Brands like SteelSeries, Razer, and Corsair all regularly release cheaper versions of their top gaming headsets, which means you can still score a big-name device without parting with too much cash.
Cheap gaming headsets come in all shapes and sizes, but if you're after a set of cups that still boost your audio compared to your laptop's speakers there's plenty of choice out there.
Not only that, but you can rely on further gaming headset deals to drop the cost of even the best gaming headsets on the market as well. If this is the route you're taking we'd recommend looking to releases from the last two years for the best value. You'll still pick up up to date features, but you're avoiding headsets that are too fresh to the shelves, and therefore resilient against discounts. You'll find all our favorite cheap gaming headsets, and the web's lowest prices on each model, just below.
This month's best gaming headset deals
- Amazon: JBL headsets from $29.95
- Best Buy: up to $38 off Steelseries
- Corsair: starting from $29.99
- HP: $50 off HyperX Alpha S
- Razer: free gift with Barracuda X Chroma
- Walmart: budget headsets from $10.99
The quick list
The best cheap gaming headset overall
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 offers everything you could ask for in a budget headset without going past the $50 / £50 price barrier. The cheapest we've ever seen this wired set for for it just $25.
The best cheap gaming headset for PC
The Razer BlackShark V2 is one of our favorite PC headsets of all time, and this X model is a cheaper version. That $60 / £60 MSRP often gives way to far lower rates as well.
The best cheap gaming headset for Xbox
The Recon 70 has been built directly for Xbox, so you know you're getting solid audio for your console. We've seen this set go as low as $25 / £15 in previous deals.
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The best cheap multiplatform gaming headset
If you're after a one and done solution, the Corsair HS35 offers an excellent sound quality and clear mic at a super low price.
The best cheap wireless gaming headset
The Barracuda X is often available for as little as $69 / £79 - that's an excellent price for a wireless headset with plenty of extra features and a great sound quality too.
The best cheap gaming headset overall
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is our favorite cheap gaming headset right now. It's the most simple and straightforward of the Arctis line, but it's built with seamless compatibility with consoles in mind.
✅ You don't need a wireless connection
✅ You play across a range of devices
✅ You want a subtle aesthetic
❌ A wireless connection is a must
❌ You want more cushioning
Design: We tested the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless (which is still pretty cheap for a wireless headset) but the design is also shared by the wired version. There's nothing particularly special here, a black body with adjustable, slightly cushioned headband, and a detachable microphone on the side. It's a subtle affair, but one that will suit your commute just as well as it would your gaming setup. While the padding is thinner than you'll find on more expensive models, we had no qualms about the overall comfort.
Features: Similar to how the BlackShark V2 X borrows tech from pricier models, the Arctis 1 features the same audio drivers as found in the Arctis 7 headset - which retails for three times as much.
The commitment here is about being as clean-cut as possible without impacting the core features of what makes a quality gaming headset. This time, the microphone features active noise canceling - and can be detached - as well as muted with a physical slider on the side for ease of access.
Performance: The Arctis 1 performs surprisingly well considering its low price point. You're not going to be following enemy footprints with pinpoint accuracy but there's a clear, crisp sound profile and a solid music performance as well. If you're looking to spend as little as possible but don't want to give your ears a hard time, this is the best cheap gaming headset for you.
Verdict: The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is an older device, but that means its already low price point sees regular additional discounts. Combined with the flexible feature list, comfortable low profile design, and solid audio quality, it's an excellent all-rounder across platforms.
The best cheap gaming headset for PC
Broadly speaking, there are only really minimal differences that separate the Razer BlackShark V2 X variant from its full-fledged counterpart, the Razer BlackShark V2 (one of the best PC headsets out there). This cheaper model still packs a similar punch in its features and everyday audio quality, but does so far a hell of a lot less cash.
✅ You mostly play on PC
✅ You want quality directional audio
✅ You don't mind a wired connection
❌ You play single player mostly
❌ You want more durable cup materials
Design: The X model shares the same form factor as the main BlackShark V2, but swaps the more breathable cup material for a denser, less durable leatherette. This could degrade over time, but straight out the box it feels plush and manages to keep more environmental sound out of your gameplay overall. This material continues through to the headband, padding the full stretch for maximum comfort (the SteelSeries above only protects the crown). The actual cups, meanwhile, take on more of an oblong shape, and connect to the main frame via a couple of brackets on each side.
Features: The BlackShark V2 X still packs Razer's 50mm TriForce drivers, which is impressive considering the low price. However, you're also getting the brand's Hyperclear Cardioid microphone and plenty of compatibility across consoles. The V2 X shines, though, when it's hooked up to a PC. This is the only way you'll have access to the 7.1 surround sound feature, an excellent addition considering the vast majority of cheap gaming headsets are content to stay within the realms of stereo sound. It's unfortunate that the mic itself can't be detached, as it can get in the way during solo adventures.
Performance: While the X model doesn't quite sound as rich as its sibling, it's still a great sounding headset with, arguably, a better microphone - save for the fact it cannot be detached.
The important thing is the 7.1 surround sound, which just works; it's as simple as that. It all comes down to the 50mm 'TriForce' drivers at the end of the day - the levels of audio distinction are clear and layered, and the microphone sounds as you would expect.
Verdict: The Razer BlackShark V2 X is a masterpiece in feature selection. You're saving some serious cash here, but still grabbing some of Razer's finest drivers and 7.1 surround sound to boot. That makes it the best cheap gaming headset for PC users overall.
The best cheap gaming headset for Xbox
Not only is the Turtle Beach Recon 70 one of the best cheap gaming headsets overall, but it's our top pick for Xbox consoles. This has been designed for Microsoft's device, but you'll still find solid quality on other platforms as well.
✅ You regularly switch between solo and online play
✅ You don't mind a gamer aesthetic
✅ You primarily play on Xbox
❌ You want a bassier soundstage
❌ You need a more subtle aesthetic
Design: It's obvious that this is an Xbox One headset from the outset. With splashes of green running throughout both the black and white colorways, this is a Microsoft device through and through. In classic Turtle Beach fashion, this isn't a subtle device. The angular lines and chunky cups make it clear that the Recon 70 is a piece of gaming tech. The whole device is constructed from a solid plastic, with little flexing and no concerning creaks to the headband or cup connection. It's also nice to see a swivel design that allows each cup to turn and tilt for maximum comfort and easy transportation.
Features: This is a simple 3.5mm wired affair, which means you're guaranteed easily compatibility with Xbox via your controller's dedicated port. You'll also find a basic volume dial on the headset itself, with a flip to mute mic. The latter certainly isn't to be taken for granted in cheaper gaming headsets.
Performance: With 40mm drivers, it's a little smaller than everything mentioned above, but the sound quality is more than serviceable when running straight through an Xbox controller. There's no over-boosted bass here, which means there's a pleasant sound quality running across all levels. We usually find a heavily emphasized lower range in these cheaper devices, which clouds the entire soundstage with its crackling and rumbles. We did notice, however, that certain sounds lacked the oomph we were used to, even with other cheap gaming headsets.
Verdict: The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is a solid piece of tech for its price. You're getting made-for-Xbox listening quality here, as well as a few fancy features we don't often see this cheap, like rotating ear cups and a flip to mute mic.
The best cheap multiplatform headset
Keeping it simple but maintaining some quality too, the Corsair HS35 is right up there with the best cheap gaming headsets when it comes to handling a range of platforms.
✅ You regularly play across multiple platforms
✅ You value a quality microphone
✅ Comfort is a priority
❌ You need 7.1 surround for PC
❌ You want more mic controls
Design: Thanks to memory foam ear-cups and a comfy headband, the Corsair HS35 proved itself to be snug without being uncomfortable after several hours of play in our testing. It was also tough enough to withstand being pulled on and off your head without too much care, and the odd accidental fall or bump. The whole device is relatively light without the extra chunky design we sometimes see in cheaper models. You can also choose your headset to represent your primary device, with Corsair offering Xbox green, PlayStation blue, and Nintendo red colorways - or a simple black model for the true all-rounder.
Features: Like many cheap gaming headsets, the HS35 is stripped back in its feature list. It does offer a clear, detachable Discord-certified microphone with active noise cancelling baked in, which is excellent to see. Volume controls are found on the left earcup and there's a simple mute option onboard as well.
Performance: Even though the Corsair HS35 looks after your pennies, it still offers up a strong audio quality. Putting it through our rigorous test, we know the audio won't win awards, but it's on a par with most mid-range headsets and manages some snappy treble. What was most impressive, though, was the HS35's ability to handle audio from all the major platforms equally. You're getting the same performance on Xbox as you would Nintendo Switch, which can't be said of many cheaper multiplatform gaming headsets.
Verdict: The HS35 is a thoughtfully designed piece of kit, with a sturdy yet comfortable build and some impressive audio qualities.
The best cheap wireless gaming headset
The 2022 Razer Barracuda X is the best cheap wireless gaming headset, now coming in at well under $100 with Bluetooth, touch controls, a simple plug and play system, and excellent comfort. Not only that, but it's also the best Nintendo Switch headset for the majority of players.
✅ You play Nintendo Switch
✅ You want high-end features without the cost
✅ You play single player adventure games
❌ You primarily play on Xbox
❌ You don't need a wireless connection
Design: The design is subtle enough to fit into a commuting or traveling scenario, with an understated design that won't blind your fellow passengers with garish RGB or take up half the carriage with huge cups.
In fact, at just 250g, these are some of the lightest cups on the market right now - beating the Logitech G733 which is often touted as one of the most comfortable options. That means you'll be able to dive into particularly long play sessions without feeling the strain. That's because there's a nicely padded headband and plump cushioning on either side, which makes for a nice temperature without crushing your ears.
Features: The Barracuda X shines in its feature set. You're getting some high end specs in here, all for a two figure price point. Not only is the a wireless 2.4GHz dongle to plug into just about anything, but you can also make use of a low latency Bluetooth mode for mobile play as well. Throw in virtual 7.1 surround sound on PC, a 50+ hour battery life, and dual connections between your console and phone and you've got some premium features in a mid-range price. There are a few caveats; the Barracuda X doesn't use Razer's Synapse software so there are fewer EQ customization options here, and an Xbox connection will need to be wired in. This wired connection doesn't use power, which means you do drop audio quality.
Performance: There's a super rich quality to the Barracuda X's sound, with excellent detailing and a delicate balance across all ranges. Whether we were grinding through Doom Eternal or hiding from clickers in The Last of Us Part 2, the Barracuda X's soundstage managed to provide power and subtlety in equally impressive measure. That audio quality did come under strain when using a wired connection, which doesn't power the headset, so Xbox users be warned.
Verdict: The Razer Barracuda X is up there with our favorite gaming headsets not only because it offers all that quality at a low price point, but it does so without sacrificing any features that players might be looking for.
FAQ
Which is the best cheap gaming headset?
There's no one particular brand that stands above them all, but we would say that Razer, SteelSeries, and Corsair tend to make the best cheap gaming headsets, as these companies are no strangers to forging phenomenal sounding headsets at the upper level. It ultimately comes down to what features you're looking for, however.
How much should you spend on a gaming headset?
We think that you can get a fully-featured cheap gaming headset for around the $50 mark. If you desire active noise canceling and wireless functionality, you're going to have to spend a little more, but if you're okay with being plugged in, then that budget can certainly go a long way.
Are gaming headsets good for listening to music?
While cheap gaming headsets aren't necessarily designed first and foremost with music in mind, we've listened to countless musical genres (everything from pop to extreme metal) through many gaming headsets over the years with genuinely pleasing results. Now, your mileage will vary depending on driver size (50mm and above sound the richest), but generally speaking, cheap gaming headsets sound good enough for music.
Looking to spend a bit more cash? Then check out our best PS5 headsets, and best PC headsets for gaming guides. We've also rounded up the best cheap gaming monitors and best cheap gaming keyboards if you've wanted peripherals at more wallet-friendly prices. To save even more cash, keep an eye on our Black Friday gaming headset deals as the deal extravaganza is right around the corner.
