Home News Budget Gaming Headsets: Top Picks

Budget Gaming Headsets: Top Picks

Mar 13,2025 Author: Lucy

You don't need to break the bank for a great gaming headset. Many affordable options, like the Sony Pulse 3D, offer excellent sound quality, durable construction, and impressive features to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you prioritize wireless freedom, cross-platform compatibility, or immersive surround sound, there's a budget-friendly headset perfect for you.

In short, here are our top budget gaming headset picks:

Sony Pulse 3D
9
Sony Pulse 3D
See it at Amazon | Best Buy | Target

Corsair HS65 Surround
9
Corsair HS65 Surround
See it at Amazon

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
7
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
See it at Amazon | Best Buy | Target

Astro A10
7.8
Astro A10
See it at Amazon

Turtle Beach Recon 50
6.2
Turtle Beach Recon 50
See it at Amazon

While budget gaming headsets may lack premium features like top-tier noise cancellation or hot-swappable batteries, they still deliver immersive audio and reliable connectivity across various platforms. Discover exceptional value with our top nine picks—and explore even better deals on these already affordable options.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru and Michelle Rae Uy

What feature would you prioritize in a budget gaming headset?

Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review

Sony Pulse 3DSony Pulse 3DSony Pulse 3DSony Pulse 3DSony Pulse 3DSony Pulse 3D

1. Sony Pulse 3D: Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $100

Sony Pulse 3D
9

Designed for PS5 but compatible with various devices, this headset boasts Tempest 3D positional audio for immersive sound.

See it at Amazon | Best Buy | Target

Product Specifications:

  • 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 audio, comfortable fit. Cons: Limited battery life.

2. Corsair HS65 Surround: Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $70

Corsair HS65 Surround
9

This headset delivers 7.1 surround sound for a realistic soundscape at a budget-friendly price.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

  • 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 USB, minimalistic design. Cons: Headband may be tight for some.

3. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2: Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $50

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
7

A low-cost wired headset offering good audio quality and a rich soundstage despite its plastic build and limited features.

See it at Amazon | Best Buy | Target

Product Specifications:

  • 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 soundstage, ultra-cheap. Cons: Mostly plastic build.

Astro A10 In-line Volume Controller

In-line volume controller on Astro A10

4. Astro A10: Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40

Astro A10
7.8

A durable, inexpensive headset that delivers big, dynamic sound despite its lack of frills.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

  • 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 build, big, dynamic sound. Cons: Heavy.

5. Turtle Beach Recon 50: Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $30

Turtle Beach Recon 50
6.2

The ultra-affordable Turtle Beach Recon 50 offers a range of colors and broad console compatibility.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

  • Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC, Mobile
  • Interface: 3.5mm
  • Drivers: 40mm
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
  • Weight: 153g

Pros: Super cheap, decent microphone. Cons: Sound lacks bass.

UK Availability

All headsets reviewed are available in the UK at reasonable prices. See options here [link].

Sony Pulse 3D

Sony Pulse 3D - Best Budget PS5 Gaming Headset

Corsair HS70 Pro Gaming Headset

Corsair HS70 Pro Gaming Headset - Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

Logitech G435 Lightspeed

Logitech G435 Lightspeed - Wireless Audio on the Cheap

HYPERX 519T1AA Cloud Stinger 2

HYPERX 519T1AA Cloud Stinger 2

How Much Should You Spend?

Budget gaming headsets generally cost under $100, offering good sound and mics but potentially lacking advanced features. Under $50, expect compromises in build quality and features. Under $30, expect significant compromises in build quality and audio quality.

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, but dedicated headphones usually offer a better music listening experience.

Do expensive headsets make a difference? To an extent. Higher-priced headsets offer better audio drivers and features like wireless connectivity and 3D audio, but a $50 headset is sufficient for basic gaming needs.

Are budget headsets good for live streaming? Not usually. Their microphones often lack the quality needed for professional streaming; a dedicated streaming microphone is recommended.

When do headsets go on sale? Amazon Prime Day (July), Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are good times to find deals.

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