What is the best gaming headset for under $100? With any gamer, professional or otherwise, there is a dilemma that arises. The majority of us don’t have the budget for a gaming headset that has all the bells and whistles.
Even with limited funds, you still need something that at least has the basic audio and comfort features that you need to game solid. Thankfully, there are ample gaming headsets out there to suit your needs, and all of them are well under $100.
| Stats | Xiberia | Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset | HyperX Cloud II | HyperX Cloud Flight | Razer Kraken Tournament Edition | SteelSeries Arctis 5 | Edifier HECATE G2 II Pink Cat Ear Gaming Headset |
| Connection | USB | 3.5-mm / USB DAC | 3.5-mm / USB sound card | 2.4GHz WiFi | USB / 3.5-mm | USB / 3.5-mm | USB 2.0 |
| Battery
Life (hours) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Platforms | PC | PC | PC, PS4, Xbox One | PC, PS4, PS5 | PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Mobile | PC, PS4 | PC, PS4, PS5 |
| Charging
Port |
N/A | N/A | N/A | USB charge cable | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Weight
(grams) |
181 | 453 | 334 | 244 | 323 | 363 | 266 |
| Mute | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Volume
Control |
yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Detachable
Mic |
no | no | yes | yes | no | no | yes |
| Price (1-5) | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
Gamers looking for a high-quality gaming headset will be pleased with the Jeecoo Xiberia Pro Gaming headset. Perfect for the picky gamer on a tight budget.
Check Latest PriceLooking at the Jeecoo Xiberia Pro Gaming headset, the first thing you will notice is the simplistic, professional style. On the earmuff there is a line with “Xiberia” in the middle of it – once plugged in this line and the word lights up.
Xiberia is a headset that I personally use on a daily basis. The first thing I saw was the professional style and the price tag attached to it.
It’s compatible with either a desktop or laptop via USB connection. It has a tangle-free cord with an in-line controller for your volume and mute, and a clip for ease of access.
This headset has a flexible and retractable noise cancelling microphone, so your fellow gamers don’t hear the distractions from your surroundings. It provides an immersive gaming experience with its 50mm speaker unit and built-in 7.1 surround sound card.
As far as comfort goes, Xiberia uses a thick memory foam for the padding and earmuffs. I can honestly state that it is like a cloud is resting on my head. They are great at cutting out unwanted sounds, so I’m not distracted by random background noise.
The headband is made from durable metal and adjusts for many different sized heads. I have a pretty big head, so this is a huge plus for me!
Offering upgraded sound and audio features, gamers loyal to Logitech equipment will be delighted with this second-gen gaming headset. Highly recommended for the average gaming enthusiast.
Check Latest PriceLogitech is a well known brand with several different products under their belt. One of the most recent is the Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset.
The G432 gives an immersive sound experience with large 50mm audio drivers and 2.0 surround sound, which goes beyond 7.1 channels. It’s designed to place you right in the middle of the action.
It has a 6mm microphone that flips up to mute. On the wire you will find your volume control for quick access. If you are anything like me, comfort is a number one priority, and the G432 features large, leatherette ear pads and headband, which are replaceable if necessary.
While you enjoy this comfortable headset on the PC, mobile devices, and game consoles that have a 3.5-mm jack or USB DAC input.
Whichever classy color you choose, the HyperX Cloud II is both stylish and durable. Putting this gaming headset on transforms if the most adorable person into a hardcore gamer.
Check Latest PriceUpon first glance, the HyperX Cloud II has a sleek, professional-looking exterior. The most notable feature about this gaming headset is the headband is made of lightweight aluminum.
It’s aluminum construction provides an extra level of durability. With comfort in mind, Cloud II is equipped with memory foam ear cushions and padded leather headband. The HyperX Cloud II comes with an extra set of velour ear cushions in case a replacement is needed.
While gaming in comfort and style, the closed ear cup design offers passive noise cancelation. It’s 7.1 surround sound will immerse you in precisely located audio.
If you’re a gamer who likes to play with a group, the HyperX features a detachable microphone with added noise cancellation. This headset is compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices via a 3.5-mm audio jack.
It also features an audio control box that connects by a USB for added control over the audio in game. For the marathon gamers, this gaming headset may be the perfect fit for you.
With a sleek exterior and a hint of red on the ear cups and headband, the HyperX Cloud Flight screams professional gamer. Just right for the gamer who spends all night playing.
Check Latest PriceWith a minimalistic, professional design, HyperX Cloud Flight not only provides style but also a sense of freedom without cords. The Cloud Flight is a wireless headset with 30 hours of battery life, allowing you to play longer in comfort.
Connected by 2.4GHz Wifi, it also comes with a USB adapter for easier connection to your PC, PS4, or PS5. The Cloud Flight features immersive audio, while using memory foam padding for pure comfort during gameplay.
The ear cups have LED lighting effects for added visual effects, and a detachable microphone. Take note, this mic’s noise cancellation ability only functions while in the wireless mode, and only for the PC and PS4.
Not only is the Cloud Flight comfortable, it is also highly durable with the adjustable steel slider in the headband. This headset is ideal for the gamer who wants to be able to run over to the fridge while a loading screen is on.
Take complete control of your own immersive sound experience with the unique audio controls of Razer Kraken Tournament Edition. Ideal for primarily PC gamers.
Check Latest PriceWith a sleek look, Razer Kraken Tournament Edition brings a professional style to the gaming scene. Specializing in communication between party members, it also gives you the ability to retract the microphone when solo.
With an in-line remote, you can control the volume and customize your audio for the perfect THX spatial audio experience. Its 50mm sound drivers deliver top quality for the money.
The THX function is available with Windows 10 (64-bit) only through USB. Kraken does offer a 3.5-mm audio jack for console gaming if that’s what you need.
As far as comfort goes, Razer Kraken comes with cooling gel-infused cushions that prevent your ears from overheating and avoid pressure from building up. This is a design for all day comfort.
If you are looking for a PC-specialized headset, then this is the headset for you.
Illuminated with impressive RGB effects, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 delivers cutting edge audio for complete game immersion. Built exclusively with PC gamers in mind.
Check Latest PriceAt first glance, SteelSeries Arctis 5 is designed in a sleek manner, giving off a professional gamer feel. On the earcups, there are RGB lights that give the headset a more interesting look.
The SteelSeries had a lightweight headset in mind when building this model. The padding is made of AirWeave and premium woven ski goggle fabric for maximum comfort and breathability.
The Arctis 5 has a retractable microphone with ClearCast noise cancellation. No worries about static and background noise with these!
The audio controls are on-ear for easy use while in game. The Arctis 5 provides a Signature Arctis sound system, which focuses on ensuring that you hear subtle and crucial noise to give you every in-game advantage.
If you are a PC or a PS4 gamer, this headset could be perfect for you. It does have the typical 3.5-mm audio jack for connection, so it should work with Xbox consoles as well.
Lights! Cameras! Cat ears! Edifier HECATE G2 II Pink Cat Ear gaming headset is perfect for the gamer that wants to show a uniquely cute style.
Check Latest PriceCuteness galore abounds with the surprisingly professional-grade Edifier HECATE G2 II Pink Cat Ear gaming headset. Perfect for the lady gamer or anyone else looking for perfection.
The HECATE gaming headset is supremely comfortable with its ergonomic design featuring a flexible plush headband. The over-ear cups are covered with soft, breathable leather.
This headset is ideal for gaming into the late hours of the night. With 50mm drivers and virtual 7.1 surround sound, you will be immersed in the game.
If you need to mute your mic or adjust your volume, look to the control box on the cord. Connect to your PC, PS4, or PS5 via USB 2.0 headset jack.
Edifier HECATE G2 II Pink Cat Ear gaming headset that’s on a whole other level when it comes to personal style and maximum comfort.
No matter what you are going to be using your gaming headset for, how can you tell you’re getting your money’s worth? Let’s go over some important features to consider when making the decision of which headset to purchase.
Most gamers, including myself, tend to get sucked into a game for hours on end. Usually spending well over six hours or more in a single session. If you’re this kind of person, it’s imperative that your headset is utterly comfortable.
I have found that memory foam or cooling gel-infused cushions are ideal for gaming into the wee hours of the night. Also, make sure the ear cups are larger than your ear, which will decrease pressure on your ears, provide maximum comfort, and minimize distracting outside noise.
Some people prefer leather, even though I find leather has this tendency to hold in sweat against my head and build up heat in a short amount of time. Stiff plastic or vinyl coverings will do the same thing, and depending on the quality of the material, are prone to falling apart.
Whatever you decide, pick what will work for you. You’re the one that will be wearing them!
When thinking about a gaming headset, you will want to consider the type of audio output that you need it to deliver. For some games, death comes to those who can’t hear a pin drop in the virtual room.
Great sound quality will assist in immersing you in the game and give you a vital edge in competition.
The majority of headsets are coming out with 50mm drivers that deliver 7.1 surround sound that allow the player to hear every single little movement in the game and tell exactly where it’s coming from. This also affects the way your fellow gamers hear you through the microphone, if you choose to use one.
Some headsets provide extra audio controls to improve your experience. Even without the extras. Some players will argue that 7.1 surround sound is overkill for the price. Personally, I think it makes a huge difference if you want the full cinematic effect.
New games come out almost every single month. Whether they are for a console, or the PC, you need to make sure you have a gaming headset that will be compatible with whatever you are going to play on.
Most gaming headsets are compatible with the PC, and playstation or nintendo consoles, considering it has the ability to read USB and a 3.5-mm jack for connection.
I will warn you Xbox players out there that with all the competition from PS5 and virtual gaming, headsets that are compatible with Xbox are getting harder to find. Look for a headset that has an Xbox adapter, which tends to use the 3.5-mm jack.
What you intend to use your headset for determines if you would prefer wired or wireless.
If you prefer to play in a group, then I suggest focusing on a headset that is wireless. That way, if you need to get up to get something you can do so without interrupting the intense conversation you’re having with your friends.
Wireless headsets are also great for people who can’t stand having a lot of wires dangling around to get tangled up yet. On the flip side, they’ve yet to produce a cord that will stretch all the way to the kitchen.
A wired headset is great if you use them for work or listening to music. They may also provide the option of charging while in use, and there is less chance of audio interference. Personally, I tend to use a wired headset because I don’t play often with other people.
Sometimes a headset can find itself thrown across the room in a fit of rage. We all have done it from time to time, whether we like to admit it or not.
If you’re a habitual headset-tosser, you will definitely want a gaming headset that is durable enough to take a beating. The key thing to look at is the material of the headband and the adjusting joints. Are they hard plastic, aluminum, steel, or made of cheap materials?
Personally, I find that using a headset that has a combination of some kind of metal and plastic gives the headset amazing durability.
Communication is a key component to any game that is multiple-player. You want a microphone that is going to cancel out the noise around you so that all your teammates hear is your own amazing voice.
The best microphone to use is one that is highly flexible. With a flexible mic you can bend it to where it catches your voice just right.
Just be careful with microphones that detach from the headset itself. They are nice but can be lost easily if you are anything like me. My favorite type of mic is the one that retracts into the headset, which makes it easier to use the headset for more than just gaming with friends.
The look of your headset can make an impression on anyone you meet, including your audience, if you’re a streamer. When it comes right down to it, your choice of style boils down to what sort of vibe you want to display to the community.
What do you want your headset to say about you when you wear it? Some styles are more “professional”: simplistic monotone colors with a splash of color.
Now that more ladies are joining the gaming world, more headsets are coming out that are cute and utterly adorable. Then you have the flashy kind, with plenty of lighting effects to set just the right mood. Personally, I enjoy a simplistic version – nothing fancy, but completely functional.
When looking for a budget headset – which is no doubt why you’re reading this – you want to make sure you’re getting the best for money’s worth. As the saying goes “you get what you pay for.”
For the most part that is true. However, looking at the product details you can assess if it is truly worth the price, especially for the headsets on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
Majority of the time you are paying for the brand name, so considering lesser known brands can be a better choice. Find out what features you absolutely NEED, and which ones you would LIKE. It helps to be prepared to be a little flexible on your wants in order to keep your purchase within your budget.
Should you go with a gaming headset, or will regular headphones work for you? Like I’ve mentioned earlier, a lot about this choice depends on what you want to do with the headsets or headphones and what you want out of them.
Headsets and headphones both have their pros and cons. Here are just a few examples of their differences:
Gaming Headsets:
Regular Headphones:
There’s a big difference between stereo and surround sound effects. In my experience, most gamers I know prefer stereo. So, what does “stereo” and “surround sound” mean? What’s the difference?
Stereo means the sound that comes from two channels – left and right. The two speakers in each ear cup work together to give the illusion of hearing movement by adjusting the sound independently.
For example, if you were to listen to the footsteps of a person walking past you, you would hear the footsteps grow louder in the right ear speaker (assuming the “person” is coming up on your right, here), then as they walked in front of you, the left speaker starts to get louder. As the person walks to your left, the right speaker starts to fade out and the left one gets louder, eventually fading to create the illusion that the person is walking away from you.
Here are a few facts about stereo that you might consider when making a choice:
Surround sound utilizes the use of multiple speakers around the user to create a very cinematic listening experience. Surround sound contains both virtual and true sound elements, and for this is preferred by many professional level gamers.
Surround sound drivers come in two formats – 5.1 and 7.1. These numbers indicate how many speakers are installed into the headsets. There is some debate on weather or not 7.1 is superior to 5.1, as not all platforms support the added drivers.
Personally, I feel my 7.1s are superior to my previous pair of 5.1 headsets, but to each their own. A few additional facts about surround sound:
Gaming headsets have several designs to choose from. You can get regular over-ear headsets or in-ear earbuds. Both are similar in that they are made for gaming. Here are some differences to take into consideration when deciding which is best for you:
Gaming Headsets:
Gaming Earbuds:
You don’t have to sacrifice quality in order to find a great gaming headset for under $100. There are so many options to choose from that feature all the tech and style you could want or need.
When looking for the right headset that will fit your budget, consider what you will be using your headsets for, what platforms you intend to use them with, and what comfort features are an absolute necessity for you.
Do you need a mic to communicate with your team? Is noise-cancellation an absolute must? Do you want to have to take them off to make a bathroom or kitchen run? Are you a streamer looking to impress your patrons with cool lighting effects?
If you’re addicted to the thrill of complete immersion, want the full cinematic experience, or are a hard-core pro, I recommend a headset with surround sound. If you’re a casual or semi-pro gamer who doesn’t want the hassle of dealing with downloading an audio app or you don’t play on a system that supports surround sound, you’ll still be quite satisfied with a classic stereo headset.
Before you take a look at my top suggestions for gaming headsets, it helps to make a list of features that are most important to you, and which ones you are willing to compromise on for the sake of remaining under budget. You’ll be surprised at what you can get for under a bill!