Five Best Budget Gaming Headsets: Inexpensive Gaming Headsets for All Gamers

Having the right equipment for gaming is highly essential. A lower quality mouse may be harder to control, a bad keyboard may delay input, and a 60hz monitor may make it harder for you to spot threats while moving around. A great gaming headset is just as essential. Even the most skilled of gamers would end up struggling due to having improper clues about the sound’s direction. A great headset is a kind that would not only provide you with clear sound quality but also a more accurate tracking of the sound.

But even the tail-enders of best gaming lists rarely cost any less than $120. Regardless, those headsets, as well as those lists entail means other than gaming too and are boasted by extra features like a streamer-quality microphone, which is why it’s definitely not that difficult to find great gaming headsets that are easy on your wallet. This is why we’ve worked on a list to highlight some of the best budget gaming headsets to perfect your gaming experience. 

Here are the best budget gaming headsets: 

 

1. Razer BlackShark V2 X

The overall best budget gaming headset 

(Image credit: Razer)

Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear | Cable length : 1.3 m / 4.27 ft | Drivers: TriForce 50mm | Weight: 8.48oz / 240 g

The Razer BlackShark V2 X is a budget-oriented version of its counterpart without the X. And if we’re being honest, it doesn’t actually differ that much from the more expensive counterpart. Still, though, the budget-friendliness of the headset is made understandable by how its sound quality lacks consistency if one tries to be all ears with it, in comparison to the Blackshark V2 itself. In comparison, it’s not that extraordinary, but it’s still a great headset in its own merit and has a mic that is as great as, if not better than the Blackshark V2. The draw, however, is the 7.1 surround sound, which compliments and is more highly complimented by the 50mm Triforce drivers. The output results as something gamers would find greatly handy. 

So, while the general sound quality of this headset isn’t elite, the end result is undoubtedly the best you could attain from a budget gaming headset. 

Pros:

• Great build
• Remarkable sound
• High-quality mic

Cons:

• No active noise cancellation

 

2. SteelSeries Arctis 1

The clearest budget gaming headset

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear | Cable length : 3 m / 9.84 ft | Drivers: 40mm neodymium | Weight: 9.5oz / 272g

SteelSeries arguably makes the highest quality headsets, and relative to its price tag, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is no exception. It’s the simplest-looking and sounding headset from the Arctis series, but is still a great buy for its price. Like most of the best budget headsets, the best facet of it is that it features high-end technology within, by having the same audio drivers as the more expensive headsets of the series. The Arctis 7 costs almost thrice as much, and it’s unreal to attain the same technology at the expense of flair.

The microphone is also quite commendable and features active noise cancellation. As a bonus, it’s also detachable and allows you to mute it physically with a slider located on the side. 

It’s one of the clearest-sounding headsets in general and is the right choice for those seeking more sound clarity while gaming. 

Pros:

• Amazing audio tech for a budget headset
• Great for its price
• Detachable microphone

Cons:

• Simplistic

3. Corsair HS50 Pro

The best budget gaming headset for communication

 

(Image credit: Corsair)

Acoustic design : Closed back; over ear | Cable length : 1.8 m / 5.9 ft | Drivers : 50mm neodymium | Weight: 11.6oz / 331g

Not all gamers tend to be competitive, so we had to list a headset that was great for communication itself too, for the gamers who engage in social and communicative video games or virtual lobbies. The Corsair HS50 has been tested with Discord servers and is unconventional due to its higher focus on chatroom performance. 

It’s compatible with consoles too, especially PS5 and Nintendo Switch. A drawback exists for Xbox consoles though, for which you’d require the Microsoft 3.5mm adapter for functionality. But in that case, why not spend the extra money on a better headset altogether? 

Still, though, the Corsair HS50 is the best budget headset for those who actively engage in chatrooms. 

Pros:

• Nice build
• Classy design
• Discord-ready

Cons: 

• Requires adapter for Xbox

4. Razer Kraken X

The second-best Razer budget headset. 

(Image credit: Razer)

Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear | Cable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft | Drivers: 40mm custom tuned | Weight: 8.8oz / 0.55 lbs

Among the prominent aspects of the Razer Kraken X is its light-weighted design. It’s a good light-weighted alternative to the Razer BlackShark V2 X. The Kraken X may not be the most extraordinary budget headset, it’s an option for those who seek to buy the best budget-friendly headset among a list of budget-friendly headsets. The market is always pretty easy on the headset, and it’s always on sale. 

The greatness of its sound also comes from the same reason as with the BlackShark V2 X. The 7.1 surround sound alongside the 40mm drivers. A concern is its less durable design, but it does make the headset lighter and comfortable.  

Pros:

• Kraken sound tech
• Great sound
• Extremely lightweight 

Cons: 

• Not durable enough

5. Turtle Beach Recon 70

The best budget gaming headset for Xbox

(Image credit: TechINN)

Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear | Cable length : 1.2 m / 3.93 ft | Drivers: 40mm neodymium | Weight: 16.7oz / 476g

It’s not as much talked about these days, but the Turtle Beach Recon 70 had quite the prominence in its time, and still stands its ground. It’s the best budget headset you could get for your Xbox console, and something that you should get for any modern console due to the headset majorly being designed for them. 

The sound quality is impressive too for a budget console headset, especially if it’s plugged into the controller itself. It’s also quite a small headset for the kind that features 40mm drivers but is comfortable to wear. 

The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is nothing great, but for its price tag, you’d find fewer good alternatives. 

Pros:

• Best for Xbox gaming
• Ergonomic design
• Commendable microphone

Cons: 

• No surround sound