The Best Cheap Gaming Headsets That Are Still Worth Buying

You don't have to break the bank to get one of the best gaming headsets. Affordable options like the Sony Pulse 3D provide high-quality audio, a sturdy build, and a range of features that enhance your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for wireless freedom, multi-platform compatibility, or immersive surround sound, there's a budget-friendly gaming headset that meets your needs.

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

Sony Pulse 3D

7 See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at Target

Corsair HS65 Surround

2 See it at Amazon

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

2 See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at Target

Astro A10

2 See it at Amazon

Turtle Beach Recon 50

2 See it at Amazon

While budget gaming headsets may not have all the bells and whistles of the best high-end gaming headsets, such as advanced noise-cancellation or swappable batteries, they still offer a satisfying, immersive sound and reliable connectivity for your gaming PC, consoles, and other devices. What more could you ask for?

Check out our top nine picks, all available at surprisingly low prices, and find them in the UK here. You might even snag a great deal on these affordable options. Or, consider the best gaming earbuds for a convenient, portable alternative.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru, and Michelle Rae Uy

Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review

10 Images

1. Sony Pulse 3D

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $100

Sony Pulse 3D

7 Designed for the PS5 but compatible with many other devices, this affordable headset delivers Tempest 3D positional audio for a detailed, immersive sound experience. 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

With the launch of the PlayStation 5, gamers were introduced to a host of enhancements, including its innovative spatial audio technology, Tempest 3D. A headset that maximizes the PS5's audio capabilities can significantly enhance your gaming immersion. Our thorough review of the Sony Pulse 3D confirms its ability to deliver on this front, and at a surprisingly affordable price of $99.99, it's a steal for a first-party accessory.

The audio quality from these headphones is crisp, vibrant, and expansive, placing you right in the heart of the action. The positional audio provided by Tempest 3D adds an extra layer of immersion that generic headphones can't match. While the battery life might not be exceptional, it's sufficient for extended gaming sessions. Although primarily designed for the PS5, the Pulse 3D's versatility shines through its compatibility with PS4, gaming PCs, and Macs via the included USB dongle.

Corsair HS65 Wireless – Photos

11 Images 2. Corsair HS65 Surround

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $70

Corsair HS65 Surround

2 This headset delivers 7.1 surround sound for a broad 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 can be tight for some

Corsair's HS65 Surround offers an incredible wired headset experience for under $80. This plug-and-play headset connects via a 3.5mm jack, and with a USB connection, you get 7.1 surround sound for an immersive, realistic sound environment. The neutral sound and excellent directional audio can help pinpoint enemy locations in-game. Though you'll be tethered to your device, the audio quality more than compensates for it.

Our hands-on review of the Corsair HS65 Surround shows it focuses on what matters most: sound and comfort. The 50mm drivers are housed in soft memory foam earcups, and the headset's construction uses quality plastic and aluminum. While the headband might feel tight for some users, the design is simple with just a volume dial and flip-to-mute mic on the non-detachable microphone. For more detailed sound adjustments, you can use the iCue software.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 – Photos

7 Images 3. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $50

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

2 A budget-friendly wired headset with a plastic build and minimal features, yet it delivers solid 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 is hard to beat. Its wired design keeps the cost down, offering a plug-and-play solution that's versatile across platforms. The predominantly plastic construction is solid enough and comfortable for long gaming sessions.

Despite its budget-friendly approach, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 provides surprisingly good audio quality with a rich, layered soundstage through its 50mm drivers. However, there's little room for audio tweaking without software support, and the headset lacks additional features like RGB lighting or extensive on-ear controls. It's perfect for those seeking solid sound without breaking the bank.

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40

Astro A10

2 A durable, affordable gaming headset that prioritizes sound quality over frills. 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

Our review of the Astro A10 highlights its performance and comfort at a budget-friendly price point of around $40. Though it's an older model, its robust design and aluminum frame under the plastic headband make it durable. The well-cushioned ear cups ensure long-term comfort.

The Astro A10 connects via a 3.5mm jack and features an in-line volume control on the audio cable. Its 40mm drivers deliver big, dynamic sound with good separation, and the flip-to-mute microphone ensures clear communication. However, like many budget headsets, there's no option for sound tuning.

5. Turtle Beach Recon 50

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $30

Turtle Beach Recon 50

2 An extremely affordable gaming headset available in various colors and compatible with multiple consoles. 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

The Turtle Beach Recon 50 is a testament to the compromises you make at the ultra-budget level. While you won't find premium features like surround sound, our hands-on review confirms it works well for its price. The 40mm drivers offer satisfactory sound, and the microphone is decent enough for clear communication during gameplay, though bass reproduction is limited.

Available in multiple color options, each reflecting different gaming platforms, the Turtle Beach Recon 50 is versatile and platform-agnostic thanks to its 3.5mm audio jack. Whether you choose the green and black colorway for an Xbox vibe or another, it'll work seamlessly with your PS5 or any other device.

Where to Get the Best Budget Gaming Headsets in the UK

Finding the perfect gaming headset can feel like a dream come true, and you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve it. All the headsets on our list are available in the UK at competitive prices. From our top pick, the SteelSeries Arctis 1, to the affordable Turtle Beach Recon 70, there's a headset for everyone. If you don't see the headsets listed below, click here.

Sony Pulse 3D

4 Best Budget PS5 Gaming Headset See it

Corsair HS70 Pro Gaming Headset

16 Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset £99.99 save 1% - £98.99 at Amazon

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

4 £90.91 at Amazon

Logitech G435 Lightspeed

5 Wireless Audio on the Cheap £56.79 at Amazon

HYPERX 519T1AA Cloud Stinger 2

3 See it

How Much Should I Spend on a Budget Gaming Headset?

Defining what constitutes a 'budget' gaming headset varies, but generally, spending up to $100 is considered within budget territory. At this price, you can expect good sound quality and a reliable microphone, though some advanced features may be absent.

Below $50, you'll start to notice trade-offs. Features like virtual surround sound and 3D audio are typically the first to go. Budget headsets in this range often use less durable materials, which might not withstand long-term use. Plan on potentially replacing your headset within a year if you opt for this price point.

If you're looking to spend as little as possible, gaming headsets in the $20 – $30 range are the lowest I'd recommend. At this price, build quality and audio performance may be compromised, but they're still adequate for basic gaming needs and communication.

Budget Gaming Headset FAQ

Are gaming headsets good for listening to music?

Generally, gaming headsets aren't ideal for music listening. Compared to similarly priced headphones, gaming headsets tend to have bass-heavy, sometimes muddied sound due to added technology and features like microphones and extra controls. Gaming headsets prioritize a wide soundstage and surround sound for in-game immersion, whereas music benefits more from stereo sound. High-end gaming headsets like the Audeze Maxwell can offer a decent music experience with better drivers and adjustable settings, but for most, wireless headphones or earbuds are better suited for music.

Do expensive gaming headsets really make a difference?

To a certain extent, yes. Higher-priced gaming headsets typically come with better audio drivers and features like wireless connectivity, 3D audio, and surround sound. While these enhancements can improve your gaming experience, they're not essential for basic gameplay and communication. A $50 gaming headset can still meet your needs if you're not looking for advanced features.

Are budget gaming headsets good for live game streaming?

Not typically. Budget gaming headsets often have subpar microphones that may suffice for team communication but fall short for streaming. For streaming, a dedicated streaming microphone offers superior audio quality and software support, ensuring your audience enjoys clear sound without distractions.

When do gaming headsets go on sale?

If you're aiming to buy a budget gaming headset at a discount, consider shopping during key sales events. Amazon Prime Day in July offers significant discounts on brands like Logitech and Turtle Beach. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also prime times for tech deals, including gaming headsets.