Home PC Components and Peripherals The Best Low-Budget Gaming Headsets in 2022
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Modern video games need precise and accurate movements, and audio cues are incredibly important for making sure you aren’t caught by surprise. A gaming headset will help ensure you hear every aural detail in your game, giving you a better opportunity to respond to your opponents. Your foes won’t know what struck them because of your lightning-quick responses to sounds like footsteps and gunfire.
However, gaming headsets can sometimes get expensive, leaving you with a lesser amount of money to expand your game library or make new PC improvements. Luckily, the market now has plenty of more affordable options for gamers who are on a budget.
In spite of that, there are still some who are having second thoughts about buying one, as many are used to seeing cheap alternatives that don’t offer good quality. However, contrary to what some people believe, a cheap price tag doesn’t always mean low quality. We’ve rounded up some of the best yet affordable headsets for gaming that might help gamers on a budget,
A good gaming headset can improve your gaming performance and experience, so you should consider getting one. If you’re on a limited budget, here are some of the best ones we’ve found in the market that you should give a try.
At around $50, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 offers almost all of the benefits of the rest of SteelSeries’ renowned Arctis range. This headset features the same rich drivers you’ll find in higher-end Arctis models together with plush fabric earcups, a simpler version of SteelSeries’ renownedly elegant headset design. The Arctis 1 proved to be dependable throughout a wide range of gaming genres, and it performed especially admirably when playing online shooters with a competitive element, such as Overwatch. It also makes the ideal gaming buddy whether you’re playing on the go with your Switch or at home with your PC, thanks to its handy 3.5 mm connection and detachable microphone. The Arctis 1 has some of the best performance you can find at this price range, while it doesn’t provide the same level of premium, auto-adjusting comfort as its more expensive siblings and could use a better microphone.
Good soundComfortable to wearRemovable mic
Subpar mic qualityImperfect fit
Large ear cups and plush padding on the HyperX Cloud Stinger hold the headphones comfortably around your ears. The design is also highly robust. It is the brand’s most comfortable headset. The line ends in a splitter allowing headphone and mic usage without having a USB pass-through, and the on-ear audio control is an intuitive slider that is simple to use. Unfortunately, the audio was terrible to listen to at times and really blown out at higher volumes, which may have been caused by the onboard volume controls pushing things too loudly at maximum volume. Regardless, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is still one of the top budget gaming headsets available if comfort is your top priority.
Very comfortable designHandy controls, affordable price
Sound gets blown out at higher ranges
The Astro A10 is evidence that Astro is capable of producing products other than pricey high-end earphones. The A10 offers an unexpected amount of flair and sturdiness for a peripheral that costs less than $50. Its sleek design borrows certain elements from its more expensive brothers, the A40 and A50. Long sessions are made comfortable by the headset’s lightweight design and plush memory foam ear cushions, although people with large ears may find the earcups uncomfortable. The A10’s sharp highs and meaty lows make it easy to hear the competitors approaching, and it also offers terrific sound for the money.
Slick, durable designImpressive audio performanceClear microphoneAffordable
A little snug
Although the Arctis 3 is not as well-known as its siblings, the Arctis 5 and Editor’s Choice Arctis 7, it is nonetheless a dependable gaming headset that provides good performance for a reasonable cost. The soft cushioning and flexible headband make it a cozy item to wear, and it creates a good mix between soundtracks, sound effects, and dialogue in video games. The mic also captures full, crisp sound. Unfortunately, if you play tracks on a mobile device, the midrange suffers a bit; therefore, you should limit your PC music listening. Additionally, because SteelSeries Engine 3 software makes you go through a number of hoops, configuring the headset can be frustrating. However, after completing the procedure, you can adjust the surround-sound profiles and equalization. For a higher cost ($145), a Bluetooth version is available for purchase.
Comfortable fitGreat sound qualityClear micIdeal for both gaming and music
Hard to customizeMusic sounds great only on PC
The Razer Kraken X is one of Razer’s best-looking designs to date and a very reliable cheap headset that delivers good sound. The Kraken X is sleek, understated, and lightweight in contrast to the previous Razer headsets’ massive chassis, and it boasts leatherette ear cups that are cozy enough to wear for extended periods of time. The headset’s 3.5 mm connection is easy to use with consoles and computers, and its well-balanced sound is suitable for both intensely competitive games and engrossing ones. Although we would have preferred for the headset to have better music performance and a detachable mic, altogether, this is a terrific gaming headset for the money.
Sleek designComfortable fitGood in-game sound
Obnoxious micSubpar music performanceSurround sound not too different from stereo
The Roccat Elo 7.1 USB is a reasonably priced, dependable gaming headset with good audio performance, just like other models from the PC accessories company. During heavy action games, dialogue is audible and clear, and gunfire, explosions, and other rumbling effects are also audible and clear. This headset may also be used as a good set of headphones that produce excellent treble and vocals. Users can choose from a variety of audio settings for various gaming genres, switch between stereo and surround sound, modify mic sidetone, and choose from a variety of voice-changing filters using the Roccat Swarm software. Since the Elo 7.1 USB is extremely narrow and thin, it can be uncomfortable to wear it for an extended period of time. Due to distortion concerns, the subpar mic doesn’t contribute much to voice chat either.
Good gaming soundLots of software optionsInexpensive
Stiff earcupsSo-so mic
PS5 or PC? Phone or Nintendo Switch? Each and every current gaming platform supports the Turtle Beach Recon 70, which is also offered in a variety of colors. Each ear cup offers ample space and breathability for ears to rest comfortably, as well as a good fit to minimize slippage, which is a major selling point. Although we thought the detailing on rifle rounds and footfall was remarkable, not all sound effects were crisp. The Recon 70 may be used to listen to music as well, but don’t count on it to take the place of your regular set of wireless headphones. Flipping the mic into one of the predetermined locations causes it to vibrate a little, but it still functions effectively for multiplayer communication with other players.
Comfortable cupsWorks with any systemDecent gaming sound
Rigid microphone switchCheap design
The Corsair HS35 costs $40 and provides all the features you require for online multiplayer gaming without emptying your bank account. In addition to providing crisp stereo separation for hearing enemy fire during combat missions, the drivers on these bad boys handle booming sound effects like explosions and strong rumblings with deftness. Long-lasting comfort for countless hours is ensured with a lightweight and flexible construction. Depending on your needs, being able to place the microphone wherever you need it or remove the mic stalk when it’s not needed offers some convenience. Some will debate the shortcomings of the headset, such as the subpar mic and absence of USB connectivity. However, these shortcomings can be overlooked when discussing a model as capable, inexpensive, and complete as the HS35.
Flexible microphone stalk that detaches when not requiredGood driver response in bass to middle frequenciesComfortable, lightweight fit for long play sessions
No USB connectivityMicrophone tinny and crunchy
One of the best affordable gaming headsets available, the HyperX Cloud Core II, has been updated as the HyperX Cloud Core 7.1. Similar to its forerunner, this headset boasts cozy leatherette earcups, simple inline controls, and excellent overall game audio. Virtual surround sound is also supported by the Cloud Core 7.1, which makes it simpler to hear enemies in competitive games and more immersive in story-driven experiences. The headset has a handy detachable microphone and can connect by USB or 3.5 mm to any game console, computer, or mobile device.
Good sound overallComfortable designEasy to use
So-so console performanceInconsistent mic
It turns out that Astro makes a fantastic in-ear model in addition to being one of the top gaming headsets. When using a home console, the A03 won’t replace your A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2, but it makes a great portable audio companion when using a Nintendo Switch or a smartphone with an aux cable. Two drivers are contained in each bud, which is unusual for inexpensive earbuds. The two distinct color schemes—Blue/Red and White/Purple—are also favorites of ours. When gaming, you can expect crisp treble and surprisingly deep bass, but when listening to music, the sound quality is subpar. A seamless plug-and-play setup is made possible by its no-frills presentation, but you have to do without niceties like software customization, surround sound mode, or EQ choices.
Good gaming soundBold color schemesCompatible with almost everything
Imperfect fitSo-so music performance
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