The perfect gaming headsets below $100 of 2023

Whenever you’re trying to spend $100 or much less on a gaming headset, it’s greatest to maintain issues easy. At this worth, you will discover a quite simple headset with respectable audio system and a strong microphone, however the high quality isn’t a given. Most funds headsets that we actually like are inclined to depend on a easy wired connection by way of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is common throughout PC, telephones, and each recreation console. There are additionally some wi-fi choices within the combine however don’t anticipate audio processing options or best-in-class battery life. Even with a funds restricted to $100, you will discover a wonderful gaming headset for all the pieces from aggressive gaming to streaming to easy video calls. The perfect gaming headsets below $100 supply dependable fundamentals for much less.

How we picked the very best gaming headsets below $100

To select the very best gaming headsets below $100, we leveraged our collective audio experience at PopSci, in addition to skilled evaluations and shopper impressions from throughout the web. We thought of the myriad of qualities that go into the right gaming headset, together with consolation, connectivity, intuitive controls, and, most of all, clear audio. We targeted on choices from the preferred, dependable manufacturers, to make sure that choosing a cheaper headset means easy, slightly than low-quality.

As a critic protecting video games and associated gear for Well-liked Mechanics and NBC Choose, I’ve examined and reviewed tons of gaming headsets and peripherals. I’m always trying to optimize my gear for each skilled and private consolation.

The perfect gaming headsets below $100: Opinions & Suggestions

The perfect gaming headsets below $100 come from a couple of big-name gaming and peripheral manufacturers, particularly SteelSeries, HyperX, and Logitech. All of them ship high quality audio and long-lasting consolation. Your desire will rely upon design parts like connectivity, controls, and kind issue.

Greatest total: SteelSeries Arctis 5

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the lower: The Arctis 5 provides spectacular USB options on each PC and PlayStation whereas nonetheless being broadly appropriate because of strong 3.5mm connectivity.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-A, 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, and PS4 by way of USB, Nintendo Swap, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One, and cellular by way of 3.5mm cable
• Microphone: Bidirectional, noise-canceling, retractable
• Weight: 277g
• Battery Life: N/A

Professionals

• Vast compatibility with USB and three.5mm
• In-line bodily audio mixer
• Retractable microphone

Cons

• Microphone doesn’t mute when retracted

SteelSeries’s Arctis line contains choices for each worth level and have set. A lot of them are the very best in school, no matter their competitors. Living proof, the Arctis 5 carries lots of SteelSeries’ extra luxurious options with out the premium price ticket.

Extra particularly, PC and PlayStation 4 customers can join the headset over USB to make use of DTS Headphone:X 2.0 digital encompass sound, enhancing gameplay with immersive spatial audio. (On PS5, all headsets get positional audio by the console’s Tempest 3D audio.) The USB connection additionally permits you to use its inline “ChatMix” dial makes audio adjustment simple, adjusting recreation and voice quantity immediately.

Whilst you’ll get essentially the most out of it on PC and PlayStation, the Arctis 5 works completely nicely on Xbox and Nintendo Swap over a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering a snug listening expertise with balanced audio and a transparent microphone. The Arctis 5 isn’t our favourite SteelSeries headset—for that, try the Arctis 9—but it surely’s a robust choice you may get on a budget.

Greatest wired: HyperX Cloud Alpha

Purchase it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the lower: With a wonderful design and clear mic audio, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is the epitome of high quality and affordability.

Specs

• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Swap, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One, cellular
• Microphone: Bidirectional, noise-canceling, removable
• Weight: 298g
• Battery Life: N/A

Professionals

• Sturdy construct
• Wonderful microphone
• Vast compatibility

Cons

• Lacks extra options

There’s something to be mentioned for getting a headset that simply works. No matter what it’s plugged into, the HyperX Cloud Alpha delivers long-lasting consolation, clear audio, and wonderful communication.

Whereas it doesn’t have a standout particular characteristic, its sturdy development ensures that the consolation and high quality sound received’t fade for a few years. The adjustable aluminum body feels strong and sturdy, and alongside the snug leatherette padding, feels snug throughout lengthy gaming periods or digital get-togethers.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha additionally options a wonderful removable noise-canceling microphone, particularly for this worth vary. Microphone high quality is commonly missed in headsets on this worth vary, so even delicate enhancements actually stand out.

For PC gamers who just like the sound of the HyperX Cloud Alpha, we suggest spending a bit further to select up the USB-enabled HyperX Cloud Alpha S, which opens the door for digital 7.1 encompass sound and an inline controller to the combo. It prices simply over $100, but it surely’s price the additional spend.

Greatest wi-fi: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wi-fi

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the lower: The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wi-fi brings low-latency 2.4GHz wi-fi connectivity and wide-ranging compatibility, making it top-of-the-line wi-fi headsets for folks utilizing a number of gadgets.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-C wi-fi dongle, 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Swap, and cellular by way of wi-fi dongle, Xbox Collection X|S and Xbox One by way of 3.5mm cable
• Microphone: Bidirectional, noise-canceling, removable
• Weight: 252g
• Battery Life: 20 hours

Professionals

• Low-latency 2.4GHz wi-fi
• USB-A and USB-C connectivity
• Balanced sound signature

Cons

When choosing a wi-fi headset, cross-compatibility is a serious concern. The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wi-fi mitigates this as a lot as attainable by providing a variety of wi-fi and wired connection choices. Like our prime choose, the SteelSeries Arctis 5, it encompasses a low-latency 2.4Ghz wi-fi dongle that may join by way of USB-C or USB-A by way of an included adapter. This twin protection expands the vary of gadgets it will probably connect with by way of wi-fi, together with the Nintendo Swap and Android gadgets with USB-C. This characteristic alone makes the Arctis 1 Wi-fi a straightforward funds headset suggestion.

Outdoors of connectivity, the Arctis 1 Wi-fi has a utilitarian design with few bells and whistles For instance, it lacks the self-adjusting headband discovered on higher-end Arctis headsets, so chances are you’ll really feel its weight in your head furthermore lengthy stretches. That mentioned, it sounds completely serviceable and can allow you to get your level throughout clearly, no strings connected.

Greatest Bluetooth: Logitech G435 Lightspeed Bluetooth Wi-fi

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the lower: The extremely light-weight Logitech G435 is snug for gaming, distant work, and something in between.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-A wi-fi dongle, Bluetooth 
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5, and PS4 by way of wi-fi dongle, Nintendo Swap and cellular by way of Bluetooth 
• Microphone: Twin-beamforming mic array
• Weight: 165g
• Battery Life: 18 hours

Professionals

• Extremely light-weight
• Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Enjoyable colour choices

Cons

In Well-liked Science’s Logitech G435 evaluation, we mentioned that the headset could not have top-of-the-line sound but it surely exceeds expectations in every single place else. It is among the lightest headsets round, typically weighing 100 grams much less than its rivals. (That’s rather a lot; lots of our picks weigh between 200 and 300 grams.)

Light-weight and colourful, the Logitech G435 is a straightforward, breezy choice for informal play. It provides a dongle-based Wi-Fi connection for console and PC gamers. The flexibility to modify between the 2 offers gamers the liberty to play the place they need, when they need. One small caveat: The G435 depends on a multi-mic beamforming array, such as you’d discover in lots of wi-fi Bluetooth headphones, slightly than a increase mic. It really works fairly nicely, although doesn’t isolate your voice in addition to different headset mics.

Greatest worth: HyperX Cloud Stinger

Purchase it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the lower: For simply $50, the HyperX Cloud Stingers present the necessities: a snug match, wide-ranging compatibility, and clear listening and microphone audio.

Specs

• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Swap, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One, cellular
• Microphone: Unidirectional, noise-canceling
• Weight: 275g
• Battery Life: N/A

Professionals

• Very reasonably priced
• Extensively appropriate
• Ample padding

Cons

• Non-detachable mic and cable
• Cumbersome

For simply $50, it doesn’t get any higher than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. It’s a bit cumbersome and the plastic doesn’t really feel nice, however you’re getting a competent-sounding headset for lower than the price of a brand new AAA recreation.

Like its mid- and high-end counterparts from HyperX, the Cloud Stinger maintains a snug match with top-band and earcup ample padding. Its bass-centric sound follows the basic gaming headset combine. It isn’t the peak of audio precision but it surely will get the job completed given its worth.

Regardless of its reasonably priced price ticket, the Cloud Stingers handle to cram in a single luxurious characteristic: a sliding increase mic that routinely mutes while you raise it away out of your mouth (this isn’t an unusual characteristic however very useful when you may’t detach your mic). Many firms have a equally no-frills headset at this worth level, however HyperX’s total high quality as a model makes it a secure selection for any participant.

Greatest for Xbox: Xbox Wi-fi Headset

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the lower: Xbox’s latest headset has a strong feature-set and intuitive controls.

Specs

• Connectivity: Xbox Wi-fi, Bluetooth
• Compatibility: Xbox Collection X|S and Xbox One by way of Xbox Wi-fi, PC and cellular by way of USB-C and Bluetooth
• Microphone: Unclassified twin mic array on a built-in increase arm
• Weight: 312g
• Battery Life: 15 hours

Professionals

• Simple pairing with Xbox
• Three connectivity choices
• Intuitive controls

Cons

The times of Microsoft’s tiny, one-sided Xbox 360 headsets are lengthy gone. The present Xbox Wi-fi Headset is a worthy wi-fi headset for many gamers, particularly these of us on a funds.

Comfy, sturdy, and handy, the Xbox Wi-fi Headset can join wirelessly to Xbox Collection and Xbox One consoles with out a wi-fi dongle by way of Xbox Wi-fi, the corporate’s proprietary wi-fi commonplace. Its bass-heavy sound amps up motion video games, whereas its clear and even microphone helps you keep in contact throughout co-op play.

With the Xbox Equipment app, you may modify sound equalization, mic ranges, and add digital Home windows Sonic encompass sound— options normally reserved for PC customers. You can even modify the sound stability on the fly with the rotating dials on every earcup: proper for quantity adjustment and left for recreation and chat stability. After an extended stretch with out a sturdy first-party headset, the Xbox Wi-fi Headset is a straightforward choice for gamers who need a straightforward audio resolution on Xbox One, Collection S, or Collection X.

Greatest for PlayStation: Sony Pulse 3D Wi-fi

Purchase it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the lower: Designed to showcase the PS5’s immersive 3D audio, Sony’s Pulse 3D Wi-fi is a superb companion to the PlayStation’s extra immersive single-player video video games.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-A wi-fi dongle, 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC, PS5, and PS4 by way of wi-fi dongle, Nintendo Swap, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One, and cellular by way of 3.5mm cable.
• Microphone: Twin noise-canceling mic array
• Weight: 294g
• Battery Life: 12 hours

Professionals

• Emphasizes PS5 Tempest 3D audio
• Wired and wi-fi connectivity
• Easy setup

Cons

• Quick battery life
• Underwhelming microphone

PlayStation’s Pulse 3D wi-fi headset is a really strong headset for its worth. Designed to pair with the PlayStation 5’s Tempest 3D audio know-how, which provides 3D audio to any headset, it enhances the immersive soundscapes of PlayStation’s spectacular exclusives, equivalent to Horizon Forbidden West and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

Design-wise, the Pulse 3D appears modern and curvy, matching the PS5’s aesthetic. Regardless of the PS5-focused characteristic set, this headset does help wide-ranging connectivity with its USB wi-fi dongle and three.5mm cable. 

The Pulse 3D is among the greatest PS5 headsets, largely because of immersive Tempest 3D audio. However be warned: Its rounded ear cups usually are not a terrific match for folk with bigger ears.

Greatest for PCs: Logitech G433

Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the lower: For round $70, the Logitech G433 provides a flexible wired headset that’s simply customizable and well-suited to a variety of media content material, from video games to TV reveals.

Specs

• Connectivity: USB-A, 3.5mm audio cable
• Compatibility: PC by way of USB, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Swap, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One and cellular by way of 3.5mm cable
• Microphone: Unidirectional, noise-canceling, removable
• Weight: 259g
• Battery Life: N/A

Professionals

• Customizable by way of Logitech software program
• Digital encompass sound
• USB and three.5mm connectivity

Cons

Greater than different purposes, PC gaming headsets must be versatile. Probably your main audio supply for all the pieces you do on a pc, it must sound good whereas gaming, listening to music, watching movies, and anything that comes up. Logitech’s G433 is a well-rounded PC suggestion with strong customization choices and even-keeled sound.

The G433 sounds extra balanced than lots of the gaming headsets on this checklist. Moderately than bumping up the bass, it encompasses a comparatively flat combine that’s becoming for video games and music alike. Utilizing Logitech’s G HUB software program, you may tweak settings like digital DTS Headphone:X 7.1 encompass sound, audio equalization, and customized sound profiles for various recreation sorts or duties. Clear audio, mixed with an reasonably priced worth, makes the Logitech G433 a terrific selection for PC customers.

What to think about earlier than shopping for the very best gaming headsets below $100

Purchasing for a gaming headset will be tough. Their specs typically don’t translate into an inexpensive understanding of how music or video games sound by their audio system. Fortunately, choosing a headset within the decrease, sub-$100 worth vary narrows the sphere fairly a bit. Listed here are some elements you need to take into account when choosing your subsequent:

Is it appropriate along with your system(s)?

Many gaming headsets usually are not universally appropriate throughout PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles. If a headset connects to a recreation console by way of USB or wirelessly, chances are high that it’s essential purchase the model that caters to your gadgets particularly. Ensure you know the place and the way you’ll join your headset, so that you will be certain you’re shopping for a tool that works as supposed.

Fortunately, lots of the prime choices within the sub-$100 funds headset vary help a wired, 3.5mm connection. Whereas it doesn’t enable for superior controls and options, a 3.5mm will work on any machine with a headphone jack. When you’ve got many consoles and wish to use one headset for all the pieces, a 3.5mm headphone jack is the way in which to go.

Wired or wi-fi?

Wi-fi gaming headsets allow you to ditch the cables and provides your self a clutter-free gaming house. They provide the freedom to place your self with out worrying about cables connecting to your console, PC, or controller.

Whereas that’s an apparent benefit, wired headsets have perks as nicely. What they lack in premium options and software program customization they make up for in simplicity. As we talked about, you don’t want to fret about what console you personal when shopping for one. Additionally, wi-fi headsets require battery energy, which implies they must be charged.

If you happen to go for a wi-fi headset, be sure you search for one with strong battery life. On costlier headsets, we suggest 20 hours or higher, however for a funds headset chances are you’ll must be extra versatile. If you happen to plan to connect with a console or gaming PC, we suggest relying completely on a Wi-Fi connection enabled by a USB receiver dongle. Many headsets help Bluetooth wi-fi, however the connection generates extra audio lag than you need for many video games. That mentioned, we suggest Bluetooth headsets for smartphones, as most receiver dongles require a USB-A port.

Consolation

You need your headset to be snug, particularly should you plan on utilizing it for lengthy gaming periods. Each headset lets you modify it not directly to make sure the earcups line up along with your ears so it matches appropriately. Some headsets really feel higher than others when correctly adjusted, although. The perfect gaming headsets really feel balanced in your head, with out weighing you down. They don’t transfer while you shake your head, however they don’t grip too tight, both.

Throughout lengthy gaming periods, a heavy headset can begin to really feel uncomfortable, significantly towards the highest of the top. A lighter headset will weigh on you much less however that isn’t the one resolution and even the very best one. A design that distributes the burden of the headset throughout your head could make even a heavy headset wearable for a lot of hours.

Correct padding also can make all of the distinction. Most gaming headsets use some type of reminiscence foam padding within the earcups, and infrequently below the highest band of the headset. You’ll typically see essentially the most padding within the ears and prime band of a headset. Some prime bands characteristic a strip of an elastic materials known as “floating” or suspended headband that evenly distributes the burden throughout the highest of your head. Suspended headbands normally work higher than easy padding. Each methods, nonetheless, can produce a really snug headset.

The padding that covers the pads can matter simply as a lot because the padding itself. The padding is normally lined with both a mesh cloth or artificial leather-based known as leatherette. There are good arguments for each supplies, so all of it comes right down to what you’re feeling snug in.

How would you like your headset to sound?

Gaming headsets could look comparable, however they will sound very totally different. Relying on the product, you may take pleasure in a bass-heavy, immersive soundscape or a heat, impartial one. Many headsets include software program that enables for equalization and digital encompass sound.

Whereas audio high quality in gaming headsets has improved dramatically over the previous two console generations, optimizing for audio high quality will lead you to spend greater than $100 on a headset. Our checklist ensures you get the absolute best fundamentals, however followers of high-fidelity audio or 7.1 encompass sound will wish to store for the very best gaming headsets, together with extra audiophile-grade choices just like the Audeze Mobius, Audeze Penrose, or Grasp & Dynamic MG20, which may value a number of hundred {dollars}.

FAQs

Remaining ideas on the very best gaming headsets below $100

The perfect gaming headsets below $100 punch far above their worth level, delivering easy, high-quality audio and communication. Whether or not you’re gaming on a console or PC, a terrific headset permits for simple listening and clear communication. There’s at all times room for enchancment however you don’t must spend a ton to search out one thing ok to play video games with pals worry-free.