Cloud Stinger 2

Hi, I work in gaming peripheral product development (and specialize in audio). That budget is about half of what most decent entry-level products cost (if not a bit less) so your options are going to be extremely limited. I would not expect amazing build quality at that point (you should be able to get a year, assuming you're not abusive towards the product), but I would not expect something like a 5 year purchase. You can still get (discontinued) HyperX Cloud II's on Amazon or around $60. That really is about as good as it gets for budget gaming headsets (remember that this was a $100+ product at on point; I believe it's still the all-time best selling PC gaming headset). Sound and build quality are very good for the money.

You're welcome! The non-core should be fine. The Cloud II is absolutely a better headset in every way, especially build quality, but I understand that it's above your price range.

Thank you so much for your detailed reply I have decided to spend a tad more to get the HyperX cloud stinger 2 (non core) which seems to have better quality audio and a sturdier build compared to the core. I know this may not be your area of expertise but if you do happen to know do tell : I'm going to be buying the stinger 2 in India where I am currently residing. Soon I will be moving to the US and will be staying there. If there was a problem with the headphones in the US while under warranty, would I be able to replace them there or would that only be applicable in India. (unrelated but I also find IEMs to be mildly uncomfortable despite everyone online seemingly liking them lol) !thanks

They do work on mobile! (Obviously not if your mobile doesnt have a 3.5mm audio jack tho). I would say the sound quality and mic are good for the price, now I'll have to see how the headphones hold up against the test of time

Hi, I ended up getting the stinger(non core version) and it's pretty good for all my needs! One mild annoyance is that I hear static or smthing of the sort when theres audio playing but the audio in the actual video isn't loud enough if you get what I'm saying.  I can't really tell whether it's the headphones or my system but is there any fix for it or is it normal 

I have the cloud stinger 2 and im very happy with it. I think for the money you won't find any better headsets. Its really more than adequate.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. If you were in the states, I'd give you one for free, just cover shipping cost, but shipping to the EU probably wouldn't make it worth it to you.

Hence the suggestion of Hyperx, such as Cloud 2 or Stinger 2. Also Epos H3 could fit. That's as good as it can get in this budget. Decent sound is subjective, for many here anything gaming sounds not decent at all, therefore you will mostly see separate mic and headphone combo suggestions.

MMX300 is DT770 and MMX300 Pro is DT770 Pro - underneath. Reading all your questions and replies, firstly: make sure you tell him how much effort it took for you to do all this research. It's a lot to understand. Secondly: open backs like HD560, PC38x, MMX330, Tygr 300 all leak sound. If he is in a different room with closed door you won't hear a thing, but if it's next to you you will get annoyed. My wife does so I switched away from open backs even though they sound better. Assuming closed backs are better in this scenario, there are not many good options to choose from. Will try to give a little bit of guidance. Budget: the Hyperx Cloud 2(more bassy less detail) or 3(less bassy more detail) are actually okay all around options on the budget. Mid-tier: Audio Technica ATH-M50x - a very good all around option. Exciting V shaped sound with good detail and imaging(good for fps games). Favorites and daily drivers to many people. Mid-tier V2: DT770 Pro - they are the same MMX300 Pro but without the mic. They are good but the peaky treble may not be for everyone. Excellent at gaming and treble is fine for me personally. Upper mid-tier: Fractal Scape - no idea about them too much, but reviews suggest they are very good gaming headphones good for many applications Upper mid-tier V2: DT700 Pro X - newer side model not to be confused with DT770 Pro X although similar. It has removable cable, updated drivers and the treble is less making them less harsh for those who are sensitive to DT770. He will be more or less happy with any of these. I have excluded Fiio JT1 and FT1 from the list because they suck at imaging hence not very good for fps gaming.

Hence the suggestion of Hyperx, such as Cloud 2 or Stinger 2. Also Epos H3 could fit. That's as good as it can get in this budget. Decent sound is subjective, for many here anything gaming sounds not decent at all, therefore you will mostly see separate mic and headphone combo suggestions.