Top Affordable Gaming Headsets Still Worth Purchasing

Not all the best gaming headsets will break the bank. Affordable options like the Sony Pulse 3D provide high-quality sound, a durable build, and a range of features that enhance your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for wireless freedom, multi-platform compatibility, or immersive surround sound, there's a budget-friendly headset tailored to 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 AmazonBudget gaming headsets might not boast all the bells and whistles of the best high-end gaming headsets, such as advanced noise-canceling or hot-swappable batteries. However, they still deliver a satisfying and immersive audio experience, connecting reliably to your gaming PC, consoles, and other devices. What more could you ask for?

Explore our top nine picks, all available at prices lower than you might expect. For UK shoppers, check them out here. You might snag a great deal on these already affordable options, or perhaps opt for the 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 a range of devices, this budget-friendly headset offers Tempest 3D positional audio for a rich, immersive sound experience. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee 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

When the PlayStation 5 was released, it introduced several enhancements, including its unique spatial audio technology, Tempest 3D. A headset that can fully leverage the PS5's audio capabilities is essential for a truly immersive experience. Our hands-on review of the Sony Pulse 3D confirms that it not only meets these expectations but does so at a surprisingly affordable price of $99.99, making it a cost-effective choice for a first-party accessory.

The audio quality delivered by the Sony Pulse 3D is crisp, vibrant, and expansive, placing you right in the heart of the action. The positional audio from Tempest 3D adds a level of immersion that standard headphones can't match. Although the battery life could be better, it's sufficient for extended gaming sessions. Despite being designed primarily for the PS5, the Sony Pulse 3D's versatility extends to PS4, gaming PCs, and Macs, thanks to its wireless connectivity via a USB dongle.

Corsair HS65 Wireless – Photos

11 Images2. Corsair HS65 Surround

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $70

### Corsair HS65 Surround

2This headset offers 7.1 surround sound for a wide and realistic audio environment at an affordable 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 can feel tight for some

Corsair's HS65 Surround delivers an impressive wired headset experience for under $80. This plug-and-play headset connects via a 3.5mm jack, and when connected over USB, it provides 7.1 surround sound for a truly immersive audio experience. The neutral sound profile with excellent directional audio helps pinpoint in-game sounds, making it a valuable asset for gamers. While it requires a wired connection, the audio quality justifies the tether.

Our hands-on testing of the Corsair HS65 Surround revealed a focus on sound and comfort over unnecessary features. The audio is powered by two 50mm drivers encased in soft memory foam earcups. The headset's construction combines quality plastic with aluminum, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic, though the headband may feel tight for some users. Controls are straightforward, with a volume dial and flip-to-mute mic, and further sound adjustments can be made using 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 budget-friendly wired headset offers good audio quality with a rich, layered soundstage, despite its predominantly plastic build. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee 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 is an exceptional choice for a gaming headset under $50. Its wired-only design keeps costs down, offering a versatile plug-and-play connection via a 3.5mm jack. The primarily plastic construction reflects its affordability, but it's sturdy and lightweight, ideal for prolonged gaming sessions.

Despite its budget-friendly design, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 delivers surprisingly good audio quality with a rich, layered soundstage. However, it lacks software support for audio customization, limiting your ability to tweak the sound to your preference. This headset is light on features, lacking RGB lighting and extensive on-ear controls, but it's perfect for those seeking quality sound without breaking the bank.

4. Astro A10

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40

### Astro A10

2This durable, budget-friendly headset delivers big, dynamic sound without the frills. 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 stands out as the budget pick among the best budget gaming headsets. Our review found it offers impressive performance and comfort at a reasonable price, typically around $40. Despite being an older model, it features a sturdy aluminum frame beneath the plastic-wrapped headband and well-cushioned ear cups for comfort.

As a wired headset, the Astro A10 uses a 3.5mm jack for connectivity across various devices, with an in-line volume control on the cable. Its 40mm drivers deliver big, dynamic sound with decent separation, and the flip-to-mute mic ensures clear communication with teammates. However, like many headsets in this price range, it lacks customization options.

5. Turtle Beach Recon 50

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $30

### Turtle Beach Recon 50

2The ultra-affordable Turtle Beach Recon 50 offers basic functionality and is compatible with a wide range of consoles. 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 price

Cons

• Sound lacks bass

The Turtle Beach Recon 50 is an entry-level gaming headset that requires some compromises. While it doesn't offer premium features like surround sound, it still performs adequately. Our hands-on review found that its 40mm drivers deliver acceptable sound quality, and the microphone is surprisingly decent for its price point. However, the sound can lack bass, making big explosions less impactful.

Available in various colorways, each representing different gaming platforms, the Turtle Beach Recon 50 is versatile and compatible with any device using a 3.5mm audio jack. Whether you choose the green and black colorway reminiscent of an original Xbox or another, it will work seamlessly with your preferred console.

Where to Get the Best Budget Gaming Headsets in the UK

Finding the perfect gaming headset can be a game-changer, and you don't have to spend a fortune to find the right one. All the headsets listed here are available in the UK at competitive prices. Whether you're interested in the top-rated SteelSeries Arctis 1 or the budget-friendly Turtle Beach Recon 70, there's a headset waiting for you. If you don't see the options below, click here.

### 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?

What qualifies as a 'budget' gaming headset varies, but generally, you should aim to spend no more than $100. At this price point, most headsets offer excellent sound and a decent microphone but may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models.

Below $50, you'll encounter more compromises. Features like virtual surround sound and 3D audio are often omitted, and the build quality may be less robust, potentially leading to durability issues. If you're spending $50 or less, expect to replace your headset within a year or so.

For those looking to spend the least possible, gaming headsets in the $20 – $30 range are the minimum I'd recommend. These headsets will have significant build quality issues and less refined audio, but they're sufficient for basic gaming needs and communication with friends.

Budget Gaming Headset FAQ

Are gaming headsets good for listening to music?

While gaming headsets can be used for music, they are not typically optimized for it. Compared to similarly priced headphones, gaming headsets often emphasize bass-heavy sound and can be muddied, particularly at lower price points. This is due to the additional features like microphones and controls that add bulk and affect sound quality.

Gaming headsets are designed with a wide soundstage and surround sound to enhance in-game audio cues, whereas music benefits from stereo sound. High-end gaming headsets, such as the Audeze Maxwell, may offer a better music listening experience thanks to superior drivers and customizable equalizer settings. However, for most users, dedicated wireless headphones or earbuds will provide a more satisfying music experience.

Do expensive gaming headsets really make a difference?

Expensive gaming headsets can offer enhanced audio quality and additional features like wireless connectivity, 3D audio, and surround sound. While these features can enhance your gaming experience, they are not essential. A $50 gaming headset can still provide adequate sound and communication for casual gaming.

Are budget gaming headsets good for live game streaming?

Budget gaming headsets are generally not ideal for live game streaming due to their microphones, which may not deliver the high-quality audio required for streaming. While they work well for in-game communication, a dedicated streaming microphone is recommended for a professional streaming setup.

When do gaming headsets go on sale?

To find gaming headsets at discounted prices, consider shopping during key sales events. Amazon Prime Day in July often features price cuts on budget gaming headsets from brands like Logitech and Turtle Beach. Additionally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer excellent opportunities to purchase tech products, including gaming headsets, at reduced prices.