and a decent sound. A great buy at a very reasonable price.

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The Look

As looks go, the HyperX Kingston Cloud Alpha Pro is one stylish gaming headset. Predominantly black, it has red detailing on the aluminium frames and stitching around the headband. The soft, faux leather ear pads feature red memory foam and the overall effect is that of a high quality build that looks more expensive than it is.

The Cloud Alpha Pro also features a detachable microphone and cable for easy transportation and a handy carry bag.

The Feel

Reviewer opinions on the comfort of the Cloud Alpha Pro are divided. Many reviewers complained that the padding is not thick enough and the shape of the inner drivers make them press against the ears. While others say the headset is extremely comfortable and they can go for 12 hours without any discomfort.

Weighing just 200 grams, the Cloud Alpha Pro is very lightweight, and the ear cups can be replaced for a more customised feel, so it may just depend on the shape of your head.

The Experience

One area that most reviewers agreed on was the sound quality. In one word: superb. The sound can easily be adjusted for gaming or music, and once done, the quality is very impressive. Most notably, the bass got many thumbs up, delivering a rich, deep and realistic sound which is ideal for hearing footsteps with a high degree of clarity. Overall, a natural and crisp sound which is ideal for immersive game playing.

The microphone also received some positive reviews. Clear and loud, team players should have no problem hearing you, and the noise cancellation does a good job of cutting out background noise.

The Cloud Alpha Pro has a sturdy and detachable braided cable with an inline remote for controlling the volume without having to use the desktop, although some reviewers considered audio remote a bit flimsy.

The issue with the ear padding can be resolved by buying another pair of ear cushions, while the headband expands helping to create a more customised fit.

The Features

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Pro features 50mm dual chamber drivers technology which separate the bass from mids and highs to produce a crisper, clearer and smoother sound.

The braided cable is detachable for easier transportation and also features an inline remote control to adjust the volume.

The noise cancellation microphone is also detachable which makes the headset ideal for listening to music or watching movies when you’re not playing games.

The faux leather ear cushions feature red memory foam and can be replaced if preferred. The soft, faux leather headband is expandable and features attractive red stitch detailing for a more stylish look.

The Cloud Alpha Pro also comes with a handy carry bag making it incredibly portable.

The Cloud Alpha Pro is an all-in-one versatile gaming headset which is compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, mobile devices and any other platforms that support a 3.5 mm jack.

The Final Word

You can’t ignore some of the concerns about comfort caused by the drivers, but this issue is very much a personal one as so many reviewers also declared this headset one of the most comfortable they’ve ever worn. If comfort is a problem, it can easily be fixed by buying separate ear cushions.

But the pure sound quality and great functioning mic certainly make the Cloud Alpha Pro stand out above other gaming headsets in this price range. Add to that the superior build quality, and you really are getting incredible value for money. Bottom line: the HyperX Kingston Cloud Alpha Pro is a well priced gaming headset with the kind of sound quality and build design you’d expect from a far more expensive model.

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