boAt Immortal IM-700 Review: Best Bass Gaming Headset Under ₹2,000?
The boAt Immortal IM-700 is one of those products that shouldn't work on paper. It's a ₹1,799 gaming headset from an Indian brand known for budget earbuds — not exactly the pedigree you'd expect for serious gaming gear.
But after using it daily for a month, I can tell you this: the IM-700 is the best bass-heavy gaming headset you can buy under ₹2,000. Period.
What Makes the IM-700 Special?
There's one word: bass. If you've ever used a gaming headset that sounded tinny and flat — where explosions felt like someone tapping a desk — the IM-700 is the antidote. boAt tuned this headset with their signature bass-heavy sound profile, and for gaming, it actually works.
Explosions in Call of Duty feel impactful. Engine sounds in racing games feel real. The opening note of a PUBG match feels cinematic. If you game for immersion rather than competitive advantage, this is your headset.
The Good
Bass that you can feel. The 40mm drivers with boAt's bass boost deliver low frequencies that most budget headsets can only dream of. It's not subtle — it's a warm, enveloping bass that makes single-player games feel premium.
IPX4 sweat resistance. This is unique. No other gaming headset in this price range has an IP rating. It means you can game in humid Indian weather without worrying about sweat damaging the electronics.
7 RGB color modes. You get 7 different RGB lighting modes, which is more than most competitors offer. You can match your RGB to your setup or your mood.
Detachable microphone. At ₹1,799, a detachable mic is rare. It means you can use the IM-700 as regular headphones for music when you're not gaming — just unplug the mic.
boAt brand trust. boAt has service centers across India. If something goes wrong, you can actually get it fixed — unlike Chinese brands where you're on your own.
The Bad
The bass muddies mids and highs. This is the trade-off. While the bass is fantastic for immersion, it comes at the cost of mid-range clarity. Dialogue in games can sound muffled. If you play competitive CS2 or Valorant where hearing footsteps is critical, the IM-700 is not your best choice.
No virtual surround sound. Despite what the box might imply, there's no 7.1 or even stereo widening software. You're getting stereo sound — period.
USB is for RGB only. The headset connects via 3.5mm for audio and USB for RGB power. This means the USB cable dangles from your headset even if you don't care about the lights — annoying.
Heavy at 340g. Compared to the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 at 272g, the IM-700 is noticeably heavier. After 3-4 hours of gaming, you'll feel the weight on your neck.
Sound Quality: The Honest Breakdown
I tested the IM-700 across different games and music:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III — Explosions and gunfire feel incredible. The bass gives every shot weight and impact. But I struggled to hear enemy footsteps during quiet moments — the bass overshadows subtle audio cues. 7/10
Valorant — Not recommended. Competitive FPS games require crystal-clear mids to hear footsteps and reloads. The IM-700's bass overwhelms these critical audio cues. 4/10
GTA V — Perfect. The cinematic soundtrack, explosions, and engine sounds all benefit from the bass-heavy tuning. Single-player immersion is where this headset shines. 9/10
Music (Spotify) — Surprisingly good for EDM, hip-hop, and Bollywood. Not great for acoustic, classical, or podcasts where vocal clarity matters. 7/10
Microphone quality — Acceptable for gaming comms, not for streaming or podcasting. Your Discord friends will hear you clearly, but it's not stream-worthy. 6/10
Who Should Buy the IM-700?
Buy it if:
- You play single-player games and want immersive audio
- You love bass-heavy sound (EDM, hip-hop, Bollywood)
- You want RGB with multiple modes
- You want a detachable mic for dual use (gaming + music)
- You're in India and value brand warranty support
Skip it if:
- You play competitive FPS (CS2, Valorant) where hearing footsteps matters
- You want virtual 7.1 surround sound
- You prefer balanced, neutral audio
- You want the lightest headset possible
The Verdict
The boAt Immortal IM-700 is a 7/10 gaming headset that earns an extra point for its price. At ₹1,799, the bass quality, IPX4 rating, and detachable mic make it a fantastic value — as long as you're not playing competitive shooters.
For immersion-focused gamers who love bass, this is the best budget headset in India. For competitive gamers, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 at ₹3,999 is worth the extra money.