Best Gaming Headsets at Affordable Prices

Discover Affordable Excellence: Top Budget Gaming Headsets

Not all high-quality gaming headsets require a hefty price tag. Many budget-friendly options, such as the Sony Pulse 3D, provide exceptional sound, robust construction, and impressive features for an immersive gaming experience. Whether you prioritize wireless freedom, cross-platform compatibility, or surround sound, we've curated a selection of affordable headsets to meet your needs.

Top Budget Gaming Headsets (TL;DR):

Sony Pulse 3D (See it at Amazon, Best Buy, Target) Corsair HS65 Surround (See it at Amazon) HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 (See it at Amazon, Best Buy, Target) Astro A10 (See it at Amazon) Turtle Beach Recon 50 (See it at Amazon)

While budget gaming headsets may not boast all the premium features of high-end models (like advanced noise cancellation or hot-swappable batteries), they still deliver enjoyable, immersive audio and reliable connectivity across various platforms.

Explore our top nine picks—available at surprisingly low prices—and potentially discover even better deals. Alternatively, consider convenient and portable gaming earbuds.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru, and Michelle Rae Uy

What Premium Feature Would You Prioritize in a Budget Headset?

• Better audio performance
• Added comfort
• Wireless connectivity
• Multi-platform support
• Increased durability
• Adjustable EQ settings

(See Results)

Detailed Reviews:

1. Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset:

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Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $100

Designed for PS5 but compatible with various devices, this headset offers Tempest 3D audio for immersive sound. (See it at Amazon, Best Buy, Target)

Specifications: PS5/PS4, PC, Mac, Mobile; Wireless, Wired; 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, 3.5mm; 40mm Neodymium drivers; 20Hz - 20,000Hz frequency response; Tempest 3D surround sound; 12-hour battery life; 295g.

Pros: Immersive Tempest 3D spatial audio; Comfortable fit. Cons: Limited battery life.

2. Corsair HS65 Wireless:

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Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $70

Offers 7.1 surround sound for a realistic soundscape. (See it at Amazon)

Specifications: Xbox Series X/S, PS5/PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac; Wired; 3.5mm, USB; 50mm drivers; 20Hz - 20,000Hz frequency response; Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound; 282g.

Pros: 7.1 surround sound over USB; Minimalistic design. Cons: Headband tightness may vary.

3. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2:

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Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $50

A low-cost wired headset delivering good audio quality with a rich soundstage. (See it at Amazon, Best Buy, Target)

Specifications: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile; Wired; 3.5mm; 50mm Neodymium drivers; 10Hz - 28,000Hz frequency response; DTS:X Spatial Audio; 272g.

Pros: Rich, layered soundstage; Affordable. Cons: Primarily plastic build.

4. Astro A10:

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40

A durable, inexpensive headset offering big, dynamic sound. (See it at Amazon)

Specifications: PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Mobile; Wired; 3.5mm; 40mm drivers; 20Hz - 20,000Hz frequency response; 346g.

Pros: Durable build; Big, dynamic sound. Cons: Relatively heavy.

5. Turtle Beach Recon 50:

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $30

A super-cheap headset available in various colors and compatible with multiple consoles. (See it at Amazon)

Specifications: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC, Mobile; 3.5mm; 40mm drivers; 20Hz – 20,000Hz frequency response; 153g.

Pros: Extremely affordable; Decent microphone. Cons: Lacks bass response.

UK Availability:

Finding the perfect gaming headset doesn't require breaking the bank. All headsets reviewed are available in the UK at reasonable prices. (See links for availability). SteelSeries Arctis 1 and Turtle Beach Recon 70 are also recommended.

How Much Should You Spend?

A budget gaming headset generally costs under $100, offering good sound and a decent microphone, although some advanced features might be absent. Under $50, expect compromises in build quality and features. Under $30, expect significant compromises in build quality and audio.

FAQ:

• Are gaming headsets good for music? Generally no, as they prioritize a wide soundstage and often have a bass-heavy sound profile. High-end exceptions exist.
• Do expensive headsets make a difference? Yes, offering better audio drivers and features, but not essential for basic gaming needs.
• Are budget headsets good for live streaming? Not ideally; a dedicated streaming microphone is recommended for better audio quality.
• When do gaming headsets go on sale? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are prime times for deals.