Whether you're a casual fan or a serious player, a specially designed headset is essential for taking your gaming to the next level. A headset with a good mic allows you to communicate with your teammates clearly, and one with surround sound will also help you to really immerse yourself in the experience, especially if you love VR games.
If you're after something affordable, we’re about to show you some of the best deals around, including both wired and wireless options. Regardless of whether you're playing on an Xbox One, PS5, PS4, or PC, and if your budget is under £50 or up to £100, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for you to choose from. Moreover, we have partnered with video game blogger Benjamin Titmus for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Budget Gaming Headsets
Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy.
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Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy. Learn more about him and his blogs from here.
While most of the time a product's packaging will let you know which devices it's compatible with, it’s worth remembering that headsets with a 3.5mm connection are almost always suitable for all consoles and PCs. This is probably the best option for those of you with several different types of consoles at home!
It’s also worth noting that if there’s a specific headset that doesn’t have a 3.5mm connection, there’s are plenty of available adapters to convert them to the correct port (USB, USB Type-C, etc).
To make things even easier for you, we'll be putting information on which console our recommendations work within the specification table underneath the product reviews, to help you check for compatibility.
Searching for other compatible accessories for your PS4 or PS5?
Stereo headsets distribute sound over two audio channels, one on the left and one on the right. They have a simple 3.5mm audio connection in the majority of cases, and almost all media devices can accommodate this type of input. This makes them versatile and convenient to use, which is always a bonus when it comes to tech products!
Unfortunately, your gaming experience won't be very immersive with this type of headset. You might miss out on key gameplay moments like being able to hear the direction from which sounds are coming - this could leave you vulnerable in PvP scenarios. However, this is a great audio option if you're on a strict budget.
Surround sound headsets are pretty common nowadays, and they can really help take your gaming experience to the next level. With multiple speakers that cover each ear, this type of headset will provide you with a 360-degree soundscape, so you feel like you're physically in the game - making VR titles even more amazing to play.
The downside is that due to specific software that's required on each console, surround sound headsets aren't automatically suitable for every gaming platform, this is an issue that can be easily avoided by making sure you pick up a product that is compatible with your console.
Wired headsets tend to be the most affordable option, due to the fact they require less technology. Also, you won’t have to worry about charging this kind of headset, so it's always ready to roll whenever you are! However, there are the usual unfortunate problems of a limited range of movement and the risk of getting tangled up!
Fortunately, because they require no battery to run, wired headsets are the best for frequent players who wouldn't want to be disrupted mid-game by a dying battery. This makes them perfect for marathon gaming sessions or streaming for several hours.
You might be wanting to avoid eye discomfort, blurry vision and headache by sitting further away from your monitor or TV. Or you may just want the freedom to move around without dealing with tangled cables.
Whatever the case may be, you'll love a wireless headset that gives you a full range of motion so you’ll be able to play from basically anywhere that you can see the screen. On the downside, you will have to worry about battery life, which will vary depending on the model, as well as the need for regular charging.
Also, depending on the quality of the headset, there can be issues with Bluetooth connectivity. This can be due to the distance the player sits from the device the headphones are connected to.
Check out more wireless gaming headsets.
A mic is essential for communicating clearly when playing alongside (or even competing against) others in the online world. Make sure your mic has noise cancellation though, otherwise your crew will still be able to hear all the everyday noise around you, especially if you live in a lively household.
Opting for well-known brands can increase the chances of having better noise cancellation features. Bigger brands have more rigorous testing.
If you need to chat privately or take an important phone call you'll need a mute function on your headset. This generally works by pressing a button on the earpiece, or by raising the mic away from your face into an upright position, though this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t be heard, so always be careful.
Want to use your headset for activities other than gaming, like listening to music or a podcast on your commute? Make sure you choose a detachable mic to save you from getting any strange looks from other passengers on your bus or train!
Another great tip here is the mute function available on most consoles. Xbox and PlayStation both allow you to mute the mic through the controller settings.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | SteelSeries Arctis 5 | ![]() | Easy to Use, With Detachable Mic and Customisable EQ | |
2 | Corsair HS35 | ![]() | Best Budget Headset for Bass-Heavy Audio | |
3 | Logitech G Pro X | ![]() | Excellent Noise Cancellation and Crystal-Clear Sound | |
4 | Razer Kraken X | ![]() | Inexpensive Razer Headset for Online Gaming | |
5 | Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 | ![]() | A Smart Design for Gamers Who Wear Glasses | |
6 | PDP Gaming LVL50 Wireless Headset XB1 | ![]() | Lightweight Headset With an Adjustable Headband | |
7 | Lycander Gaming Headset With LED Light | ![]() | High Quality Headset That Can Be Used With Nintendo Switch | |
8 | Astro A10 - Call of Duty Edition | ![]() | Wireless Headset for Online Multiplayer Gaming | |
9 | Corsair HS70 Pro | ![]() | Top Quality Sound for PC Gamers | |
10 | Turtle Beach Recon 70X | ![]() | Budget Gaming Headset With Multiplatform Compatibility |
This headset by SteelSeries comes in right at the very top end of our budget, but we think it offers so much that they could probably get away with charging double the price! First and foremost, this is a cosy headset that you'll be happy to wear for hours without needing a break.
Another brilliant feature is the surround sound, which is completely customisable through the EQ settings. Moreover, the mic is bendable and detachable, and there's even a volume control on the headset itself. Basically, it's really straightforward to use and has everything you could need from a budget gaming headset.
Considering the absolute bargain price, we think this headset is remarkably good quality. Although it's mostly plastic, the adjustment sliders for the ear cups are made of metal so they're nice and sturdy. The memory foam covering also ensures that you'll be comfy even during a long gaming session.
The sound is slightly bass-heavy, which can be a little murky if you're listening to music. But during gameplay, it's generally more balanced and should provide you with everything you need to keep track of enemies. Overall, for this low price, we're very impressed!
The main selling point of this product is the "Pro" mic which is super clear sounding, so your crew will always know what you're about to do in-game. As the mic is also detachable, you could even get away with using this sleek-looking headset outdoors without anyone noticing.
Furthermore, this headset offers excellent noise cancellation which should keep you focused on the screen in front of you. It may be right at the edge of your budget but if you're willing to give it a go, you won't be disappointed!
This headset has really wonderful in-game sound due to its focus on trebles - this makes it great for picking out clear voices like those of your pals! We also love the minimalist design of this headset, it's much less bulky than other Razer products.
It can be paired with multiple platforms, making it really versatile and a good purchase if you often play on more than one console at home. Additionally, it has good insulation on the ear cups so that nothing will distract you. At under £50, this is a great option for those new to the world of online gaming.
Finally, somebody thought about those of us who wear glasses when designing a headset! This product uses ProSpecs technology which creates a little indent in the ear cups to accommodate glasses. This can also be altered easily enough to accommodate different size frames.
One minor problem, however, is the button configuration. It seems that the one ear cup is loaded with the majority of in-game functions, including volume control for both the game and the chat, which can be slightly confusing when you're in the midst of gaming. In contrast, the other side is rather barren.
Unfortunately, pretty much every component of this gadget is made of plastic that feels cheap and makes creaky sounds when you move. Secondly, the microphone is rather quiet and doesn't come with the option to boost it either on the headset or in-game.
The first thing you'll notice about the Lycander is that the build quality is of the same high quality as its competitors that charge twice as much. We also like that it can be used with a wide variety of platforms, due to the 3.5mm audio cable - ideal if you like to switch things up a bit!
Astro is renowned for making high-end wireless gaming headsets that usually cost well over £100. This product is their first foray into the budget world, and they've done a pretty good job. We love the GI Joe camouflage design, and the big boxy ear cups feel pleasant.
The main reason this product is so further down on our list is that the microphone isn't of the best quality - which isn't great if you do a lot of gaming! Plus, it's a bit of a snug fit, which will be an issue for those that wear glasses and may cause you to need to take breaks every now and then.
The HS70 Pro offers some of Corsair's best features and at under £100, it's just within our budget! This is a superb product that comes with a noise-cancelling, multidirectional microphone. Plus, it has well-crafted ear cups that are fitted with memory foam for excellent comfort, even after hours of play!
If you're gaming on your PC, you get a 7.1 surround sound experience with this product. However, PS4 users will only get the stereo sound, which we think is a bit of a shame. Also, the microphone is a little tinny which is again disappointing, especially for one of the pricier products in our ranking.
This headset is comfortable and fits snugly over the ears without any discomfort or pain. Although it appears huge, it's actually surprisingly lightweight. It also comes with an impressive surround sound set-up that will provide pinpoint precision when you're in-game.
With its stunning clear audio and comfy earpieces, you might be wondering why this headset is so low on our list. We think it's a shame that it's way too quiet even when the volume has been set at max.
A good quality gaming headset microphone can be used for streaming. However, gaming headset mic quality is significantly worse than a microphone. That's why we recommend getting a proper mic!
Decide between a microphone for home studios and a USB microphone.
No. 1: SteelSeries|Arctis 5
No. 2: Corsair|HS35
No. 3: Logitech|G Pro X
No. 4: Razer|Kraken X
No. 5: Turtle Beach|Stealth 600 Gen 2
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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