If you’re a serious gamer, you know that headsets are just as crucial as the game controls. In fact, in some ways, they are one and the same.
Today’s gaming environment requires enhanced hearing and communication for better gameplay, whether you’re directing an assault with your teammates, or simply talking a little trash to your opponent. (Or maybe a lot of trash.)
Best Overall pick!
Best Overall: SteelSeries Arctis 3
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 Gaming Headset provides an excellent combination of audio quality and comfort, along with other characteristics that make this headset incredibly versatile, and perfect for more than just gaming.
Current gaming headsets need to not only offer superior audio, but also microphones that can pick up your voice clearly, and of course be comfortable enough to wear for those 8 hour marathons that are sure to happen every now and then.
The growing need for gaming headphones and gaming mouse have resulted in an explosion of products that has oversaturated the market, making it hard to find quality headsets in any price range. If you’re looking for best cheap headsets, you’ll have an even more difficult time.
We’ve gone through a massive amount of budget and cheap headphones with mic to find some good ones for a number of different price categories, with the maximum amount being $100.
Below are our top 10 picks for the best budget gaming headsets of 2024. You’ll find a few familiar brands, and also some hidden gems you may have not seen yet.
In any case, always be sure to check the manufacturer’s info to make sure the headset is compatible with your intended console.
Best Budget Gaming Headsets of 2024
Product Name | Noise Canc. Mic | Driver | Buy |
---|---|---|---|
HyperX Cloud Stinger | Yes | 50mm | Buy Now |
Logitech G430 Surround Sound | Yes | 40mm | Buy Now |
Turtle Beach Ear Force 450 | No | 50mm | Buy Now |
Logitech G533 | Yes | 40mm | Buy Now |
Razer Kraken Pro | Yes | 40mm | Buy Now |
SteelSeries Arctis 3 | Yes | - | Buy Now |
Corsair Void Pro | Yes | 50mm | Buy Now |
Sades SA902 | 40mm | Buy Now | |
Kinden Gaming | Buy Now | ||
Ghostek Hero Series | No | 40mm | Buy Now |
[WINNER] Best PS4 Headset Under 50 : HyperX Cloud Stinger
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset crams as much as it can into a very affordable package, staying just below $50. If you were to simply pick these up and begin playing, you’d likely have no idea that these are less than $100, let alone $50. It’s no wonder this headset is so popular at this point. Word has spread, it would seem.
The high sound quality begins with a 7.1 channel setup, giving it full surround sound. This is further complimented by a frequency response of 15 – 25,000Hz, resulting in thumping bass, and very crisp, clear treble.
A 53mm driver size powers the entire sound setup, letting you crank up the volume without any buzzing or distortion. All in all, the entire sound setup is strikingly impressive for the price, and outdoes many headsets twice the price.
As for comfort, the unit weighs 0.6 lbs, and feels snug, light, and secure when worn. Memory foam padding on the earpieces makes for an even more comfortable fit that won’t create discomfort over long periods. The unit’s microphone has a noise cancelling feature, helping filter out outside sounds from the receiving end.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is simply the best budget headset under $50. You can buy with confidence, knowing you aren’t sacrificing comfort and sound quality for price.
[RUNNNER UP] Best Gaming Headset Under 50: Logitech G430 Surround Sound
Logitech manufactures a number of impressive gaming headsets, with the G430 among the most affordable. For right around $40, you can have familiar Logitech quality for a lower price, without feeling like you bought an actual budget headset.
The 7.1 channel system gives the G430 full surround sound, which is something you don’t always get in this price range. The frequency response of 20 – 20,000Hz gives the headset a solid range of lows and highs, which is backed by a 40mm driver that makes it all come to life.
One of the more convenient features of the G430 is the on-cable control system, which lets you adjust the volume dial, or mute the unit outright, which many will appreciate. A noise cancelling microphone keeps your conversation crystal clear on the other end.
The earpieces are very plush, with an adequate amount of padding to keep your ears and head comfortable during extended gaming session. The headset sports a weight of 0.66 lbs, which is still a bit on the lighter end of things.
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to get a Logitech headsets, the G430 is the perfect way to do just that. You get plenty of comfort and sound quality, without spending more than two $20 bills.
[WINNER] Best Xbox One Headset under 50 : Turtle Beach Ear Force 450
The Turtle Beach Ear Force 450 Gaming Headset is geared towards gamers that need enhanced sound capabilities for intensive gaming and peak performance. While this unit places an emphasis on sound, it’s still light, comfortable, and provides solid microphone performance.
The headset uses 7.1 surround sound, but with “Superhuman Hearing” capabilities that will let you hear small sounds further away, and in any direction. This is especially useful for multiplayer games in versus modes.
A frequency response of 20 – 20,000 Hz is definitely adequate, and compliments the enhanced surround sound. A larger 50mm driver size makes everything come to life, no matter what volume you’re using at the time.
The unit is wireless, so you have more freedom around the room, and the avoidance of any cords that may otherwise get in the way. A 15 hour battery pack should be more than enough for one full day of gaming…hopefully.
Voice prompts and a sensitive microphone provide even more gaming advantages. Despite the enhanced tech, the unit still weighs just under .70 lbs, so it’s still relatively lightweight, and definitely comfortable thanks to soft earpads.
If you need a leg up on detailed sounds for better gaming, and prefer wireless, the Turtle Beach Ear Force 450 is a great deal for just under $80.
[RUNNER UP] Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset: Logitech G533
The Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset is widely known as the best value gaming headset, offering peak performance for a budget price. This headset ramps things up a bit in the audio area, while also providing wireless operation, plush comfort, and streamlined compatibility with other Logitech products.
The G533 uses 7.1 surround sound, but with DTS drivers, giving it a superior sound quality to standard 7.1 headsets. This recreates the game sounds precisely as the makers intended for you to hear them. The unit uses a 20 – 20,000Hz frequency response, which is all powered by 40mm Pro-G drivers for an improved experience.
The earpads use a lightweight, conforming, and breathable mesh that ensures added comfort and durability, a perfect match for the 15 hours of battery life via wireless connection. You’ll barely remember you’re wearing them half the time.
On-board audio controls let you quickly and easily adjust levels to your liking, and also mute when needed. A noise-cancelling microphone delivers crystal clear voice delivery, and automatically mutes when you fold it up.
If you’re a fan of Logitech products, and want an affordable wireless gaming headset that delivers optimized sound quality for improved gaming, the G533 headset should be on your shortlist for sure.
[WINNER] Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $100: Razer Kraken Pro
A favorite among professional gamers, the Razer Kraken Pro Gaming Headset combines killer audio quality with unrivaled comfort, and some cool visuals as well. This creates a total package experience that provides users with an ideal headset for immersive gaming.
The Kraken Pro uses a 7.1 V2 surround sound setup, bringing game sounds to life in all directions. A large frequency range of 12 – 28,000Hz gives the headset well rounded sound on both ends of the spectrum, which is then powered by a 50mm driver size, taking the audio to peak levels.
One of the more unique aspects with this unit is the customizable LED lights that can be programmed with 16.8 million different color options. If you use other Razer gear, you can sync all the lights up together for a nice visual setup.
The earpads are interchangeable, so you can dial things in to the perfect plushness for your preferences. The headband is made from bauxite aluminum, and can bend and twist in numerous directions, without the risk of snapping. The microphone cancels outside noise, and can retract for when you just want to use the headphone portion alone.
The Razer Kraken Pro offers a top-tier audio experience along with added emphasis on comfort and convenience, along with some fun extra features as well. For less than $100, you won’t find anything better.
[RUNNER UP] SteelSeries Arctis 3 Gaming Headset – 69
The Arctic 3 uses 7.1 surround sound that gives you a full, enriched sound experience that can aid your gaming, and improve the overall gameplay enjoyment. A slightly expanded frequency response of 20 – 22,000Hz gives the headset some added clarity thanks to higher treble range.
40mm neodymium S1 drivers power the audio, and offer low bass and clear treble without feeling pushed or distorted, and without any diminishing of quality at lower volumes. The clarity and lack of distortion make the unit great for music, movies, and television as well.
The comfort of the Arctis 3 headset is noticeable. Earweave cushions provide plush padding, while keeping ears cool and dry. A ski goggle inspired headband is a nice change from the standard metal band, allowing for flexibility and additional padding that comes in handy during extended sessions.
The unit’s ClearCast microphone utilizes proprietary bilateral directioning, ensuring studio-level voice clarity, while filtering out background sounds.
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 has won numerous awards for a reason. If you’d like a little more versatility to go with your headset, and still want optimal sound and comfort, this is it.
[WINNER] Budgeted Gaming Headset Under $80: Corsair Void Pro RGB Gaming Headphones
The Corsair Void Pro RGB Gaming Headset offers professional gaming quality for a much more economical price. This unit hits all the right aspects, and also has some awesome customization capabilities, including visual and audio settings.
As with any higher level gaming headphone, the Void Pro RGB uses 7.1 surround sound for a more lifelike sound experience. 20 – 20,000Hz frequencies give you a good span of highs and lows, with a clear overall sound that is boosted by 50mm drivers to help enrich the audio at any volume.
The earpads are very lightweight, and have been constructed from memory foam to conform to your head and ears. This allows for all-day gaming that won’t leave you with discomfort afterwards.
The microphone is one of the best we’ve seen in terms of cancelling background noise, so you don’t have to worry about repeating yourself to fellow gamers if you’ve got other things going on nearby.
Corsair’s CUE software allows you to customize audio profiles, so you get the perfect mix in your ears for any specific game. You can also use it to create visual profiles, and sync all of this up with other Corsair hardware.
For those in search of a professional gaming headset for an economical price, it’s hard to go wrong with the Corsair Void Pro RGB. The combination of comfort, control, and audio quality outperforms the price.
[WINNER] Best Gaming Headset Under 30: Sades SA902
Coming in at just under $25, the Sades SA902 Gaming Headset is one of the good headsets for pc, and offers a performance level that goes above and beyond what you’re paying. Gamers on a budget, or any looking for a spare headset will find a lot to love here.
The SA902’s use 7.1 surround sound, which is something you don’t always get with sub-$25 gaming headsets. A 20 – 20,000Hz frequency response is about the same range you’ll find on much pricer models, and it’s powered by solid 40mm drivers that deliver deep bass and rich highs.
The earpads of the unit cover the ears completely to eliminate background sound, and use four-piece padding to ensure soft comfort for long periods of play. Padding on the upper band is a nice inclusion too — much preferred over typical metal bands.
The unit’s microphone is retractable, very flexible, and sensitive enough to capture your voice clearly without having to raise your voice. A mute button and inline volume controls provide quick access to audio levels at a moment’s notice.
It’s hard to ask a lot for this price range, but the Sades SA902 goes above and beyond what you’d expect. This makes it the unrivalled Good Cheap Gaming Headset Under $30. This is an incredible value that any gamer will appreciate.
[RUNNER UP] Best affordable Gaming headset under $30: Kinden Gaming Headphone
The Kinden Gaming Headset uses a combination of quality audio design, and a number of flashy features and sound modes to create a lively headset that can easily enhance your gaming experience, and all for under $30.
The headset comes with 7.1 surround sound, and backs that up with numerous sound profiles you can switch to in order to better match your gaming situations. This includes everything from heightened bass, to hi-fi mode, quiet mode, and more.
It uses a frequency response of 20 – 20,000 Hz, so there is no real drop off from more expensive models. A massive 50mm driver brings the sound to life, and enables the headset to offer all the various sound modes for better gameplay.
The headset can also vibrate on three different settings, and has a number of lights located on the outside ear areas, as well as the microphone. It also has a very unique look in general, so if you don’t like low key headsets, this is the opposite.
A combination of leather and memory foam make up the earpads, which are very soft, and also comfortable for long periods of time, allowing for proper airflow too. The padding extends to the headband area.
The Kinden Gaming Headset does things a little differently, but not at the expense of core sound aspects. For an affordable price, you get good sound quality, comfort, and a vibrant look tht can easily boost your gaming enjoyment and performance.
[RUNNER UP] Cheapest Gaming Headset Under $30: Ghostek Hero Series Headset
The Ghostek Hero Series Gaming Headset is all business. With an emphasis on superior sound and performance for a low price, this unit avoids unneeded extras and goes right for all the core features that serious gamers want.
Everything starts with a 7.1 surround sound setup, which lets you hear all game audio from all directions, and with noticeable clarity. A frequency response of 20 – 20,000 Hz is combined with 40 mm drivers, giving the headset rich, full sound at any volume.
Integrated volume controls are strategically located for frequent adjustments, so you can control both the microphone and the earpieces on the fly when need, which is very helpful for more intensive gaming scenarios when the element of surprise is paramount.
The microphone can pivot 120 degree for added convenience, and you can quickly mute it altogether with the push of a button. Optimized background-cancelling technology lets other players hear you perfectly, no matter what’s going on around you.
A braided power cord gives the headset a boost in durability that you don’t normally see with other units. Lightweight and soft earpads help filter out other sounds around you, and won’t cause any discomfort, even after long periods of gaming.
For just under $30, the Ghostek Hero Series Gaming Headphones perform at twice the price, and mix in added durability and sound control that you don’t always find. Many gamers will love the unique advantages this headset provides.
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Aspects to Keep in Mind When Shopping
Below are the main characteristics to examine when determining your gaming headset purchase. Many units will have some extra features at times, but these are the most important.
1. Channels
Channels on a headset refer to the type of sound it’s able to create. The vast majority of headphones in this range will be either stereo, or 7.1, which is basically virtual surround sound created within the headphone’s speakers.
When it has 7.1 surround sound, there are 7 virtual speakers inside each side, along with a subwoofer as well. This creates the audio “illusion” of surround sound, directly on your ears. 7.1 sound can come in handy with certain types of games, giving you a better idea what direction sound is coming from during gameplay.
2. Driver Size
Without going into all the details about electromagnetic signals and all that, just know that the larger the driver size, the bigger the sound inside the headphones. Driver size is measured by millimeters.
3. Frequency Response
Frequency response refers to the range in between the low end to the high end, or bass to treble. For example, a frequency response listed as 20 – 200,000Hz means a bass response of 20Hz, and a treble response of 200,000Hz. The wider the range, the better quality of sound.
4. Wireless Capability
Most of the best budget gaming headsets mentioned in this post are wireless, which allows you to be more mobile when gaming, or at least not have to worry about a cord getting in the way. This is a give or take aspect for most gamer, but there are some that prefer wireless.
5. Console Compatibility
Most headsets are compatible with PCs and various gaming consoles, but this is not always a guarantee. Always double-check to make sure the headset you’re considering will actually work on your favorite consoles.
6. Weight
Comfort is a pretty important part of gaming headsets, because you’re likely to be wearing them for hours. The headset’s weight has a lot to do with this, so keep an eye on this figure when shopping. By most accounts, lower weight equals a more comfortable fit, but weight distribution is also a factor.
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