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Here are the best cheap gaming headsets under $60 that can compete with more expensive alternatives.
| More Info | Price | Connection | Compatibility | Surround Sound | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
Best overall
|
Under $60
|
Wired – 3.5mm
|
PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR & mobile
|
Yes (only PC & Xbox)
|
|
|
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core
Best under $50
 
|
Under $50
|
Wired – 3.5mm + dual 3.5mm
|
PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR & mobile
|
No
|
|
|
Razer BlackShark V2 X
Best Razer
 
|
Under $60
|
Wired – 3.5mm
|
PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR & mobile
|
Yes (only PC & Mac)
|
|
|
Corsair HS60 PRO
Best lightweight
 
|
Under $50
|
Wired – 3.5mm
|
PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR & mobile
|
Yes (only PC)
|
|
|
SENZER SG500
Best cheap
 
|
Under $30
|
Wired – 3.5mm
|
PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR & mobile
|
No
|
Getting an excellent budget gaming headset is enough to enjoy your favorite games. While you might not get the fanciest design and extra features, you can comfortably play competitive games alone or with friends.
Regardless of which budget headset you pick, all of them are good enough that you’ll soon forget they were so cheap. Sadly, at this price, there are no wireless options since they cost too much. So, all recommendations are wired.
I love cheap gaming headsets. Over the years, I’ve tried some fancy gaming headsets but also many cheap ones. And while I appreciate the extra features in a premium headset, cheap ones were always more than good enough for me. As long as a headset feels comfortable, sounds reasonably good, and has a clear microphone without distortion, I’m happy.
I also like sturdy mute buttons, durable cables, non-creaking headbands, and earpads that don’t flake. But that’s another story.
Now that my rant is over, here’s the list you need to make a good decision when picking your new gaming headset. Let’s dig in.
Related:
Best Cheap Gaming Headsets
1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
Best Overall
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 headset is the best budget gaming headset under $60. Its main features are audio equalization, breathable earpads, and a clear microphone.
Connection:
Wired – 3.5mm
Driver size:
n/a
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Compatible with most gaming platforms
- Great comfort with fabric breathable earpads
- Excellent value for money
- Retractable mic sometimes glitches
Sound Quality: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 headset has the Nova Acoustic System. It’s designed to deliver top-tier audio performance for gaming. Its High Fidelity Drivers ensure a rich and immersive sound experience. The headset also features a pro-grade Parametric EQ, allowing users to fully customize their sound experience.
Comfort & Fit: Equipped with the ComfortMAX System, the headset offers adjustable height and rotating earcups with AirWeave fabric memory cushions, ensuring a comfortable fit for hours without sweating. The lightweight design of the headset adds to the comfort, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions.
Durability: Plastic housing feels solid focused on robust construction and long-lasting use.
Features: The headset includes 360-degree Spatial Audio, providing an immersive surround sound that enhances gaming by allowing you to hear every detail. It also has on-board controls for easy volume adjustment and muting.
Microphone: The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone offers bidirectional noise-cancelling capabilities, reducing background noise by up to 25 dB. This feature ensures clear communication on Discord or in-game in all environments.
Its noise-cancelling microphone and multi-platform support make it a versatile choice for various gaming setups. However, if you prefer wireless connectivity, you might want to explore other options.
Who should get it? If you’re looking for a gaming headset that offers high-quality sound, customizable audio settings, and a comfortable fit for long gaming sessions, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 headset is a top choice.
Current deals:
Best Budget Gaming Headset under $50
2. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core
Best under $50
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is the best cheap gaming headset under $50 with a mutable microphone, decent sound, and a lightweight and comfortable design.
Connection:
Wired – 3.5mm
Driver size:
50mm dynamic
Frequency range:
10 Hz – 28,000 Hz
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Flip-to-mute microphone
- DTS Headphone:X support
- Pleather earpads induce sweating
Sound Quality: The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is equipped with DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio, offering a 3D audio spatialization and localization for an immersive gaming experience. Its 50mm directional drivers are fine-tuned to deliver enhanced bass, providing crisp and clear in-game sound for a solid gaming experience in tune with their price.
Comfort & Fit: This headset has foam pleather earpads for good comfort during prolonged gaming sessions. As long as you don’t mind sweating after a while. The lightweight design, weighing just 272 grams, ensures that the headset doesn’t weigh you down. Additionally, the adjustable steel slider and soft ear cushions provide a comfortable and stable fit. It doesn’t compress the head in any way, even when wearing glasses, and it also doesn’t slide off in cases of erratic movement.
Durability: The Cloud Stinger 2 Core has a solid adjustable steel slider, with mostly plastic housing. They feel somewhat cheap but in line with their price tag.
Microphone: The noise-cancelling mic produces clear and distortion-free calls for chatting with friends or in-game. Its bi-directional design ensures your voice gets picked up instead of ambient noise.
Features: Key features include easy-access audio controls on the headset for convenient volume adjustment, a swivel-to-mute microphone for improved in-game chat experience, and multi-platform compatibility, making it suitable for use with PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. You connect it with a 3.5mm cable.
Noise Isolation: While the headset doesn’t have active noise cancellation, its closed cup design and directional drivers provide a degree of noise isolation, helping to keep external sounds at bay.
However, if you’re looking for wireless connectivity or advanced noise cancellation, you might want to up your budget. For this money, it’s the best you can get.
Who should get it? The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is an excellent choice for gamers seeking an affordable, comfortable, and durable headset with high-quality sound.
Current deals:
For an even cheaper and solid option, check the previous model: HyperX Cloud Stinger which is often sold for under $30.
Best Cheap Razer Gaming Headset
3. Razer BlackShark V2 X
Best Razer Headset
Razer BlackShark V2 X is the best cheap headset for Razer fans. With premium design, soft earpads, and noise-cancelling mic, it competes with higher-end alternatives.
Connection:
Wired – 3.5mm
Driver size:
50mm
Frequency range:
12-28.000Hz
- Nicely balanced sound
- Sturdy build
- Razer's 7.1 virtual surround sound
- The app doesn't let you change EQ
Razer surprised gamers with 3 new BlackShark gaming headsets, with V2 X variant being the cheapest gaming headphones of the bunch.
Big new Triforce 50mm drivers deliver a decent amount of clarity and detail. The latter is most noticeable when playing with 7.1 surround sound.
Interestingly, the bass isn’t as boosted as in other gaming headsets, making for a more balanced frequency response, which is what most people prefer.
BlackShark V2 X are big over-ear headphones with a distinct look with the same high-end design as pricier rivals. Soft padding is filled with exquisite memory foam.
There is a protruding volume knob on the left earcup, alongside a microphone mute button. The clear mic works incredibly well, cancelling most ambient noises.
You get a unique code to access Razer’s proprietary 7.1 virtual surround, which can make your gaming audio more fun.
Of course, in the app, you can further play around with other audio settings and sound modes. The single issue is that you can’t fully customize the sound.
The 3.5mm audio connection makes this cheap headset compatible with all major gaming platforms.
Who should get it? If you’re a Razer fan and want a cheap yet solid gaming headset that’s compatible with multiple gaming platforms, the Razer BlackShark V2 X is for you.
Current deals:
Best Lightweight Budget Gaming Headset
4. Corsair HS60 Pro
Best Lightweight
Corsair HS60 Pro is the best lightweight budget gaming headset. With a great microphone, durable aluminum construction, and surround sound support.
Connection:
Wired – 3.5mm
Driver size:
50mm
Frequency range:
20Hz – 20,000 Hz
- 7.1 virtual surround sound
- Sturdy and lightweight build quality
- Good removable microphone
- Non-detachable cable
- Sound only okay for music
A slightly V-shaped sound signature of these cheap gaming headsets means that in-game effects like explosions sound great and much bigger. While that’s great for gaming, it isn’t ideal for music.
The extra feature that the HS60 Pro has is surround sound. It helps to enlarge the soundstage and improve positional audio, making the gaming experience more fun.
As for the design, the frame is lightweight at only 264g, the lightest on the list, and thanks to thick padding, also super comfortable for extended gaming sessions. If you want to play for hours, it’s not a problem. You forget you’re wearing anything.
Durability is decent with aluminum yokes and braided cable, which is sadly non-removable.
The included removable mic offers good clarity but has a de-emphasis on the lower end, making deep voices sound slightly thin.
Who should get it? If you prefer a lightweight gaming headset that you barely feel wearing, get the Corsair HS60 Pro with superb design for a low price.
Current deals:
Best Cheap Gaming Headset under $30
5. SENZER SG500
Best under $30
SENZER SG500 is the best bang for your buck gaming headset under $30. This wired headset offers solid overall performance for a low price.
Connection:
Wired – 3.5mm
Driver size:
n/a
Frequency range:
n/a
- Plush cushions create a comfortable fit
- Detachable earpads
- Fantastic value for money
- No surround sound
- Basic features
Sound Quality: The SENZER SG500 has an enjoyable audio quality for the price. It’s suitable for casual gamers who don’t need precise localization of in-game sounds such as footsteps, gunfire, and environmental cues. The headset doesn’t have surround sound as it’s falsely advertised, it’s a basic stereo headset.
Comfort & Fit: One of the standout features of the SG500 is its comfortable, lightweight design. The headset is equipped with detachable memory foam ear cushions, which are not only comfortable but also easy to clean and maintain. Weighing just 0.66 lbs (300g), it reduces pressure on the ears and head for comfortable long-term wear. The soft padded headband further enhances comfort, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions.
Durability: The SG500’s foldable design has a metal frame and plastic earcups. It’s easy to store and transport without damage. The quality of materials is better than you’d expect for its low price. Plus, you can replace the earpads when they get worn out.
Features: Key features include a noise-cancelling anti-static microphone for clear in-game communication, easy plug-and-play multi-platform compatibility, and a foldable design for portability. The microphone’s bendable arm allows for optimal positioning, ensuring that your voice is picked up clearly while filtering out background noise.
Microphone: The SG500’s noise-cancelling bi-directional microphone is a significant feature, especially for gamers who play in noisy environments. It helps to eliminate static and filters out surrounding environmental noise, ensuring clear communication without interruptions.
Who should get it? The SENZER SG500 is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a lightweight, comfortable headset with solid sound quality and comfort that’s perfect for casual gamers.
Current deals:
Many gaming headsets lack a decent microphone. If you don’t already have a good microphone for your gameplay, check our pick for the best microphones for gaming.
Honorable Mentions to Consider
Logitech G432: This Logitech gaming headset has solid sound quality for a low price, but feels a bit plasticky and cheap. This is why we didn’t include it on the top list. Check Logitech G432 price
Turtle Beach Recon 70 – Turtle Beach Recon 70 are a great cheap gaming headset for consoles under $40 but with a cheaply made construction. Check Turtle Beach Recon 70 price
Onikuma K6: This is a great gaming headset from an unknown brand that delivers good value for money. It delivers energetic low frequencies and enjoyable sound quality across the frequency response range (for a cheap headset).
Razer Kraken X: This is a great gaming headset with a good mic quality, a sturdy aluminum frame, and 7.1 surround sound support. But it was superseded by the Razer BlackShark V2 X.
JBL Quantum 200: Capable budget headsets with vast soundstage and good detail retrieval for the price. But the design is plain and plasticky. The models on our list are better. Check JBL Quantum 200 price
Asus TUF Gaming H3: This is a sturdy wired stereo headset with incredible sound quality for a low price point. They check all the checkmarks but are slightly above our budget, so we didn’t include them in our list. Check Asus TUF Gaming H3 price
What to Expect From Budget Gaming Headsets?
Here’s what you can typically expect from budget gaming headsets:
- Sound Quality: Budget headsets generally offer decent sound quality, suitable for casual gaming. They may not provide the same level of audio detail or richness as higher-end models, but they should deliver clear sound with adequate bass and treble. Surround sound features are basic or non-existent.
- Build Quality: These headsets are often fully plastic. This could affect durability. However, many budget headsets are robust enough for regular use as long as you don’t abuse them.
- Comfort: Comfort varies. Budget headsets offer padded headbands and ear cups but might not use memory foam materials found in more expensive models. Nonetheless, from my experience, premium materials don’t really impact comfort but only longevity and perceived value. A headset made from cheap materials can also be comfortable.
- Microphone Quality: The microphones on budget gaming headsets are typically adequate for standard in-game communication. They may lack advanced noise cancellation features, so they might pick up more background noise compared to higher-end models. But unless you play games in a noisy environment, this shouldn’t be a problem.
- Features: Basic features like volume control and a mute button for the microphone are common. More advanced features like customizable sound profiles and wireless connectivity are limited or absent in budget models.
- Compatibility: Most budget gaming headsets are designed to be compatible with multiple platforms like PC, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. However, some features might only be available on specific platforms.
- Brand and Warranty: Budget headsets from well-known brands might offer better quality and customer support than generic or lesser-known brands.
- Aesthetics and Design: While budget headsets might not offer a wide range of designs or customizations, many still have a gaming-oriented aesthetic with vibrant colors. If that’s something you care about.
How to Choose a Gaming Headset for Your Needs?
Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Sound Quality:
- Stereo vs. Surround Sound: Decide if you want virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience with multiple virtual audio channels for 1st-person games. Otherwise, you don’t really need it.
- Driver Size: Larger drivers generally provide better sound quality. Look for drivers that are at least 40mm or larger.
2. Comfort and Fit:
- Material: Fabric earpads induce less sweat than pleather. Memory foam pads provide more comfort, but it’s not a must-have.
- Weight: A lighter headset reduces strain during long gaming sessions.
- Adjustability: Ensure the headset has adjustable headbands to fit different head sizes.
For high comfort, look for thick padding and lightweight housing.
Build Quality and Durability:
- Materials: Headsets made with metal or high-quality plastic are generally more durable.
- Cable Strength: Braided cables are more durable than standard rubber cables.
- Design: Foldable designs can be more prone to breaking but are more portable.
Microphone Quality:
- Noise Cancellation: A good microphone should have a bi-directional design (also called noise cancelling design) to avoid picking up the background noise.
- Detachable vs. Built-in: Decide if you want a detachable microphone for flexibility.
Connectivity:
- Wired vs. Wireless: Wired headsets offer reliability with no latency, while wireless headsets offer freedom of movement but are more expensive, glitch more often, and have a limited battery lifespan. But you can go to the toilet while chatting on Discord. Yay!
- Connection Type: Check the compatibility with your gaming platform (USB, 3.5mm jack, etc.).
Compatibility with Devices:
Ensure the headset is compatible with your gaming platform (PC, console, mobile). Some headsets are specifically designed for certain platforms and may offer additional features on those platforms.
Battery Life (for Wireless Headsets):
Look for a headset with a long battery life (at least 10-15 hours) to avoid frequent charging.
Additional Features:
- Software Customization: Some headsets come with software to customize sound profiles.
- On-ear Controls: Convenient for adjusting volume or muting the mic quickly.
- RGB Lighting: If aesthetics are important to you, consider headsets with customizable lighting.
Budget:
Determine your budget and find the best headset that fits within it. Remember, more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
Brand and Warranty:
Consider purchasing from reputable brands known for quality. Check the warranty period and what it covers. Generally, in the USA, the warranties are at least 1 year long and 2 years in the EU.
In the end, remember the 3 most important things:
- Enjoyable sound quality
- Comfort for long gaming sessions
- A clear microphone for playing with friends.
Everything else is extra. And you might or might not need it.
How much should I spend on a gaming headset?
Here’s an overview of what you get in gaming headsets at different price points:
- $150-$300+: Premium gaming headsets – The latest high-end models from fancy brands, lots of the latest features. The main difference is these bring bragging rights but not necessarily better performance.
- $100-$150+: Mid-range gaming headsets – The latest models, many wireless options, rich features with best sound tunning and surround sound integrations.
- Around $100: Lower-midrange gaming headsets – Older discounted models, first wireless models, better surround sound, rare extra features. Great value for money.
- Under $60: Budget gaming headsets – Good sound with surround sound, decent microphones, and long-term comfort. Basic functionality that covers 80% of gamer needs.
Which price category is right for you?
- It depends on how much time you spend gaming and your income. If gaming is your main entertainment, then spending more is justified.
- If you are occasionally playing games but aren’t too serious, mid-tier makes the most sense.
- For casual gamers who only care about good sound, a clear microphone, and long-term comfort, budget headsets are the perfect fit.
My opinion: There’s no need to cash out big money since you can get a quality gaming headset for less than $100. You’re probably going to replace it in a couple of years anyway.
Going higher gives you extra features and customization options, but many times, those are more of a gimmick than useful. You check them once and forget about it because they don’t make a big difference.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why wireless headsets cost more?
Wireless headset costs more than wired ones because they’re made from more components (Bluetooth and DSP chips, batteries, wireless dongle, and so on). This increases production costs. Cheaper wireless headsets cost around $100, while wired ones are sold as low as $30.
What are good brands for gaming headsets?
The most trusted gaming brands are SteelSeries, HyperX, Razer, Corsair, ASUS, Turtle Beach, JBL, and Logitech.
Are 7.1 gaming headsets worth it?
A 7.1 gaming headset is only worth it if you play games that support it. Depending on what surround sound the headset supports, the game you play also has to support it. Also, if you mainly play games where positional cues aren’t needed, like strategy and casual games, then it’s no use for you. Often, virtual surround hurts the overall sound quality.
Should you pick a wired or wireless headset?
A wireless gaming headset offers more freedom of movement since you aren’t limited by the length of the wire. But has to be charged and has a limited battery lifespan. Wired gaming headsets are a more reliable plug-and-play solution that doesn’t experience audio stutters but offer limited freedom.
Matija Ferjan is a seasoned audio enthusiast reviewing headphones since 2015. He has personally tested hundreds of headphones and earbuds. He’s an active member of the Headphone Audio community and a true nitpicker, always looking for the “best-value-for-money” headphones.
