Top Affordable Gaming Headsets Still Worth Purchasing

Not all the best gaming headsets need to break the bank. There are numerous affordable options, such as the Sony Pulse 3D, that provide high-quality sound, durable construction, and a variety of features to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for wireless freedom, multi-platform compatibility, or immersive surround sound, there's a budget-friendly gaming headset that meets your needs.

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

### Sony Pulse 3D

7See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Target### Corsair HS65 Surround

2See it at Amazon### HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

2See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Target### Astro A10

2See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Recon 50

2See it at AmazonWhile budget gaming headsets may not include all the premium features found in best high-end gaming headsets, such as advanced noise-canceling or swappable batteries, they still offer a satisfying and immersive audio experience with reliable connections to your gaming PC, consoles, and other devices.

Explore our top nine budget-friendly picks, all available for less than you might expect. You may even find a great deal on these already affordable options or opt for best gaming earbuds for a more portable solution.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru, and Michelle Rae Uy

Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review

10 Images1. Sony Pulse 3D

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $100

### Sony Pulse 3D

7Designed for the PS5 but compatible with many other devices, this affordable headset offers Tempest 3D positional audio for a detailed and immersive sound experience. The Sony Pulse 3D is an excellent choice for gamers seeking high-quality audio without breaking the bank. Its comfort and versatility make it suitable for extended gaming sessions across various platforms.

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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 PlayStation 5 introduced a range of enhancements, including its unique spatial audio technology, Tempest 3D. To fully enjoy this, a compatible headset like the Sony Pulse 3D is essential. Our comprehensive review highlights its ability to deliver crisp, vibrant, and spacious sound, placing you right in the heart of the action. The Tempest 3D positional audio adds an extra layer of immersion that generic headphones can't match. While its battery life may not be the longest, it's sufficient for long gaming sessions. Although primarily designed for the PS5, its versatility extends to PS4, gaming PCs, and Macs via the included USB dongle.

Corsair HS65 Wireless – Photos

11 Images2. Corsair HS65 Surround

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $70

### Corsair HS65 Surround

2This headset delivers 7.1 surround sound for a wide and realistic soundscape at a budget-friendly price. The Corsair HS65 Surround is an excellent choice for gamers looking for quality sound without breaking the bank.

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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 users

Corsair's HS65 Surround offers an impressive wired headset under $80. With a simple plug-and-play setup via a 3.5mm jack, it provides neutral sound with superb directional audio, aiding in locating in-game enemies. The USB connection unlocks 7.1 surround sound, enhancing the immersive experience. While it lacks fancy features, our testing emphasized its focus on sound quality and comfort, delivered through 50mm drivers within soft memory foam earcups. The design is minimalistic, featuring a sturdy build with quality plastic and aluminum, though the headband might feel tight for some. Controls are straightforward with a volume dial and flip-to-mute microphone, and further sound adjustments can be made via the iCue software.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 – Photos

7 Images3. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $50

### HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

2This low-cost wired headset features a plastic build and minimal features while still delivering good audio quality with a rich, layered soundstage. The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is perfect for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize sound quality.

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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

Our testing of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 showcases its value for under $50. Its wired nature keeps costs down, offering plug-and-play versatility across platforms. While its plastic construction indicates its budget status, it remains solid and comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The 50mm drivers produce a surprisingly good sound with a rich, layered soundstage. However, there's minimal software support for audio adjustments, and you won't find RGB lighting or extensive on-ear controls. This headset is ideal for those seeking quality sound at a low price.

4. Astro A10

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40

### Astro A10

2This durable, ultra-cheap gaming headset skips most frills while delivering big, dynamic sound. The Astro A10 is a fantastic budget option for gamers who want performance and comfort without breaking the bank.

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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

Our review of the Astro A10 highlights its great performance and comfort at a budget-friendly price. While slightly older, it's still an excellent choice, offering a sturdy build with an aluminum frame and well-cushioned ear cups. It connects via a 3.5mm jack, with an in-line volume controller for added convenience. The 40mm drivers produce big, dynamic sound with decent separation, and the flip-to-mute microphone ensures clear communication. However, there are no options for audio customization at this price point.

5. Turtle Beach Recon 50

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $30

### Turtle Beach Recon 50

2The super cheap Turtle Beach Recon 50 comes in various colors and works with any console you own. It's an ideal choice for gamers looking for an ultra-budget option.

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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

Our hands-on review of the Turtle Beach Recon 50 reveals it as a functional budget headset. While it doesn't offer premium features like surround sound or 3D audio, it performs well for its price. The 40mm drivers provide decent sound, and the microphone is surprisingly clear. However, the sound quality lacks bass, which may disappoint those seeking a more cinematic experience. Available in multiple colorways, this headset is versatile and compatible with all platforms via a 3.5mm audio jack.

Where to Get the Best Budget Gaming Headsets in the UK

Finding the perfect gaming headset doesn't have to be expensive. Each of the headsets on our list is available in the UK at a reasonable price. Whether you prefer the SteelSeries Arctis 1 or the affordable Turtle Beach Recon 70, there's a headset waiting for you. If you don't see the headsets listed below, click here to explore more options.

### Sony Pulse 3D

4Best Budget PS5 Gaming HeadsetSee it### Corsair HS70 Pro Gaming Headset

16Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset£99.99 save 1%£98.99 at Amazon### SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

4£90.91 at Amazon### Logitech G435 Lightspeed

5Wireless Audio on the Cheap£56.79 at Amazon### HYPERX 519T1AA Cloud Stinger 2

3See itHow Much Should I Spend on a Budget Gaming Headset?

The definition of a 'budget' gaming headset varies, but generally, a budget headset should not exceed $100. At this price point, you can expect great sound and a decent microphone, though some advanced features may be absent.

As prices drop below $50, you'll notice compromises in features like virtual surround sound and 3D Audio. At this level, many headsets are constructed with less durable plastic, which might not last long. If you're spending $50 or less, you might need to replace the headset within a year.

For the lowest possible price, gaming headsets around $20 – $30 are the bare minimum I'd recommend. At this price, build quality is often compromised, and audio drivers might muddy the sound. However, these headsets can still provide basic functionality for gaming and communication.

Budget Gaming Headset FAQ

Are gaming headsets good for listening to music?

Generally, gaming headsets are not ideal for music listening due to their bass-heavy sound profiles and potential muddiness, especially in cheaper models. This is due to the added technology like mics and controls, which can affect the sound quality. Gaming headsets prioritize a wide soundstage and surround sound for in-game cues, whereas music is better suited to stereo sound. High-end gaming headsets, like the Audeze Maxwell, can offer decent music listening with better drivers and customizable equalizers, but for most users, wireless headphones or earbuds are a better choice for music.

Do expensive gaming headsets really make a difference?

Expensive gaming headsets can provide better audio drivers and additional features like wireless connectivity, 3D audio, and surround sound. While these enhancements can improve the gaming experience, they're not essential for basic gameplay and communication. A $50 headset can still meet the needs of most gamers.

Are budget gaming headsets good for live game streaming?

Budget gaming headsets usually have adequate microphones for in-game communication but may not be ideal for live streaming. Stand-alone streaming microphones offer better sound quality and are recommended for streaming to larger audiences.

When do gaming headsets go on sale?

To snag a gaming headset at a discount, consider shopping during Amazon Prime Day in July or during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. These periods often feature significant discounts on gaming headsets from brands like Logitech and Turtle Beach.