Best <$100 headset for laptop

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FreakingHell

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For gaming and movies. Obviously as it is a laptop, I do not have the whole slew of 5.1 connectors desktops do, so it must be either USB or 2 3.5mm jacks(input + output). I prefer the type that goes around the ears.

I was considering the Logitech G35 but want to make sure I consider all options.
 
Steelseries Siberia v2

I have the v1, difference? v2 has a retractable microphone, v1 is clip-on.


The cord length is @10 ft, but @ 3-4 ft you can take off the extension cables for
MP3/Laptop use.

There is a USB adapter that makes the headset simulate 7.1 surround sound,
my friend has it and says it works just fine.
 
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I had a g35 and loved it, only got rid of it because I upgraded to a g930, same headset only wireless. Would definitely buy again.
 
forty2skates said:
I had a g35 and loved it, only got rid of it because I upgraded to a g930, same headset only wireless. Would definitely buy again.
Click to expand...
The G35 is super prone to breaking, the swivel is held on with like a 3/4cm piece of plastic, it gets worn down and it breaks for a lot of people (including me). Also, it's USB and the 7.1 surround sound isn't true, it's just 'virtual' which dosen't sound anything like real surround sound, and USB headsets generally have worse sound quality overall compared to a standard 3.5mm jack headset. Overpriced for what it is, imo.

I'd second Mr.Game on the Siberia or Steelseries 5D, or a sennheiser headset and use the build in mic on your laptop if you have one.
 
Yes my laptop has a built in mic. But I tried to use the mic built in on my desktop monitor and the sound quality was crap in games, so I'd rather stay away from that.

I find true surround sound in headsets is generally not very good, I have actually preferred the virtual 5.1 headsets as compared to true 5.1 headsets I've tried (as far as direction sound goes, not necessarily sound quality).

I'll look at all the suggestions, thanks.
 
I think that usb sound sounds better than the integrated on my Inspiron 1545.

Obviously it will vary from laptop to laptop, but still something to consider.
 
reflex99 said:
I think that usb sound sounds better than the integrated on my Inspiron 1545.

Obviously it will vary from laptop to laptop, but still something to consider.
Click to expand...
Yeah, it depends, desktops generally have pretty decent integrated sound cards, it will vary on the laptops. But if it's decent it generally has better sound quality than the USB.

That's weird freaking, I've tested both true and virtual surround sound headsets and the real ones are muuch better imo, the virtual just uses special technices to trick it into sounded like real surround sound, kind of 'tin' sound. The 7.1/5.1 true ones I've used are muuuch better than any virtual ones, and it's the virtual ones that generally mess up the directions. Might have been the headset quality or sound card?

ROCCAT Kave true 5.1 was much better surround than the G35. But honestly I'd go with sound quality before surround, I really only care about surround in speakers.

Sennheisers will give you the best sound quality, they do have gaming headsets, but the bigger ones get kind of pricy. This is the best one in your price range http://www.sennheiserusa.com/pc-headset-gaming-headsets_pc-soundcard_500922.
 
What if I was willing to spend up to $150? Would it be worth it? I was looking at the Sennheiser PC166...looks nice.

Here's what matters to me from most to least important: Comfort, mic sound quality, build quality, rest of the sound quality. Surround is only important if I will actually be able to significantly better distinguish somebody's location in FPS games. I haven't really noticed this all that much on my 5.1 speaker setup... I rarely kill somebody because I heard them, I just constantly look all around.

If I want superb sound, I have my setup at home. This headset will be used 75% for LAN parties, 25% for watching movies while my roommate is sleeping.
 
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FreakingHell said:
What if I was willing to spend up to $150? Would it be worth it? I was looking at the Sennheiser PC166...looks nice.

Here's what matters to me from most to least important: Comfort, mic sound quality, build quality, rest of the sound quality. Surround is only important if I will actually be able to significantly better distinguish somebody's location in FPS games. I haven't really noticed this all that much on my 5.1 speaker setup... I rarely kill somebody because I heard them, I just constantly look all around.

If I want superb sound, I have my setup at home. This headset will be used 75% for LAN parties, 25% for watching movies while my roommate is sleeping.
Click to expand...

For that much you could get the one I recommended above with the USB
sound card separate, OR:

You could get that one with the USB sound card included from Amazon or
Walmart at $105/$120.
(Google "SteelSeries Siberia v2 Full-size Headset USB")
 
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FreakingHell said:
What if I was willing to spend up to $150? Would it be worth it? I was looking at the Sennheiser PC166...looks nice.

Here's what matters to me from most to least important: Comfort, mic sound quality, build quality, rest of the sound quality. Surround is only important if I will actually be able to significantly better distinguish somebody's location in FPS games. I haven't really noticed this all that much on my 5.1 speaker setup... I rarely kill somebody because I heard them, I just constantly look all around.

If I want superb sound, I have my setup at home. This headset will be used 75% for LAN parties, 25% for watching movies while my roommate is sleeping.
Click to expand...
Yeah, sennheisers are the best in all the categories you listed, your best option imo. If you got them I would use them with your desktop for gaming too because of the quality, unless you use speakers. Most "gaming" headsets are more focused on game sound, sennheisers also sound amazing with music since they make headphones for both fronts.
 
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I am liking the headsets that offer the 3.5mm or the USB, i.e. the Sennheiser PC166 and Steelseries Siberia V2 USB.

The Steelseries look more comfortable to me but you can only tell so much from looks. The retractable mic looks like a nice feature. But the Sennheisers certainly have better sound.

The Sennheisers are $40 more...hmm....
 
Ducttape said:
A lot of laptops have built-in mics - does yours? If yes, you can just get a regular headset.

For $100 (and free shipping), you can get these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106328&Tpk=hd280

Sennheiser HD 280PRO - yes they are a little expensive, but easily worth the money.
Click to expand...

I can't believe someone would actually recommend using the integrated mic on a laptop. They're always reeeaally bad.

Anyway, G35 is a good bet. I've been wanting one myself for a while but can't put the cash aside for it.
 
Mr.Game said:
Steelseries Siberia v2

I have the v1, difference? v2 has a retractable microphone, v1 is clip-on.


The cord length is @10 ft, but @ 3-4 ft you can take off the extension cables for
MP3/Laptop use.

There is a USB adapter that makes the headset simulate 7.1 surround sound,
my friend has it and says it works just fine.
Click to expand...

i use them for counter strike and let me tell you something, once you get used to them its kinda like having walls on :p
 
The G35 is really good, but personally, I'd put my money on the Corsair HS1 (USB). I got to demo them a few months back, and boy I wish I had some disposable income right now. Those things are incredible for the $100 price tag.
 
Woah, I had no clue Corsair had entered the headset market. That's an interesting move.

Looked at a couple reviews, and they sure do make it sound like a great headset, especially for the price point. Definitely looking into them more.
 
Do not i repeat Do not get the Siberia v2's , my head isnt even big and i even stretched out this headset and its tight on the head and gets your ears really warm over time. It's comfortable for thirty minutes, but not more then that. Get the 7hv1's/2's or pc360s or the hd595/hd555. Those are literally the best headsets you can get for a decent price.
 
Ahh, I should have mentioned this before...

If you have a BestBuy near you, go to them and they allow you to "test" a
product (such as a mouse/keyboard/headset) before you buy it.

I don't know if other stores provide this too, anyone else know of any?
 
Tension Head said:
I can't believe someone would actually recommend using the integrated mic on a laptop. They're always reeeaally bad.
Click to expand...

They are? Guess I've just been lucky with mine. I've used either IBM or Lenovo for years now, and they're always outstanding. Sorry, I just assumed it was common for laptops to have integrated mics that worked.


Just a friendly heads-ups: we do have a headset review thread, feel free to peruse the postings there to help get an idea of what interest you: http://www.edgegamers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=70989
 
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