Do you want to know which are the best budget gaming headsets but without having to compromise on quality? Here are the best for PC, PS4 and XBox gaming to buy right now.
If you want to buy a good gaming headset on a budget , there are some very interesting options on the market right now.
While in the past it was necessary to spend high-end figures, to be sure of the quality and not to make too many compromises, today it is instead possible to go below the threshold of 100 euros and still have a model with convincing performance, even for a headset. wireless type.
But be careful, within the wide choice of budget gaming headsets, there are still several models that are NOT worth buying.
For this we have put together the following buying guide, to help you unwrap the bad apples and direct you to models that will certainly be satisfying, both for PC gaming and for consoles.
We have considered the audio quality, the level of comfort, and the different technical specifications offered by the models in question, always remaining in a price category accessible to all.
So let’s find out which are the best budget gaming headphones , starting from the models with the most advanced technical specifications, up to the entry level headphones.
1. Corsair HS70 Pro
Best budget gaming headset for PC and PS4
Pros:
- Build quality
- Sound performance
- Wireless connectivity
Cons:
- Low frequencies slightly mixed
The best budget gaming headphones , around 100 euros, are the Corsair HS70 Pro. It is the top model of the series, and is equipped with wireless connectivity.
They are compatible for PC and PS4 gaming , and offer the best value for money in the budget wireless gaming headset.
The excellent sound quality is second only (within the Corsair brand) to Virtuoso RGB headphones when the latter are connected via cable. The HS70 Pro are therefore incredibly qualitative and offer an exciting gaming experience, despite being completely wireless.
The iCue interface, which is the PC software dedicated to the management of Corsair gaming peripherals, is convenient for selecting the listening mode, 7.1 surround sound (available only from PC), microphone volumes and equalization presets.
The 50mm neodymium drivers offer a clean, natural and well-balanced sound, and the memory foam headphones ensure a certain comfort even for several hours of wearing.
The medium-high frequencies are reproduced very faithfully, while the low frequencies are sometimes a bit muddy, typical of gaming headphones. It matters little because this model is certainly not for audiophiles or for listening to HiFi music.
They consist of a removable unidirectional adjustable microphone, with good voice quality, clear and without background noise thanks to the noise cancellation function.
The frequency response is 20 Hz – 20 kHz and the wireless range is about 12 meters, while the battery life is about 16 hours, to guarantee even very long gaming sessions.
2. HyperX Cloud II
Virtual 7.1 surround and excellent build quality
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Driver 53mm
- Very comfortable
Cons:
- The pavilions do not rotate 90 °
The best budget wired gaming headset is the HyperX Cloud II, a headset with many benefits and in an acceptable price range. They are valid for all platforms, therefore usable for both PC and any console, and we recommend them on all fronts: audio quality, wearability and versatility.
The feature that distinguishes them most is the 7.1 virtual surround functionality , usable via the USB controller. Inside the latter there is a sound card dedicated to managing the sound that will be transmitted to the headphones.
The microphone of these headphones is extremely qualitative, the audio of the player’s voice is clear and limpid, and during a game there is even the functionality of automatic volume adjustment depending on the overall volume of the game. It means that when the scene is louder, the Cloud II automatically raise the volume of our voice. Exceptional to say the least.
The build quality is top of the range, we really like the seamed style of the headband, with a memory foam insert that is soft and pleasant in contact with the head. The pavilions are very comfortable (and interchangeable), and wrap the ear entirely, for a totally immersive sound. To keep on for more than two hours, they do not tire and do not tire, unless very high volumes are used (which we always advise against).
These gaming headphones offer 53mm drivers, an above average size, for a puffy and powerful sound. The bass is not too heavy, we find it well balanced, and are also suitable for listening to hi fi music.
3. PDP LVL50 Wireless
Best budget gaming headset for PS4
Pros:
- Wireless connectivity at a budget price
- Comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions
- Driver da 50mm
Cons:
- Little noise cancellation
- Low microphone volume
The best budget headphones specifically for PS4 are the LVL50 Wireless PDPs , which offer a set of technical specifications that are hard to reach in this price range. They are also available in the Xbox One version , and both models are also usable for PC gaming.
Compared to the more premium high-end models, the key difference lies in build quality. To keep costs low, the LVL50 PDPs adopt plastic materials, while in the more expensive headphones we will find metal inserts and other more valuable materials.
Materials aside, the headphone quality is nonetheless appreciated, are c omode to wear and pavilions offer bearings in nylon meshwhich help keep the temperature low. The noise cancellation isn’t much, but for those who don’t intend to completely isolate themselves this pair of headphones are still very good.
While many other budget gaming headset models feature 40mm drivers, the LVL50 Wireless PDPs offer more powerful 50mm drivers for more convincing sound performance.
Wireless connectivity is possible via USB dongle that must be connected to the PS4, the 2.4GHz signal is very stable, with very low latency and without interference problems, even when we are at a very high distance from the source.
In some cases, playing with teammates, we have noticed that the microphone volume is not equal to that of other headphones, because our team-mates struggle a bit to understand us. The fact that you can easily adjust the microphone and place it very close to your mouth helps eliminate the problem.
4. ASTRO Gaming A10
The premium quality wired gaming headset with microphone
Pros:
- Modern design
- Impressive sound quality
- Clean sounding microphone
Cons:
- Pavilions not adjustable through 90 °
The ASTRO A10 are low cost gaming headphones dedicated to beginners , or for those who do not use headphones particularly intensively.
They come in different colors (blue green red) of your choice, to complement your device (PS4 Xbox or PC). No matter the color, any version is still compatible with all devices, therefore usable both on consoles and on PC gaming.
Available in different colors (blue green red) of your choice, to complement your device (PS4 Xbox or PC). No matter the color, any version is still compatible with all devices, therefore usable both on consoles and on PC gaming.
The 40mm drivers offer good audio , properly calibrated for gaming. The quality of the built-in adjustable microphone is truly excellent, our voices are clear and clear, at the appropriate volume, and our teammates have no problem hearing us. Also, just place the microphone up to mute it.
The audio is immersive, and the rubber of the earpads is quite soft. These gaming headsets require a reasonable investment and are good for those who play around an hour a day.
5. Corsair HS50 PRO Stereo
Economic stereo headset with a premium design, for both gaming and smartphones
Pros:
- Great stereo sound
- Build quality above average
Cons:
- Poco audio surround
For those looking for budget gaming headsets that have premium– than-average build quality and design , the Corsair HS50 Pro is a great choice. At first glance, we would not say that these headphones belong to the budget range, they are built in very pleasant materials to the touch and offer much more worked finishes than other plastic headphones. They are compatible with PC, PS4, XBOX One and Nintendo Switch.
For gaming use, the Corsair HS50 Pro offer a good set of features. First of all they have 50mm drivers for a sound full of dynamism and character. The comfort is top of the range, they are not too tight and do not cause headaches. The removable microphone is excellent in quality and does its duty when we want to play online in company.
The headphones are wired type , so just connect them to the mini-jack socket on your PC, or to the console controller.
Also good to use as standard on-ear headphones to take around the city or for trips on public transport, the Corsair HS50 microphone is removable (be careful not to lose it though …), so as to transform the headset into a headset for smartphone.
The design is also less “gaming” than other models, with a more discreet look that allows us to wear them outdoors without problems. They are not bluetooth headphones, but for the price we certainly do not expect this kind of capability.
6. Logitech G432
Affordable PC headphones with surround option
Pros:
- The surround function works well
- Good sound quality
- Value for money
Cons:
- Build quality
The Logitech G432 are good basic headphones for PC gaming , they are the updated version of the classic G430, and include the ability to be used with surround sound, an option that can be activated when you connect the headphones to the computer via the USB port.
The design is identical to the previous version, the build quality is not the best, the materials are plastic and are not particularly suitable for those with a large head (the frame is not very flexible). Aside from that, the ear cushions are comfortable to wear, and the ear cups are large enough not to pinch your ears.
The surround option is actually usable for gaming with PC, the sound is convincing and the audio quality is appreciable. On the other hand, when playing with consoles, the only option available is stereo sound, as the headphones must be connected with the mini-jack in this case.
The microphone is not bad, it has a sound that tends to emphasize the medium-high frequencies, it is not the top for sound quality but it is easily usable for online gaming sessions, perhaps less recommended for those who want to record videos for streaming.
7. Corsair HS35
The best gaming headphones from 50 euros
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Cuscinetti in memory foam
Cosn:
- The removable microphone may be inconvenient for some
Among the best gaming headphones under 50 euros for the PS4, Xbox or PC we recommend the HS35, budget headphones with a premium design. This stereo headphone is recommended as an entry level for those who want much better sound than the built-in monitor or TV speakers.
With PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch or any other device you need to use for your entertainment, the Corsair HS35 offers a sound of character, with bass and mid-high frequencies well distributed on the stereo image of the headset.
Games with an orchestral soundtrack are especially immersive, and the Corsairs achieve a nice level of sonic detail. But where we appreciate them most is in the explosions and sound effects of action games.
These also have two 50mm drivers, always welcome in a budget gaming headset. The frequency response is 20Hz – 20kHz and the impedance is 32 Ohms.
The removable unidirectional microphone , while being an idea that we appreciate, to use headphones even if not for gaming, it becomes a bit boring to use. We prefer gaming headphones with a retractable microphone or with a folding mechanism up to deactivate it. Personal tastes aside, the microphone works well and the voice is well distinguishable, with a decent level of background noise cancellation.
8. HyperX Cloud Stinger
The best budget gaming headphones for price quality
Pros:
- Exceptional value for money
- Articulated pavilions
- Microphone with switch function for deactivation
Cons:
- MUTE button absent
In the range between 50 and 60 euros, the HyperX Cloud Stinger are the best gaming headphones for value for money. The design is unmistakable, these are definitely gaming headsets to be used only for PC or console gaming, and have become the most popular model for beginners.
These budget PC headphones offer an enviable package of features: they are lightweight and comfortable, the earpads are articulated at 90 °, the microphone (noise canceling) is foldable with mute function, and the earpads offer 50mm drivers.
The material with which they are built does not give a plasticky feeling, on the contrary we like the texture of the headphones and the pavilions are soft and welcoming .
The frequency response is higher than other gaming headphones in the same category, we have a range from 18 Hz to 23,000 Hz , and with the 50mm directional drivers the sound is really above the average of budget headphones.
Since the controls on the wire are missing, we have to get used to the controls placed on the right headphone, once you have taken the hand it is easy to use them. We feel the lack of a MUTE button to deactivate the headphones quickly, otherwise there are no complaints, in this price range the Cloud Stingers are the best purchase you can make.
9. Turtle Beach Recon 70
Affordable headphones with mic, for all platforms
Pros:
- Simplicity and efficiency
- Microphone with flip function for deactivation
Cons:
- No microphone monitoring function
For those on a very limited budget, among the best gaming headsets under 50 euros we find the Turtle Beach Recon 70 .
Compatible with all devices , you can connect them with wire to the PC, or to the game console controller, and are therefore good for both PS4 and Xbox, with support for live chat thanks to the presence of a dedicated one-way microphone.
Good presence of a control for adjusting the volume on the left headphone, but we find it a little difficult to play without hearing our voice, because the padded ear cups provide some degree of noise cancellation, and what we say is not then transmitted into the headphone audio. When the microphone is not in use, just raise the bar and it will automatically deactivate, a function that is more than appreciable in this price range.
The headphones are lightweight, comfortable to wear for an hour or more, and offer a good level of padding . It should be noted that the pavilions cannot be articulated like those of the HyperX Cloud Stinger.
In any case, we are simply amazed to have a remarkable audio quality (always within the limit of 40mm drivers) at such a low price, with decent build quality. The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is a model to consider if you don’t have very high demands.
10. Sades SA903
USB gaming headset for PC with virtual 7.1 surround
Pros:
- Surround virtuale 7.1
- PC settings control software
- Very cheap
Cons:
- Heavy
If you are looking for an inexpensive PC gaming headset model, the Sades SA903 must be connected via USB and offer interesting features. The wire is very long, to allow us to move freely according to different needs, and the volume controls are placed in a command on the headphone cable.
Like other gaming headsets, they provide a dedicated chat microphone that can be conveniently positioned high when not in use. The 40mm neodymium drivers deliver a powerful and qualitative enough sound to meet the needs of casual and novice gamers.
While they are heavy compared to other entry level gaming headset models, they are still comfortable to wear even for several hours, and offer a level of soft padding for both the earpads and the head. The auricles envelop the entire ear and are of the circumaural type.
Through the Sades PC software, we will be able to set different levels of volume and equalization. But the most interesting function is that of virtual surround, which allows us to move the different speakers closer or further from the central point, to find the 7.1 configuration that best suits our gaming needs .
The virtual surround, while not overwhelming compared to the more expensive models, still allows us to have a more convincing immersive feeling than a stereo headset. For those looking for a gaming headset for PC gaming that offers 7.1 surround performance without breaking the bank, we invite you to try the Sades SA903. You will probably be amazed.
Photo: amazon.com