Am I Overlooking Any Headset Options around $150?

Bargainhunt9 on 19/10/2020 - 15:18

Hi,

My budget is around $150. Looking for:

  • 7.1 surround on PC (positional audio for games like Warzone/CSGO)
  • PS4 compatible
  • Detachable mic for skype work calls (need decent mic quality)
  • Closed back (need to block out some household noise)
  • For gaming only (not an audiophile)

I'm zeroing in on one of these:

Hyperx Cloud II $155
Corsair HS45 Surround Gaming Headset $99
Corsair HS60 Pro Surround $109

Interested to know if I'm overlooking something better eg. are Razer or Steelseries any better in this price range?

Gaming Gaming Headset Headset

Comments

  • Ema000 on 19/10/2020 - 15:21

    The Hyper X Cloud 2 headphones are a bit cheaper from Amazon (Prime) if you can wait a couple of weeks - https://www.amazon.com.au/HyperX-KHX-HSCP-GM-Headset-Virtual…

    • Bargainhunt9 on 19/10/2020 - 15:26
      +1

      Yep, saw that one but was a bit worried when I saw this post: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/573890

      Also if I'm waiting 3-4 weeks, it gets pretty close to Black Friday for local deals that might end up possibly being the same or better as the Amazon UK price.

  • ShortyX on 19/10/2020 - 15:52

    Perhaps consider HyperX Cloud Alpha or Arctis 5?

    Remember that 'positional audio' is just virtual processing (Sonic, DD, Atmos) and most headphones are stereo.

    You mention you want a headset but what do you mean by detachable mic for work calls? Work calls (Skype/Teams) would need a mic.

    • Bargainhunt9 on 19/10/2020 - 16:08

      Reviews for the HyperX Cloud Alpha all seem to mention that the mic isnt as good as the Cloud II, so I didnt consider it as an option. Other features were pretty similar between the two. I had a look at the Arctis 5 but I cant see any standout features vs the Hyperx or Corsairs. Am I missing something?

      To answer your question about detachable mic.. it would be nice to remove the mic while gaming so its not in the way, and then attach the mic for work calls.

      • ShortyX on 19/10/2020 - 17:07

        it would be nice to remove the mic while gaming so its not in the way, and then attach the mic for work calls.

        Gotcha.

        Reviews for the HyperX Cloud Alpha all seem to mention that the mic isnt as good as the Cloud II, so I didnt consider it as an option.

        Cloud 2 vs Cloud Alpha:

        The HyperX Cloud Alpha are slightly better than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II. The Cloud II and the Cloud Alpha have a very similar design with a detachable boom mic so you can use them casually for day-to-day use, though the mic on the Cloud II performs slightly better overall. They also come with a slightly more versatile USB DAC with additional microphone control, but it doesn't add much since they don't come with good support software. While both pairs of headphones look and feel very similar, the detachable audio cable on the Cloud Alpha makes them feel slightly more durable, as it can easily be replaced. They also have a slightly better-balanced sound profile.

        SteelSeries are good value.

        Cloud 2 vs Arctis 1
        Cloud 2 vs Arctis 3 Wireless
        Cloud 2 vs Arctis 5

        • Bargainhunt9 on 19/10/2020 - 18:18

          I initially dismissed SteelSeries because a lot of reviews mentioned poor customer support (cant contact them, RMA's get closed with no explanations, etc). But there are also a lot of good reviews about the headsets themselves. If I pick these up, fingers crossed that I dont need to contact their customer support for anything :) Thanks for the links. Reading through them now.

  • Fergy1987 on 19/10/2020 - 16:14

    The Arctis 1 Wireless the other day on Prime Day would have been a pretty good buy

    • Bargainhunt9 on 19/10/2020 - 16:19

      Didnt consider wireless because reviewers mentioned the hassle of constant charging and also battery life reducing over time.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/10/2020 - 16:14

    If sound whoring is your thing, forget PC gaming and go for Senheisser with mod mic.

    https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-sennheiser-hd-58x-jubilee-he…

    or

    https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-sennheiser-pc37x-gaming-head…

  • h1s0k4 on 19/10/2020 - 16:50

    At that range, Arctis 3 for me. If you don't need the extra features, Arctis 1 has the same exact sound & mic quality for a fair bit cheaper.

  • Jolakot on 19/10/2020 - 18:34

    I've got the Razer Nari Ultimate, would say discount the entire Razer line if a good mic is important, it took me 3 replacements until I got one that was usable for calls.

    Huge issue with sounds bleeding through the earphones into the microphone, either turn sensitivity down low enough that you have to scream into it, or people hear an echo of themselves from you

  • askme69 on 19/10/2020 - 19:00

    Don't get these: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/audio-technica-ath-ag1x-i…
    Even at 1/2 price.

    I have 2 other pairs of cheap $20 Auditechnica and they have lasted 8 years of abuse and sound twice as good as these new ones.

    These are crap in ever department.

  • TheBargainator on 19/10/2020 - 19:06

    HyperX are probably the most ideal. I have the Revolvers and I swap then between PC and PS4. Detachable mic and great quality sound.

    • Bargainhunt9 on 19/10/2020 - 20:34

      Yep, I was leaning that way but a couple of posts have mentioned SteelSeries Arctis. Reading some reviews now.

  • MonkeyMagic3 on 23/11/2020 - 00:03

    Been reading the Logitech g pro X is a good headset with fantastic microphone

    Perhaps a consideration?

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