Gioteck gaming headsets are among the cheapest on the market, but is the company's latest affordable option worth investing in? We're here to help you answer that question.
To mark the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles, Gioteck has released some new versions of the TX-50 headset, with this popular item getting a fresh lick of paint to match your new console(s). There's a white and blue one to go with the PS5, and there's also a black and green variant for Xbox owners.
Gioteck sent us a review unit of the green and black Xbox version, so we tested it out with the Xbox Series X console to bring you this review. Keep on reading for our full thoughts...
Design - Score 70
There's no denying that the new colour scheme looks rad. Black and green are the colours that define the Xbox brand, and this headset captures that spirit nicely. If you're housing the monolithic Series X console in your home right now, this headset will look just right sat next to it on the shelf.
However, there are some elements of this headset design that didn't quite gel with this reviewer. For one thing, the diamond-shaped ear cups weren't particularly comfy for me, sitting somewhat awkwardly on my noggin. Perhaps my ears are too big, but it never quite felt like a perfect fit.
The cushioning on the cups feels like decent quality, but the plastic housing around the rest of the headset does feel a bit on the cheap side. But let us not forget that this is intended as a budget option, so we can't expect the world.
One thing that is nice to see, on such a cheap headset, is the adjustable microphone. That's a nice touch, and it looks brilliantly unimposing. All in all, it's a headset that looks decent, but might not be the ideal shape or style for more fussy gamers.
Performance - Score 85
Once you've gotten used to the way they fit (and this did take me a few minutes, because certain parts of my ears did feel a bit squished), there's very little to complain about regarding the quality of audio experience you're getting.
I tested a few different games, using this headset with my Xbox Series X, and everything sounded just fine. I even partook in one of my favourite pastimes - playing FIFA with the commentary off while listening to a podcast instead - and the headset did a marvellous job of portraying both of the audio feeds from the console, without even a hint of crackle or confusion.
The volume slider wheel on the cable worked fine, and the maximum volume was powerful enough for my needs. I was aware that there wasn't any noise-cancellation going on, but everything sounded crisp and clear nonetheless.
Of course, at this price point, there are some bells and whistles missing: there's no Bluetooth option, and there aren't complicated settings to fiddle around with. But since this is a highly affordable 'plug and play' sort of option, it does the job with minimal fuss. It's also worth noting that I used the headset for a couple of work calls on my laptop, too, and it worked just fine.
Price - Score 100
In the pricing arena, you'll find that the Gioteck TX-50 really is one of the best options out there if you don't want to break the bank.
Argos will currently sell you one of these
, which it really is hard to scoff at. For that price, a headset that looks decent and works a treat is a pretty good result for the customer.
Naturally, though, if you want something with a bit more pizazz, you'll want to look elsewhere. But if it's a 'cheap as chips' option that you're looking for, this one will do the job nicely.
Our Score
Pros
- Very low price
- Matches the console nicely
- Decent sound quality
Cons
- Not massively comfortable
- Lacks those high-end features
All in all, then, we'd recommend picking this up, especially if you're looking for a cheap headset that can live with your new console and do the simple things well.
If it's fancy thrills that you're after, keep on looking! There's plenty of choices out there, including high-end options from
,
and
which we've reviewed previously.
If it's all your budget can allow, though, there really is nothing wrong with the Gioteck TX-50. Get yourself over to
, pay that tiny price, and enjoy!