The Best Cheap Gaming Headsets That Are Still Worth Buying

High-quality gaming headsets don't always come with a hefty price tag. Many budget-friendly options, such as the Sony Pulse 3D, offer excellent sound, durable construction, and impressive features to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you prioritize wireless freedom, cross-platform compatibility, or immersive surround sound, we've curated a selection of affordable headsets to suit your needs.

TL;DR – Best Budget Gaming Headsets:

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

Corsair HS65 Surround
See it at Amazon

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

Astro A10
See it at Amazon

Turtle Beach Recon 50
See it at Amazon

Budget gaming headsets may not boast all the premium features of high-end models, such as advanced noise cancellation or hot-swappable batteries. However, they still deliver an enjoyable, immersive audio experience and reliable connectivity across various gaming platforms and devices. Explore our top nine picks, all available at surprisingly affordable prices – and discover even better deals in the UK here. Consider also exploring the best gaming earbuds for on-the-go convenience.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru and Michelle Rae Uy

Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review

10 Images

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

Designed for PS5 but compatible with numerous devices, this affordable headset delivers Tempest 3D positional audio for detailed, immersive sound. See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy See it at 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

The Sony Pulse 3D headset offers crisp, vibrant, and spacious sound, enhancing immersion with Tempest 3D positional audio. While battery life is moderate, it's sufficient for extended gaming sessions. Its versatility extends beyond PS5 compatibility, working with PS4, PC, and Mac via the included USB dongle.

11 Images

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

This headset provides 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 tight for some

The Corsair HS65 Surround delivers excellent sound and comfort for under $80. Its simple design and plug-and-play functionality, with 7.1 surround sound via USB, make it a great value option. While minimalistic, some may find the headband slightly tight.

7 Images

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

A low-cost wired headset with a lightweight design and good audio quality. See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy See it at 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

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 delivers surprisingly good sound quality for its price point, featuring a rich, layered soundstage despite its plastic construction. While lacking in extra features, it's a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.

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

A durable, inexpensive headset with big, dynamic sound. 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

The Astro A10 offers a surprisingly sturdy build and impressive sound quality for its price. Its simple design and reliable performance make it a strong contender in the budget category, although it's slightly heavier than some competitors.

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

The inexpensive Turtle Beach Recon 50 is available in various colors and works across multiple platforms. 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 for the money

Cons: Sound lacks bass

The Turtle Beach Recon 50, while budget-friendly, makes compromises in sound quality, particularly lacking in bass. However, it offers decent microphone performance and platform compatibility, making it a functional option for those on a tight budget.

Where to Get the Best Budget Gaming Headsets in the UK

Finding the perfect gaming headset doesn't require breaking the bank. All the headsets reviewed here are available in the UK at reasonable prices. Whether you prefer the SteelSeries Arctis 1 or the Turtle Beach Recon 70, there's a great option waiting for you. Click here if you don't see your preferred headset listed below.

Sony Pulse 3D – Best Budget PS5 Gaming Headset See it

Corsair HS70 Pro Gaming Headset – Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset £99.99 save 1% £98.99 at Amazon

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 £90.91 at Amazon

Logitech G435 Lightspeed – Wireless Audio on the Cheap £56.79 at Amazon

HYPERX 519T1AA Cloud Stinger 2 See it

How Much Should I Spend on a Budget Gaming Headset?

A "budget" gaming headset's price varies, but $100 is generally the upper limit. At this price, expect good sound and a decent microphone, but potentially fewer advanced features. Below $50, compromises become more apparent, often involving cheaper materials and a shorter lifespan. Under $30, expect significant reductions in build quality and audio fidelity, though basic functionality is usually maintained.

Budget Gaming Headset FAQ

Are gaming headsets good for listening to music? Generally, no. Gaming headsets prioritize a wide soundstage and bass, which can muddy music compared to dedicated headphones. High-end gaming headsets might offer acceptable music playback, but dedicated headphones or earbuds usually provide a superior experience.

Do expensive gaming headsets really make a difference? To a point. Higher-priced headsets offer better audio drivers, wireless connectivity, 3D audio, and other features. However, a $50 headset will suffice for basic gaming communication.

Are budget gaming headsets good for live game streaming? Not ideally. Budget microphones often lack the quality needed for professional streaming. A dedicated streaming microphone is recommended for better audio.

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