Best cheap gaming headsets in 2024

I can regularly use one of the best sound bars when it’s time to kick all ass in stellar Blade on my PS5, but for those scenarios where you need to keep it low, I suggest you check out my picks for the best budget gaming headsets below.

My favorite cheap gaming headsets you can buy right now are the SteelSeries HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. These over-the-ear cans prove to be extremely reliable, produce good sounds, and always feel comfortable strapped around the skull.

So take a break, stay here a while, and read my picks for the best cheap gaming headsets, each of which has been thoroughly tested by the audio experts at Jugo Mobile.

Here’s a quick overview of the best budget gaming headsets you can buy now based on our tests and reviews.

The quick list

The best cheap gaming headsets you can buy

Best overall cheap gaming headsets

While the microphone can get in the way and isn’t the best option when it comes to transmitting sound, the HyperX Cloud Stinger2 is one of the best budget gaming headsets out there.

The headphones offer a comfortable fit thanks to their large ear cups and padding, but the overall design is flimsy, which is a bit disappointing. And luckily, the earbuds sit around your ear rather than pressed into them, making them a headset you can wear during long gaming sessions.

Solid overall sound quality and initiative controls via a dial on the headset make up for the HyperX Cloud Stinger2’s few shortcomings.

Read our full HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Review.

The best designed cheap gaming headphones

TheSteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 offers almost everything good about the rest of SteelSeries’ excellent Arctis line for just $60. These headphones include a stripped-down version of SteelSeries’ signature sleek headphone design, with soft fabric ear cups and the same rich drivers you’ll find on high-end Arctis models. We found the Arctis Nova 1 to be reliable for almost all game genres.

With its retractable microphone and convenient 3.5mm connection, it’s the perfect gaming companion, whether you’re on the road with your Switch or at home with your PC. While it doesn’t offer the same set of amenities as its more expensive siblings, the Arctis Nova 1 offers some of the best performance you can find in this price range.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis 1 Review.

The most stylish cheap gaming headsets

You don’t have to spend a lot to get impressive audio with a gaming headset, and the Astro A10 is proof of that. For under $50, you get a pair of headphones that borrow a flourished design from its more expensive sibling, with a decent amount of ruggedness to match its style.

More to the point, that sound is excellent considering how affordable the headphones are. The Astro A10 has a punchy bass response but also handles the treble with concise clarity. Add a lightweight frame and memory foam earcups and you’ve got yourself a great, budget-friendly gaming headset. Just keep in mind that the fit may be a little snug for some.

Read our full Astro A10 Review.

The most comfortable cheap gaming headphones

The Razer Kraken Xi is a very solid budget headset that offers good sound in one of the most attractive designs Razer has produced yet. A far cry from the bulky chassis of previous Razer headsets, the Kraken

The headset’s 3.5mm connection works seamlessly with consoles and PCs, delivering well-balanced sound for both competitive and immersive gaming. We wish the headset had better music performance and a removable microphone, but these are great overall gaming headsets for the price.

Read our full Razer Kraken X Review.

Best cheap gaming headsets for PC

Like other models from the PC accessory brand, the Roccat Elo 7.1 USB is a reasonably priced, reliable gaming headset with solid audio performance. Dialogue comes through loud and clear, while gunshots, explosions and other booming effects come through loud and clear during intense action gameplay. These headphones also work as a proper pair of headphones offering excellent treble and vocals. The Roccat Swarm software allows users to choose between different audio presets for different game genres, switch between stereo and surround sound, adjust microphone sidetone, and select different voice change filters.

You’ll need to be careful not to wear the Elo 7.1 USB for too long, as it doesn’t fit comfortably on your head; It is very narrow and thin. The lackluster microphone also doesn’t add much to voice chat due to distortion issues.

Read our full Roccat Elo 7.1 USB Review.

Best cheap cross-platform gaming headsets

PC or PS5? Nintendo Switch or iPhone? Turtle Beach Recon 70 is available for use on all current gaming platforms and in different colors. Comfort is a big selling point, with each earbud providing enough room and breathability for your ears to rest comfortably, as well as a proper fit to prevent slipping. Not all sound effects sound crisp, although we found the details of gunshots and footsteps impressive. You can also use the Recon 70 to listen to music, but don’t expect it to replace your standard pair of wireless headphones.

The microphone also works well for communicating with other players through multiplayer, although moving it is annoying as it vibrates every time you turn it to one of the preset positions. Aside from the attractive color combinations, there isn’t much to the design either, which looks tacky.

Read our full Turtle Beach Recon 70 Review.

For $30, the Corsair HS35 does everything you need to enjoy online multiplayer gaming sessions without bleeding your wallet. These bad boys’ drivers handle loud sound effects like explosions and loud booms with precision, while also offering clear stereo separation for hearing enemy fire during combat missions. A lightweight, flexible design ensures long-term comfort for hours on end. Being able to place the microphone anywhere you need it or detach the microphone handle when not needed offers some convenience, depending on your needs.

Some will argue about the headphones’ weaknesses, including the weak microphone and lack of USB connectivity. On the other hand, these are forgivable drawbacks when talking about an affordable, fully functional and competent model like the HS35.

Read our full Corsair HS35 Stereo Gaming Headset Review.

The HyperX Cloud Core 7.1 is an upgrade to the HyperX Cloud Core II, one of the best budget gaming headsets out there. Like its predecessor, this headset features comfortable leatherette ear cups, intuitive in-line controls, and overall impressive gaming audio.

Cloud Core 7.1 also supports virtual surround sound, making it easier to hear enemies better in competitive games and become more immersed in narrative adventures. The headset has a convenient detachable microphone and USB and 3.5mm connection options for use with any gaming console, PC or mobile device.

Read our full HyperX Cloud Core 7.1 Review.

At $99/£89, the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset isn’t the cheapest gaming headset out there. However, it not only works with the PS5 but also PCs, adding a degree of versatility to the headset. Add support for Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio engine and you’ve got yourself a pretty impressive gaming headset for under $100.

Not only do the headsets look pretty good with a black and white color scheme that matches that of the PS5, but they also offer solid audio. You’ll hear all the thumps, pops, crunches, screams and more in all types of games. , with 3D audio that allows you to identify where enemies are by sound alone. But the headphones also do a decent job when it comes to music and movies.

It’s also quite comfortable, with decent cushioning and a sturdy headband that works for long gaming sessions. There’s no active noise cancellation and some of the controls on the headphones aren’t the most intuitive. But we’d still say that the Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is an essential accessory for the PS5.

Read our full Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review.

How we tested the best cheap gaming headsets

How we tested the best cheap gaming headsets

To determine which are the best cheap gaming headsets, we used each model we reviewed with a variety of games and genres. We generally test headsets with shooter games to get a feel for directional sound for competitive gaming, as well as RPGs and action/adventure titles to evaluate more immersive cinematic audio.

We also tested all of the gaming headsets with a variety of music to see how well they perform as everyday headphones. Additionally, we evaluate the microphone quality of each headset through sound recordings and real-world gaming sessions.

How to choose the best cheap gaming headphones

How to choose the best cheap gaming headphones for you

There are several key factors to consider when looking for the best budget gaming headset for your gaming style. Here are some things you should know before you buy.

Compatibility: Most of the best budget gaming headsets connect via 3.5mm jacks, meaning they’ll work with almost any platform, including PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. However, some headsets only connect via USB for PC and PS4, so keep an eye out for that.

Don’t expect wireless connection: You’ll almost never get a wireless gaming headset for less than $60, so be prepared to deal with cables. If you’re looking to splurge on a wireless set, check out our overall recommendations for the best gaming headsets.

Consider your comfort: Most cheap gaming headsets have faux leather or soft fabric ear cups. The former is very comfortable and does a good job of sealing out sound, but it can get warm over time. Cloth earcups are typically very lightweight and are best worn for long periods of time, but you won’t always get the most immersive sound.