Not all the best gaming headsets will set you back a small fortune. Plenty of cheaper options deliver high-quality sound, a durable build, and a host of features that you’ll love when you’re in the thralls of your game’s action. But whether you’re after a tether-free connection, multi-platform connectivity, or surround sound support, we’ve found an affordable gaming headset for your needs.
TL; DR – These are the Best Budget Gaming Headsets:
- Sony Pulse 3D – Best budget gaming headset under $100
- Corsair HS65 Surround – Best budget gaming headset under $70
- HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 – Best budget gaming headset under $50
- Astro A10 – Best budget gaming headset under $40
- Turtle Beach Recon 50 – Best budget gaming headset under $30
Budget gaming headsets might not offer all the premium features of the best high-end gaming headsets, like top-notch noise-canceling or hot-swappable batteries. But you’ll still enjoy a pleasant, immersive listening experience and a reliable connection to your gaming PC, consoles, and other devices. What else do you need?
So, take a look at our nine favorites that are available for less than you’d expect– and see them in the UK here. Who knows? You might score a great gaming headset deal on these already low-cost options. Or maybe grab the best gaming earbuds for something easier to take on the go.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru and Michelle Rae Uy
1. Sony Pulse 3D
Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $100
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 to be a PS5 headset, 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.
2. Corsair HS65 Surround
Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $70
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 foam 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.
3. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $50
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.
4. Astro A10
Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40
If you’re looking for the budget pick of the best budget gaming headsets, you can’t beat the Astro A10. Sure, it’s a little older—you can grab a newer model for $20-30 more—but you’ll still enjoy a sleek design with a surprisingly sturdy build for around $40 or less. In fact, there’s an aluminum frame under the plastic-wrapped headband ready to handle wear and tear, while the ear cups are well-cushioned for ultimate comfort.
The Astro A10 is an exclusively wired headset using a 3.5mm jack to connect to all your consoles and other devices. The audio cable even offers in-line volume control. Big, dynamic sound with decent separation is pumped from its 40mm drivers, and a clear line of communication is kept between you and your teammates thanks to a flip-to-mute mic. But similar to other mics in this price range, you can’t tune the headset in any way.
5. Turtle Beach Recon 50
Best Budget Gaming Heaset Under $30
Any super cheap gaming headset like the Turtle Beach Recon 50 is going to be a lesson in compromises. You're not going to get premium features like surround sound or 3D audio, but you should at least get something that works. Well, the Turtle Beach Recon 50 works. This gaming headset has 40mm drivers that sound fine, along with a surprisingly decent microphone that'll keep your voice sounding clear when you're trying to squash some bugs in Helldivers 2. Just keep in mind that the headphones don't have the best bass reproduction, so huge explosions won't sound as cinematic as they would in a more premium headset.
The Turtle Beach Recon 50 comes in four colorways, each somewhat representing a different gaming platform. The green and black colorway, for instance, looks like it belongs next to an original Xbox. Don't worry about which colorway you choose, though, because this headset is completely platform-agnostic. Because it connects via a 3.5mm audio jack, it's compatible with whatever device you want to plug it into, so follow your heart and use that green colorway with your PS5.
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.
How Much Should I Spend on a Budget Gaming Headset?
What qualifies as a 'budget' gaming headset is going to be different for everyone, but $100 is generally as expensive as a budget gaming headset should be. At that price, most gaming headsets are going to have great sound and a decent mic, but might lack some of the fancier features that the best gaming headsets will have.
Once the price drops under $50, you're going to start seeing a lot of concessions. Features like virtual surround sound and 3D Audio are usually the first to go. AT this price, there are a lot of gaming headsets out there that are constructed with flimsy plastic that will break at some point, and that's something you need to factor into your budget. Typically, if you're spending $50 or less, you'll probably have to buy another gaming headset in a year or so.
If you want to spend as little as possible, though, gaming headsets around $20 – $30 are the lower limit of what I'd recommend. Any gaming headset this cheap is going to be severely lacking in build quality, and you're going to get audio drivers that will muddy the sound of any game you're playing. But, it's still good enough to throw on your head, hear what's happening in the game, and talk to your friends without driving them up the wall with an absolutely awful mic, which you'll see a lot of in the absolute cheapest gaming headsets.
Budget Gaming Headset FAQ
Are gaming headsets good for listening to music?
The short answer to this question is no, but there’s far more to it than that. When comparing similarly priced headphones and gaming headsets, the sound on the headphones is usually clear, well-balanced, and warm, while headsets lean more bass-heavy and can get muddied, especially cheaper ones. That’s often due to the extra technology and features loaded into headsets affecting cost, whether it be mics, added controls, or more connectivity—it makes headsets bulkier too.
It’s also important to note that most gaming headsets focus on a wide soundstage and surround sound to immerse you in the action and provide in-game audio cues, but stereo sound is better suited to music. With all that said, high-end gaming headsets, like the Audeze Maxwell, offer a decent music listening experience thanks to better drivers, a wide frequency range, the ability to adjust equalizer settings, and support of high-res sound. Still, in most cases, you’ll be better off with wireless headphones or even earbuds when vibing to your favorite tracks.
Do expensive gaming headsets make a difference?
Up to a point. As with any gaming peripheral, if you're willing and able to spend a bit more cash, you get access to better quality audio drivers and other features. Things like wireless connections, 3D audio and surround sound are all typically found in more expensive gaming headsets. But while these features are nice to have, they're by no means essential. If you just need a gaming headset to hear the game you're playing and chat with your friends, any $50 gaming headset will get the job done.
Are budget gaming headsets good for live game streaming?
Not really. The microphones on gaming headsets tend to be a hit or miss, and unfortunately, many budget options fall into the latter category. These mics will work fine when you’re communicating with teammates, especially options with boom mics that go just below your mouth to avoid picking up unwanted noises. But if you’re streaming to a larger audience, grabbing a stand-alone streaming microphone can make a world of difference with its wide frequency response, high sample rate, bit-depth, and extensive software. The last thing you want to do if you’re getting into game streaming is turn off viewers because of terrible sound.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. She's been reviewing PC hardware for years, and her closet is a veritable graveyard of old gaming headsets and keyboards. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
