MSI GH61 Gaming Headset & HS01 Stand Review

How Much Does it Cost?

I’m not 100% sure what this headset is supposed to cost, as the range of prices at some retailers can be £75, while another will charge £120. I think the right price is £84.99 though, that seems to fit my expectations of it, and if you can find it a little lower than that, then you’re seriously winning.

The HS01 Combo is just £44.52, which I think is fair given the aluminium construction, it looks great, and it’s functional. Of course, it also includes an RGB light and Qi charger. Want it without the charger and light? You can grab this version for just £29.

Overview

MSI has been pretty brave with this headset, really cramming in a lot of features for such a low price. I’m not saying the headset is cheap, but it’s very competitively priced. Most of these features and this level of acoustic performance would typically be found on a £150-200 headset.

I think it doesn’t quite feel like a flagship headset. It doesn’t have the weight and materials I would expect. I’m politely saying it has a lot of fairly normal plastics on it really. They’re not bad, actually, they’re what anyone would expect on a sub £100 headset. But therein lies the question, where is MSI making money on this?

The only minor faults I can find are there’s a slight squeak on the left ear cup adjustment, but that’s not an issue while wearing it. The cable braiding is a bit hard-wearing too and can rasp against its self… so nothing major really.

They’ve equipped it with a USB soundcard that can do Hi-Res audio through those lovely Onkyo drivers, which are seriously impressive. The Nahimic software works well too, giving you some decent surround processing for your movies and games.

Oh but wait, you also get loads of ergonomics features, such as the metal interior on the headband, slide locking adjustment, rotating ear cups, pivot mounts, and even that on-cable controller has a sturdy clip.

Of course, I’m nearly forgetting the second set of ear cups, and all that lovely padding that came in the hard case. Wait a moment, this headset, all that audio hardware, ergonomics, controller, ear cups, hard case… AND the noise-cancelling microphone, phew! How on Earth is MSI making a profit on this?

Great acoustic performance, comfortable ergonomics and a level of features you at half the price you would expect. Very impressive.