Best Budget Gaming Headset 2023 - IGN - EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN)

You don’t have to spend a ton for an immersive gaming audio experience. While getting an Audeze or a premium SteelSeries Arctis is the dream, there are many excellent budget gaming headsets out there that deliver great sound quality and wide soundstage without a steep entry price. That’s not all; although inexpensive, some of these offer premium-level features like an audiophile-worthy frequency range, plush ear foams, and multi-platform support.

Of course, not all gaming headsets in the budget market will hit the mark, and those that do will have compromises to keep the price down. This means that you’ll have to be a bit more rigorous when choosing one that’s sub-$100. Our list of the best budget gaming headsets should make it easier for you, whether you need one for your Xbox Series X/S, PS5, or gaming PC – you can find them here in the UK.

TL; DR – These are the Best Budget Gaming Headsets:

Razer Barracuda X

Best Budget Gaming Headset

Razer Barracuda

Compatibility: PS5/PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android wireless, Xbox Series X/S, Mac | Interface: Wireless, Wired | Connections: Wireless (2.4GHz), USB-C, 3.5mm | Drivers: 40mm Razer TriForce | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: THX Spatial Audio, Tempest 3D | Weight: 250g

The Razer Barracuda X is proof that when you get back to the basics and forgo all the frills, you can produce a top-notch gaming headset. There aren’t any unique marquee features on this 2021 release from Razer, but what makes it special is that it pumps out clean audio, offers multi-platform compatibility (that includes your Android phone), and solid wireless connectivity without demanding more than $100 from you. Comfort is a top priority as well, with its 250g lightweight design and plush ear cups designed to be breathable. Add in its 20-hour battery life, and you’re good to go for long gaming sessions.

Gaming-wise, it delivers a mids-centric profile with a strong bass presence and solid virtual surround sound – not to mention, a reliable mic that lets you come through loud and clear when you’re talking over Discord. PS5 gamers will also appreciate its Tempest 3D audio support. Tired of the same black aesthetic? It also comes in Razer’s Mercury (white) and Quartz (pink) colorways.

Astro A10 Gen 2

Best Ultra Cheap Gaming Headset

Astro A10 Gen

Although Astro’s flagship models are out of reach for those on a limited budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t still get access to a quality headset from the company. Consider the Astro A10 Gen 2, for instance. This is about as affordable as it gets and is proof that you can still have your gaming audio needs met even with a low price range. Of course, there will be some limitations. At 346 grams, this headset is among the heavier headsets out there. You’ll also have to forgo any wireless or digital connectivity as you’ll be limited to wired 3.5mm audio connections.

But, the sound more than makes up for it with an emphasis on the low end for some extra rumble. And, the flip-to-mute mic is clear enough for your friends and enemies to hear you over the action. It also comes with plenty of padding to keep you more than comfortable through long gaming sessions. Add in a tough, durable exterior and 5 colorways, and you’ll see why this is the best ultra cheap gaming headset right now.

Xbox Wireless Headset

Best Budget Xbox Gaming Headset

Xbox Wireless

Headset

The Xbox Wireless Headset has a lot going for it. Not only does it match the aesthetics of the newest Microsoft consoles, but it can pair directly with them without the need for additional dongles or adapters. It offers more than just convenience. This headset’s fifteen hours of battery life is more than enough to get you through long gaming sessions. Plenty of thought has also been put into the button and dial placement. Instead of a bunch of controls crowding one ear cup, they’re arranged for intuitive on-the-fly adjustments.

Of course, none of that matters if the sound quality isn’t up to par. Thankfully, this headset provides plenty of low-end while still sounding clear and crisp. You can also take advantage of spatial audio technology for an even more immersive audio experience. And, with the ability to connect via Bluetooth or USB-C – you’ll have to get a longer cable separately – you can use this headset with just about any device. You can even invest in a wireless dongle for latency-free PC gaming.

Sony Pulse 3D

Best Budget PS5 Gaming Headset

Sony Pulse

When the Playstation 5 came out, it brought a whole slew of improvements with it including its very own spatial audio technology known as Tempest 3D. And, having a headset that can make the most of the PS5’s audio capabilities is ideal for that immersive audio experience. The Sony Pulse 3D is not only more than capable of doing that, but it’s surprisingly affordable as well. At $99.99, it’s cheaper than you would expect from a first-party peripheral.

The sound these cans deliver is crisp, vibrant, and spacious, transporting you to the middle of the action. The positional audio from Tempest 3D also adds a layer of immersion that you won’t get with just any headphones. While the battery life is nothing to write home about, it’s still plenty for long gaming sessions. Though the Pulse 3D was obviously made for the PS5, it is surprisingly versatile. Since its wireless connectivity comes via the included USB dongle, you can also use it with a PS4, gaming PC, and Mac as long as you have a USB port available.

Corsair HS65 Surround

Best Budget Wired Gaming Headset

Corsair

HS65

Surround

Corsair delivers an almost unbelievably great wired headset for under $80 with the HS65 Surround. This simple plug-and-play headset connects to your devices via a 3.5mm jack. You can also connect this headset over USB to get 7.1 surround sound for an immersive wide and realistic soundscape. These cans also deliver a neutral sound with superb directional audio, which may also help you place where enemies are in-game. You might be tethered to your gaming rig but the sound coming out of these headphones is more than worth it.

The Corsair HS65 Surround is not chock full of fancy features and instead spends where it matters: sound and comfort. And that audio is delivered through two 50mm drivers housed in soft memory phone earcups. A mix of quality plastic and aluminum bones make up the rest of this fairly minimalistic headset, though some may find that the headband can be a bit tight. You also don’t get all the confusing buttons and dials that some options come with, just a volume dial on the left earcup and a flip-to-mute feature on the non-detachable mic. If you need to make other sound adjustments, you can do it using the iCue software.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

Best Multi-Platform Budget Gaming Headset

SteelSeries

Arctis Nova

Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/PS5, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Interface: Wired | Connections: USB-C wired (USB-A adapter), 3.5mm | Drivers: 40mm Neodymium | Frequency Response: 20Hz – 22,000Hz | Surround Sound Modes: Tempest 3D, Microsoft Spatial Sound, 360° Spatial Audio | Weight: 254g

The sheer number of gaming devices out there makes it challenging to find a headset compatible with them all, but SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova 3 does just that. This wired option offers both a USB-C—with a USB-A adapter/extension cable—and a 3.5mm jack, so you’re good to game on everything from your PC, Mac, and gaming phone to your Switch, Xbox Series X, and PS5. If you connect via USB, you can even take advantage of flashy RGB lighting rings on the earcups.

The multi-platform connectivity under $100 essentially pays for itself, though there’s plenty more to love about the Arctis Nova 3, starting with the stellar high-fidelity drivers that pump out quality audio. Making things even better is SteelSeries’ Sonar software that lets you adjust EQ settings and create custom sound profiles optimizing the audio for specific games when you’re on PC. And similar to most SteelSeries headsets, you get an extremely comfortable fit and a clear-sounding mic.

Logitech G435 Lightspeed

Best Ultra Cheap Wireless Gaming Headset

Logitech

G435

Lightspeed

Logitech’s carbon-neutral G435 Lightspeed is made for young gamers and gamers with smaller heads. It’s not only smaller and more compact than most gaming headsets out there – the mic is nothing more than a stump on the side of the left earcup – but it’s lighter as well at 165g. That lightweight obviously adds to its comfort, which is made better by the flexible headband and the soft, breathable ear cups.

But don’t take its inexpensive price and small form factor as signs of subpar quality. This budget gaming headset comes with 40mm audio drivers that deliver good – albeit, not amazing – sound as well as support for Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D Audio, and Windows Sonic. As is the mic, which is technically made up of dual beamforming mics. The wireless connectivity is strong as well. Plus, if you’re getting this for your kid, you know you’ll win points with its fun colorways, of which there are three.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

Best Ultra Cheap Wired Gaming Headset

HyperX

Cloud Stinger

For a sub-$50 gaming headset from a well-known brand, you can’t beat the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. Helping to keep the price low is its exclusively wired interface, so you’ll be tethered to your gaming platform via a 3.5mm connection, though its plug-and-play nature is still super versatile. Perhaps the most blaring indication of the headset’s affordability is the plastic build, but it’s solid enough with a comfortable, lightweight feel perfect for marathon gaming sessions.

Despite the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2’s cost-cutting design, its 50mm drivers crank out a surprisingly good sound quality with a rich, layered soundstage. However, when it comes to tweaking that audio, you’re pretty much stuck with how they come with virtually no software support. This headset is actually pretty light in features in general, so you won’t find any RGB lighting or tons of on-ear controls, but it’s ideal for those who want decent sound at a wallet-friendly price.

Where to Get the Best Budget Gaming Headsets in the UK

Finding the right gaming headset can be a match made in heaven, but you don’t need to pay above and beyond to find your lucky set. Out of all the headsets we’ve tested on this list, every single one is available to pick up in the UK, and at a reasonable price. Whether it’s our favourite the SteelSeries Arctis 1, or the incredibly affordable Turtle Beach Recon 70, there is a headset ready and waiting for you. Don’t see the headsets below? Click here.

What to look for in a Budget Gaming Headset

We’ve picked out the cream of the crop when it comes to budget gaming headsets, but you can still run into a lot of bad apples. Here we’ll tell you about a few things you should expect from this market of cheap gaming headsets including build and sound quality.

Of the budget gaming headsets we’ve tested, we found that build quality can run the gamut between flimsy and cheap to super sturdy to the point of being almost too heavy. Of course, you’ll also get better build quality as you move up the price scale—less molded plastic and more metal. If you can check out these gaming headsets in store, be sure to not just put them on but give them a decent stretch (without snapping them in half!) and see if it creaks at all.

Although you will find scratchy fabric ear cups on some models, you’ll also encounter smooth synthetic leather and soft fabric, too. When it comes to leather vs fabric, it all comes down to your preference, but know that leather offers more sound isolation while fabrics are more breathable. Also be on the lookout for memory-foam padding as it offers the cushiest, most comfortable fit against your head.

Sound quality can be impressive across the board, though the tendency we found across the category was to favor low frequencies instead of highs or mids. You’ll get cleaner highs and better separation between mid and low frequencies in the midrange gaming headsets or higher class peripherals.

Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae