The Best Budget Gaming Headset
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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A good gaming headset has several “ARCADE” characteristics:
- Accurate — Vocals, music, and sound effects are reproduced as intended;
- Responsive — Audio is transmitted in realtime with imperceptible latency;
- Comfortable — Lightweight materials have proper cushioning, clamping force and fit adjustments;
- Attuned — Sound is recorded and transmitted with minimal noise or interference;
- Durable — Materials resist decomposition and fraying after repeated use; and
- Ergonomic — Intuitive adjustments and controls become “second nature.”
However, gaming headsets are designed for convenience more so than performance. Even the cheapest streaming microphones will sound better than an integrated mic: This is a matter of physics, not price.
Nevertheless, inexpensive gaming headsets are often “good enough” for voice chat, team-based games and entry-level streaming setups for Twitch and YouTube. Plus, less is sometimes more:
Stereo Gaming Headsets vs. 7.1 Surround Sound
The best gaming headsets can virtualize a 7.1-channel surround sound system rather than a traditional left/right stereo mix. However, a study published by the Audio Engineering Society throws cold water on claims that surround sound can improve gaming performance. Joseph Rees-Jones, PhD. writes:
“The analysis of results showed that the virtual surround-sound (VHT) condition was not preferred over the stereo down-mix, and there was no significant improvement in the perceived spatial quality…The results have negative implications for the use of VHT systems in gaming, even though the general consensus among the gaming community is that surround-sound virtualisation…is beneficial.”
Speaking of misconceptions, there are rumors that gaming headsets cause hair loss. That’s nonsense, but any kind of headphone can cause hearing loss if played at an unsafe volume. Game wisely.
How Much Does a Good Gaming Headset Cost?
A good gaming headset (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $37, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same headsets cost around $26 while on sale: an average discount of 30%. Here are the best budget gaming headsets for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find gaming headsets with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any headset with a price above the mid-point.
To find gaming headsets with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Models with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 10% of the analyzed products remain.
Mpow Air SE Multi-Platform Headset
Good Value: $32 | Great Deal: $30
Mpow’s entry-level gaming headset is well-made, comfortable and a shockingly good value, according to several customers who also praise this headset’s removable mic and directional sound. One critical reviewer wishes that the 3.5mm jack was L-shaped, but most describe this as the best headset for the money.
HP H360GS USB Gaming Headset
Good Value: $45 | Great Deal: $40
This HP gaming headset has excellent audio quality, a clear microphone and plush earpads that are comfortable for hours, according to several customers. Reviewers wish this model had inline controls.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Logitech USB Headset H390 with Noise Cancelling Mic
Good Value: $27 | Great Deal: $18
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Logitech’s inexpensive headset is lightweight, comfortable and has a clear microphone, according to several customers. While many reviewers praise the inline controls, they also warn that this section of the cable is flimsy and fragile. Some customers say that this headset is tight-fitting, especially for those with glasses.
Redragon H510 Zeus Wired Gaming Headset, 7.1 Surround Sound
Good Value: $55 | Great Deal: $40
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Redragon’s affordable surround-sound gaming headset has excellent audio quality, a comfortable design and a near-perfect microphone, according to several online customers. Some reviewers caution that this headset has no volume or muting controls when used with a console; others complain that the cable makes noise.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Plantronics RIG 400HX Stereo Gaming Headset with Dolby Atmos
Good Value: $48 | Great Deal: $32
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Plantronic’s Atmos-enabled gaming headset is immersive, lightweight and easily adjustable, according to several online customers. Some reviewers caution that this headset is made with cheap, flimsy parts.
SteelSeries Arctis 3 All-Platform Gaming Headset
Good Value: $59 | Great Deal: $40
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The Arctis 3 has directional sound and a clear microphone, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this headset was louder; others say the volume control is in an awkward position.
Turtle Beach Recon 200 Amplified Gaming Headset
Good Value: $57 | Great Deal: $30
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Turtle Beach’s Recon 200 amplified gaming headset is sturdy, comfortable and has great sound, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that this headset needs to be charged regularly; others say that it’s easy to accidentally drain the battery because the headset doesn’t have an auto-off feature.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Corsair HS35 Stereo Gaming Headset
Good Value: $35 | Great Deal: $22
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Corsair’s budget stereo gaming headset is extremely comfortable and has great sound for its price, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the detachable microphone is low quality and easy to lose.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset
Good Value: $45 | Great Deal: $33
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Razer’s Kraken X headset is extremely lightweight, relatively comfortable and has a decent microphone, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this headset has disappointing sound quality out of the box; others caution that this headset is made from cheap plastic (and it isn’t durable as a result).
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
JBL Quantum 100 Wired Over-Ear Gaming Headphones
Good Value: $40 | Great Deal: $28
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JBL’s budget gaming headset has good audio and a clear microphone, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that the microphone picks up external noise; others say the earcups trap heat.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
EKSA Air Joy Pro Ultralight USB Gaming Headset
Good Value: $35 | Great Deal: $16
This affordable gaming headset is extremely lightweight and comfortable, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that the microphone is flimsy and hard to position as a result.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Onikuma K5 Pro Gaming Headset
Good Value: $24 | Great Deal: $14
Onikuma’s gaming headset is lightweight and has an excellent microphone, according to several online customers. Many reviewers described the sound quality as “better than expected.” A few gamers who wear eyeglasses found this headset uncomfortable; others were surprised at how large these headphones are.
TBI Pro Gaming Headset for Xbox One, S, PS4, PC
Good Value: $34 | Great Deal: $28
Several customers praised this gaming headset’s looks and sound, but many of these reviews are couched with a statement like “for the money.” Critical reviewers had issues with fit, comfort and cord placement.
BlueFire 3.5mm Gaming Headset Headphone with Microphone and LED
Good Value: $21 | Great Deal: $16
BlueFire’s gaming headset is light, comfortable and works well across all platforms, according to several online reviews. Tread carefully. Many reviews (even positive ones) mention some build-quality issues that surfaced after a few months, but thankfully, BlueFire seems quick to replace defective headsets.
Runmus K8 Gaming Headset With Stereo Surround Sound, LED Lighting
Good Value: $25 | Great Deal: $16
Runmus’ gaming headset gets high marks from many online reviewers for build-quality, looks and comfort. Some customers complained that the headset’s 6-foot cord is too long.
Alwup A6 Stereo Gaming Headset With Anti-Noise Mic, 50mm Drivers
Good Value: $25 | Great Deal: $17
Alwup’s gaming headset has a great microphone and effective noise cancellation, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this headset is heavy and uncomfortable for extended wear.
About the Author: John DeFeo was formerly the head of editorial insights for brands such as Tom’s Guide, Tom’s Hardware and Anandtech. Previously, he worked as an A/V salesman and a designer in the game industry.
