If you’re searching for an affordable gaming headset, you might be tricked into thinking you’ll have to sacrifice sound quality or durability, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our top pick, the Razer BlackShark V2 X, is sleek, stylish, and offers solid audio performance, and we’ve found eight others sure to deliver an enjoyable gaming experience.
TL; DR – These are the Best Budget Gaming Headsets:
Razer BlackShark V2 XAstro A10Xbox Wireless HeadsetSony Pulse 3DCorsair HS65 SurroundSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3Logitech G435 LightspeedHyperX Cloud Stinger 2Turtle Beach Recon 70
Yes, more expensive gaming headsets have more premium features, but the best budget gaming headsets can keep you immersed in the action with solid drivers and a quality build. Plus, you’ll still enjoy reliable connectivity to your gaming PC, consoles, and other devices, be it wired or wireless. Or, you could make the shift to the best gaming earbuds, which might be a more versatile option that’s easier to take on the go. Still, no matter what you’re after, we’ve found an affordable gaming headset for your needs, and be sure to check out the best gaming headset deals for more potential savings.
Best Budget Gaming Headsets
1. Razer BlackShark V2 X
Best Budget Gaming Headset
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Compatibility: PS5/PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android wireless, Xbox, Mac | Interface: Wired | Connections: 3.5mm | Drivers: 50mm Razer TriForce | Frequency Response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: 7.1 | Weight: 240g
Pros:
Lightweight and comfortable Impressive soundstage and booming bass
Cons:
Minimal feature set
The Razer BlackShark V2 X proves that when you get back to the basics and forgo some frills, you can still produce a top-notch gaming headset. It isn’t rocking any super unique features or extras. Instead, you get a reliable, lightweight, and comfortable headset that keeps wearer’s fatigue at bay. Connectivity is simple, as it’s a wired-only option that uses a 3.5mm jack, making the headset plug-and-play and compatible with almost any console or device.
Gaming-wise, the Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers deliver a commendable audio performance with an impressive soundstage and thumping bass. If you’re seeking spatial audio, there’s 7.1 surround sound to really immerse you in the action. And when you want to communicate over Discord, Razer’s HyperClear Cardioid Mic makes your voice incredibly loud and clear, even in noisier environments. But perhaps best of all, you can grab the Razer BlackShark V2 X for a surprisingly low price.
2. Astro A10
Best Ultra Cheap Gaming Headset
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Mobile | Interface: Wired | Connections: 3.5mm | Drivers: 40mm | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Weight: 346g
Pros:
Durable buildBig, dynamic sound
Cons:
Heavier
If you’re looking for the budget pick of the best budget gaming headsets, you can’t beat the Astro A10. Sure, it’s a little older—you can grab a newer model for $20-30 more—but you’ll still enjoy a sleek design with a surprisingly sturdy build for around $40 or less. In fact, there’s an aluminum frame under the plastic-wrapped headband ready to handle wear and tear, while the ear cups are well-cushioned for ultimate comfort.
The Astro A10 is an exclusively wired headset using a 3.5mm jack to connect to all your consoles and other devices. The audio cable even offers in-line volume control. Big, dynamic sound with decent separation is pumped from its 40mm drivers, and a clear line of communication is kept between you and your teammates thanks to a flip-to-mute mic. But similar to other mics in this price range, you can’t tune the headset in any way.
3. Xbox Wireless Headset
Best Budget Xbox Gaming Headset
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Compatibility: PC, Xbox Series X/S. Xbox One, Mobile | Interface: Wireless, Wired | Connections: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C | Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X | Battery Life: 15 hours | Weight: 312g
Pros:
Simple, reliable connectivity to Xbox Intuitive control layout
Cons:
Mediocre microphone
The Xbox Wireless Headset has a lot going for it. Not only does it match the aesthetics of the Microsoft Xbox Series X/S consoles, but it can pair directly with them without the need for additional dongles or adapters. It offers more than just convenience. This headset’s fifteen hours of battery life is more than enough to get you through long gaming sessions. Plenty of thought has also been put into the button and dial placement. Instead of a bunch of controls crowding one ear cup, they’re arranged for intuitive on-the-fly adjustments.
Of course, none of that matters if the sound quality isn’t up to par. Thankfully, this great wireless gaming headset provides plenty of low-end while still sounding clear and crisp. You can also take advantage of spatial audio technology for an even more immersive audio experience. And, with the ability to connect via Bluetooth or USB-C – you’ll have to get a longer cable separately – you can use the best Xbox headset with just about any device. You can even invest in a wireless dongle for latency-free PC gaming.
4. Sony Pulse 3D
Best Budget PS5 Gaming Headset
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Compatibility: PS5/PS4, PC, Mac, Mobile | Interface: Wireless, Wired | Connections: 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, 3.5mm | Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Tempest 3D | Battery Life: 12 hours | Weight: 295g
Pros:
Immersive Tempest 3D spatial audioComfortable fit
Cons:
Limited battery life
When the Playstation 5 came out, it brought a whole slew of improvements with it including its very own spatial audio technology known as Tempest 3D. And, having a headset that can make the most of the PS5’s audio capabilities is ideal for that immersive audio experience. The Sony Pulse 3D is not only more than capable of doing that, but it’s surprisingly affordable as well. At $99.99, it’s cheaper than you would expect from a first-party peripheral.
The sound these cans deliver is crisp, vibrant, and spacious, transporting you to the middle of the action. The positional audio from Tempest 3D also adds a layer of immersion that you won’t get with just any headphones. While the battery life is nothing to write home about, it’s still plenty for long gaming sessions. Though the Pulse 3D was obviously made to be a PS5 headset, it is surprisingly versatile. Since its wireless connectivity comes via the included USB dongle, you can also use it with a PS4, gaming PC, and Mac as long as you have a USB port available.
5. Corsair HS65 Surround
Best Budget Wired Gaming Headset
Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, PS5/PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac | Interface: Wired | Connections: 3.5mm, USB | Drivers: 50mm | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Dolby Audio 7.1 | Weight: 282g
Pros:
7.1 surround sound over USBMinimalistic design
Cons:
Headband tight for some heads
Corsair delivers an almost unbelievably great wired headset for under $80 with the HS65 Surround. This simple plug-and-play headset connects to your devices via a 3.5mm jack. You can also connect this headset over USB to get 7.1 surround sound for an immersive wide and realistic soundscape. These cans also deliver a neutral sound with superb directional audio, which may also help you place where enemies are in-game. You might be tethered to your gaming rig but the sound coming out of these headphones is more than worth it.
The Corsair HS65 Surround is not chock full of fancy features and instead spends where it matters: sound and comfort. And that audio is delivered through two 50mm drivers housed in soft memory foam earcups. A mix of quality plastic and aluminum bones make up the rest of this fairly minimalistic headset, though some may find that the headband can be a bit tight. You also don’t get all the confusing buttons and dials that some options come with, just a volume dial on the left earcup and a flip-to-mute feature on the non-detachable mic. If you need to make other sound adjustments, you can do it using the iCue software.
6. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Best Multi-Platform Budget Gaming Headset
Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Interface: Wired | Connections: USB-C wired (USB-A adapter), 3.5mm | Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 22,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Tempest 3D, Microsoft Spatial Sound, 360° Spatial Audio | Weight: 254g
Pros:
Multiplatform wired connectivity High-fidelity drivers
Cons:
Unnecessary features raise cost
The sheer number of gaming devices out there makes it challenging to find a headset compatible with them all, but SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova 3 does just that. This wired option offers both a USB-C—with a USB-A adapter/extension cable—and a 3.5mm jack, so you’re good to game on everything from your PC, Mac, and gaming phone to your Switch, Xbox Series X, and PS5. If you connect via USB, you can even take advantage of flashy RGB lighting rings on the earcups.
The multi-platform connectivity under $100 essentially pays for itself, though there’s plenty more to love about the Arctis Nova 3, starting with the stellar high-fidelity drivers that pump out quality audio. Making things even better is SteelSeries’ Sonar software that lets you adjust EQ settings and create custom sound profiles optimizing the audio for specific games when you’re on PC. And similar to most SteelSeries headsets, you get an extremely comfortable fit and a clear-sounding mic.
7. Logitech G435 Lightspeed
Best Ultra Cheap Wireless Gaming Headset
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5/PS4, mobile | Interface: Wireless | Connections: Wireless USB 2.0 Dongle, Bluetooth | Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic | Battery Life: 18 hours | Weight: 165g
Pros:
Lightweight, comfortable designDolby Atmos, Tempest 3D Audio, and Windows Sonic support
Cons:
Made for small heads
Logitech’s carbon-neutral G435 Lightspeed is made for young gamers and gamers with smaller heads. It’s not only smaller and more compact than most gaming headsets out there – the mic is nothing more than a stump on the side of the left earcup – but it’s lighter as well at 165g. That lightweight obviously adds to its comfort, which is made better by the flexible headband and the soft, breathable ear cups.
But don’t take its inexpensive price and small form factor as signs of subpar quality. This budget gaming headset comes with 40mm audio drivers that deliver good – albeit, not amazing – sound as well as support for Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D Audio, and Windows Sonic. As is the mic, which is technically made up of dual beamforming mics. The wireless connectivity is strong as well. Plus, if you’re getting this for your kid, you know you’ll win points with its fun colorways, of which there are three.
8. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
Best Ultra Cheap Wired Gaming Headset
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Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Interface: Wired | Connections: 3.5mm | Drivers: 50mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 10Hz – 28,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: DTS:X Spatial Audio | Weight: 272g
Pros:
Rich, layered soundstageUltra cheap
Cons:
Mostly plastic build
For a sub-$50 gaming headset from a well-known brand, you can’t beat the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. Helping to keep the price low is its exclusively wired interface, so you’ll be tethered to your gaming platform via a 3.5mm connection, though its plug-and-play nature is still super versatile. Perhaps the most blaring indication of the headset’s affordability is the plastic build, but it’s solid enough with a comfortable, lightweight feel perfect for marathon gaming sessions.
Despite the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2’s cost-cutting design, its 50mm drivers crank out a surprisingly good sound quality with a rich, layered soundstage. However, when it comes to tweaking that audio, you’re pretty much stuck with how they come with virtually no software support. This headset is actually pretty light in features in general, so you won’t find any RGB lighting or tons of on-ear controls, but it’s ideal for those who want decent sound at a wallet-friendly price.
9. Turtle Beach Recon 70
Best Ultra Cheap Multi-Platform Headset
Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Interface: Wired | Connections: 3.5mm | Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Weight: 232g
Pros:
Well-padded synthetic leather earcups Dynamic sound
Cons:
Cheap build quality
If you’re looking for multiplatform connectivity on the cheap, it’s hard to beat the Turtle Beach Recon 70. This option is exclusively wired, using a 3.5mm audio jack for an easy plug-and-play headset ready to work with your console, PC, Mac, tablet, or phone. However, the cord is rather short, so if you’re doing console gaming, you’ll probably want to plug it into your controller.
Given you can get the Turtle Beach Recon 70 for $40, it’s not built using top-tier materials, but the headset still feels well constructed with a hint of luxury in the design. It comes with well-padded synthetic leather earcups and a headband that rests comfortably on your head, and the on headset controls are limited to just a volume dial. Luckily, this option succeeds where you need it to, offering clear, dynamic sound through the 40mm drivers while the flip-to-mute mic can cleanly pick up your voice.
Where to Get the Best Budget Gaming Headsets in the UK
Finding the right gaming headset can be a match made in heaven, but you don’t need to pay above and beyond to find your lucky set. Out of all the headsets we’ve tested on this list, every single one is available to pick up in the UK, and at a reasonable price. Whether it’s our favourite the SteelSeries Arctis 1, or the incredibly affordable Turtle Beach Recon 70, there is a headset ready and waiting for you. Don’t see the headsets below? Click here.
What to look for in a Budget Gaming Headset
We’ve picked out the cream of the crop when it comes to budget gaming headsets, but you can still run into a lot of bad apples. Here we’ll tell you about a few things you should expect from this market of cheap gaming headsets including build and sound quality.
Of the budget gaming headsets we’ve tested, we found that build quality can run the gamut between flimsy and cheap to super sturdy to the point of being almost too heavy. Of course, you’ll also get better build quality as you move up the price scale—less molded plastic and more metal. If you can check out these gaming headsets in store, be sure to not just put them on but give them a decent stretch (without snapping them in half!) and see if it creaks at all.
Although you will find scratchy fabric ear cups on some models, you’ll also encounter smooth synthetic leather and soft fabric, too. When it comes to leather vs fabric, it all comes down to your preference, but know that leather offers more sound isolation while fabrics are more breathable. Also be on the lookout for memory-foam padding as it offers the cushiest, most comfortable fit against your head.
Sound quality can be impressive across the board, though the tendency we found across the category was to favor low frequencies instead of highs or mids. You’ll get cleaner highs and better separation between mid and low frequencies in the midrange gaming headsets or higher class peripherals.
Budget Gaming Headset FAQ
Are gaming headsets good for listening to music?
The short answer to this question is no, but there’s far more to it than that. When comparing similarly priced headphones and gaming headsets, the sound on the headphones is usually clear, well-balanced, and warm, while headsets lean more bass-heavy and can get muddied, especially cheaper ones. That’s often due to the extra technology and features loaded into headsets affecting cost, whether it be mics, added controls, or more connectivity—it makes headsets bulkier too.
It’s also important to note that most gaming headsets focus on a wide soundstage and surround sound to immerse you in the action and provide in-game audio cues, but stereo sound is better suited to music. With all that said, high-end gaming headsets, like the Audeze Maxwell, offer a decent music listening experience thanks to better drivers, a wide frequency range, the ability to adjust equalizer settings, and support of high-res sound. Still, in most cases, you’ll be better off with wireless headphones or even earbuds when vibing to your favorite tracks.
What is the number 1 best gaming headset?
Though it’s far too pricey to make it on this guide, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is hands down the best gaming headset available. With it comes a plethora of features to make it a true stand out, including active noise cancellation, fantastic spatial audio, and ample customizations to the EQ setting and game chat mix. Beyond that, you’ll enjoy multiple connectivity options, including simultaneous listening on different devices and a hot-swappable rechargeable battery system, all on a comfortable headset with telescoping arms.
Are budget gaming headsets good for live game streaming?
The microphones on gaming headsets tend to be a hit or miss, and unfortunately, many budget options fall into the latter category. These mics will work fine when you’re communicating with teammates, especially options with boom mics that go just below your mouth to avoid picking up unwanted noises. But if you’re streaming to a larger audience, grabbing a stand-alone streaming microphone can make a world of difference with its wide frequency response, high sample rate, bit-depth, and extensive software. The last thing you want to do if you’re getting into game streaming is turn off viewers because of terrible sound.
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae
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