The best cheap gaming headsets offer great sound for less

(Image credit: rtings)

Saving money is fantastic, right? You’d be surprised how wonderful cheap gaming headsets sound. With so many affordable gaming cans, you don’t need to break the cash to enjoy them.

We test the best gaming headphones in first-person shooters to see how well they detect directional noises and narrative-driven games to see well they handle conversation.

Most folks should try the SteelSeries HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, my favourite affordable gaming headset. These over-ear headphones sound amazing, are affordable, and comfortable for long gaming sessions.

Every cheap gaming headset below has been rigorously tested, so trust my recommendations. See my top budget cans below and save yourself a lot of money.

THE QUICK LIST

• BEST OVERALL : HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
• BEST DESIGNED : SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
• MOST STYLISH : Astro A10
• MOST COMFORTABLE : Razer Kraken X
• BEST FOR PC : Roccat Elo 7.1 USB

(Image credit: tomsguide)

1. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

The best cheap gaming headset

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Drivers: 50mm

Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 28 kHz

Wireless: No

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a great affordable gaming headset, however the microphone might get in the way.

The headset’s big ear cups and padding make it comfy, but its flimsy design disappoints. Thankfully, the ear cups fit around the ear rather than press against it, making it a comfortable headset for long gaming sessions.

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2’s few flaws are offset by good sound quality and ear cup-mounted initiative controls.

(Image credit: rtings)

2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1

The best cheap gaming headset design

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch (handheld)

Drivers: 40 mm

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz

Wireless: No

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The $60 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 offers most of the line’s best features. SteelSeries’ elegant headset design is streamlined with comfortable fabric earcups and rich drivers from higher-end Arctis models. The Arctis Nova 1 worked well in most game genres.

Its retractable mic and 3.5mm connector make it the perfect gaming buddy for your Switch or PC. The Arctis Nova 1 performs better than its more expensive siblings despite having less features.

(Image credit: rtings)

3. Astro A10

The best cheap gaming headset for style

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatibility: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, mobile, PC

Drivers: 40mm

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Wireless: No

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Astro A10 proves that gaming headsets can deliver great sound on a budget. This headset has some design flourishes from its more costly sister and is sturdy enough to match its elegance for around $50.

More importantly, the headset’s sound is great for its price. The Astro A10 delivers strong low-end and crisp treble. Cheap gaming headsets with lightweight frames and memory foam earcups are amazing. Be advised that some may find the fit snug.

(Image credit: rtings)

4. Razer Kraken X

The best cheap gaming headset for serious sound

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatibility: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, mobile, PC

Drivers: 40mm

Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 28 kHz

Wireless: No

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Razer Kraken X is a great affordable headset with great sound and one of Razer’s greatest designs. The Kraken X is sleek, low-profile, and lightweight, with leatherette ear cups that are comfortable to use for hours.

The headset’s 3.5mm connector works with consoles and PCs and delivers balanced sound for competitive and engrossing games. Although we wish it had better music performance and a separate mic, this is a terrific gaming headset for the price.

(Image credit: tomsguide)

5. Roccat Elo 7.1 USB

An affordable PC gaming headset with great sound

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatibility: PC

Drivers: 50mm

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Wireless: No

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Roccat Elo 7.1 USB is a budget gaming headset with good audio, like other PC peripheral versions. During heavy action games, dialogue, gunfire, explosions, and other rumbling effects are apparent. This headset also makes good headphones with great treble and vocals. The Roccat Swarm software allows users choose audio settings for different gaming genres, switch between stereo and surround sound, change mic sidetone, and choose voice-changing filters.

The small, thin Elo 7.1 USB doesn’t rest comfortably on the head, so don’t wear it for too long. Due to distortion, the poor mic doesn’t help voice chat.

How we test the best cheap gaming headsets

To find the finest affordable gaming headsets, we test each model with multiple games and genres. For competitive shooters, RPGs, and action/adventure games, we test headsets for cinematic audio and directional sound.

To determine their everyday headphone performance, we test all gaming headsets with various music. We also test headset microphones in recordings and play sessions.

How to choose the best cheap gaming headsets

Choosing the finest affordable gaming headset for your playstyle involves several important criteria. Be aware of these before buying.

Most of the finest cheap gaming headphones include 3.5mm connectors, so they work with PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Some headsets only connect via USB for PC and PS4, so be aware.

Don’t expect wireless: Game headsets under $60 are rare, so expect cords. Choose a wireless headset from our top gaming headsets.

Think about comfort: Many cheap gaming headsets contain imitation leather or soft fabric earcups. The former is comfy and seals sound well, but it gets heated. Fabric cups are lightweight and comfortable for long periods, but they don’t necessarily sound good.