Xbox Headset Communicator Reviews

• You'll likely need to replace this headset...

  
  By AA7ITQ2TACYBK on 2004-08-14
  The headset that comes with this has one critical flaw where any slightly more than normal pressure will cause it to physically crack redering the headset useless. You need the expansion adaptor to use voice chat of XBox Live, but once this headset breaks you can go buy a generic headset. You can use any of the ones available for telephones with a 2.5mm jack just fine and they are usually more durable as well as often more comfortable!
  
  

• A MUST FOR ANY XBOX OWNER.

  
  By ATHTG2Z6YKRJX on 2003-12-08
  The xbox communicator is needed to use the xbox live, due to the fact that with it you can give verbal comands to your teamates, talk to everyone in general, and even mute those who annoy you. Plus you can also use it on other games like tom clancy's rainbow six 3, in which you can use the xbox communicator to give verbal commands to your teamates. Also if a friend of yours is in california and you are in new york, and you both go live on the same game, then you can talk to him/her directly on the xbox communicator,HELLO FREE LONG DICSTANCE. Also if you want to be kept anonymous or if you have pnemonia and want no one to hear your voice, you can disguise your voice as a robot, a little boy, a low voice, and with some clever programming the voice of darth vader.
  
  

• Using XBox Live? This is a must-have accessory

  
  By A423XLYS1Q1D6 on 2004-03-18
  Ok. It may seem silly to write a review of a gaming headset, but I have reasons for doing so. Granted, there are cheaper off-brand headsets available for the XBox (the Headcom, for example). Don't get them. They are, to a one, flimsy and easily broken. The only headset worth getting is this one. It's far more durable, with better reception than the knock-offs. With it, you can discuss strategy, trade tips, or just talk trash with other people on XBox live. When playing team-oriented games--Rainbow Six, for example--this is a necessity.
  
  

• Best there is!!!

  
  By A2RMR7P0FQRXXS on 2004-11-07
  If you have an Xbox, you have to have Xbox Live. If you have Xbox Live, you have to have this headset. It really is that simple. Playing against other gamers is one thing, but being able to chat with them in real time really does bring gaming to the next level. It is an experence on its own.

  As for durability, I will admit they can break. I had mine for about a year before it finally cracked. But the internal hardware works fine, the only thing that breaks is the clip. You can easily tape it back on with electrical tape and you'll never know it was broken.

  PS: DO NOT get a cheap no name headset. They almost always cause interference.

  PPS: Amazon.ca has them on for the best price in Canada
  
  

• Caution: FRAGILE

  
  By A2ABI4J3IWICRS on 2004-09-18
  I've owned three of these since XBox LIVE launched two years ago and all of them have broken. I feel the need to write this because my newest one just broke. The piece of plastic that holds the microphone/ear piece onto the headband is no bigger than my fingernail. I have a buddy, too, who has had two of his break in the same eay. Plus, the the mic on the second one I bought shorted-out or something and doesn't work.

  I urge you all to buy a 3rd-party headset. Some aren't licensed for XBox but they will work, and aren't designed to break. Some are licensed for Halo 2, but are even more expensive. So shop around, I'm sure whatever you choose will be at least better than this scam.

  ( Just some more help in finding an alternative: if you already have a broken headset, like most of use do, then just buy a microphone/head-phone that is made for phones. Make sure the plug is the same size as your XBox one. But if you don't have the piecce that plugs into the memory card slot, then you will need to get one. I think there are third-party ones, so shop around or order one from some place online. I haven't seen any on Amazon. Hope this helps! )
  
  

• Piece O'Crap
  By A29EIB5532ZC73 on 2004-07-12
  I'm starting to get really pissed off with these damn headsets. They have a neat design and everything but man they suck! The first one's little clip thingy broke so then I went out and bought another. That one worked fine for about 3 months then started shorting out on me. I have to turn the part that connects into the controller receiver to the exact spot to get it to work. It then got so bad that I had to use 2 hands at all times to just talk to someone (holding the cable a certain way and pressing it firmly into the receiver). I then decided enough and switched back to my broken one. With some tape it looked, almost as good as new. It worked for about a week then the same problem began occuring. The POS started shorting out and wouldn't wouldn't work with out some force applied onto it. It is so bad now that I can't even communicate to my friends in a game. I am forced to go out and spend 30 more dollars on another one of these pieces of crap now, since the other cheapass headsets make you sound retarded on Live. I guess I should get used to buying a new headsest every few months at this rate. I mean come on, if I'm gonna spend 30 bucks on your stupid product, at least make it worth it.....

  *Sigh*...All done ranting...
  
  

• BREAKS TOO EASILY
  By A1GABZ2QXJ3UHS on 2004-09-12
  Man, online with people is cool. You need to for Rainbox Six, but, this unit breaks sooo fast and easily. The little part where you snap it the microphone onto the headset is very, very, very fragile. If you snap it, which you will, i suggest using superglue to put it back on. Even this won't keep it together for to long though. The makes of this product, X Box obviously, need to DEFINITELY go back to the drawing board. It's just way too weak. Too bad the cheaper stuff stinks with the sound.
  
  
• Definetly NOT worth $30.00.
  By A79JZBGG8BTLQ on 2005-08-24
  Okay, well first off this product was very cheaply manufactured. So unless you're extremely careful it'll most likely brake on you. Another thing I noticed is that whenever I play online I always get 'dude, your mic is lagging' or 'fix your headset' from my fellow online gamers. Then I have to unplugg it and blow on it for it to work better. In my opinion you're better off buying a third-party headset because the XBox one is very cheaply manufactured. Definetly NOT worth $30.00.
  
  
• Fragile
  By A1ODPDSVWLQ3HX on 2005-03-29
  The clip that attaches the earpiece to the headband just broke on mine after dropping it on the carpet...Same thing happened to a family members. Sure, it's stylish, but go with an alternative.
  
  
• very good product
  By on 2004-06-30
  This works very well. It sends and receives sound well, but does have a problem breaking in one weak area. If your careful there should be no problem.
  
  
• DON'T BREAK IT!
  By AB5VJ063BOQK3 on 2006-02-02
  This is a really good mic, just that if you and try and take it off quickly a little piece of plastic will snap, there for ruining any way to repair it other than ghetto tape or glue(the glue might get in your hair) so...if you can properly take care of it, buy it, but i broke it 2 weeks in..
  
  
• Broken 3 of them...Uncomdortable
  By A2UJOY91PMW4L7 on 2005-03-27
  It does function well, however, I have broken 3 of these things. Replacement options have been limited in the past, but there are now more options available and I will replace my 3rd one with a 3rd party option (I'm thinking of going wireless).
  
  Additionally, I do not like the fact that I can not lean back in my chair because of the behind the head band on this unit.
  
  
  
  
• Acceptable
  By A3BU9JGHFHLVTX on 2004-12-17
  Great sound quality. Microphone is very smooth and adjustable. At first you can't even really feel it, but after an hour or two of gameplay it get's a little uncomfortable around the ear. I have a big head and it fits a little tight so that's probably why. Be gentle so as not to crack the ear piece connector. If you have no headset, you have to get this one first anyway because it is the only headset-set that comes with the device that plugs into your controller as far as I know.
  
  
• Original headset from Microsoft - not Chinese knockoff.
  By A2SX82K4CYWA2B on 2010-08-30
  I was looking to replace my broken Xbox 360 headset which lasted me quite a while to be honest.
  
  I wanted to order a new headset online as I was sure I could save money compared to in-store prices. I looked around and found this set for a total of about $7. After looking at the volume control (attachment) I realized this headset was for the original Xbox and not the Xbox 360. When buying, I was looking quickly and just saw the seller as Microsoft and a genuine Microsoft product....didn't even realize they still had original, first Xbox merchandise for sale.
  
  Anyways, I left the volume attachment in the bag and plugged in the wire directly into the Xbox 360 controller. It worked. Even though I can't control the volume any longer (since the headset is for the first Xbox and the attachment doesn't fit), the sound seems clear and just right.
  
  Can't control the volume on the headset, but it works great with the Xbox 360. No need to return it, specially for the price.
  
  
• headset breaks very easily
  By AKCTPBCIWF27R on 2009-09-02
  After one month the headset broke at the earpiece. Used scotch tape to accomplish a quick repair, will try superglue next. This is clearly a manufacturing/design/material defect. Other than that it works fine.
  
  
• Solid headset, and quite comfortable
  By A7PVHXFNJVA6F on 2007-12-18
  I'm usually skeptic about voice accessories for game consoles. They have a reputation of being overly styled, cumbersome and just uncomfortable. Several products--including the original Xbox Headset with Communicator--lived up to these expectations with depressing regularity.
  
  Even the so-called "elite" headsets, like Xbox Plantronics Gamecon Halo 2 Headset Communicator, don't really do it for me. I don't know about you, but I can't really stand anything that goes into the ear. (ick!)
  
  I had given up on mainstream voice hardware, but then I saw this model Xbox Headset with Communicator and decided to give it a try. The price is reasonable enough to justify a trial use.
  
  To my amazement, it's incredibly comfortable. The microphone is actually shrouded in foam (to muffle those staccato P's and T's when speaking in the heat of battle) and the behind-the-neck design is no more uncomfortable than a heavy-duty pair of sunglasses. (just don't try to lean back in your chair)
  
  As an insightful bit of design, the neck-piece is a masterpiece. Each side has a soft-rubber strip that gently rests on the backs of the ears. The neck-band is rigid and comfortably grasps the sides of the head. These two features combined make this headgear on-par with my studio-quality stereo headphones in terms of comfort.
  
  The controller adapter is standard Microsoft specifications and features a 'mute' button right on the front, so you can easily talk to someone in the room as you would to someone online. Volume control is on the top and just as accessible.
  
  Add to these the ability to switch the earpiece and boom (detachable) to the left or the right of the neck-band, and you have a solid performer. Looks cool, too... it has the 'old-school' charm of the original Xbox, but in a headset that's also compatible with the Xbox 360; A good find!
  
  
• Xbox Headset
  By A2WTX9TIHGBK5T on 2007-11-14
  This product is good for a while until the connecter breaks and then some people go out and buy another headset and other people use glue and tape, but all i do is take the communicater part that broke off and slide it under the left ear (the actual thing that goes around your head) and then snap it back in place. Yea, it doesn't stay on your head great, but it does work and thats the way I use it. The only thing that I found that I dont like is that the communicater goes bad after a while. First I have to adjust the cord just right and then after a month of that, it doesn't work anymore. This is a good headset for about 6 months till the connection finally breaks
  
  
• Breaks easily
  By A3UGBAPMONN6SH on 2007-10-17
  The headset broke in the same day my son received it. So I remember reading on here, that this may happen and to just purchase a good headset to go with the communicator, so we did. Bought a headset at Radio Shack, put them together and he was in business. So, half the product is great, the other half breaks like glass. Purchase only for the communicator.
  
  
• have to buy a new mic tommorrow
  By A2GRQ6I971MK1J on 2007-06-02
  ok...i have had this mic for 1 and a half years....after about 6 months the part that holds the mic and headset detached....yes it was an easy fix with cement glue and tape but still....ok and now you cant hear out of the earpiece so i have to keep it speakers but my mic still works....i dont highly reccommend it but its ok...just be careful with it
  
  
• X-box Communicator
  By A1ISWZTQ3ESCCY on 2006-03-13
  The headset is the X-Box standard. I didn't expect much from this product but did need a 2nd pair overal. Playing FarCry on system link is definately better with a headset. The (Halo 2) by Plantronics headset I have is much better. I got it on sale in toys R Us (...). This one was for my roomate and he didnt care what kind of headset he had. My roommate seems to like it but likes my Plantronics better.
  
  
• This is a pretty good until the piece of plastic breaks making it junk!!
  By on 2005-06-29
  First, I take very good care of all my XBOX equipment
  Second, Although I had no problem with it for nearly 4 months the INFAMOUS PIECE OF PLASTIC finally broke.
  Third, Honestly, it's not worth $30 dollars to have this break so quickly.
  Fourth, I have not tried any other XBOX headsets but I certainly will.
  
  
• it's crap
  By A2FLH2JOMIZ1JP on 2005-04-10
  i read a review of 1 guy having 3 broken ones. about a week ago i broke my third headset... i was so disgusted. I took good care of it, but the little plastic piece that everyone talks about finally broke. Everything about this headset is perfect except for 2 things. 1: some of the headsets have weak hold on where the microphone holds up. This means every time you put on this headset you might have to adjust it... and it's annoying because it's a loose adjust. 2: The infamous piece of plastic that everyone who has a broken headset knows about. It's a console headset yet they make it like it's on your computer desktop. Screw you, microsoft! 30 dollars for this piece of junk. I had to put a screw in my other 2 headsets now they work great.
  
  If you get this headset, take good care of it. Leave it in the SAME SPOT every single time you put down your controller. That's the only way you're going to keep it alive for more than a year. Know where it is at all times.
  
  
• Great
  By A2KORIB6MBKY7Y on 2005-06-02
  I have had mine for four months and nothing has gone wrong. All my friends have complained about their head sets from other companies, but this one works really well.
  
  
• Worthless piece of junk
  By AK7E4OHQ0I0DA on 2005-05-14
  I only got about four hours of use out of the headset before the plastic piece that holds the earphone on it broke. This thing is a piece of garbage.
  
  If you need a headset for Live do yourself a favor and don't buy Microsoft's. If you're just getting onto X-Box Live you'll be better off buying seperate a subscription card and a third party headset than buying the X-Box Live starter kit.
  
  
• Nice Headset, but needs improvement
  By A3QMNIOGGPM9YC on 2005-05-10
  Well, this headset looks cool, but really, it's very cheap. Mine has not broken yet, but it is on the verge of breaking. As everyone else said, these are very fragile, and uncomfortable. The plastic is very flimsy. Sound quality is good, and it has a sound control too, so if someone is screaming, and you can't mute them at the moment, you can turn your volume down until you can mute him. The headset comes in three pieces, the microphone and speaker, headgear, and Headset to controller connecter (which looks sort of like a memory card). I would recommend you buy the Plantronics GameCon Halo 2 headset over this one, because it is more comfortable, and bit more durable. It surpasses this headset by far.
  
  

• Official Xbox Magazine [with DVD] (1-year)
• Tips & Tricks Magazine

• Silver-Plated HDTV High-Definition TV Component Cable for Xbox
• Xbox DVD Movie Playback Kit
• Halo 2
• Xbox Controller S-Black
• Xbox Memory Unit