The Best Budget Gaming Headsets (6 under $60)
The very best cheap headsets built for gaming, in the range under $60 you should consider today.
Getting an excellent budget gaming headset is enough to enjoy your games. While you might not get the fanciest design and features, you can comfortably play games alone or with friends. And, these gaming headsets are so good you’ll soon forget they were so cheap.
Contents
Comparison: Best Budget Gaming Headsets
| Rating | Price | Connection | Compatibility | Surround Sound (virtual) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SteelSeries Arctis 1 best overall |  | 4.2 | under $60 | 3.5mm | PC & Mac PlayStation Xbox One Nintendo Switch/3DS VR & mobile | Yes (only PC & Xbox) | More info |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger best under $50 |  | 4.1 | under $50 | 3.5mm + dual 3.5mm | PC & Mac PlayStation Xbox One Nintendo Switch/3DS VR & mobile | No | More info |
| Corsair HS35 best lightweight |  | 4.1 | under $40 | 3.5mm | PlayStation Xbox One PC & Mac Nintendo Switch/3DS VR & mobile | No | More info |
| Onikuma K6 best under $40 |  | 4.0 | under $40 | 3.5mm + dual 3.5mm | PlayStation Xbox One PC & Mac Nintendo Switch/3DS VR & mobile | No | More info |
| Mpow EG3 best under $30 |  | 4.1 | under $30 | USB only | PC & Mac PlayStation | No | More info |
| Sades Spirit Wolf best dirt-cheap |  | 4.0 | under $30 | USB only | PC & Mac PlayStation | Yes (only PC & Mac) | More info |
Here is a list of the top 6 headsets that are specifically built for gaming and are relatively cheap for the quality they provide.
Who doesn’t like cheap quality above the price you pay. We sure do, so we made this buyer’s guide.
Here’s all the necessary information you need to make the correct decision about the gaming headset within your budget.
Related:
Best gaming headphones
The best wireless gaming headset
Best gaming earbuds
Best Cheap Gaming Headsets
1. SteelSeries Arctis 1 – best overall
One of the best budget gaming headsets for gaming right now
Compatibility: PS4, PS4 Pro/Slim, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch/3DS, Mac, VR, and mobile devices
Surround sound: Yes
Connection: 3.5mm only
Why Buy These?
While all gaming headsets from the Arctis line-up share a similar design, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is the most simple from the bunch. Build quality is still decent, with steel inside the headband and a hard plastic ear cups.
These are also exceptionally comfortable, with thick memory foam pads that rest gently on your head. The included microphone is removable and can be muted with a press of the button. There is also a volume scroll wheel on the side of the ear cups.
These are the best cheap gaming headset for gamers who like to switch between different platforms.
The Bad
There is no option for ChatMix, which comes in handy inside games.
The Sound
Arctis 1 have an overall balanced audio output. While this is good for listening to music, you sometimes miss the extra bass rumble during intense gaming sessions. They do, however, create a good surround sound with help from the Windows Sonic Spatial feature.
Comfortable earpads, sturdy construction and decent sound quality. SteelSeries Arctis 1 are a fantastic entry-level gaming headset that offers all the necessary functionalities to get you started.
2. HyperX Cloud Stinger – best under $50
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a cheap wired headset with a jet-black color and simple design
Read the HyperX Cloud Stinger review.
Compatibility: PC, Xbox One, PS4, mobile devices, and Wii U
Surround Sound: No
Connection: 3.5mm stereo plug and a PC extension cable with a 3.5mm dual stereo and mic cable
Why Buy These?
The HyperX Stinger is a comfortable and lightweight headset that weighs 275 grams and is suitable for marathon gaming sessions.
It doesn’t compress the head in any way even when wearing glasses, and it also doesn’t slide off in cases of erratic movement.
Sure the ear cushions aren’t made out of memory foam, but some cheaper foam which isn’t as fancy but still soft.
It provides good sound quality with quite a lot of details and excellent bass, but can’t really compare to more expensive models.
The noise-canceling microphone (uni-directional) mutes when folded up and otherwise records clear and distortion-free voice.
The Bad
If you are a gamer who craves virtual surround sound, you might have to look elsewhere as the HyperX Stinger doesn’t provide this. Build quality is okay.
The Sound
The sound quality is excellent with a well-balanced stereo sound and an easily adjustable volume slider. The bass is clear but not overpowering and possesses sufficient clarity of sound.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a decent gaming headset that should be on your list if you are looking for budget gaming headsets from reputable brands.
3. Corsair HS35 – best lightweight
A cheap gaming headset from a popular brand.
Compatibility: PC, Mac, Xbox One, PS4, and mobile devices
Surround sound: No
Connection: 3.5mm audio and microphone jack
Why Buy These?
While the build quality with an aluminum frame is just decent, the design of the headset is quite attractive. Based on the chosen color, you get the same colored earpads, headband padding, and cable.
Memory foam earpads are covered in fabric, which improves the breathability of your ears. Since they only weigh about 250 grams, you barely feel them on your head.
You get a few basic controls on the ear cups, like changing volume and muting the microphone. The latter is also detachable. Because of the 3.5mm jack, you can use these with different gaming platforms.
The Bad
There is no surround sound feature.
Users with big ears might still find them uncomfortable.
The Sound
Bass is presented in an enjoyable quantity, but it can get a bit sloppy. You’re still getting a pleasant in-game experience, although the music leaves much to be desired. Midrange and treble are decently clean, with no distortion even at higher volumes.
Corsair HS35 are a great gaming headset if you have a tight budget. You’re getting good comfort, Discord-certified microphone, cool design, and decent sound quality. Plus, the option to play on multiple gaming platforms.
4. Onikuma K6 – best under $40
This is a great gaming headset from an unknown brand that delivers a lot of value for money.
Compatibility: PS4 (Pro/Slim), Xbox One, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch/3DS, Mac, and mobile devices
Surround sound: No
Connection: 3.5mm adapter (4-pin to double 3-pin)
Why Buy These?
The massive earpads provide extra comfort, and they also have a faux leather cover for added protection. While not memory foam, it’s soft and thick, so you won’t feel any discomfort (even after many hours).
It is quite effective at blocking background noise as it has a closed-back design, and it offers extra privacy by ensuring sounds don’t leak out.
Also, its unidirectional microphone works well for an in-game chat or talking with your friends. You can mute it with an in-line control module.
The bad
It is a little heavy and unsuitable for young players due to the size of the ear cups, and it also gets warm after a while.
The sound
It delivers energetic bass and delivers enjoyable sound across the range (for a cheap headset).
There’s no surround sound, only stereo mode, which is fine for most gamers.
Onikuma K6 is a great choice as you get more than you expect. It’s a perfectly decent gaming headset that only costs around 30 bucks.
5. Mpow EG3 – best under $30
This is a sturdy looking wired stereo headset with LED lights for a cheap price.
Compatibility: PC (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10), PlayStation console, and any device with USB audio support
Surround sound: No
Connection: USB with a cable of 7.2ft
Why Buy These?
It offers various range of personalized settings that allows you to program different sound profiles for different games depending on your needs.
The software also allows you to change microphone settings, such as voice change or echo, to your desire. There’s a button that mutes the mic at the microphone tip.
It provides pretty good soundstage which enables you to hear your enemies, even before you see them.
Its LED light also adds a luscious feel to your gaming experience, and the noise cancelling microphone (uni-directional) is extremely flexible.
All in all, it’s an excellent headset for gaming on the cheap.
The Bad
It cannot be used on Xbox or any device without a USB which greatly limits its use. Marketed as surround sound but it doesn’t actually have it.
The headset also tends to fit loosely and aren’t suitable for kids or young gamers.
The Sound
The sound quality is about average, and the bass isn’t too strong. Due to loose fit, the lows aren’t as deep and thunderous, it’s a bit subdued.
The presence of the software also enables more advanced audio settings for games.
Mpow EG3 delivers beyond expectation and is quite literally one of the best gaming headsets below $30.
Check the full Mpow EG3 review.
6. Sades Spirit Wolf – best dirt-cheap
Spirit Wolf is one of the best cheap gaming headsets with a USB connection and a comfy fit.
Compatibility: PC & Mac, PlayStation
Surround sound: Yes
Connection: USB cable with a length of 2m
Why Buy These?
At slightly above $20 you can’t ask for more. This dirt-cheap gaming headset offers impressive value for money.
The foldable microphone audio quality is good and very clear, so you can comfortably chat with your buddies.
The software included comes with a virtual 7.1 surround sound.
While a bit plasticky, it’s still sturdy and comfortable with thick ear cushions. It fits different head sizes comfortably.
For those of you who like flashy things, it also has breathing LED lights, which add to the attractive look.
The Bad
It’s solely USB compatible. The controls module is a bit clumsy. No surround, only stereo sound on PS4.
The Sound
It has a coherent and balanced sound that’s satisfying for the price. The bass is good but not overpowering. The sound can be adjusted for different games with the use of the software to create a more lifelike experience.
Sades Spirit Wolf is a very comfortable gaming headset that works quite well and delivers lots of value for a low price. It’s an impressive deal for its budget price.
Honorable Mentions
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 – great console gaming headset under $40 but a bit cheaply made.
What to Expect from a Budget Gaming Headset?
Most cheap gaming headsets aren’t wireless as they are more expensive. So, expect to get a wired gaming headset. Which is good since you don’t have to worry about battery life.
Also, cheap gaming headsets rarely offer surround sound gaming. Though, some do come with virtual surround on PC and Mac.
The sound quality of most budget headsets is average with nothing extraordinary in terms of bass or treble.
However, in terms of comfort, a lot of cheap gaming headsets come in a lightweight design that’s comfy for hours and looks good.
Also, the microphone is usually of solid quality, so you can chat with friends on Discord with confidence (just get your settings right).
Keep note, noise-cancelling mics are not active cancelling but just a uni-directional design (it’s a marketing gimmick). So, they’re cheap and effective.
Why a Wireless Headset Costs More?
Any wireless headset costs more than wired because of higher material and production costs.
The increase in production cost can be attributed to several factors like wireless technology, which requires more extensive testing.
It also requires additional material (batteries) and software.
The price range of wireless headsets depends on the brand and the specifications. They can be as low as $100 or as high as $300 depending on your budget and needs.
But right now, you can’t get a reliable wireless gaming headset for $50 or so (maybe in the future).