The crowded gaming headset market just got a little livelier with the release of two new models from AOC, a well-known name in gaming monitors; AOC's first headsets, the GH200 and GH300, stand out as two of the more affordable options on the market.

As such, both models fall into the budget category. The higher-end GH300, at £49, is positioned as the "deluxe" option of the two models, featuring 7.1 virtual surround sound on PC, a USB connector, and RGB lighting.

The GH200, on the other hand, costs 39 pounds and plays stereo sound via a 3.5mm connector. It also comes with a Y-splitter, allowing the user to separate the microphone and headphone outputs as needed. This model does not have RGB lighting (or lighting).

We have not yet worn either headset, but from the press images provided, they certainly look comfortable enough, especially at their respective price points. Each model features an adjustable steel slider headband (padded), which AOC says is "guaranteed to fit" regardless of head size or whether you wear a hat or glasses. The GH200 weighs 326.5 grams (~0.7 pounds) and the GH300 363.5 grams (~0.8 pounds).

Being a couple of cheap headphones, it is not surprising that AOC chose faux leather for the ear cups. Memory foam padding under the ear cups and metal mesh covers on the sides.

Although the two models differ in function, the GH200 and GH300 each output audio from large 50mm neodymium magnet drivers. These drivers have a sensitivity of 100 ± 3 dB (at 1 KH 1 mW), a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 KHz, and a maximum power rating of 50 mW (rated at 15 mW).

Each headset also has an in-line remote control and a detachable boom microphone.

"The omni-directional boom microphone can be optimally adjusted for comfort and audio levels. With a frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz, which corresponds to the human voice, they filter out noise at very low and very high frequencies, resulting in clear voice and speech quality," AOC states. [In general, we have never been very impressed with the quality of a headset's microphone. The best mics for streaming and gaming generally tend to be standalones like the Shure MV7 or Blue Yeti X. As such, expectations here are modest. However, given the cheap pricing, AOC could be forgiven if these headset mics don't live up to the hype (we'd be happy if they were serviceable). Nevertheless, we'll see.

The GH200 and GH300 will be available in the UK starting in May. We have contacted AOC to inquire about availability and pricing in the US (they are only listed on their UK website for the time being) and will update this article as soon as we hear back.