So you have made the decision to try to up your game and splash out on a new headset, but the only problem is that your budget is a little bit smaller than you would like? Well, have no fear! We’ve scoured the market for all the sweetest deals on the best budget gaming headsets currently available!
Whether you’re an avid PC gamer or you prefer to play your games on one of the leading consoles, we have you covered in this review. With wired and wireless offerings, we are certain that one of these great headsets will suit your style of play. And as a bonus, all of these headsets will double perfectly for use on twitch or as reliable conference call headphones for those working from home.
So let’s jump straight into it, and remember to hang around until the end to see our top pick!
Contents
- 1 Top 9 Best Budget Gaming Headset In 2023 Reviews
- 1.1 1 HyperX Cloud Stinger – Best Cross-Platform Budget Gaming Headset
- 1.2 2 Patriot Viper Gaming V380 with High Definition 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound – Best Budget Gaming Square Cup Headset
- 1.3 3 AmazonBasics Pro Gaming Headset – Cheapest Gaming Headset
- 1.4 4 ASTRO A10 Gaming Headset – Best Budget Gaming Headset for Small Ears
- 1.5 5 Razer Kraken Gaming Headset with Retractable Noise Isolating Microphone – Most Affordable Gaming Headset with Gel Cooling
- 1.6 6 Turtle Beach Recon 70 Budget Gaming Headset – Most Affordable Gaming Headset for Solid Audio Output
- 1.7 7 Logitech G332 Stereo Gaming Headset – Best Soundstage Budget Headset for Gaming
- 1.8 8 SteelSeries Arctis 3 Budget Gaming Headset – Best Budget Gaming and Podcasting Headset
- 1.9 9 Creative 70GH032000000 Sound Blaster Blaze Gaming Headset with Detachable Noise-Cancelling Mic and in-line Remote – Best Budget Full Immersion Gaming Headset
- 2 Best Budget Gaming Headset Buyers Guide
- 3 Bringing The Game To Life
- 4 So, What Is The Best Budget Gaming Headset?
Top 9 Best Budget Gaming Headset In 2023 Reviews
1 HyperX Cloud Stinger – Best Cross-Platform Budget Gaming Headset
One design feature that will pop up over and over again on this list is the fact that most of these entry-level headsets use plastic in place of steel or aluminum for the outer shell. But don’t let that sway you since the HyperX Cloud Stinger feels anything but cheap!
Internally they are as solid as can be, with a high-quality, adjustable solid steel slider built for long-lasting durability and stability. While not being the more exclusive memory foam found in higher priced headsets, the padding on the headband still provides all the long-lasting comfort we expect from a good headset.
The look?
The matte black outer coating combined with a satisfying weight ooze sophistication and feel great in the hand or on the head.
Compatible with every console and PC setup imaginable, the HyperX Cloud Stinger brings forth reliable sound quality with pleasing aesthetics at a truly rock bottom price. The 50mm directional drivers do a great job of controlling the sound, making it easy to differentiate and detect the sound of enemy footsteps and pinpoint your opponents.
Let’s talk performance…
The inbuilt microphone outperforms many more expensive headsets, with noise-canceling technology, the option to detach when not needed, and a swivel to mute function. The sound quality that this microphone produces never skips a beat meaning your teammates will have zero issues with understanding your commands (or your blow-ups when play doesn’t go your way).
For the price, and as an overall product, we reckon it’s pretty hard to go past the HyperX Cloud Stinger. But stick around because there are a bunch more great budget headsets coming right up!
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Attractive aesthetics.
- Great styling.
- Super comfortable.
- Powerful inbuilt microphone.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
Cons
- Plastic outer construction.
2 Patriot Viper Gaming V380 with High Definition 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound – Best Budget Gaming Square Cup Headset
So you have a bit of a restricted budget for your next (or first) gaming headset, but you need top-end sound, 7.1 virtual surround sound, and RGB lighting that looks fantastic and is easy to control?
Enter, the Viper…
Well then, take a quick glance at the Patriot Viper Gaming V380! This headset sits atop the Patriot line, but don’t let that worry you about the price, as this is still one of the most affordable headsets available right now.
The first thing we noticed while unboxing was the bold lines and the future inspired look. The Patriot Viper Gaming V380 RGB headset is a striking product visually, and this is backed up by superb build quality.
We like the oversized square cans…
The square cans hold 53mm neodymium drivers and are held in place by a sturdy, metal headband that has been covered in pleather. Featuring an extremely comfortable memory foam inlay.
The cans themselves include the same pairing, which produces long-lasting comfort. The cans’ outer perimeter is where you will find the RGB strip, which is fully controllable via a button on the under side of the left can (indeed not a necessity for us, but it looks great and is an excellent little addition).
Plus, the attached, braided 6.9 foot (2.2 meters) USB cable is high quality and long enough that we never felt held back by it.
Great, but how does the Patriot Viper perform in terms of audio?
Whether you are looking to use these for purely gaming or as your primary set of headphones, the Patriot Viper Gaming V380 will leave you more than satisfied!
The virtual 7.1 surround sound makes a marked difference while gaming by amplifying the more subtle in-game sounds, such as enemy footsteps and breathing (yes, that’s right, breathing!) With the surround sound switched on while playing Battlefield, we noticed a significant improvement).
Clear and crisp…
As for using this headset for watching films and TV, or listening to music, well let’s just say that we were pleasantly surprised. Clear and crisp, well balanced, with a nice bass kick. Again the virtual 7.1 surround sound works super well, especially for films that have been optimized for surround sound.
So what are you waiting for?
(4 / 5)Pros
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound.
- RGB lighting.
- Well priced.
- Noise cancellation.
- Long-lasting comfort.
Cons
- Restricted to a single USB A connection.
3 AmazonBasics Pro Gaming Headset – Cheapest Gaming Headset
Although “Pro” may be a bit of a push when it comes to the AmazonBasics Pro Gaming Headset, this dirt-cheap in-house offering from Amazon performs well for the price.
A super-comfy experience…
Constructed from mostly plastic, with a metal inner for the headband, this isn’t the most robust headset we tested. But, in terms of comfort, the AmazonBasics Pro does a stellar job! We always test comfort levels on a range of head shapes and sizes. Everyone who tried these on agreed that the thick cushioning on the earpads combined with the overall lightweight design produces a super comfy experience.
The standard 3.5mm jack makes this a cross-platform affair, with easy connectivity for not only PC gamers but also most consoles. The inbuilt ANC (active noise cancellation) does an admirable job for the price, and the overall sound quality is acceptable.
Ok, so why should you buy them?
Well, as we mentioned at the start, this headset is priced to please. Extremely hip-pocket friendly, although they don’t absolutely shine in any area, they still perform well and will satisfy most users.
So if you need to keep costs extra-low, this might just be the headset for you!
(4.1 / 5)Pros
- Dirt cheap.
- ANC.
- High levels of comfort.
- Good microphone quality.
Cons
- Cheap construction.
- Not the best overall audio.
4 ASTRO A10 Gaming Headset – Best Budget Gaming Headset for Small Ears
When we hear the name Astro, high end and high priced gear are what usually comes to mind. Not this time, though, with the A10 gaming headset, Astro has finally dipped their toes in the budget gaming headset market, and we are very glad that they did!
Let us explain…
Although the Astro A10 may lack some of the slicker features and high-end components that we’ve come to expect from this brand, the A10 feels impressively sturdy and rugged for a mostly plastic design.
Looking like the younger sibling of the highly acclaimed premium Astro A50, this cross-platform headset works with every console on the market as well as any PC. The 6.5-foot cable has a 3.5mm jack at each end, has an in-line volume slider for quick adjustments, and is fully detectable.
One slight downside to this pair is the size of the earcups, with them being just a bit smaller than we are used to. For us, this wasn’t a problem, but gamers with slightly larger ears may run into some issues. Other than that, we found the comfort levels to be acceptable.
How do they sound?
Where the Astro A10 budget gaming headset really does shine is audio performance. Everyone at the office agreed that for this price point, the sound quality was kinda surprising. Crisp, clear, and punchy while delivering a satisfying level of bass – this headset is more than capable of being used for not just games but all forms of media!
All in all, the Astro A10 budget gaming headset is a great deal and one worthy of every gamer’s consideration.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Well designed.
- Great audio performance.
- Flip to mute microphone.
- Impressive quality.
- Durable.
Cons
- Fully plastic design.
- Smaller than usual earcups.
5 Razer Kraken Gaming Headset with Retractable Noise Isolating Microphone – Most Affordable Gaming Headset with Gel Cooling
There’s a reason Razer produces the highest selling gaming peripherals in the U.S market to date – simply put, every product they release is of the highest quality. And their budget gaming headset offering, the Razer Kraken, is no exception to this rule!
What sets this headset apart from the pack?
Well, in our estimation, a few things. The inclusion of cooling gel-infused cushions for the earcups and headband is a bonus rarely seen in the low-end headset market – and one that is happily received! This headset truly offers all-day comfort, meaning that you can settle down into a long raiding session with the full confidence that your ears will not overheat and you will be comfy for the full sitting.
The retractable, noise isolating cardioid microphone does a stand up job of reducing ambient background noise, leaving only the clearest audio for your teammates or gaming buddies to hear.
The construction?
The aluminum/bauxite frame offers excellent ruggedness and is wrapped in high-quality plastic, leaving a lightweight but ultimately durable finished product that is a joy to wear.
In terms of audio performance, the Razer Kraken is truly able to take on the big guns. Featuring 7.1 surround sound, the natural representation of three-dimensional space gives a realistic perception of sound and makes pinpointing enemies a breeze.
Try them out!
We could go on and on about this great budget headset, but we reckon it’s better that you just grab a pair and see what all the fuss is about!
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Compatible with every platform.
- 7.1 surround sound.
- Super comfortable.
- Inbuilt control module.
Cons
- Hardwired cable.
6 Turtle Beach Recon 70 Budget Gaming Headset – Most Affordable Gaming Headset for Solid Audio Output
To put it in the simplest terms, Turtle Beach offers the core basics for a low price with the Recon 70.
And how does this low-end headset fair against the competition?
As with all the other offerings on today’s review, this headset is a mostly plastic affair, with a sturdy metal frame. The outer has a satisfying matte finish, and the earcups and headband incorporate comfortable padding and pleather covering.
Despite being mostly plastic, these feel anything but flimsy and produce no audible “creaks.” The amount of pressure produced by the headband is tight without feeling restrictive, giving an overall pleasing and enjoyable wearing experience.
Impressive features…
Multiplatform connectivity is the name of the game with the Turtle Beach Recon 70. Incorporating a 3.5mm jack, this budget gaming headset will work with any gaming setup. The simply designed flip-to-mute microphone assembly does a great job of cutting out ambient noise and delivers pure results.
Large, roomy sound…
Audio performance is above standard while not being exceptional. But, for most gamers, the crisp tones and punchy bass will be more than adequate. Plus, the sound is large and roomy while also being precise. The inbuilt volume wheel does a great job and is easier to use than many high-end offerings that offer touch capabilities.
In short, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 budget gaming headset is pleasing to the eyes, the ears, and maybe most importantly, to the wallet.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Solid audio output.
- Affordable.
- Multi-platform compatibility.
- Great mic assembly.
Cons
- No surround sound.
7 Logitech G332 Stereo Gaming Headset – Best Soundstage Budget Headset for Gaming
Coming in hot with one of the cheapest offerings on today’s list, Logitech has produced a serious contender for the best budget gaming headset on the market with the fantastic Logitech G332 Stereo Gaming Headset.
Let’s be honest…
In our humble opinion, the Logitech G332 is not the best looking gaming headset available right now. But hold on, because Logitech has obviously gone with function over aesthetics.
Large, boxlike leatherette clad earcups offer superb levels of comfort – once they are correctly positioned. This positioning did take a few tries to work out, but once we did, we were very happy with the results. In the end, we could use the G332 headset for long sessions with no comfort issues.
Multi-platform connectivity is available here, with a 3.5mm jack connector, meaning there is no issue with any major console or PC.
Wide soundstage…
The inbuilt volume wheel works a treat, and the large 50mm drivers produce surprisingly great sound for the price. The soundstage is wide, with room for the mids to shine without the tops getting too tinny. The bass lacks compared to higher-priced offerings, but that is the norm for this list.
Overall, this one of the best deals that we have to offer today and is sure to be more than adequate in most gaming situations. And for the price, there’s not much better out there!
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Swiveling earcups.
- Flip to mute microphone.
- Cross-platform usage.
- Great soundstage.
Cons
- Not the best looking.
8 SteelSeries Arctis 3 Budget Gaming Headset – Best Budget Gaming and Podcasting Headset
If you’re on the hunt for a super cheap gaming headset that produces great audio and has a high-quality mic capable of podcast level recording, then this just may be the headset for you!
Podcast quality recording, you say?
Yes indeed! The SteelSeries Arctis 3 has, without a doubt, the best microphone of all this list. Truly capable of recording high-end audio, the retractable mic assembly will leave your teammates super satisfied with the streamed vocal quality.
But that is not all this headset brings to the table. We absolutely love the exterior design – midsized, over-ear, matte black with large ear cups and a generous fabric-clad headband with an overall minimalistic feel – this headset does not ooze “gamer” in any sense of the word.
Understated is maybe the best way we can put it…
SteelSeries has made a name for itself by producing some of the most comfortable headsets of the last few years, and the Arctis 3 is no exception. This is mostly thanks to the aforementioned headband, but we just can’t state strongly enough how comfortable this headset is.
And the impressive list does not end there!
Oh no, because we haven’t even begun to discuss the phenomenal sound quality! For sure, high-end offerings will outperform every single budget headset on this list, but the Arctis 3 isn’t far behind its higher-priced siblings. We found the audio quality on these to be one of the best we tested and would happily use these as our everyday pair of headphones.
Employing a standard 3.5mm headphone jack means this can be used in a multitude of situations and with almost all consoles. PC gamers can also enjoy this pair but may want to check out the very closely priced USB version, as it adds an extra layer of control.
A fantastic budget option…
For the price, it’s going to be hard to find a better budget headset option.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Extremely comfortable.
- High-end mic assembly.
- Easy on the eye.
- Great sound quality.
Cons
- No included case.
9 Creative 70GH032000000 Sound Blaster Blaze Gaming Headset with Detachable Noise-Cancelling Mic and in-line Remote – Best Budget Full Immersion Gaming Headset
Creative has been in the headset business for as long as headsets have been a thing, and it’s easy to see why. Constantly able to produce top quality offerings at a budget price, they have long been a favorite of gamers and audiophiles alike.
And now they are back…
With their latest budget offering, the Creative 70GH032000000 Sound Blaster Blaze budget gaming headset.
The 40mm full spectrum Neodymium drivers have been specifically tuned for gaming, and they deliver a full and rich sound without ever showing any signs of muddling. Immersion is key when in-game, and that’s exactly what Creative has been able to deliver here.
How about comfort levels?
While not necessarily being as comfortable as the previous item on this list, they still do a bang on job of bringing comfort. The earcups are covered in plush velvet and the durable, lightweight cushioned headband does a good job of supplying the right amount of force without any added squeeze.
The detachable noise-canceling microphone with flexible mic boom delivers clear and concise sound and also filters out most of the unwanted background noise.
Overall, a worthy addition to this list and one that every gamer on a budget should seriously consider!
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Clear, rich sound.
- 40mm full spectrum Neodymium drivers.
- Multi-platform compatibility.
- Inbuilt control module.
Cons
- Not the longest cable.
Best Budget Gaming Headset Buyers Guide
What are the most critical considerations when looking to buy a budget gaming headset? Stick around as we guide you through the exact things you should look for in every headset!
- Compatibility
The very first you should take into account is whether the headset you are considering is compatible with your gaming system. Not all headsets are created equal, with some headsets varying widely in features across different platforms – even if they are from the same brand and are the same “model.” Make sure to have a look at all the options and choose the one that fits best for you.
- Connection type
There are several connection types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most commonly seen are 3.5mm, dual 3.5mm, wired USB, wireless USB, and Bluetooth.
PlayStation users will rarely run into issues, as they can support standard 3.5mm (the most common connection type), USB wireless, and Bluetooth.
Outside of that, it starts to get tricky…
PC users will have to jump through a few extra hoops, installation of drivers or software, to get the most out of their headset, but will also enjoy additional customization options such as EQ. PC gamers can use any of the connection types their PC supports (usually all of them).
Xbox is a little trickier. Make sure to check compatibility for wireless USB headsets because not all are supported. The newer style of Xbox controllers includes a 3.5mm jack, but if you are using an older-gen device, you may need to grab an adapter.
- Comfort
High on your list of considerations should be comfort. Even the most expensive headsets can become uncomfortable after long sessions, especially if they are not suited to your head shape or ear size.
As a rule of thumb…
Try to find a lightweight yet durable headset that sits comfortably over your ears and doesn’t provide any heat or squeeze issues.
Note: If you wear glasses, you should most definitely take this into account. Some manufacturers design units specifically for people who wear glasses. While gaming and some regular headsets might be extremely comfortable for non-glasses-wearers, they may not provide the same experience for you guys.
- Wired or Wireless?
Both options come with pros and cons, but for most gamers, it usually comes down to personal preference and circumstances.
If you watch E-sports, then you may have noticed that the vast majority of competitors are using a wired headset. This is because wireless headsets, while providing a level of convenience that cannot be achieved with a wired set, are able to experience connection issues and lag that you won’t find with a wired set.
- Microphone assembly
Often an overlooked component, the mic, is hugely important to your gaming experience – especially if you are playing online or competitively.
Having a mute option (either flip to mute or a mute button/switch) is something we always look for. If the mic is detachable, then even better! We usually prefer uni-directional over omnidirectional as the former will pick up less background noise.
- Sound Quality
Above all else, sound quality should be the most important factor when choosing the right budget gaming headset!
Without a doubt, having inbuilt surround sound is going to give you an edge over your regular stereo headphones. Pinpointing enemies will be much easier in FPS and Battle Royale games, but the advantages are not just restricted to shooters.
Having a wide soundstage with decent bass will help bring the game to life, and the immersive experience will be all the better.
Bringing The Game To Life
When it comes to immersive gaming, there’s some top-notch yet still affordable gear out there you may want to check out?
Firstly, what’s the point of great headphones without a model from our Best Sound Card Reviews? Then, depending on your poison, don’t miss our Best RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card Review, the Best GTX 1080 Ti Graphics Card Review, or our Best GTX 1070 Graphics Cards Review! However, then you’re also gonna want a contender from our Best Ultrawide Monitor Reivews, right?
We know, we know, you’re already broke buying gaming gear, hence the budget search. That’s why we’ve put together the Best Cheap 4K Monitors Under 300 Review, the Best Gaming Monitor under 300 Dollars, the Best Gaming Monitors under 200 Dollars, and even the Best Gaming Monitors under 100 Dollars that you can buy in 2023, just for you!
Back to the most affordable quality gaming headset…
So, What Is The Best Budget Gaming Headset?
To be totally honest with you, every headset we reviewed here is a winner, and coming to a conclusive result was not the easiest task. But, in the end, most of us at the office agreed that the…
Razer Kraken… was our favorite and just an absolute steal for the price! So, what are you waiting for?
Enjoy your game.
