The headset I'm using is slowly dying, so I'm curious what people are using for VATSIM? Something economical. Seems like when I search for "gaming headsets" I either get $300 ones, or $20 ones. Surely there's something in between that's worthwhile?

Yeah, prices have sky-rocketed with COVID and are still higher.

For VATSIM a simple cheap one will do when you are in a quiet environment.

What I always look out for is an USB connection rather than an audio cable because even very cheap ones will have an integrated soundcard circuitry matching the specific microphone - and in my experience that always leads to better voice.

I currently use a simple Jabra Evolve 20 MS and am very happy with it.

For very good, nice sounding voice (for video conferencing) I like Logitech. But unfortunately the 2 or 3 of the H390 series that I had all had problems with the plastics after some years.

This is what I use.    https://shokz.com/products/opencomm2-uc?currency=USD&variant=42737616027848&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&stkn=52f5b22d6119&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImC7rgVkJaCrTb1Y28Py9g20YekV2epN1i9LVplJ9hNa_HXmoxIgQxRoCmeEQAvD_BwE