When putting together a gaming PC or buying a console, a headset will probably not be one of the first purchases someone looks to make; however, picking up this peripheral can enhance the overall package. Along with being a must-buy for households where players cannot blast games whenever they want, a gaming headset makes a world of difference in multiplayer titles, especially ones that prioritize communication.
Now, gaming headsets are not cheap, with some of the best in the sector going for hundreds of dollars. Devices such as the SteelSeries Arctis Pro and the Drop + Sennheiser PC38x cost a pretty penny for a reason, and while they are certainly worth considering, one does not have to break the bank to find a product that satisfies their needs. Let's take a look at some of the best budget gaming headsets.
Turtle Beach Recon 50
|
Speaker Drivers |
40mm |
|---|---|
|
Speaker Frequency |
20Hz – 20kHz |
|
Audio Connection |
3.5mm Jack |
The importance of platform compatibility should not be underestimated. If someone games across a multitude of systems, they might want to prioritize a headset designed to function with all of them (which is not always guaranteed). The Turtle Beach Recon 50 has a 3.5mm jack that works with last and next-gen consoles, along with PCs (although a splitter will be needed if the computer has separate jacks for headphones and microphones).
While the headphones are fine, the Turtle Beach Recon 50 really shines in the microphone department, which is an area that budget headsets tend to struggle with. As good as this option is, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is not that much more expensive and is slightly better.
MSI Immerse GH30 V2
|
Speaker Drivers |
40mm |
|---|---|
|
Speaker Frequency |
20Hz – 20kHz |
|
Audio Connection |
3.5mm Jack (+ Splitter for PC) |
Although most of the company's headsets cost more than $30, MSI's Immerse line is generally reasonably priced, with models such as the GH50 being standouts. On the lower end of the price spectrum, there is the MSI Immerse GH30 V2, a lightweight headset designed with portability in mind. Along with having a detachable microphone, this headset can be folded up to make it more convenient for traveling.
With 40mm drivers, the GH30 V2 has solid sound quality for its price point, and the headphones are also quite big, which can make them a comfier fit for certain people.
NUBWO N16 Gaming Headset
|
Speaker Drivers |
50mm |
|---|---|
|
Speaker Frequency |
20Hz – 20kHz |
|
Audio Connection |
3.5mm Jack |
NUBWO has quite a presence in the budget headset landscape, offering a number of respectable models that provide quality and value. Most headsets at this price point come with speakers that have 40mm drivers, but the N16 packs in 50mm, resulting in a superior audio experience. The headphones are also quite comfortable.
While The NUBWO N16's microphone is also more than decent enough for most multiplayer sessions, permitting someone is not trying to go pro. The headset is compatible with consoles like the PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
HyperX Cloud Stinger Core (Wired)
|
Speaker Drivers |
40mm |
|---|---|
|
Speaker Frequency |
20Hz – 20kHz |
|
Audio Connection |
3.5mm Jack |
HyperX's CloudX series of headsets are well regarded, and the company offers an array of mid and high-range options. When it comes to budget sets, HyperX Cloud Stinger Core is the one to consider, especially for console players. Comfortable and decently built (for a plastic headset), the Cloud Stinger covers the basics better than most of its competition.
The headset sounds good on lower frequencies and also has some noise reduction, while the microphone gets the job done while providing users enough flexibility and control options to suit their needs. The Cloud Stinger Core is a great affordable gaming headset by a respected manufacturer.
Bonus: Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset (Renewed)
|
Speaker Drivers |
40mm |
|---|---|
|
Speaker Frequency |
12 Hz – 28 kHz |
|
Audio Connection |
3.5mm Jack |
The Razer Kraken X is highly regarded among budget gaming headsets; in fact, it could be argued that is it the best on the market. However, a standard version costs more than $30, so it does not meet this article's criteria. That said, Amazon offers a pre-owned version that has been tested and cleaned, and the site indicates the headset should look new.
Offering 7.1 surround sound (with Windows 10) and compatible with the Switch, PS4, and Xbox One, the Razer Kraken X is durable, has reasonable sound quality, and comes with a classic design. The microphone is also impressive for this price range.
Headsets That Cost A Bit More Than $30
In the world of gaming headsets, anything under $100 essentially qualifies as a "budget" product; consequently, there are plenty of options out there for people who might be interested in spending a touch more than $30. Here are a couple of other cost-effective headsets to check out:
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