IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic Review: The Budget Champion for Cross-Platform Gaming?

In our years of testing gaming peripherals, we’ve seen a common struggle play out time and time again. You’ve just invested in a new console or upgraded your PC, and now you’re staring at a mountain of high-priced accessories. You need a headset for late-night gaming sessions and clear communication with your squad, but the thought of spending another hundred pounds or more makes your wallet ache. The market is flooded with two extremes: ultra-premium headsets with features you might never use, and bargain-bin options that feel cheap, sound tinny, and have microphones that make you sound like you’re broadcasting from the bottom of a well. This frustrating search for a reliable, comfortable, and affordable headset that works across all your devices is a journey many gamers know all too well. It’s not just about hearing the game; it’s about immersion, teamwork, and finding a product that delivers real value without compromise.

What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Headset

A gaming headset is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a truly immersive and collaborative gaming experience. It’s the bridge between you and your virtual world, delivering explosive soundscapes and allowing for crystal-clear strategic communication with teammates. The primary benefit is twofold: audio immersion pulls you deeper into the game by highlighting subtle cues like enemy footsteps or distant gunfire, while a quality microphone ensures your voice is heard clearly, which is non-negotiable in competitive online multiplayer games. Beyond gaming, it’s a versatile tool for work-from-home video calls, online classes, or simply listening to music without disturbing others.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of finding a single, affordable audio solution that works seamlessly across multiple platforms like a PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This includes casual gamers, parents looking for a durable and budget-friendly headset for their kids, or even remote workers needing a reliable headset for daily calls. However, a wired, budget-focused headset like this might not be suitable for those who demand the absolute pinnacle of audio fidelity, such as audiophiles or professional esports athletes who require tournament-grade equipment. It’s also not for gamers who prioritize a wire-free setup and are willing to invest significantly more for the convenience of a high-performance wireless connection.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Comfort: A headset is worn for hours at a time, making comfort paramount. Look for an over-ear design, which encloses the entire ear to provide passive noise isolation and prevent pressure on the earlobes. Key features to check are the quality of the ear cushion material (e.g., memory foam, PU leather), the weight of the headset, and the flexibility of the headband to ensure a snug but not overly tight fit for your specific head size.
• Audio & Microphone Performance: The heart of a gaming headset is its sound. Driver size, measured in millimeters (with 50mm being excellent for richer bass), and frequency response are key technical specs. For the microphone, look for features like noise cancellation or isolation, which help filter out background noise, and an omni-directional pickup pattern, which captures your voice from multiple angles. The ability to easily mute the mic is also a critical feature for in-game convenience.
• Materials & Durability: Gaming can be intense, and peripherals need to withstand some wear and tear. Headsets are often made from plastics like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), which is lightweight and cost-effective. More premium models may incorporate metal into the headband for added rigidity. Pay close attention to the cable; a braided, tangle-free cable is far more durable and less prone to fraying than a standard rubber-coated one.
• Connectivity & Compatibility: Ensure the headset is compatible with all your devices. A 3.5mm jack is the universal standard, offering plug-and-play simplicity across PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. For PC users, check if the headset includes a Y-splitter cable, which is necessary to connect to separate headphone and microphone ports. Also, consider cable length—a longer cable (around 6.5 ft) provides more freedom of movement.

Keeping these factors in mind, the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic stands out in several areas, particularly for its broad compatibility and comfort-focused design. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the wired simplicity of the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic is a major draw for many, we understand the appeal of cutting the cord. For a broader look at top-tier wireless audio solutions, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic

The IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic arrived in a straightforward, branded box that gets right to the point. Inside, the headset was securely nested, accompanied by a user manual and the crucial 1-in-2 3.5mm Y-splitter cable for PC connection. Our first impression upon lifting the headset was its remarkable lightness. Weighing in at just 0.77 pounds, it immediately felt less cumbersome than many of its bulkier, more expensive counterparts. The vibrant blue accents on the ABS plastic frame give it a distinct “gamer” aesthetic without being overly aggressive. The earcups are large and generously padded with a soft, skin-friendly material that felt promising for long-term comfort. The 6.5 ft braided cable was another highlight—it felt tough, durable, and resistant to the frustrating tangles that plague lesser quality headsets. The microphone arm rotates smoothly with a satisfying click, allowing it to be positioned perfectly or moved out of the way entirely. For a product in the budget category, the initial look and feel suggested a thoughtful design focused on core functionality and user comfort.

Deep Dive: Putting the IMYB A36 Through Its Paces

A headset’s true character is only revealed after hours of intense gameplay, chaotic team chats, and marathon sessions. We put the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic to the test across a variety of platforms and genres to see if its performance lives up to its promising first impression. We focused on the three pillars of any great gaming headset: audio fidelity, microphone clarity, and long-haul comfort.

Audio Performance: Immersive Sound on a Budget

Let’s be clear: a budget headset is not going to compete with an audiophile-grade set costing ten times as much. The real question is whether it can deliver an immersive and competitively viable audio experience for its price, and here, the IMYB A36 punches well above its weight. The heart of its audio performance lies in the 50mm neodymium magnet drivers. In our testing on PC with games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty, the stereo soundscape was surprisingly detailed. We could clearly distinguish the direction of enemy footsteps and the subtle audio cues that signal an impending threat. The headset provides a good sense of spatial awareness, which is critical in fast-paced shooters.

Moving to more atmospheric titles like The Witcher 3 on the PS5, the headset did a commendable job of reproducing the rich environmental sounds and sweeping orchestral score. The bass is present and impactful without being muddy or overpowering, giving explosions and deep rumbles a satisfying weight. As one user noted, the trebles are clear, although we agree that the very top end could be a bit crisper. However, for a sub-£20 headset, the overall sound profile is balanced and engaging. The over-ear design also provides effective passive noise isolation. While it won’t block out a nearby conversation completely, it successfully muted the hum of our computer fans and other low-level background distractions, allowing us to stay focused on the game. This performance confirms what many users have found: the sound quality is genuinely impressive and more than sufficient for casual and even serious gamers.

Communication is Key: The Microphone Experience

A headset’s microphone can make or break an online gaming experience. A poor mic can lead to frustration, miscommunication, and a disadvantage for your entire team. We were cautiously optimistic about the IMYB A36’s integrated omni-directional microphone, and we’re happy to report that it exceeded our expectations. Across hours of Discord calls and in-game chat on both PC and Xbox, our teammates reported our voice came through consistently clear and natural. The premium noise-isolating function, while not on par with high-end dedicated microphones, does an admirable job of focusing on the user’s voice and minimizing ambient noise like keyboard clicks or background chatter.

The physical design of the microphone is also well-executed. It’s flexible, allowing for precise positioning, but rigid enough to stay in place once you’ve found the sweet spot. When you don’t need it, it easily flips up and out of the way, a feature many users praised for its convenience. The in-line controls on the braided cable are a fantastic touch, featuring a simple rotary volume wheel and a dedicated microphone mute switch. This on-the-fly control is invaluable during gameplay, as you can instantly mute yourself without having to navigate through software menus. The plug-and-play nature meant we never had to fuss with drivers; it just worked. For gamers who prioritize clear, hassle-free communication, the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic delivers reliable performance that belies its budget price tag. You can get a closer look at its design and features on its product page.

Design, Comfort, and the RGB Quirk

Comfort is subjective, but for the majority of users, the IMYB A36 seems to hit a home run. We found this to be true in our extended testing. Wearing the headset for a four-hour gaming session, we experienced no significant discomfort, ear fatigue, or excessive clamping force. This is a direct result of its lightweight construction, the soft, breathable ear cushions, and the generously padded headband. The headset rests gently over the ears rather than pressing down on them, which is the key to all-day comfort. This experience aligns with numerous user reports praising its wearability for both gaming and work calls.

However, it’s crucial to address a valid criticism raised by at least one user. The earcups on the IMYB A36 are fixed to the headband and do not pivot. For us, and seemingly for most, the angle was perfect. But for someone with a particularly wide head, this fixed design could cause uneven pressure, with the bottom of the earcup pressing more firmly below the ear than the top. This is a design trade-off common in budget headsets and is a critical point to consider if you’ve had issues with headset fit in the past. Aesthetically, the blue model is stylish, and the RGB lighting on the earcups adds a cool, modern flair. But there’s a catch, as highlighted by several users: the RGB lights are powered via USB and require a separate connection. For PC users with ample ports, this is a minor issue. For console gamers using a PS5 or Switch, finding a nearby USB port to power the lights while the 3.5mm jack is plugged into the controller or console can be awkward, if not impossible. It’s a slight design oversight in an otherwise well-thought-out product.

Built to Last? Durability and Connectivity

At this price point, durability is always a primary concern. The IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic is constructed primarily from ABS plastic. While this contributes to its comfortable, lightweight feel, it doesn’t have the premium, indestructible feel of a headset with a steel or aluminum frame. That said, the plastic is flexible and seems resilient enough to handle everyday use and the occasional accidental drop. The real star of its construction is the 6.5-foot, high-tensile-strength braided cable. It feels robust, resists tangling, and is a significant upgrade over the flimsy rubber cables often found on budget peripherals. The in-line control unit is solid, and the volume wheel and mute switch feel responsive.

It is important, however, to address the reports from a small number of users who experienced product failure after five to six months, specifically citing issues with the 3.5mm jack or the wire fraying. While our own testing revealed no such issues, and the vast majority of feedback is positive, this suggests that long-term durability may be a potential risk. This is not uncommon in the budget electronics space; quality control can sometimes vary. We see it as a calculated risk. For the price, you’re getting performance that rivals much more expensive headsets, but you may be sacrificing the long-term-reliability guarantee that comes with a premium brand. The included 1-year warranty offers some peace of mind, but it’s a factor to weigh in your purchasing decision.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we dug into a wide range of user feedback to see how our experience compared to the broader community. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most users hailing the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic as an exceptional value. Many, like one user who uses it daily for work and gaming, praise its “clear and balanced” sound and effective microphone, stating it “hasn’t let me down.” The sentiment is frequently echoed by parents buying it for their children, who report their kids find it comfortable, easy to use, and love the sound quality. One impressed buyer noted, “The padded cushion to the earbuds works great and it makes it comfortable to use for long period of time… I just opened it and start using as it is plug and play.”

However, no product is perfect, and the negative feedback provides crucial context. The most significant issue appears to be long-term durability. A couple of users reported catastrophic failures after about six months, with one stating, “The audio cable with the 3.5mm jack started failing… now there’s no sound at all.” Another user brought up the specific comfort issue we also identified, explaining that the fixed earcups pressed uncomfortably on their head. These critiques, while in the minority, highlight the potential trade-offs of a budget-friendly headset: a risk of shorter lifespan and a one-size-fits-most design that may not work for everyone.

How Does the IMYB A36 Compare to the Alternatives?

The IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic excels in the budget category, but how does it stack up against competitors at different price points and with different feature sets? We looked at three popular alternatives to help you decide if the IMYB A36 is the right choice for your needs.

1. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset 300-hour battery

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless represents the next tier up for serious PC gamers. Its biggest selling points are its massive 300-hour battery life and the freedom of a wireless connection. It also boasts premium features like DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio for more precise sound positioning and a more durable aluminum frame. If your budget is flexible, you primarily game on PC, and you absolutely want to eliminate wires without sacrificing performance, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is a superior product. However, it comes at a significantly higher price and lacks the universal 3.5mm plug-and-play compatibility of the IMYB A36.

2. Ozeino Stereo Gaming Headset

The Ozeino Stereo Gaming Headset is a direct competitor to the IMYB A36, operating in the same budget-friendly, multi-platform space. It offers a similar feature set, including stereo surround sound, RGB lighting, and an adjustable microphone. Choosing between the Ozeino and the IMYB A36 will likely come down to minor design preferences, current pricing, and specific user reviews. The Ozeino is a strong alternative for someone looking for the exact same type of product as the IMYB A36 but wanting to compare against a similar rival before making a final decision.

3. Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Wireless RGB Headset

The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT occupies a completely different niche. This headset is all about style and self-expression, geared primarily towards streamers and gamers who want a unique aesthetic. It’s a wireless Bluetooth headset, offering great convenience for use with PCs, mobile devices, and the Nintendo Switch, but Bluetooth connectivity can introduce latency not ideal for competitive gaming. While its audio is solid, you are paying a premium for the iconic Razer brand, the customizable RGB kitty ears, and the wireless functionality. This is the choice for the style-conscious gamer, whereas the IMYB A36 is the pragmatic choice for pure, affordable gaming performance.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic is a phenomenal entry-level option that offers incredible value for money. It nails the essentials with commendable audio quality, a surprisingly clear microphone, and a lightweight, comfortable design that holds up over long gaming sessions. Its universal plug-and-play compatibility makes it a wonderfully versatile choice for anyone who games across multiple platforms. It is the perfect headset for casual gamers, younger players, or anyone who needs a reliable, no-fuss audio solution without breaking the bank.

Of course, it’s not without its flaws. The budget price tag comes with potential long-term durability concerns, and the fixed earcup design may not suit every head shape. But these are reasonable compromises for the level of performance delivered. If you are looking for a headset that gets the job done well, sounds great, and keeps your wallet happy, we can recommend it without hesitation.

If you’ve decided the IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Mic is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.