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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
See it at Amazon | Best Buy | Target
Corsair HS65 Surround
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HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
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Astro A10
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Turtle Beach Recon 50
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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
Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review
1. Sony Pulse 3D: Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $100
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
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
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.
4. Astro A10: Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40
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
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 - Best Budget PS5 Gaming Headset
Corsair HS70 Pro Gaming Headset - Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Logitech G435 Lightspeed - Wireless Audio on the Cheap
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.
