If you played Halo 3 with me (or against me) over the weekend, you may have noticed my headset cutting in and out and generally behaving in subpar ways. That’s because as of Friday night, my beloved green headset that has been faithfully serving me for the past two and a half years finally broke. With a little strip of duct tape and a whole lot of love, I managed to make it still functional but unfortunately the fix is temporary. Thus begins my search for a new headset. Obviously the default one that comes with the Xbox 360 is a piece of shit so shortly after its release I purchased the Platronics GameCom X30. Much to my chagrin that one lasted a mere few months so while I’m embarrassed to admit this, I then hauled my ass up to my local game store and bought the same exact headset I used with the original Xbox, the Xbox Live Halo 2 Edition Headset. It’s less than optimal on the 360 since there is no way to adjust the volume nor can you mute it but I find it so comfortable and I’m a creature of habit so I went back to the headset I already knew and loved. While I can get another one for about $20, which is so incredibly tempting, I would like to upgrade to a newer and nicer headset except I really have no idea what to get. So tell me, what headset do you use? How long has it lasted? And would you recommend it to others? I’m looking to make a purchase this week so any and all personal opinions are appreciated!
Posted by Louis Wu on October 6, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I was in the same boat you were – I loved my green Halo 2 headset. I had two of them break, though, in a very short span of time (I used one on my Xbox and one on my phone for almost 3 years), and finally went to a more substantial solution for the Xbox – I bought the Astro Gaming A40s. They’re horrendously expensive ($250 or so), but 5.1 audio + mic function + added bonus of quiet nights = true gaming bliss.
That said, I’m STILL using a Plantronics Halo 2 set on my phone. :)
For an extra $8 or so, you can make it fully 360-compatible (with a mute button and volume control) – buy this:
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Headset-Adapter/dp/B000FUG5V8
I did, and was happy until the earpiece snapped off (as yours probably did).
Posted by bs angel on October 6, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Yes, that’s exactly what happened with both of my H2 headsets, although I was fortunate enough that they both lasted over two years (and that is with heavy, heavy use). With that headset adapter you linked, I may just continue my headset rut. It’s by far the most comfortable one I have ever used.
Posted by gigglepie on October 6, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I originally used the one that came with the 360, then switched to the same headset that you use and recently broke. I liked it except my friends said I sounded weird. Then I got the Wireless headset from microsoft, but it continually cuts out and beeps in my ear.
Now I’ve got the Turtle Beach Ear Force X1 Headphones, they rock, don’t get the infrared X3 though, they suck. They act as surround sound and can help how you play by hearing everything around you, plus you can adjust the speaking volume and game volume separately. It’s a great headset.
Posted by Mjonir on October 6, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I use the normal Xbox 360 (and also my old Xbox) ones… I bought 5 of them and I just broke my last one a few weeks ago, I’m still using it because I found a way to more or less keep it in one piece by using adhsive tape, however it’s extremely annoying.
All these headsets are starting to become quite expensive for me… I might buy a real one this time ^^’
Posted by soulofaqua on October 6, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I’ve been using the original X360 headset since I bought it, still use the same but I got one on hold for when it breaks… and to wear with my the voices in my head are idiots shirt.
Posted by Mizzy on October 6, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Default. I can’t use headset that have the earpiece go INSIDE your ear, because my earholes are just too small for them to fir.
Now if only I could convert one to use my skullcandy headphones…those things are gorgeous with sound.
Posted by dnefpooz on October 6, 2008 at 1:53 pm
It depends on what the material the ear piece is made out of. Ear wax is the only kind of wax that will seep into and stain hearing aids, which is why my friend has to get new ones every year. He has to constantly try to clean them but by the end of the year they are an orange/red color. I find that incredibly gross, so I just stick with the normal ones, but my original 360 mic is the only one that fits. My spare mic is too small for my head.
Posted by Drag0n D214 on October 6, 2008 at 2:05 pm
i am useing the Madcatz head set but want to upgrade to the more commfy http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5516063
Posted by gigglepie on October 6, 2008 at 2:07 pm
those are the awesome X1’s that I use!!
Posted by Kato on October 6, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I mostly use the wired headset that comes with the 360. I have the Microsoft wireless one as well, which is decent, but has a tendency to cut out randomly sometimes. Hope you find a replacement that works for you!
Posted by Das Kalk on October 6, 2008 at 2:23 pm
bummer, whatever you do don’t buy these – http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/80/49/26/08/0080492608607_150X150.jpg
They’re cheap, but they suck a lot, trust me, I work at an EB Games.
I use the wireless one and find that it’s alright, fits nicely, and has decent quality, however I have only one gift on my Christmas list; those A40’s, a buddy of mine borrowed some from G-Sp0t and he said they work like a dream. So my mom is gonna have to dish out the 250 i guess :P
Posted by little guy on October 6, 2008 at 2:26 pm
i used the original til it fell apart literally. bought same one and used it til it somehow broke… personally loved these. tried the wireless 360 headset… returned it… didn’t like it. tried the platronics http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=43410 which was cool at first, but didn’t last as long and people complained of bad feedback a lot. most recently got http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=43408 and i love it. thought about getting skullcandy’s lowrider gaming headset… target $52.99 http://freezecracker.com/forum/index.php?topic=407.0 (there’s a dorky review). but decided my surround sound was better and it would prevent me from hearing anything around me. ur call.
Posted by gigglepie on October 6, 2008 at 2:35 pm
@ Das Kalk
I recommend you look at the Turtle Beach X4, they have all the same specs as the A40 but are cheaper, plus they don’t run on infrared and have digital and analog inputs.
Posted by Handmade Hero on October 6, 2008 at 2:39 pm
If your looking to go wireless (like me) I’d suggest not buying the 360 Wireless Headset. I bought one for $60 in hopes of it being more reliable and making me look hawt but it ended up being as unreliable as a wired one. It loves losing connection at the worst possible moments of a game:
“wheres the flag?!?!”
“I see it! It’s by the——!!”
It’s got some neat features to it like automated sounds telling you when your mic is muted and when the battery is low, but thats about it (unless you like having to charge it every day).
overall I’d give it a 7/10
Posted by TTL Tortacular on October 6, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Turtle Beach makes great headsets but I had a wire short out in 6 weeks, so make sure you get a good return policy!
Posted by Patrick on October 6, 2008 at 3:00 pm
THERE ARE NO GOOD HEADSETS FOR THE 360!
Ive been through 2 stock 360 headsets.
im on my second wireless headset the first one stopped charging after 6 months.
i had the x30 from plantronics, it broke in like 3 months.
ive also had the halo 2 headset your using (so far the best contender)
but i also use my samsung cell head set its great just no mute button.
Posted by Valentine on October 6, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I recommend the Tritton Gaming Headset. We tried it in last weeks E for All Expo in Los Angeles and Ooopy of theblueskittle.com instructed me to check out their booth which we did. Got to try out the headsets for about half an hour and we really love it.
here’s the website: http://www.trittontechnologies.com/#
It may be a bit pricey, but it’s totally worth the money!
Posted by AOClaus on October 6, 2008 at 3:09 pm
You can try out one of these http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/computer/console-gaming-headsets/gc-x30 it’s a good headset but mine died on me, kinda like your Halo ones–makes me wonder about Plantronics–but it was a very nice headset while it lasted. Sadly, the stock headset does seem to be the best one.
Posted by DrDoctor on October 6, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I used to use that plantronics headset but it didn’t last me very long either. I’d have to say that (I don’t necessarily have anything in particular to recommend) but you might want to look into getting ones meant for phone? Like the ones for secretary’s not for cell phones… I dunno just a thought.
Posted by gigglepie on October 6, 2008 at 3:14 pm
@ Valentine
Which ones did you try? I wanna try them out.
Posted by AT-AT on October 6, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I’ve only had 1 problem with the X360 headsets I owned. My first and third works(ed) just fine (the first one snapped off at the size adjuster during transport, its replacement generated severe static, and the third one, which I’ve had for a while, has no problems whatsoever). I guess my second was a fluke, but the first one works fine (if you don’t mind having to duct tape it every once in a while).
Posted by Zoom on October 6, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I have the wireless Microsoft 360 headset and I love it. I don’t have the cutting out problems people seem to be having and voices comes through crystal clear. It has beeping features to let you know if you’re muted or if the battery is running low. It’s lightweight, just hangs on your ear, and you hardly notice you’re wearing it. I’ve had it for almost two years now, and not a single problem with it.
Posted by gtdroptop on October 6, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Concur with Louis Wu, I use the H2 headset with the Datel adapter to make it fully compatible with the Xbox 360. I am apparently one of the lucky ones that still has my original H2 headset still working. I also have the Turtle Beach X3s that I use for late night gaming, but they’re not as comfortable as the H2 headset which is nice and light. I disagree with gigglepie, the X1’s will only work for you if you can sit right next to you Xbox. I sit some 15-20 feet away from my Xbox, wireless is a necessity. Turtle Beach now has the X4’s which have 5.1, which would be even cooler. Their warranty service is great, I dropped mine two weeks after getting them, and they immediately replaced mine for free.
Posted by Aperture S on October 6, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Go for the ear force x1’s.
They are really fantastic and block off sounds for the outside world really well. So all you hear is the cries of your victim ( which in your case, bs angel it is your teammate) and the voices of your teammates
I really, really recommend the x1’s. I’ve had mine for 3 months and I have had no problems when them
Posted by Qix on October 6, 2008 at 4:04 pm
A lot of people seem to have problems with it, but I love the wireless headset. I also use it for PC games as well on Ventrillo. (Synched to the USB wireless controller receiver)
Posted by Valentine on October 6, 2008 at 4:06 pm
@ gigglepie
I believe we tried both the TRIUA 512 (AXPC) and the TRIUA 712 (AX51). I was looking forward to checking the GA611 (AXPro) but they didn’t have it there, or I think it wasn’t there, unless I didn’t see it. The AX51 was the best so far.
Posted by UEG PaniK on October 6, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I had a good run out of a Plantronics one. It was only about $20 but worked for about 10 months. Luckily it comes with an astounding 1 year warranty. The Wireless ones for the 360 only have 90 day warranties.
Posted by UEG PaniK on October 6, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Sorry for doubly post, but it was this headset –
http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/cat5750051/cat5750052/gc-x10
Sorry, don’t really know how to link here.
Sorry, I’m such a noob. :-S
Posted by UEG PaniK on October 6, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Gawd, Triple post. Didn’t know they linked accidentally. I r so stoopid!
Sorry Hawty.
Posted by bs angel on October 6, 2008 at 4:18 pm
You’re all good, no worries! And your link worked perfectly. :)
Lots of good info here from everybody. Not sure which way I’ll end up going quite yet, … we’ll see if I can break out of my headset rut or if I’ll end up getting the same one, just with an adapter this time.
Posted by PikminGod on October 6, 2008 at 4:40 pm
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Wireless-Halo-3-Headset/dp/B000S1FMJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1223336286&sr=1-1
its the one i use!! it goes great with my halo 3 xbox!! it actually works really well and stays off even if your controller turns off so you can stay in a chat and watch a movie and not have to keep touching your controller…the battery life is like 8 hours but you can’t charge and use it at the same time…its like 60 bux new which is the price of a game, but it works better than any headset i’ve ever used
Posted by sprqman (Kurt) on October 6, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I started with the crappy in-the-box headset with my 360 (Halo 3 LE console of course) but moved onto the wireless headset (again, Halo 3 edition). Like the first commentor (and many more) I also got the Astro A40s with the mixamp. Now I game with my headphones on 90% of the time, and they have the benefit of integrated mic, awesome sound (cuz of the 5.1), and excellent customer service. All this is at the cost of $250 though, but I plan on using them for years.
Posted by Bryan Ojeda on October 6, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Turtle Beach Ear Force X4 Headphones FTW!!! :D
Posted by McFarland on October 6, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I still use my original 360 headphones (sad), but I’d love to get some A40’s.
Posted by AusQB on October 6, 2008 at 8:33 pm
The official 360 wireless headset works great [for me]. It’s the one PikminGod linked, but it’s not Halo themed.
Posted by Socket on October 6, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I use original X360. Mostly because I don’t hav eenough money to buy any different ones…yet.
I’m afraid the adjustable ear piece is going to snap off pretty soon…it’s already got the “white” worn down plastic look.
Posted by Fezzer on October 6, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I use the Halo version of the wireless 360 mic. It seems to work just fine for me. I’ve only had it cut out about 2-3 times in the past 8 months and I’ve only experienced the strange static feedback thing once.
I like it. And it’s Halo themed.
Posted by jayman16 on October 6, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I waited 2 years for the wireless headset to come out, and I -blam- love it! I had the original and I had some issues with it, but they’ve fixed all that now and it works perfect IMO. I have the green Halo 3 edition headset and it’s just awesome.
I could never go back to the wired headsets ever again.
jayman007
Posted by DareDizzle on October 7, 2008 at 1:18 am
Hands down, no questions asked, The Logitech wireless 360 headset is my suggestion. I’ve seen a lot of crappy head sets, most of which broke, gave off static, had horrible reception, had too good of reception to pick up breathing or had volume problems. I even once had to hook the broken clip of an original xbox headset to the side of my glasses right above me hear and couldn’t move my head around very much at all otherwise it would fall in my lap and my mom would come in to see me yelling at my crotch. Once I got contacts, all hope was lost, I went out and spent the money to get the Logitech wireless, nay, freedom-giving, headset. I hear clearly, I speak clearly, no one yells “who’s fucking mic is that going nuts?!” anymore, I can get up and pee and still talk to my friends or foes during lobby wait times and even throw my controller without my ear getting ripped off in the process. I may not be the elite gamer that my gear makes me look like, but who cares, if a hot babe walks in on me with my Logitech, I’m still not getting any.
Moral of pointless banter: Buy it.
Posted by Griever (aka I VETOED YO M0M) on October 7, 2008 at 2:49 am
Well i use the Wireless headset but not by choice and i defiently don’t recommend it, First it’s expensive at 59.99 (or 49.99) and second the battery life for me is just not long enough (for the people who play a lot) I too am a creature of habit and forget to charge it over night resulting in me having it for half a match and charging for the next, also there is strange static problems peoplee complain about like once i turned it off to go to the kitchen and i come back and everyones bitching to me about how my static was unbearable
There’s the one that comes with the xbox (which i should’ve stuck with) but it broke so i use the wireless and am too cheap too get the 20$ :( (which i should’ve just bought again in the first place)
But in all, I would recommend just the one that comes with it, Despite the breathing problems it’s alright, don’t need no high tech stuff, just got my Halo3 edition headset (comes with the Halo3 edition Xbox) and i’m good
Posted by Salen on October 7, 2008 at 5:35 am
I got myself a pair of TurtleBeach X1 headphone/mic combo sets. Oh, sure, it’s wired up heavily, but since it pushes the TV sounds into the headset, it allows me to turn down the tv and crank up the explosions when playing some games like Bad Company and Halo 3. They also have some wireless versions, but they use IR, which isn’t something I’d really consider. But anyways, if you’re looking for some nice headphones and don’t wanna blow up the neighbors with your sound system, check out the X1. They’re only like 60 bucks at Best Buy.
Posted by Rhamsey on October 7, 2008 at 6:54 am
i go through headsets like crazy. ive vacuumed one up (broke the cord) have over used, sat on, threw other stuff on top of them. basically, i also need a good headset. ive have even resorted to soldering myself a new headset, using pieces from past ones, ive been using it for a while now, but i really need one that doesnt look like a 6th grade technology project.
oh, and ive heard the wireless ones made my microsoft are crap.
Posted by RIFT on October 7, 2008 at 10:07 am
That’s wierd. My Halo 2 Headset still works great. I use the 360 Wireless Headset now. It’s sort of like the Halo 2 one, only it fits over your ear, not in it, lacks a cord, is clearer in overall sound quality, and you can mute it.
It’s a really nice headset, the only trouble you’ll run into is if you don’t charge it when you’re done playing. It lasts about 8 to 12 hours, so you pretty much have to learn to set it up to charge whenever you’re done playing, otherwise you’ll come back to a half-charged headset that may die while playing. It takes a while to die though; I waited for almost an hour of it beeping at me before it finally went out. Older ones came with a wall-charger (at least mine did), but newer ones plug right into the 360. It hasn’t screwed up on me yet, and so far it seems to be able to connect to the 360 more easily than the controllers do.
I haven’t seen or heard of any other headset out there that even slightly mimics the Halo 2 headset other than this wireless one.
Posted by Matoro3311 on October 7, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Pity I can’t use a headset…because of my lack of XBL… =[
Posted by PikminGod on October 7, 2008 at 2:08 pm
you can still use a headset and not be on xbl…its just a little wierd
Posted by Deadlock on October 8, 2008 at 2:42 am
Woah, I’ve had the default one (original that comes with Xbox starter pack) for over 1 and a half years and no problemo with it! I didn’t even know you could get third party mics haha
Posted by DethPwn on October 8, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I would recommend the Creative Fatal1ty Headset. It’s like 78 bux but the sound is incredible and is often used in machinima (e.g. DigitalPh33r)
Posted by schedonnardus on October 10, 2008 at 7:27 am
didn’t read this whole thing, but I have not had any problems with my halo 3 headset that I bought last summer.
Posted by DiscipleN2k on October 10, 2008 at 9:23 am
I’m a little late to the game here, but I’ll second (or probably “7th” at this point) the recommendation for the Turtle Beach headsets. I’m using the cheap X1s right now and the sound is so good, I’ll use those instead of playing through my surround sound system even when I’m not trying to be quiet.
My only complaint (aside from me being too cheap to get the wireless X4s and having cables everywhere) is that the mute button is hanging on the cables instead of being on the puck that plugs into the controller so my teammates get to hear me sneeze, burp, yell at kids, etc. On the plus side, the mic is so good, my burps are heard with crystal clarity!