Best Cheap Headsets for Gaming to Buy in 2025
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get clear comms and accurate positional audio. In 2025, several sub‑$100 headsets deliver the core gaming essentials: precise directionality, a usable mic for squad comms, comfort for long sessions, and compatibility across PC, console, and Android.
This guide focuses on real, widely available headsets that offer strong value without fluff. We organized picks by typical street prices and by use‑case (wired, wireless, competitive play, or all‑rounders). All models listed are current, actively sold, and suitable for “buy” lists.
How We Evaluate (What actually matters)
- Directional audio & detail: hearing footsteps, reloads, and distant pings matters more than boomy bass.
- Mic intelligibility: clear voice with minimal background noise and no severe compression.
- Comfort & weight: clamp force, padding, and heat build‑up across 2–3 hour sessions.
- Build: hinges/headband flex and cable strain relief.
- Compatibility: 3.5mm analog, USB‑C, 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and platform toggles.
- Value: stable street price plus essentials like flip‑to‑mute, sidetone/monitoring, or simple EQ.
Price Key:
- Budget Wired ≈ ≤ $60
- Budget Wireless ≈ ≤ $100
Street prices fluctuate—pick the best warranty/retailer in your region.
Best Budget Wired Picks (≤ $60)
Razer BlackShark V2 X (Wired, 3.5mm)
Why it’s great: Lightweight, strong isolation, and clean footstep detail from 50mm drivers. The cardioid boom mic stays clear and resists room noise. Works with PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile via 3.5mm.
Best for: FPS and competitive players who want reliable clarity on a tight budget.
Specs to note: 50mm drivers · 3.5mm analog · detachable or fixed boom mic (variant‑dependent) · ~240g · optional software surround on PC.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 (Wired, 3.5mm)
Why it’s great: Comfortable ComfortMAX suspension fit, crisp comms from ClearCast Gen‑2 retractable mic, and neutral‑leaning tuning that avoids muddy mids.
Best for: All‑day comfort across mixed titles (FPS, RPG, racing) on multiple platforms.
Specs to note: 40mm high‑fidelity drivers · 3.5mm universal analog · retractable noise‑reduced mic · ultra‑light chassis.
Corsair HS55 Stereo (Wired, 3.5mm)
Why it’s great: Consistent tuning with punchy but controlled bass, sturdy build, and comfortable pads for long sessions. Great “plug‑and‑play” choice for console + PC.
Best for: Value seekers who want a simple, durable headset with a solid mic.
Specs to note: 50mm neodymium drivers · flip‑to‑mute mic · ~270g · 3.5mm cable.
JBL Quantum 200 (Wired, 3.5mm)
Why it’s great: Emphasizes voice band and positional cues; flip‑up voice‑focus mic is easy to use.
Best for: Budget buyers who prefer a lively sound and strong chat clarity.
Specs to note: 50mm drivers · memory‑foam cushions · split 3.5mm PC adapter included.
Sony INZONE H3 (Wired, 3.5mm + USB soundcard options)
Why it’s great: Ergonomic clamp with cool‑running pads and app‑based 360 spatial sound on PC. Flip‑to‑mute boom mic keeps speech intelligible.
Best for: Players who want spatial cues on PC plus easy console use.
Specs to note: 40mm drivers · 3.5mm analog (works everywhere) · optional PC app for spatial profiles.
Best Budget Wireless Picks (≤ $100)
Logitech G435 (Lightspeed 2.4GHz + Bluetooth)
Why it’s great: Feather‑light, genuinely low‑latency with the USB dongle, and multi‑device Bluetooth for phones/tablets. Dual beamforming mics keep your voice clear without a protruding boom.
Best for: Minimalist setups and kids/teens who value light weight and wireless freedom.
Specs to note: 40mm drivers · Lightspeed dongle + BT · up to ~18h battery · ultralight design.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Wireless (2.4GHz)
Why it’s great: The familiar Stinger comfort, now cable‑free, with 50mm drivers that keep footsteps and effects clear; battery life competitive for the price.
Best for: PC‑first players who still want the “Cloud” fit and tuning.
Specs to note: 50mm drivers · closed‑back · long‑wear comfort · 2.4GHz dongle.
Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 (Amplified Wired/Wireless‑like)
Why it’s great: Technically wired, but the internal amp adds powered bass boost and variable mic monitoring—nice for clarity at low volumes. It also plays in passive mode when the battery is flat.
Best for: Players who like punchier, cinematic sound without moving to full wireless.
Specs to note: 40mm drivers · 12‑hour battery for amp features · passive mode if uncharged.
OXS Storm G2 (Budget Wireless, 2.4GHz + BT + 3.5mm)
Why it’s great: Aggressively priced multi‑platform wireless with long battery life and usable mic quality. Materials aren’t premium, but performance per dollar is strong.
Best for: Maximum connectivity on a tight budget.
Specs to note: 40mm drivers · 2.4GHz dongle + BT + analog · ~40h battery.
Tip: For competitive shooters, 2.4GHz dongles generally beat Bluetooth for latency. Use Bluetooth only for casual play or when you need phone integration.
Quick Comparison (at a glance)
| Model | Connection | Drivers | Mic | Weight | Typical Street Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razer BlackShark V2 X | 3.5mm | 50mm | Cardioid boom | ~240g | $39–$59 |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 | 3.5mm | 40mm | Retractable ClearCast | ~236g | $49–$59 |
| Corsair HS55 Stereo | 3.5mm | 50mm | Flip‑to‑mute | ~272g | $49–$59 |
| JBL Quantum 200 | 3.5mm | 50mm | Flip‑up voice‑focus | ~245g | $49–$65 |
| Sony INZONE H3 | 3.5mm | 40mm | Flip‑to‑mute | ~299g | $59–$79 |
| Logitech G435 | 2.4GHz + BT | 40mm | Dual beamforming | ~165g | $49–$79 |
| HyperX Stinger 2 Wireless | 2.4GHz | 50mm | Boom mic | ~275g | $69–$99 |
| Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 | Wired (amplified) | 40mm | Flip‑to‑mute | ~270g | $49–$69 |
| OXS Storm G2 | 2.4GHz + BT + 3.5mm | 40mm | Detachable boom | ~270g | $69–$89 |
Weights and prices are typical ranges; check current availability in your region.
Picking the Right One (Use‑cases)
- Lowest price, best clarity (wired): BlackShark V2 X or HS55 Stereo.
- Most comfortable long‑session wired: Arctis Nova 1 or INZONE H3.
- Lightest wireless under $100: Logitech G435.
- Best budget wireless for PC‑first: Stinger 2 Wireless.
- Bass‑boosted cinematic sound (on a wire): Recon 200 Gen 2.
- Most connection options under $100: OXS Storm G2.
Setup & Tuning Tips (Big wins for $0)
- Level your volumes: Set Windows/console to ~80–90%, then fine‑tune on the headset wheel to avoid distortion.
- Mic test once: Record a 10‑sec clip and check plosives/background noise; adjust boom distance to one finger from lips, slightly off‑axis.
- Turn down bass in competitive games: Reduce low‑end by ~2–3 dB so footsteps pop.
- Sidetone/monitoring: If available, add a little sidetone so you don’t shout during late‑night sessions.
- Comfort hack: If clamp is strong, leave the headset stretched gently over books overnight for a few days.
Final Thoughts
Under $100, you’re trading luxury materials and app extras for fundamentals. The models above get those fundamentals right. If your priority is wins and clear comms, go wired (BlackShark V2 X / Nova 1 / HS55). If you prefer freedom and multi‑device use, the G435 or Stinger 2 Wireless are the sweet spots—while Recon 200 Gen 2 and OXS Storm G2 offer niche advantages.
