What's the baseline for a cheap okayish over-ear headset?

[Poraf]

I was asked to get a cheap over-ear headset for someone, something with passable audio and a decent mic. Something that isn't completely terrible. My budget is around $20-50.

Some of the options I've looked at were the Razer Kraken X and HyperX Stinger Core. It'll be mainly used for online video calls and casual content consumption.

 

I've only looked at budget gaming headsets so far since they were the only decent options I could think of. If anybody can share their experiences with these or have better recommendations it'd be greatly appreciated.

[Pixelfie]

Razer Blackshark V2 X is pretty good

[Poraf]

Alright thanks! I'll add this to my list

[191x7]

Razer has a lot of things done right, but the audio isn't one of them.

[Bombastinator]

50 minutes ago, Poraf said:

Alright thanks! I'll add this to my list

I’ve got a hyperX headset. I don’t know what model though.  It was a gift. It was bought I understand because it accepted large head sizes and had a cord.  Haven’t had any problems with it.

[Poraf]

58 minutes ago, 191x7 said:

Razer has a lot of things done right, but the audio isn't one of them.

 

24 minutes ago, Bombastinator said:

I’ve got a hyperX headset. I don’t know what model though.  It was a gift. It was bought I understand because it accepted large head sizes and had a cord.  Haven’t had any problems with it.

Alright, thanks for these insights as well, I guess I'm leaning towards the HyperX now.

[OfficialTechSpace]

$80 is typically the bare minimum recommended for an over-ear can. Takstar Pro82's are the baseline, followed by the Philips SHP9500's. I would stay away from anything "gaming" branded because 99% of it is trash. One of few exceptions in this pricerange is the Cooler Master MH751/752, and that's only because it's based on the Takstar Pro82's. I'd suggest buying something you can live with, and that'll last you at least a year or two. If you just buy some cheap headset you'll be disappointed.

 

Philips SHP9500's are $60 at the moment (normally $80-$100), and I'm frankly annoyed at all of the above replies failing to mention it.

 

If you want something cheaper, over-ear might need to be cut out of the equation. Koss KSC-75's or Porta Pro's (on-ear) are as low as I'd go if I ever forgot IEMs existed.