Top Affordable Gaming Headsets Still Worth Purchasing

You don't need to break the bank to get your hands on one of the best gaming headsets. The market is brimming with affordable options, such as the Sony Pulse 3D, which not only delivers high-quality sound but also boasts a durable build and a plethora of features perfect for enhancing your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for the freedom of a wireless connection, the versatility of multi-platform compatibility, or the immersive experience of surround sound, there's a budget-friendly gaming headset tailored to your needs.

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

### Sony Pulse 3D

7Experience the thrill of gaming with the Sony Pulse 3D, designed for the PS5 but versatile enough for many other devices. It features Tempest 3D positional audio for a deeply immersive sound experience.
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See it at Target### Corsair HS65 Surround

2The Corsair HS65 Surround offers 7.1 surround sound, bringing a wide and realistic soundscape to your gaming sessions at a budget-friendly price.
See it at Amazon### HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

2The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a no-frills wired headset that delivers good audio quality with a rich, layered soundstage at an ultra-low price.
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See it at Target### Astro A10

2The Astro A10 is a durable, budget-friendly option that provides big, dynamic sound, perfect for gamers on a tight budget.
See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Recon 50

2The Turtle Beach Recon 50 is super affordable and comes in various colors, compatible with all major platforms.
See it at AmazonWhile budget gaming headsets may not include all the bells and whistles of the best high-end gaming headsets, such as advanced noise-canceling or swappable batteries, they still offer an enjoyable and immersive listening experience, connecting seamlessly to your gaming PC, consoles, and other devices. What more could you ask for?

Explore our top nine picks, all available at surprisingly low prices, and check them out in the UK here. You might snag an incredible deal on these already affordable options, or opt for the best gaming earbuds for a more portable solution.

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

Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review

10 Images1. Sony Pulse 3D

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $100

### Sony Pulse 3D

7Designed for the PS5 but compatible with many other devices, the Sony Pulse 3D offers Tempest 3D positional audio, delivering detailed, immersive sound.
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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

The PlayStation 5 introduced groundbreaking improvements, including its unique spatial audio technology known as Tempest 3D. A headset that can fully leverage the PS5's audio capabilities is essential for that immersive experience. Our hands-on review of the Sony Pulse 3D confirms it not only meets but exceeds expectations at a surprisingly affordable price of $99.99, making it a steal for a first-party peripheral.

The sound quality of the Sony Pulse 3D is crisp, vibrant, and spacious, placing you right in the heart of the action. The Tempest 3D positional audio adds a new dimension of immersion that generic headphones can't match. Though the battery life could be better, it's sufficient for extended gaming sessions. Despite being tailored for the PS5, its versatility shines through, as the included USB dongle allows it to connect to a PS5 Pro, PS4, gaming PC, and Mac, provided you have a USB port.

Corsair HS65 Wireless – Photos

11 Images2. Corsair HS65 Surround

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $70

### Corsair HS65 Surround

2This headset brings 7.1 surround sound to your gaming setup at a budget-friendly price, creating a wide and realistic soundscape.
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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 may feel tight for some

Corsair's HS65 Surround is an outstanding wired headset available for under $80. Its simple plug-and-play design connects via a 3.5mm jack, but when connected via USB, you unlock 7.1 surround sound for an immersive, expansive audio experience. The neutral sound profile and excellent directional audio can help pinpoint enemy locations in-game. Although tethered, the audio quality is more than worth the trade-off.

Our hands-on testing showed that the Corsair HS65 Surround prioritizes sound and comfort over unnecessary features. It features two 50mm drivers within soft memory foam earcups. The construction is a mix of quality plastic and aluminum, though some might find the headband a bit snug. The design is straightforward, with a volume dial on the left earcup and a flip-to-mute feature on the non-detachable mic. For further sound adjustments, use the iCue software.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 – Photos

7 Images3. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $50

### HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

2The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a budget-friendly wired headset with a plastic build, focusing on delivering good audio quality with a rich, layered soundstage.
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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-affordable

CONS
- Mostly plastic build

Our testing of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 shows it's an exceptional value for a gaming headset under $50. The exclusively wired interface keeps costs down, offering plug-and-play versatility via a 3.5mm connection. The plastic build reflects its affordability, yet it's solid and comfortable, ideal for long gaming sessions.

Despite its budget design, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2's 50mm drivers produce surprisingly good audio with a rich, layered soundstage. However, there's minimal software support for audio adjustments. The headset is light on features, lacking RGB lighting or extensive on-ear controls, but it's perfect for gamers seeking quality sound on a budget.

4. Astro A10

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $40

### Astro A10

2The Astro A10 is a durable, ultra-affordable gaming headset that skips frills to deliver big, dynamic sound.
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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 impressive performance and comfort at a budget-friendly price. While it's an older model, you can still enjoy its sleek design and sturdy build for around $40 or less. The aluminum frame under the plastic headband ensures durability, while well-cushioned ear cups provide comfort.

The Astro A10 connects via a 3.5mm jack, offering in-line volume control. Its 40mm drivers deliver big, dynamic sound with decent separation, and the flip-to-mute mic ensures clear communication with teammates. Like other headsets in this price range, it lacks audio tuning options.

5. Turtle Beach Recon 50

Best Budget Gaming Headset Under $30

### Turtle Beach Recon 50

2The Turtle Beach Recon 50 is an ultra-affordable headset available in various colors, compatible with all major platforms.
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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 affordable
- Decent microphone for the price

CONS
- Sound lacks bass

The Turtle Beach Recon 50 is a testament to what you can get for a very low price. While it won't include premium features like surround sound, it does deliver a functional gaming experience. Our hands-on review found that its 40mm drivers provide satisfactory sound, and the microphone performs well for in-game communication. However, the bass response could be better, so big explosions might not sound as cinematic as they would on a more expensive headset.

Available in multiple color options, each representing a different gaming platform, the Turtle Beach Recon 50 is versatile and platform-agnostic. It connects via a 3.5mm jack, making it compatible with any device you own.

Where to Get the Best Budget Gaming Headsets in the UK

Finding the perfect gaming headset doesn't require spending a fortune. Every headset on our list is available in the UK at competitive prices. From our top pick, the SteelSeries Arctis 1, to the budget-friendly Turtle Beach Recon 70, there's a headset waiting for you. If you don't see the headsets listed below, click here.

### Sony Pulse 3D

4Best Budget PS5 Gaming Headset
See it### Corsair HS70 Pro Gaming Headset

16Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset
£99.99 save 1%
£98.99 at Amazon### SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

4£90.91 at Amazon### Logitech G435 Lightspeed

5Wireless Audio on the Cheap
£56.79 at Amazon### HYPERX 519T1AA Cloud Stinger 2

3See itHow Much Should I Spend on a Budget Gaming Headset?

The definition of a 'budget' gaming headset varies, but generally, spending up to $100 should still land you a quality option with good sound and a decent microphone, though some premium features might be missing.

Below $50, you'll notice compromises, such as the absence of virtual surround sound and 3D Audio. At this price point, headsets often use cheaper materials that may not stand the test of time. Plan accordingly, as you might need to replace a budget headset within a year.

For the absolute lowest cost, headsets priced between $20 and $30 are the bottom line I'd recommend. These will have basic audio quality and less durable builds, but they're functional enough for casual gaming and communication.

Budget Gaming Headset FAQ

Are gaming headsets good for listening to music?

While most gaming headsets prioritize in-game audio cues over music listening, they can still be used for music. However, dedicated headphones typically offer clearer, more balanced sound. High-end gaming headsets like the Audeze Maxwell can provide a satisfactory music experience, but for the best results, consider wireless headphones or earbuds.

Do expensive gaming headsets really make a difference?

Yes, to an extent. Higher-priced headsets often feature superior audio drivers and additional features like wireless connectivity and advanced audio technologies. However, for basic gaming needs, a $50 headset can suffice.

Are budget gaming headsets good for live game streaming?

Budget gaming headsets usually don't have the microphone quality needed for professional streaming. For streaming, a dedicated streaming microphone offers better sound quality and versatility.

When do gaming headsets go on sale?

To snag a deal on gaming headsets, consider shopping during Amazon Prime Day in July or during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. These periods often see significant discounts on gaming gear.