The 5 best budget gaming headsets in 2022

 

The best cheap gaming headsets can deliver all the exciting sound and clear microphone performance of more expensive peripherals. Unlike most of the best gaming headsets overall, however, these models will leave you with more spare cash to grow your games collection or invest in new PC upgrades.

There can be a worry when buying on a budget, that you’ll end up with some poorly-made piece of bargain bin garbage. But don’t fret, as we’ve tested all these headsets ourselves, and can attest that they stand up on sound quality and comfort. Often, both. Read on and find out what the best cheap gaming headsets are right now.

The best cheap gaming headsets can deliver all the exciting sound and clear microphone performance of more expensive peripherals. Unlike most of the best gaming headsets overall, however, these models will leave you with more spare cash to grow your games collection or invest in new PC upgrades.

There can be a worry when buying on a budget, that you’ll end up with some poorly-made piece of bargain bin garbage. But don’t fret, as we’ve tested all these headsets ourselves, and can attest that they stand up on sound quality and comfort. Often, both. Read on and find out what the best cheap gaming headsets are right now.

1. SteelSeries Arctis 1

The SteelSeries Arctis 1 delivers nearly everything that's great about the rest of SteelSeries' excellent Arctis line at just $50. This headset packs a simplified version of SteelSeries' signature sleek headset design, with soft fabric earcups and the same rich drivers you'll find in higher-end Arctis models. We found the Arctis 1 dependable for just about every game genre, and it held up especially well when playing online competitive shooters like Overwatch.

And with its removable mic and handy 3.5mm connection, it makes the perfect gaming companion whether you're on the road with your Switch or at home with your PC. While it doesn't offer the same world-class, auto-adjusting comfort as its pricier siblings and could have a better mic, the Arctis 1 offers some of the best performance you can find at this price range.

2. HyperX Cloud Stinger

The HyperX Cloud Stinger features a very sturdy design, soft padding and large ear cups that keep the set truly around your ears rather than pressed on them. It is the most comfortable set of the bunch. The on-ear audio control is an intuitive slider that's easy to use while worn, and the wire ends in a splitter for headphone and mic usage without needing a USB pass-through.

Unfortunately, the audio was really blown out at higher ranges, and a bit painful at times to experience, which may be the fault of the onboard volume controls pushing things out too far at max volume. Still, if comfort is your main priority, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is among the best cheap gaming headsets you can buy.

3. Astro A10

The Astro A10 is proof that Astro can deliver more than just expensive high-end headsets. The A10's slick design takes some cues from its more premium siblings such as the A40 and A50, offering a surprising level of style and sturdiness for a peripheral that costs less than $50.

The headset's lightweight frame and soft memory foam ear cushions are ideal for long sessions, though its earcups can get a bit snug for folks with big ears. Most importantly, the A10 delivers great sound for the price, with crisp highs and meaty lows that make it easy to hear the competition coming.

4. SteelSeries Arctis 3

While not as revered as its siblings – the Arctis 5(opens in a new tab) and Editor’s Choice Arctis 7(opens in a new tab) – the Arctis 3 is still a reliable gaming headset that offers solid performance for a low price. A pliable headband and plush padding make it comfy and cozy wear. When playing video games, dialogue, sound effects, and soundtracks are all balanced out pretty well. The mic also delivers rich, clear sound.

You’ll want to limit music listening to a PC, as the midrange takes a dive when playing tracks on a mobile device. Also, customizing the headset can be frustrating since you’re required to jump through several hoops via SteelSeries Engine 3 software. Once you get past the process, you can tweak equalization and surround-sound profiles. A Bluetooth version(opens in new tab) is available for purchase, though it’s a bit pricier at $145.

5. Razer Kraken X

The Razer Kraken X is a very solid budget headset, packing good sound into one of the best-looking designs that Razer's produced yet. A far cry from the bulky chassis of previous Razer headsets, the Kraken X is sleek, subtle, and lightweight, with leatherette ear cups that are comfortable to wear for hours on end. 

The headset's 3.5mm connection works seamlessly with consoles and PCs and offers well-balanced sound for competitive and immersive games alike. We wish the headset had better music performance and a removable mic, but this is a great overall gaming headset for the price.

How we test the best cheap gaming headsets

In order to determine what the best cheap gaming headsets are, we use every model we review with a variety of games and genres. We generally test headsets with shooters to get a sense of directional sound for competitive games, as well as RPGs and action/adventure titles to evaluate more immersive, cinematic audio.

We also test all gaming headsets with a variety of music to see how well they double as everyday headphones. Additionally, we evaluate the quality of each headset's microphone via sound recordings and real-world play sessions. 

How to choose the best cheap gaming headset for you

There are a handful of key factors to consider when looking for the best cheap gaming headset for your play style. Here are some things to know before you buy.

Compatibility: Most of the best cheap gaming headsets connect via 3.5mm jacks, meaning they will work with just about any platform including PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Some headsets only connect via USB for PC and PS4, though, so keep an eye out for that.

Don't expect wireless: You're almost never going to get a wireless gaming headset for less than $60, so be ready to deal with cables. If you want to splurge for a wireless set, check out our overall best gaming headsets recommendations.

Consider your comfort: Most cheap gaming headsets have either faux leather or soft fabric earcups. The former is very comfortable and does a good job sealing sound in, but can get hot over time. Fabric cups are usually very lightweight and are better to wear for long stretches, but you won't always get the most immersive sound.