When you sift through the gaming-oriented gear on the market, you’ll inevitably realize that they’re all quite pricey, as there’s a sort of premium on those. So, it’s all about how you can find the balance between functionality and price.
Finding the best cheap gaming headset is a thrifty way to handle this issue as it’s easy to manage affordable headsets with reliable performance, and those are the ones we review in this article.
The 4 Best Cheap Gaming Headsets in 2021
Now lets take a look at the best headsets you can buy if you are on a budget
1. SteelSeries Arctis 1 – Best Overall
Amazon productIf you’re looking for the best gaming headset for a reasonable price, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is the one you should opt for. Despite the fact that one would expect it to be a wireless set at its above $50 price and that it isn’t, its performance really makes up for it.
With 40mm drivers and a frequency response between 20 and 20 kHz, you’ll be getting incredible audio quality, no matter the gaming genre you’re into.
On top of that, it comes with a built-in mic, which isn’t of the clearest sound input but is still good enough for communicating with your team members in an online game like Apex Legends or CS:GO, for example.
The Arctis 1 is compatible with PCs, mobile phones, Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 thanks to its 3.5mm connector, so you’ll be able to enjoy gaming on multiple platforms using just this headset.
Pros:
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- Decent sound, drivers, and frequency response
Cons:
- The mic isn’t the best
- Doesn’t fit very well
2. Razer Kraken X – Best Gaming-exclusive Headset
Amazon productIf you’re just focusing on getting a gaming headset and don’t plan on doing anything else with your headset, the Razer Kraken X would be an incredible choice.
Its frequency range lies between 12 Hz and 28 kHz, and it comes with 40mm drivers, which is a pretty solid combination for a gaming headset below the $50 mark. During your games, it’ll provide you with a well-balanced sound that completely immerses you into the gameplay.
Not only that, but it’s also comfortable on the ear with the leatherette ear cups and doesn’t feel like a rock on your head with its slim design.
However, the mic’s performance is one of the most inferior on the market, and it only suits gaming purposes as its quality isn’t good for professional meetings and other purposes.
Pros:
- Sleek and comfortable design
- Wide frequency range
Cons:
- Subpar mic
- Doesn’t suit all purposes
3. HyperX Cloud Stinger – Most Durable
Amazon productIf you’re looking for a cheap gaming headset that doesn’t compromise the quality of construction, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is the one for you.
Despite its robust design, it’s quite soft, thanks to how well-padded it is and the large-sized ear cups that comfortably encompass your ears.
In terms of connectivity, you get a split wire that spares you the need for a USB pass-through to use the mic as well.
What’s more, the headset is equipped with 50mm drivers and offers an 18 Hz to 23 kHz frequency range. However, the sound quality of the Cloud Stinger really deteriorates at higher ranges. So, if you’re not looking for blasting the volume through your headset and just want a comfortable and durable choice, opt for the Stinger.
Pros:
- 50mm drivers
- Wide frequency response range
- Accessible controls
Cons:
- Sound really deteriorates at higher ranges
4. Corsair HS35 – Most Comfortable
Amazon productIf you’re looking for very comfortable headsets with reliable 50mm drivers and decent sound, the Corsair HS35 is your best bet. Although it’s a little heavier than other options on the list, this is due to the fact that it comes with a lot of padding and memory foam ear cups to keep your eyes comfortable throughout gaming sessions.
This wired pair comes with a mic of decent quality and excellent bass response, in addition to full cross-platform compatibility. So, no matter what your favorite gaming platform or genre is, you’ll be able to enjoy it with the Corsair HS35.
Pros:
- Well-padded and comfortable
- Decent sound quality
- 50mm drivers
- Great bass response
Cons:
- Heftier than others on the list
What to Consider in a Cheap Gaming Headset?
While you can’t expect too much out of a cheap gaming headset, there are still some aspects you need to think about before making the purchase, and these are as follows:
Weight
You’ll probably be wearing your headset a lot and for extended periods during gaming sessions, and that’s why you should opt for ones that are lightweight enough not to strain your neck before too long.
Anything below a pound would be great, but if you could land ones that are 0.4-pound or half a pound with decent sound quality, you’d have hit the jackpot.
Mic
This one is pretty simple; no matter how budget-friendly or cheap your headset is, don’t opt for one that doesn’t come with a built-in mic to avoid the hassle of buying a separate one and cluttering your desk with cables.
Comfort
Just because your headset is cheap doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be padded enough for comfort, so make sure that it uses comfortable materials that don’t make your ears itchy and absorb sweat. Also, ensure that the headset fits well when it’s on your ears.
Final Thoughts
So, were you finally able to decide which of the options is the best cheap gaming headset? Personally, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 seems great if you’re looking for a good choice overall for comfort, durability, and various purposes.
On the other hand, the Razer Kraken X is a good choice if you want to exclusively enjoy games with excellent in-game sound quality for pretty much every genre you can think of.