When it comes to economical gaming headsets, our top pick from a competitive selection is the Razer Barracuda X. To get an in-depth view of the finest budget gaming headsets, simply click here, or peruse the list below:
Here are the Top Affordable Gaming Headsets:
- Razer Barracuda X
- Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset
- Xbox Wireless Headset
- Sony Pulse 3D
- Corsair HS65 Surround
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
- Logitech G435 Lightspeed
- HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
- Turtle Beach Recon 70
Many of the finest gaming headsets provide impressive sound quality, a comfortable fit, and premium features at an accessible price point. However, not all budget headsets live up to expectations. Therefore, we have rigorously tested and thoroughly researched a variety of options, bringing you nine cost-effective headsets suitable for use with your Xbox Series X/S, PS5, or gaming PC.
Best Budget Gaming Headsets
The Razer Barracuda X: Best Budget Gaming Headset
Compatibility: PS5/PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android wireless, Xbox Series X/S, Mac | Interface: Wireless, Wired | Connections: Wireless (2.4GHz), USB-C, 3.5mm | Drivers: 40mm Razer TriForce | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: THX Spatial Audio, Tempest 3D | Weight: 250g
The Razer Barracuda X stands as a testament to the power of simplicity in creating a top-tier gaming headset. While it may not boast any extravagant, eye-catching features, it excels in delivering pristine audio quality, offering compatibility across multiple platforms (including Android smartphones), and maintaining a robust wireless connection, all without breaking the bank at under $100. Prioritizing comfort, it features a lightweight 250g design and breathable, plush ear cups. With a remarkable 20-hour battery life, it’s ready to accompany you on extended gaming marathons.
In the realm of gaming, this headset offers a mid-centric audio profile with pronounced bass and impressive virtual surround sound. Additionally, its reliable microphone ensures your voice comes through crystal clear during Discord chats. PS5 gamers will particularly appreciate its support for Tempest 3D audio. If you’re tired of the same old black design, you’ll be pleased to know that it also comes in Razer’s Mercury (white) and Quartz (pink) color options.
The Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset: Unrivaled availability
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Interface: Wireless | Connections: Wireless (2.4GHz), Bluetooth | Drivers: 50mm | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Battery Life: 20 hours | Weight: 308.4g
Wyze, renowned for its budget-friendly smart home devices and security cameras, has made a bold entry into the gaming headset arena. Priced at a mere $60, this headset offers sleek matte black earcups adorned with plush cushions for exceptional comfort during extended gaming sessions. Its 50mm drivers deliver high-fidelity sound that truly immerses you in your gaming world. Notably, it includes two microphone options—a detachable boom mic for coordinating with your teammates and a discreet built-in mic for when you’re on the go or participating in more subdued activities like Zoom meetings.
In terms of connectivity, the Wyze Gaming Headset boasts an ultra-low 20ms latency wireless connection through a 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth support. Impressively, it allows simultaneous connection to two devices, although it lacks a wired option. Nonetheless, it offers excellent compatibility with PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and mobile devices (unfortunately, it does not support Xbox). Given its wireless nature, battery life becomes crucial, and the Wyze headset delivers with a generous 20 hours of runtime on a single charge, ensuring it can endure even the longest gaming marathons.
Xbox Wireless Headset: The Best for Xbox Gamers
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
The Xbox Wireless Headset offers a compelling package for Xbox enthusiasts. Not only does it seamlessly match the aesthetics of the latest Microsoft consoles, but it also effortlessly pairs directly with them, eliminating the need for additional dongles or adapters. Convenience is just the beginning; this headset boasts a generous fifteen hours of battery life, ensuring it can accompany you on extended gaming marathons. Moreover, thoughtful consideration has been given to the placement of buttons and dials, allowing for intuitive on-the-fly adjustments.
But it’s the sound quality that truly shines here. This headset delivers rich bass without sacrificing clarity, resulting in a clear and crisp audio experience. You can even enhance your immersion with spatial audio technology. The headset offers versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth and USB-C (an extended cable is available separately). This means you can use the Xbox Wireless Headset with a wide range of devices, making it highly versatile. For latency-free PC gaming, you also have the option to invest in a wireless dongle, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Sony Pulse 3D: The Ultimate Cheap Choice for PS5 Gaming
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
With the arrival of the Playstation 5 came a wave of improvements, including its groundbreaking spatial audio technology, Tempest 3D. To fully immerse yourself in this audio revolution, you need a headset that can leverage the PS5’s capabilities, and the Sony Pulse 3D is more than up to the task. Surprisingly, it offers this immersive experience at an affordable price point of $99.99, making it a budget-friendly first-party peripheral.
The sound quality of these headphones is nothing short of impressive, delivering crisp, vibrant, and expansive audio that transports you right into the heart of your gaming world. Tempest 3D’s positional audio adds an extra layer of immersion that sets it apart from ordinary headphones. While the battery life may not be the longest, it’s sufficient for extended gaming sessions. Interestingly, the Pulse 3D is not limited to the PS5 alone. Thanks to its wireless connectivity through the included USB dongle, it’s versatile enough to work with a PS4, gaming PC, and Mac, as long as you have a available USB port.
Corsair HS65 Surround: The Best Budget Wired Gaming Headset
Device Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, PS5/PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac | Connection Type: Wired | Connectors: 3.5mm, USB | Speaker Drivers: 50mm | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Dolby Audio 7.1 | Weight: 282g
For less than $80, Corsair offers an astonishingly impressive wired headset with the HS65 Surround. This straightforward, plug-and-play headset connects effortlessly to your devices through a 3.5mm jack. Alternatively, you can opt for a USB connection to experience the marvel of 7.1 surround sound, immersing yourself in a wide and lifelike auditory landscape. These headphones excel in providing a neutral sound profile and outstanding directional audio, making it easier to pinpoint in-game enemy locations. While you may be physically tethered to your gaming setup, the audio quality delivered by these headphones more than justifies it.
The Corsair HS65 Surround prides itself on prioritizing essential aspects—sound and comfort—over flashy extras. The audio prowess of this headset is harnessed by two 50mm drivers ensconced in plush memory foam ear cups. Constructed from a blend of high-quality plastic and aluminum components, this headset maintains a minimalist aesthetic, though some users might find the headband a tad snug. It eschews the complexity of numerous buttons and dials found in other models, opting for simplicity with only a volume control dial on the left ear cup and a flip-to-mute feature for the non-detachable microphone. Should you require additional audio adjustments, the iCue software offers a convenient solution.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3: The Best Multi-Platform Gaming Headset
Device Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Connection Type: Wired | Connectors: USB-C wired (with USB-A adapter), 3.5mm | Speaker Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 22,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Tempest 3D, Microsoft Spatial Sound, 360° Spatial Audio | Weight: 254g
Navigating the vast landscape of gaming devices can be daunting, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 offers a versatile solution. This wired headset boasts both a USB-C connection (with a USB-A adapter/extension cable) and a 3.5mm jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, from PCs and Macs to gaming phones, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, and PS5. If you opt for the USB connection, you can even enjoy the eye-catching RGB lighting rings adorning the earcups.
The ability to connect to multiple platforms for under $100 is a significant advantage, but the Arctis Nova 3 has more to offer. It boasts high-fidelity drivers that deliver exceptional audio quality. Additionally, SteelSeries’ Sonar software allows you to fine-tune EQ settings and create customized sound profiles, optimizing your audio experience for specific games when you’re gaming on a PC. As is typical with SteelSeries headsets, you’ll also enjoy a comfortable fit and a clear microphone for effective communication.
Logitech G435 Lightspeed: Cheapest Wireless Gaming Headset
Device Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5/PS4, mobile | Connection Type: Wireless | Connectors: Wireless USB 2.0 Dongle, Bluetooth | Speaker Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic | Battery Life: 18 hours | Weight: 165g
Logitech’s environmentally-conscious G435 Lightspeed is tailor-made for young gamers and those with smaller head sizes. Unlike most gaming headsets, it boasts a more compact and lightweight design, weighing in at a mere 165g. Its microphone is discreetly positioned on the side of the left earcup, maintaining a minimalistic appearance. The combination of its diminutive size and lightweight build enhances overall comfort, complemented by the flexible headband and breathable ear cups.
However, don’t mistake its affordable price and smaller form factor for subpar quality. This budget-friendly gaming headset features 40mm audio drivers that produce good, though not extraordinary, sound quality. It also supports audio technologies like Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D Audio, and Windows Sonic, ensuring an immersive gaming experience. The microphone, composed of dual beamforming mics, delivers clear communication. Furthermore, the wireless connectivity is robust. If you’re purchasing this for a younger gamer, the headset’s vibrant color options, of which there are three, are sure to be a hit.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2: The Most Popular Wired Gaming Headset
Device Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Connection Type: Wired | Connectors: 3.5mm | Speaker Drivers: 50mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 10Hz – 28,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: DTS:X Spatial Audio | Weight: 272g
When it comes to sub-$50 gaming headsets from reputable brands, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 stands out as a top choice. Its remarkably budget-friendly price is achieved through its exclusive wired interface, requiring a 3.5mm connection to your gaming platform. Despite this wired setup, it remains highly versatile and convenient with its plug-and-play functionality. The headset’s affordability is evident in its plastic construction, but it is sturdy enough and offers a lightweight and comfortable design, ideal for extended gaming sessions.
Despite its cost-conscious design, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 surprises with its 50mm drivers that deliver impressive sound quality, offering a rich and layered soundstage. However, customization options are limited, as the headset lacks extensive software support. This headset keeps things simple in terms of features, omitting RGB lighting and numerous on-ear controls. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking decent sound quality at an exceptionally wallet-friendly price point.
Turtle Beach Recon 70: Low Price Multi-Platform Headset
Device Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Connection Type: Wired | Connectors: 3.5mm | Speaker Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Weight: 232g
If you’re in search of a cost-effective multi-platform headset, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is a tough contender to beat. This headset relies solely on a wired connection via a 3.5mm audio jack, providing an effortless plug-and-play experience compatible with consoles, PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones. It’s worth noting that the cable is relatively short, so for console gaming, connecting it to your controller is a practical choice.
Priced at just $40, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 may not feature top-tier materials, but it maintains a solid build quality and boasts a touch of elegance in its design. The synthetic leather earcups are generously padded, ensuring comfort during prolonged gaming sessions, and the headband sits comfortably on your head. On-headset controls are minimal, consisting of a volume dial. However, where it truly matters, the Recon 70 excels, delivering clear and dynamic audio through its 40mm drivers. The flip-to-mute microphone effectively captures your voice without interference.
Where to Find the Best Budget Gaming Headsets in the USA
Discovering the perfect gaming headset can be a heavenly match, and you don’t have to break the bank to find your ideal pair in the USA. Among all the headsets we’ve reviewed on this list, each one is readily available for purchase in the USA at reasonable prices. Whether it’s our top pick, the SteelSeries Arctis 1, or the remarkably affordable Turtle Beach Recon 70, there’s a headset waiting for you.
We’ve handpicked the finest budget gaming headsets available, but you may still come across some subpar options. Here, we’ll outline a few key factors to look for in the market for affordable gaming headsets, including build quality and sound performance.
Among the budget gaming headsets we’ve tested, we’ve observed a wide range of build quality, from flimsy and cheap to exceptionally sturdy, bordering on being overly heavy. Naturally, as you move up the price ladder, you can expect better build quality, with fewer components made of molded plastic and more featuring metal parts. If you have the opportunity to try these gaming headsets in-store, be sure to not only put them on but also give them a gentle stretch (without breaking them) to check for any creaking.
While some models may have scratchy fabric ear cups, others offer smooth synthetic leather and soft fabric options. When it comes to choosing between leather and fabric, it ultimately boils down to personal preference, but keep in mind that leather provides better sound isolation while fabric options are more breathable. Additionally, be on the lookout for memory foam padding, as it provides the most comfortable and cushioned fit for your head.
Sound quality can be impressive across the board, although we’ve noticed a tendency in this category to prioritize lower frequencies over highs or mids. For cleaner highs and improved separation between mid and low frequencies, consider midrange gaming headsets or higher-end peripherals.
In 2024, finding the best budget gaming headset is essential for gamers looking to enhance their auditory experience without breaking the bank. These headsets provide not only superior sound quality but also comfort and durability, crucial for those long gaming sessions. With features like crystal-clear audio, noise-canceling microphones, and ergonomic design, budget-friendly headsets no longer mean compromising on quality. For gamers interested in optimizing their gaming setup further, exploring the latest in gaming technology can be equally exciting. Our article on new Nitro Deck designs in 2024 delves into the latest advancements in gaming gear, showcasing innovative designs that promise to elevate the gaming experience, highlighting how gamers can stay ahead in the gaming world with the right equipment, even on a budget.
Budget Gaming Headset FAQ
1. What is a budget gaming headset?
A budget gaming headset is a gaming headset that offers decent audio quality, comfort, and features at an affordable price, typically under $50 to $100.
2. Are budget gaming headsets any good?
Yes, many budget gaming headsets offer good value for the price. While they may not have all the premium features of high-end headsets, they can provide a satisfactory gaming experience with clear audio and comfortable design.
3. What features should I look for in a budget gaming headset?
Look for features such as good sound quality, comfortable ear cushions, a reliable microphone, adjustable headband, compatibility with your gaming platform, and durable build quality. Some may also have customizable RGB lighting.
4. Are wired or wireless budget gaming headsets better?
Wired gaming headsets generally provide more reliable and lower-latency connections. However, some budget wireless headsets can still offer decent performance, but they may have shorter battery life.
5. Do budget gaming headsets have surround sound?
Some budget gaming headsets come with virtual surround sound technology, which can enhance your gaming experience by providing directional audio cues. Check the product specifications to see if this feature is available.
6. Can I use a budget gaming headset for other purposes, like listening to music or making calls?
Yes, most budget gaming headsets can be used for listening to music or making calls, thanks to their built-in microphones and headphone functionality. However, the audio quality may not be as high as dedicated headphones for music.
7. Are budget gaming headsets comfortable for long gaming sessions?
Many budget gaming headsets are designed with comfort in mind and come with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and breathable materials. However, comfort can vary from one headset to another, so it’s essential to read reviews and try them on if possible.
8. Can I use a budget gaming headset with consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch?
Yes, many budget gaming headsets are compatible with popular gaming consoles. However, ensure the headset you choose is compatible with your specific gaming platform, as some may require adapters or additional setup.
9. How do I take care of my budget gaming headset to make it last longer?
To prolong the life of your budget gaming headset, avoid excessive bending or twisting, keep it clean, and store it in a safe place when not in use. Also, be gentle with the cables and connectors to prevent damage.
10. Are there any drawbacks to using a budget gaming headset?
While budget gaming headsets offer great value, they may not have the same audio quality, build materials, or advanced features as higher-priced alternatives. Additionally, the microphone quality may vary, and you might not get the same level of comfort for extended gaming sessions.
Remember that the best budget gaming headset for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so be sure to read reviews, compare options, and consider what features matter most to you when making a purchase.
Join Pedro Souza on a journey through gaming’s vast realms at howtoplay.blog. A seasoned gamer and insightful author and redactor, Pedro crafts each post as an intimate odyssey into the game’s core, not just teaching how to play, but revealing the artistry and narratives that define our beloved games.
