Kensington USB Hi-Fi Headset with Built in Microphone, Stereo Sound, Adjustable Noise Cancelling Mic, Padded Professional Conference Call Standard for Work or Gaming, Black, K97601WW

The Kensington K97601WW is a wired USB stereo headset aimed squarely at the budget end of the market. It is not a gaming headset in any meaningful sense, despite what the listing suggests. It is a conference call and voice chat headset with a flexible noise-reducing boom microphone, padded earcups, and an inline volume control. The target user is someone working from home, sitting in on Teams calls, or needing a basic headset for Discord without spending more than a round of drinks.

At £17.99, this sits in a crowded bracket where the difference between a good buy and a waste of money is often just build quality and mic clarity. The Kensington holds its own on both counts, mostly. Sound output is acceptable for calls and light use, the mic does a reasonable job in quiet rooms, and setup is entirely plug-and-play. The caveats: the bass is thin, the plastic construction feels fragile, and anyone expecting hi-fi audio from a sub-£20 USB headset will be disappointed. Go in with the right expectations and it is a solid pick.

The stereo output is adequate for call audio and voice chat in games. Do not expect much from music playback. The low end is noticeably thin, and there is a slight harshness in the upper-mids that becomes fatiguing over long listening sessions. For a four-hour gaming session on Discord while playing something like a strategy game or an RPG, it is fine. For listening to music while you work, you will notice the limitations fairly quickly. The earcup padding is soft enough for extended wear, and the adjustable headband means it fits a range of head sizes without pressure points, which is a genuine plus at this price.

The inline control is functional but basic. The rotary volume dial works, the mute button is easy to find by feel, and the cable length is sensible for a desktop setup. Where the build quality shows its budget origins is in the overall feel of the plastic. The headband adjustment clicks into place but does not inspire confidence under repeated stress. Treat it carefully and it will last. If you are the sort of person who tosses their headset onto the desk at the end of the day, the joints may not thank you after six months.

• You want decent music playback or immersive gaming audio. The thin bass and limited fidelity will frustrate you.
• You are in a loud open-plan office or noisy environment. The mic reduces ambient noise but it is not a substitute for active noise cancellation hardware.
• You need something built to survive daily rough handling. The all-plastic construction has a limited tolerance for abuse.

If your primary need is a USB headset for calls and voice chat under £20 in the UK, the Kensington K97601WW is a sensible, low-risk choice. It will not disappoint you in the role it was actually designed for. Check the current price before buying, as it occasionally dips below its usual retail point, making it an even easier recommendation. You can find it on Amazon here: .