Not all the best gaming headsets will set you back a small fortune. There are plenty of affordable options, such as the Sony Pulse 3D, that deliver high-quality sound, a durable build, and a range of features perfect for enhancing your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for wireless freedom, compatibility across multiple platforms, or immersive surround sound, we've identified top budget gaming headsets to meet your needs.

TL;DR – Here are the Best Budget Gaming Headsets:

### Sony Pulse 3D

7Experience the thrill of gaming with the Sony Pulse 3D, designed for the PS5 but versatile enough for other devices. This headset offers Tempest 3D positional audio for an immersive sound experience. See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at Target### Corsair HS65 Surround

2Dive into a wide and realistic soundscape with the Corsair HS65 Surround, featuring 7.1 surround sound at a budget-friendly price. See it at Amazon### HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

2Enjoy rich, layered sound with the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, an ultra-cheap wired headset that offers great audio quality despite its simple design. See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at Target### Astro A10

2Get dynamic sound and a durable build with the Astro A10, a budget-friendly option that skips the frills but delivers where it counts. See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Recon 50

2The Turtle Beach Recon 50 offers a super cheap entry point into gaming headsets, coming in multiple colors and compatible with all major gaming platforms. See it at Amazon

Budget gaming headsets might not include all the premium features found in the best high-end gaming headsets, such as advanced noise-canceling or swappable batteries. However, they still provide an enjoyable, immersive listening experience and reliable connectivity to your gaming PC, consoles, and other devices. What more could you ask for?

Explore our top nine picks, all available at surprisingly affordable prices. For our UK readers, check out these options tailored for your region. You might even snag a deal on these already budget-friendly headsets, or consider the best gaming earbuds for a portable gaming audio 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 many other devices, this affordable headset offers Tempest 3D positional audio for detailed, immersive sound. See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See 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 a range of enhancements, including its own spatial audio technology, Tempest 3D. Having a headset that can leverage the PS5's audio capabilities is crucial for an immersive experience. Our hands-on review of the Sony Pulse 3D demonstrates that it not only meets these needs but does so at a surprisingly affordable price of $99.99. This first-party peripheral offers crisp, vibrant, and spacious sound, placing you right in the heart of the action. The positional audio from Tempest 3D adds a level of immersion not found in standard headphones. While the battery life may not be exceptional, it's more than sufficient for extended gaming sessions. Beyond the PS5, the Pulse 3D's versatility shines with its wireless connectivity via an included USB dongle, allowing use with PS4, gaming PCs, and Macs as long as a USB port is available.

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 soundscape at a budget-friendly 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 tight for some

Corsair delivers an almost unbelievably great wired headset for under $80 with the HS65 Surround. This simple plug-and-play headset connects via a 3.5mm jack, and when connected over USB, it offers 7.1 surround sound for an immersive, wide, and realistic soundscape. These headphones provide neutral sound with superb directional audio, helping you pinpoint enemy locations in-game. While tethered to your gaming rig, the sound quality is well worth it.

Our hands-on testing and review of the Corsair HS65 Surround showed it prioritizes sound and comfort over fancy features. The audio is delivered through two 50mm drivers within soft memory foam earcups. The headset's construction combines quality plastic and aluminum, though some might find the headband a bit tight. Instead of numerous buttons and dials, it features a volume dial on the left earcup and a flip-to-mute feature on the non-detachable mic. For additional sound adjustments, you can use the iCue software.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 – Photos

7 Images3. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $50

### HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

2A low-cost wired headset that features a plastic build and is light on features while still delivering good audio quality with a rich, layered soundstage. See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See 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

For a gaming headset under $50 from a reputable brand, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 stands out. Its wired interface helps keep costs down, offering plug-and-play versatility via a 3.5mm connection. The plastic build reflects its affordability, yet it remains solid and comfortable for long gaming sessions.

Despite its cost-cutting design, the 50mm drivers produce surprisingly good sound quality with a rich, layered soundstage. However, without software support, you're limited in tweaking the audio. The headset is light on features, lacking RGB lighting and extensive on-ear controls, making it ideal for those seeking decent sound on a budget.

4. Astro A10

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40

### Astro A10

2Durable, ultra-cheap gaming headset that skips most frills while delivering big, dynamic sound. 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

If you're seeking the best value among budget gaming headsets, our review of the Astro A10 showcases its impressive performance and comfort at a modest price. Though slightly older, it remains a great choice at around $40 or less. The headset features a sturdy aluminum frame under the plastic-wrapped headband and well-cushioned ear cups for enhanced comfort.

The Astro A10 is a wired headset using a 3.5mm jack for connectivity across various platforms, with an in-line volume control on the audio cable. Its 40mm drivers deliver big, dynamic sound with decent separation, and the flip-to-mute mic ensures clear communication with teammates. However, like others in this price range, it lacks adjustable audio settings.

5. Turtle Beach Recon 50

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $30

### Turtle Beach Recon 50

2The super cheap Turtle Beach Recon 50 comes in a wide array of colors and will work with whatever console you have. 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 money

CONS

• Sound lacks bass

Budget gaming headsets like the Turtle Beach Recon 50 involve some compromises. You won't find premium features like surround sound or 3D audio, but you'll get something functional. Our hands-on review found that the Recon 50 works well, with 40mm drivers delivering decent sound and a surprisingly good microphone for clear communication in games like Helldivers 2. However, the headphones lack strong bass, so explosions may not sound as cinematic.

The Turtle Beach Recon 50 is available in multiple colorways, each reminiscent of a different gaming platform. Despite the color, the headset is universally compatible via a 3.5mm audio jack, making it a versatile choice for any gaming setup.

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 need to spend a fortune to find one that suits you. All the headsets listed here are available in the UK at competitive prices. Whether it's the top-rated SteelSeries Arctis 1 or the incredibly affordable Turtle Beach Recon 70, there's a headset waiting for you. If you don't see the headsets listed 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?

The definition of a 'budget' gaming headset varies, but generally, you shouldn't spend more than $100. At this price point, you can expect great sound and a decent mic, though you might miss out on some advanced features found in higher-end models.

Below $50, you'll start noticing more trade-offs. Features like virtual surround sound and 3D audio are often the first to go. At this price, many headsets are made with less durable plastic, which may not last long. If you spend $50 or less, plan on replacing your headset within a year.

For the absolute lowest cost, consider headsets in the $20 – $30 range. These will be basic in build quality and audio performance, but still functional for gaming and basic communication.

Budget Gaming Headset FAQ

Are gaming headsets good for listening to music?

While gaming headsets can technically play music, they are not the best choice for this purpose. Compared to similarly priced headphones, gaming headsets often have bass-heavy sound that can become muddled, especially in cheaper models. This is due to the additional technology and features in headsets, such as mics and connectivity options, which can affect sound quality.

Gaming headsets prioritize a wide soundstage and surround sound for gaming cues, while music benefits more from stereo sound. High-end gaming headsets like the Audeze Maxwell can offer a decent music listening experience due to superior drivers and customizable equalizer settings. However, for optimal music enjoyment, wireless headphones or earbuds are generally better suited.

Do expensive gaming headsets really make a difference?

To a certain extent, yes. Higher-priced gaming headsets often feature better audio drivers and advanced technologies like wireless connectivity, 3D audio, and surround sound. These enhancements can improve your gaming experience, though they're not essential for basic gameplay and communication. A $50 gaming headset can still meet the needs of casual gamers effectively.

Are budget gaming headsets good for live game streaming?

Generally, no. Budget gaming headsets' microphones are often inconsistent, and while they suffice for in-game chat, they may not meet the quality standards required for streaming. For streaming, a dedicated streaming microphone offers superior sound quality and features that can enhance your audience's experience.

When do gaming headsets go on sale?

If you're looking to snag a gaming headset at a discount, consider shopping during Amazon Prime Day in July or during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in November. These periods often feature significant discounts on popular gaming headset brands like Logitech and Turtle Beach.