If you take gaming seriously then you know that a gaming PC itself isn’t the only thing that matters. Some other necessary staff includes a comfortable gaming mouse and a pad for it, and a good gaming desk with a comfortable chair.
You will also need a top-notch gaming monitor for a lifelike image, which often comes with built-in speakers. But if you can’t imagine gaming without high-grade sound then you will start looking for a gaming headset immediately.
Obviously, the whole list of gaming items mentioned above may cost you a fortune. Thus, to save your money and time we offer you the list of the best budget gaming headsets that will let you enjoy a gaming process to the full and at the same time won’t bankrupt you.
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Last update on 2022-06-29 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose Budget Gaming Headset
Before you start choosing the gaming headset we recommend you to look through the key principles of a successful purchase. How to choose the best of the lot? Is a chosen item a perfect match for me? What features should I always consider before making a final decision? The answers to these questions and many others can be found below.
Open vs Closed Headsets
Do you need a headset with complete noise isolation or are the surrounding sounds important to you? Depending on these preferences all headsets are divided into two types – open and closed.
Open headsets let you hear what is happening around you while you are playing games. Still, it doesn’t mean that the sound quality is poor. Open headsets, as well as closed, can offer vivid and lifelike audio but this type of headphones is more suitable for busy gamers who need to be aware of the surrounding sounds as well.
But if you prefer a complete plunging into the world of games then closed headset is something you should choose. This kind of headphones includes noise isolation which excludes any surrounding noises that can interfere with a gaming process.
Wired vs Wireless
If you don’t belong to the category of people who get nervous when seeing tangled wires then you can choose something from the list of wired headsets. In fact, they have their own advantages over their wireless brothers. Unlike wireless headset, this one won’t make you suffer from unpredictable connection drops because it guarantees a robust connection which is important for gaming.
As to the wireless headsets, they were designed for those who can’t stand cables and prefer comfort. Choosing this type of headsets you should always pay attention to its battery life which usually differs from model to model.
Compatibility
Whatever cool headset you have it costs nothing if it isn’t compatible with your gaming device. Thus, one of the first rules you should follow when choosing headphones is to check their compatibility.
Modern models usually support plenty of connection types. Still, be attentive if you have an old device as it may need an adapter. By the way, lots of wireless headsets can also turn into wired as they may include an extra cable.
Sound quality
Sound quality is a key issue for plenty of customers who even agree to tolerate cables if the headset delivers amazing audio. The best way to choose a high-quality headset is to test it. So, if you have a chance to wear the headphones and feel the accuracy of its sound and check its noise isolation level you won’t have any problem in making a right choice.
Most of the budget gaming headsets have a stereo sound which let you know which side the sound is coming from. Some of the models provide a surround sound type which is aimed more at the particular sounds and noises of the game.
Microphone
Streaming games presuppose teamwork. In such case, your headset should be equipped with a high-quality microphone for clear and accurate sounding. All built-in mics can be divided into two types – omnidirectional and unidirectional.
The first kind of microphones delivers not only your voice messages but also all surrounding sounds. Still, your voice will sound more natural via this kind of mic. As to the unidirectional type it blocks most of the noises coming together with your voice. The drawback of the latter one is that your team may hear your breathing as well.
Build quality
Budget gaming headsets do not mean poor build quality. Of course, if you want to have a robust headset that will last almost forever get ready to spend a pretty penny on it. Cheaper models can’t boast of superb build quality but you can select the most durable one among them too.
Choose the headphones, the construction of which is made not only of plastic but also includes some steel or metal elements. Besides, always check the quality of cables that come together with wired headsets as well.
Comfort
Your headset must be comfortable. Say no to any discomfort. Spending hours when playing games should feel like a sheer pleasure but not a punishment. Cushions form, texture quality, sweat resistance – these are important points to consider when choosing the best budget headset for gaming.
One of the best options is to buy headphones with memory foam ear cushions as they will adjust to your ears perfectly well. Note that if you wear glasses, you should also look for a glasses-friendly headset to feel comfortable when playing games. Remember that your comfort means your health.
8 Best Budget Gaming Headsets
HyperX Cloud Stinger S
Fantastic Budget Headset
If you’re hunting for budget gaming headsets, the Kingston HyperX Cloud Stinger must be on your shortlist. The the Cloud Stinger S retails for way less than $100 currently, and it offers a lot of bang for the proverbial buck asked.
To begin with, the over-ear cup-design is perfect for indoor use, as in it’s very comfortable for extended periods of time and also offers native noise cancelation. While some may call them rudimentary design-wise, the low-priced HyperX Cloud Stinger cans come with tons of features: 90° rotating ear cups with memory foam cushions for your ears, 50mm audio drivers for potent bass, an automatically-muting mic on the left ear cup, multi-platform support (Mac, Windows), Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound and, most importantly, high-quality in-gaming sound.
To give you an example, you can hear a gunshot on the other side of the map, yet you won’t be able to hear your wife screaming three feet from your ear. If that’s not awesome, we don’t know what is. All jokes aside, the HyperX Cloud Stinger offer amazing value for money, and even if they are a tad bass-heavy to please “audiophiles”, they’re excellent for gaming and very affordable, hence you should definitely give them a shot.
- Very comfortable
- Wired design
- Lightweight
- Solid audio quality
- Noise-cancelling mic
- Well calibrated
- Kind of flimsy for hardcore gamers
- Non-detachable microphone
Logitech G432
Gaming on a Budget
The G432 from the granddaddy of computer peripherals are a very good choice for gamers on a budget looking for a pair of ergonomically designed and gaming-centric cans. The Logitech G432 have large 50 mm audio drivers for a more immersive gaming experience and feature DTX 7.1 surround sound, plus a 6 mm flip-to-mute microphone with volume control.
So far, so good, so what, you may ask? Well, if you’ve never owned a Logitech made product before, you should start with these. And here’s why: G432 are not only offering amazing value for money, but they are built to last, and they’ll probably serve you for a long time (if not forever) if you don’t thrash them around. Also, the surround sound thing is well implemented, as in it really makes a difference in the “real world” so to speak.
Just remember to download the latest version of Logitech’s gaming software, the G-hub respectively, if you want to get the most of your cans. Basically, if you’re looking for the best price to performance ratio, it’s hard to argue with the Logitech G432. On the other hand, if you’re fixated on high-quality sound and potent bass, stay away, these are not the droids you are looking for.
As far as gaming is concerned though, you’ll be just fine, but keep in mind that you won’t get premium quality at this price-tag. The cans are all plastic and they look kind of cheap (they are cheap, mind you), yet again, they will get the job done without drama.
- Good value for money
- Neutral sound
- Surround sound
- Auto-mute mic
- Affordable
- Easy to operate
- Kind of flimsy
- Stiff padding
ASTRO A10
Decent Budget Gaming Headset for PS4
Unlike Logitech G430 ASTRO A10 can boast of its robust build quality. This headset has a durable anodized aluminum headband that comes with a damage-resistant polycarbonate blend. In addition to this, such durability is also comfortable as ASTRO A10 is equipped with convenient memory foam ear-cushions to make you feel great even after playing long hours.
Though its microphone is omnidirectional it includes the flip-up mute function and in-line volume control. Note that this headset was designed specifically for gaming and its sound quality was adjusted to these needs too. ASTRO A10 delivers accurate and vivid sounds with low latency.
- precise sound
- high build quality
- reasonable price
- comfortable
- great bass
- no surround sound
Razer Kraken Gaming Headset (2019)
The Wired Headset for Competitive Gamers
The 3rd generation of Razer Kraken gives gamers exactly what they need: comfort, impressive audio quality, and easy access to controls.
Made with a lightweight bauxite aluminum frame and thick padding on the headband, these headphones will stay on without digging into your head or building pressure. Furthermore, the ear cushions are infused with cooling gel, and there are hidden eyewear channels for gamers with glasses.
The controls are placed on an in-line remote control, and the 3.5mm port allows you to connect the headset with almost any gaming device. Not to mention that the remote control comes with an analog volume control wheel and mic mute switch!
Speaking of mic, the Razer Kraken features a retractable unidirectional cardioid noise-canceling mic that reduces background and ambient noises for crystal-clear communication. This way, you’ll be able to give shotcalls with outstanding clarity.
Finally, the custom-tuned 50mm drivers deliver a powerful and clear sound that is perfect for a virtual gaming world.
- Comfortable fit
- Padded headband
- Ear cushions infused with cooling gel
- Can be used by gamers wearing glasses
- Powerful sound with booming bass
- In-line remote control
- Compatible with a wide array of devices
- The volume dial is poorly designed
- Sound could be louder
- Design is a bit bulky
Corsair HS60 PRO
Comfort King
The HS60 PRO is arguably the master of ergonomics, as it’s designed for supreme comfort. Don’t let the price tag fool you, as these babies are incredibly comfy, which makes them ideal for binge-gaming sessions. For something like fifty bucks, give or take, you’ll get the complete (and well built) package, and we’re not kidding either.
To begin with, the HS60 PRO are Discord certified, which gives you a hint on how OCD Corsair people really are. You’ll also get 7.1 virtual surround sound, and PC, Xbox, PS and Nintendo compatibility. Speaking of comfort, the HS60 PRO can be used with glasses-on with zero issues, and that’s quite amazing in our experience.
The sound from the mic is crisp and clear, the build quality is exemplary for the price asked, with an aluminum band and outer ear cups, while the top of the headband features a cool “braided” leather cushion, which prevents it from digging into your head. General sound quality is above expectations (we’re talking $50 cans here), the Corsair branding is very subtle, which is kind of rare nowadays, and Corsair’s iCUE software is well designed and easy to use.
Bottom line, the HS60 PRO are definitely an improvement over the previous generation (HS60), and they’re great if you’re looking for budget cans with excellent build quality and comfort. In this regard, these Corsairs have no rival in their price bracket.
- Solid build quality
- Supremely comfy
- Above-average SQ
- Clear mic sound
- Quality materials
- Clamp-on like an alien facehugger
- Stay away if you have a big head
Turtle Beach Recon 70
Built for Victory
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 headphones come with a comfortable design that features a padded headband, cushioned ear cups, and a closed back. This makes them suitable for long hours of gaming sessions and/or music listening.
Equipped with 40mm speakers, the headphones can deliver amazing sound quality with crisp highs and thundering lows. Also, due to the over-the-ear design and thick padding, they keep the outside noises outside and let you play at high volumes without bothering people around.
To make things even easier, you get a flip-up high sensitivity mic that automatically switches to mute when flipped up.
Finally, the headphones are compatible with a wide array of devices due to the 3.5mm port that lets you switch between PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC without worrying about software or difficult installations.
- Powerful and clear sound
- Comfortable fit
- Over-the-ear design with closed back
- Multiplatform compatibility
- Flip-up Mic
- Great value for the money
- The volume could be louder
- They can’t cope with audio-loaded games
- Sound quality is proportional with the price
Logitech G332
For Hours-long Gaming Sessions
Logitech focused on two important aspects with the G332: comfort and sound.
As such, the design is incredibly comfortable due to the breathable leatherette pads, padded adjustable headband, closed-back ear cups, volume control knobs on the left cup, and earcups that swivel.
The sound is immersive and large, due to the 50mm audio drivers. With these headphones, you can hear your enemy’s footsteps and feel the boom of a faraway explosion. Furthermore, the 6mm flip-to-mute boom microphone picks up your voice without any background noise, so your teammates can hear you with clarity.
The G332 are versatile and compatible with a wide array of devices due to the 3.5mm cable. Overall, they bring a lot of bang for your buck.
- Comfortable design
- Closed-back earcups
- Powerful and immersive sound
- Easy to wear for hours
- Swivel-to-mute mic
- Over the ear cups
- Easy access to volume controls
- Mic feels a bit fragile
- Sound can seem muffled at times
- Feels a bit tight for people with glasses
SteelSeries Arctis 3
A Decent Gaming Headset at a Fair Price
SteelSeries Arctis 3 is a fairly nice headset, ideal for both gaming and music. The fact that it is affordable and delivering great performance at the same time makes this device worth buying. This headset isn’t great and won’t knock you off your feet, but still, you will be more than pleased with the experience that it produces.
Comfortable, with superb quality of delivered sound and compatible with a wide variety of platforms (PC, Xbox One, PlayStation, mobile devices, etc.), this headset is a good option for gamers looking for a quality device, with a low price tag.
Although SteelSeries Arctis 5 offers much more for a slightly higher price and overall presents a better value for the money, Artis 3 is still a compelling headset that has a lot to offer. Among others, it features a detachable 3.5mm cable, background noise cancellation, 48-decibel microphone sensitivity, great music and sound effects balance and altogether, an exceptionally rich and clear sound.
This device isn’t the optimal option for streaming and similar purposes, but gaming is where it shines. Yes, it lacks versatility compared to its main rivals, but still presents a decent and highly-satisfying option for every user looking for a premium sound experience at a low cost.
- Clear mic sound
- Quality sound
- Highly comfortable
- Hard to customize
Summary
Don’t be afraid to choose a budget headset for gaming. Lots of high-grade items are affordable nowadays as their price is coming down, and that’s a chance for you to get something really special for a reasonable sum of money.