Best Budget Gaming Headsets In 2023

A gaming headset can seriously improve your gaming experience, but narrowing options down can be difficult. Gaming headsets can also get expensive very quickly. There’s a mass of choices out there but what are the best options when you don’t want to spend too much? Whether you’re playing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch, a pair of headphones can accentuate the audio and better immerse you in the game. The PS5, for example, has its Tempest 3D sound engine to simulate surround sound, while the Xbox Series X/S has something similar with its Spatial Audio.

Related:Best PS5 Headsets In 2023

Don’t worry too much though, the effect should work with most stereo headsets (although performance will vary). Meanwhile, a proper gaming headset should also include a mic that’ll have you sounding that much clearer when communicating with your friends and teammates when you’re gaming online. For those looking for an affordable gaming headset we’ve got you covered with our buyer’s guide to the best budget headsets for various platforms, as well as the best budget wireless and best budget noise-cancelling headsets.

Updated on November 27, 2023, by Sai Vsr: There are a lot of budget headset options out there that are really amazing, and we’ve ensured that the ones we recommend fit your needs best. In this recent update, we have upgraded this list with one more really cool headset, the HyperX Cloud Stinger!

Best Budget Headsets For PS5, Xbox Series X/S, And Nintendo Switch

HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset

Best By HyperX

The real deal!

Looking for an affordable gaming headset that doesn’t skimp on quality? The HyperX Cloud Stinger gives you immersive sound with 50mm drivers and cozy memory foam cushions. It works with PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and phones. The noise-cancelling mic is detachable and the steel headband is built to last through marathon gaming sessions.

Pros

• Exceptionally comfortable for long gaming sessions.
• Convenient flip-to-mute noise-cancellation microphone.
• Crisp and clear audio quality enhances gaming.

Cons

• Design is basic and not very flashy.
• Lacks surround sound support.

The HYPERX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset really makes a mark in the gaming arena with its superb mix of comfort and sound quality, and that too, at a price that won’t make your wallet weep like Prince’s guitar. This headset brings the game to life with its DTS Headphone:X and stereo sound modes.

Those 50 mm drivers are no joke, covering a wide frequency range from 18Hz to 23kHz. You get all the details in your game’s audio, even though it doesn’t have active noise cancelation. But hey, the sound-isolating feature does a pretty neat job of keeping out unwanted noise, so you’re still in for an immersive experience.

And for all the team players out there, the built-in noise-cancelling mic, which you can detach, is a game-changer. It keeps your communication crystal clear. Plus, the wired connection means you won’t face any annoying lag in sound, and we gotta admit, the tangle-resistant cord is a nice touch.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Wired Gaming Headset

Best Budget Headset PS5

Good Set Of Features

$40 $60 Save $20

The best budget PS5 headset is a terrific choice for sound quality, comfort, and convenience. For an afforable price, you get sound quality on a par with more expensive options in SteelSeries’ range, as well as a retractable mic and controls on the earcup. While you don’t get wireless functionality, since these plug into the DualSense with 3.5mm jack, it does mean it can be used with a range of other devices. For less than $50 you get bang for your buck with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1s.

Pros

• Great Value
• Decent sound quality
• Fully retractable noise-cancelling mic
• Onboard controls

Cons

• Wireless version costs only slightly more
• Long wire

For those on a limited budget, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Wired headset punches above its weight in terms of sound quality and convenience, with a fully retractable mic built in and the ability to use it with other platforms. While the Arctis Nova 1 won’t blow you away with its build quality, it does have a great balance of features and makes for a comfortable pair of headphones. These are fully compatible with the PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio and represent an excellent entry point into the SteelSeries brand.

Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset

Best Budget Headset Xbox Series X/S

Spatial Audio For Positional Performance

For an affordable price those looking for a gaming headset can pick up the Razer BlackShark V2 X, which is good enough to be used in esports. This is because these budget headsets have 7.1 surround sound support. The audio will especially help with online multiplayer shooters as it’ll help players to position the direction and location of gunfire and footsteps.

Pros

• A clear and reliable mic
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Good sound response

Cons

• Mic is fixed
• Lacks the features of its slightly more expensive variant

These Razer headsets offer quite a lot for a relatively small price. Featuring 50mm drivers and a HyperClear Cardioid microphone, the headset is also lightweight and comfortable for long periods of play. Using a 3.5mm jack the BlackShark V2 X works with a range of platforms too.

Those who can afford it should also take a look at its more expensive variant, the BlackShark V2 (sans the ‘X’) since it features better build quality and allows for THX Spatial Audio. But the V2 X features sound quality very close in quality to its pricier variant while still simulating surround sound and having a reliable mic.

Corsair HS35

Best Budget Headset Nintendo Switch

Good Sound For The Price

The Corsair HS35 is a very well priced headset in terms of what you get. With decent bass response, this headset will sound especially good for middle to low-end frequencies such as explosions or rumbling noises.

Pros

• Surprisingly good bass response
• Flexible mic that can detach
• Lightweight fit

Cons

• Not the most dependable of mics

The Corsair HS35 Stereo Gaming Headset is compatible with a whole range of platforms including the PS5, PS4, Xbox, mobile, PC, and the Nintendo Switch. It has good stereo separation and will sound surprisingly beefy in terms of its audio as it has good driver response for low to middle frequencies, helping players to immerse themselves.

They’re also comfortable and lightweight for a headset. The one weakness is the mic, which is also detachable, but the Corsair HS35 will sound great whether you’re bouncing around as Mario or exploring and adventuring with Link.

Roccat Elo 7.1 Air Wireless Gaming Headset

Best Budget Wireless Headset

Wireless Connectivity For Multiple Platforms

You won’t find too many wireless headset options in this price bracket but in the Roccat Elo 7.1 Air you’ll be doing without the wire in a set that doesn’t take too many compromises. This gaming headset covers wireless 7.1 surround sound, a detachable mic, and has 24-hour battery life. It’s a decent package for less than a hundred bucks with plenty of change.

Pros

• Connects wirelessly with a range of platforms
• Good sound quality
• Mic performance is solid

Cons

• Plasticky build
• Only works with the Nintendo Switch when docked

While most budget headsets are wired, the Roccat Elo 7.1 Air wireless gaming headset sets itself apart by offering virtual surround sound and being able to connect wirelessly with your console. Not only that but the mic quality is decent and the 50mm drivers offer plenty of power and audio nuance.

While not Bluetooth, the Roccat Elo 7.1 Air connects via a USB-A transmitter. However, it should be noted that it works with PC, PlayStation 4 and 5 (with the master volume control not supported on the Sony systems), but not Xbox. It is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch but only when the console is in docked mode.

Xbox Stereo Headset

Best Budget Wireless Headset For Xbox

The Official Xbox Headset

This is the Xbox gaming headset and since they’re the officially branded headset you can be sure that they will work perfecly with your Xbox Series X/S. Coming in both wired and wireless versions, these will be tuned to work well with Xbox and PC and support Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS formats. While pushing the boundaries of “budget headsets” you can look for ‘Renewed’ deals online and other discounted offers to snag them on the cheap.

Pros

• Stylish
• Pairs well with Xbox Series
• Comfortable and plush
• Supports a variety of spatial and surround sound formats

Cons

• Pricey
• Not as easily available as other headsets

These Xbox Stereo Headsets will work great with Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Designed and built for Xbox, these have a design language that pairs well with the minimalist-industrial chic that Microsoft has gone for with its consoles.

The build quality is solid, with soft and large earcups, on-ear controls, and a neat adjustable mic. This headset is pricier than many of the others listed here but it’s worth watching out for online deals.

Astro A10 Gen 2

Best Budget Wired Headset

Impressive Sound Performance

Using 3.5mm headphone jack, the Astro A10 Gen 2 is a versatile gaming headset that works with PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Although a plasticky build, the headset does benefit from having a hyper flexible design that should suit a range of head sizes and shapes. Meanwhile, the audio offers a neutral and reliable sound profile that works equally as well with music as it does gaming sound effects.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable fit, even for glasses wearers
• Very flexible design
• Great audio quality, with warm and balanced sound

Cons

• Mic doesn’t detach
• Plasticky build
• No 7.1 surround sound

While you shouldn’t expect miracles or the same depth of insight as more expensive headsets, the Astro A10 Gen 2 offer sound quality that is well balanced and impressive for their price point. The mic is dependable and tucks neatly out of the way when not in use, while the long wire could particularly suit PC players. This headset doesn’t support 7.1 surround sound but the stereo performance should still do a decent job of simulating spatial audio.

Razer Opus X

Best Budget Noise Cancelling Headset

Wireless, ANC, And Good Sound Quality

Good wireless options are not abundant in the budget gaming headset category. For those not looking to splash out, wired options offer more bang for your buck. But the Razer Opus X are a great wireless option that’s quite affordable. With decent sound, active noise cancellation, and being wireless, they offer a range of high-tech features for a low price. However, there are certain limitations that potential buyers should be aware of.

Pros

• Many features for the price
• Decent audio performance
• Good battery life

Cons

• No spatial surround sound support
• No wired mode
• Works with PC and mobile platforms only

The Razer Opus X is one of the few recommended gaming headsets in the price bracket that has wireless capability. Not only that the Opus X also has ANC that should block out background noise more aggressively, leaving you even more immersed in the game.

With an internal mic they work well during online play and have decent battery life, with 30 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off. Since these use Bluetooth 5.0 they’ll pair with PCs and mobile devices, but won’t work with PlayStation or Xbox consoles at all as the Opus X doesn’t come with headphone jack.

Bottom line

These gaming headsets all offer a way to better immerse players in their games while offering features such as mics and the ability to simulate spatial audio. Many of them are multiplatform so read carefully as some of the picks will work with more than one console. From one of the most reliable brands, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is perhaps the best option in the budget gaming headset category, and it works with the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile.

With good sound, a retractable mic, and tuned to work with the sound engines present in the PS5 and Xbox Series, they’re a great choice. Just make sure to buy the right console version when buying. The Corsair HS35 are also an excellent and versatile option for those who want to spend the minimal amount of gaming headset. With good bass and mid-range frequency response, they’ll also sound beefier than their price might suggest.

FAQ

Do I miss out on much spending less on a gaming headset?

Many of the recommended budget headsets have surprisingly good sound performance and therefore buyers should feel confident they’re getting decent audio. Some, like the Arctis Nova 1 and Corsair HS35, even use very similar headphone drivers as more expensive sets in their respective ranges so you can be confident you’re getting bang for your buck. However, where the manufacturer has saved money is often in the materials so don’t expect as robust build quality as more expensive headsets. Features such as multiplatform wireless capabilities and noise cancelling are often reserved for pricier sets too.

Do wired headphones sound better?

The short answer? Yes. At this price range wired headphones will more often than not sound better than their wireless counterparts. You’ll have to spend more for better sounding wireless headsets. However, there are always exceptions and the recommended wireless options above will more than pull their weight in the sound department.

Why do wireless and noise-cancelling headsets cost more?

Wireless headsets will have more technology inside them compared to their wired counterparts. The chips that enable their wireless capabilities as well as the extra engineering required to ensure they sound as good translates to higher prices. The technology (computer chips) and engineering chops required to enable active noise cancellation (ANC) are pricier still so don’t expect to see active noise cancellation in most lower priced headsets.

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