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.
| Rating | Price | Connection | Compatibility | Surround sound | More info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Arctis 1 Best overall  | 4.5 | Under $60 | Wired – 3.5mm | PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch/3DS, VR & mobile | Yes (only PC & Xbox) | |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger Best under $50  | 4.4 | Under $60 | Wired – 3.5mm + dual 3.5mm | PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch/3DS, VR & mobile | No | |
| Razer BlackShark V2 X Best Razer  | 4.5 | Under $60 | Wired – 3.5mm | PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch/3DS, VR & mobile | Yes (only PC & Mac) | |
| Corsair HS50 Pro Best lightweight  | 4.4 | Under $50 | Wired – 3.5mm | PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch/3DS, VR & mobile | No | |
| Onikuma K6 Best under $40  | 4.0 | Under $40 | Wired – 3.5mm + dual 3.5mm | PC & Mac, PlayStation, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch/3DS, VR & mobile | No | |
| Mpow EG3 Best under $30  | 4.4 | Under $30 | Wired – USB | PC & Mac, PlayStation | No |
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 
SteelSeries Arctis 1 is one of the best budget gaming headsets for gaming right now.
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm 
Driver size: n/a 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Excellent value
- Great comfort with memory foam earpads
- Balanced sound
- … that lacks a bit of bass punch
- No option for ChatMix
Why Buy These?
While all headsets from the Arctis line-up share a similar design, the gaming headset SteelSeries Arctis 1 is the most simple of the bunch. Build quality is still decent, with steel inside the headband and 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 headsets 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
SteelSeries 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.
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 18-23.000Hz - Lightweight and comfortable
- Simple plastic design
- Good microphone
- Great value for money
- Lower durability
- Average noise isolation
Read the HyperX Cloud Stinger review.
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 the best gaming headset that should be on your list if you are looking for budget gaming headsets from reputable brands.
3. Razer BlackShark V2 X
Best Razer 
Razer surprised gamers with 3 new BlackShark gaming headsets, with V2 X being the cheapest gaming headphones of the bunch. However, they still offer great value.
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 12-28.000Hz - Nicely balanced sound
- Sturdy build
- Razer's 7.1 virtual surround sound
- The app doesn't let you change EQ
Why Buy These?
BlackShark V2 X are big over-ear headphones with a distinct look that resembles aviation headsets. Padding is filled with exquisite memory foam. Your skin gets in contact with a fabric patch, which should prevent excessive sweating.
There is a protruding volume knob on the left ear cup, alongside a microphone mute button. The cardioid mic is non-detachable, but it works incredibly well, cancelling most ambient noises.
Inside the box, you get a unique code to access Razer’s proprietary 7.1 virtual surround, which can make your gaming audio more fun. The 3.5mm audio connection makes these gaming headsets compatible with most major gaming platforms.
The Bad
You can’t change sound EQ inside the Razer desktop app.
The Sound
Big new Triforce 50mm drivers deliver a decent amount of clarity and detail. The latter is most noticeable when playing with virtual surround sound. Interestingly, the bass isn’t as boosted as in other models, making for a more balanced frequency response.
Razer BlackShark V2 X are one of the more affordable gaming headset deals that are worth looking into.
4. Corsair HS50 Pro
Best lightweight 
A budget gaming headset from Corsair with Discord certified microphone and durable aluminum construction.
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Durable aluminum construction
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Detachable, Discord certified mic
- Slightly boosted bass for better in-game immersion
- No virtual surround sound
Why Buy These?
Compared to other offerings from Corsair at this price point, the HS50 Pro are similarly simple-looking headsets with plastic/aluminum construction. Due to build materials, headsets feel lightweight, while the memory foam ear cushions deliver overall excellent comfort.
While there is no ANC, passive isolation does a great job blocking background noise from your house. On the left earcup, you get a volume knob and a button to mute the boom mic. Or you remove the detachable microphone completely.
The 3.5mm audio jack makes this budget headset compatible with all gaming platforms and devices with an AUX port. While the cable is not removable, it appears of good quality that should last you more than a couple of years.
The Bad
There is no virtual surround, only stereo sound.
The Sound
Corsair HS50 Pro are somewhat balanced except for the slight bass boost. The latter helps with immersion during gameplay, applying rumble to every explosion. The midrange and high frequencies are great, too, providing well-rounded music and gaming audio experience.
For a gaming headset with excellent value, look no further than Corsair HS50 Pro.
5. Onikuma K6
Best under $40 
This is a great gaming headset from an unknown brand that delivers a lot of value for money.
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / USB 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Cheap
- Amazing value for the money
- Comfy with big, plush ear pads
- Quality microphone
- AUX compatibility
- Free replacement policy
- Can get warm after a while
- USB doesn’t support sound, only lights
Why Buy These?
The massive earpads provide extra comfort, and they also have a leatherette ear cups 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-heavy rumble and enjoyable sound quality across the frequency response 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 one of the best gaming headsets that only costs around 30 bucks.
6. Mpow EG3
Best under $30 
This is a sturdy looking wired stereo headset with LED lights for a cheap price.
Connection: Wired – USB 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Metal suspension headband
- Good build quality
- Works out of the box
- Good value for money
- Shallow earpads
- Loose fit for smaller heads
- Below average noise isolation
- The USB connection is limiting
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 a 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 cancellation mic (uni-directional) is extremely flexible.
All in all, it’s one of the best cheap headphones for gaming.
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 the best budget gaming headset below $30.
Check the full Mpow EG3 review.
Honorable Mentions
Turtle Beach Recon 70 – Turtle Beach Recon 70 are a great cheap gaming headset for consoles under $40 but with a cheaply made construction.
Razer Kraken X – The Razer Kraken X are a sleek gaming headset with a good mic quality, sturdy aluminum frame, and a 7.1 surround sound.
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).
