A few years ago, finding a decent gaming headset under $100 was tough. At best, you'd have to sacrifice tons of features and sound quality for an uncomfortable piece of junk.
But now there are all kinds of headsets for gamers on a budget, and many of them aren't too bad, much better than what used to be available, that's for sure. You just have to know where to look, what to look for, and be willing to settle for less than perfect.
ONE headphones It is a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone. There are no practical differences between a gaming headset and a regular headset, except for the physical design and appearance. However, some features are more important than others.
Over-ear vs. ear vs. ear: For the most part, over-ear headphones are the only ones worth buying at this price point. Over-ear headphones tend to cost more due to their refined designs, and over-ear headphones don't have the sound or microphone quality you need for gaming. Learn more about headset terms and considerations. 10 Terms to Know to Identify the Best Headphones. 10 Terms to Know to Identify the Best Headphones. In this guide, we'll take a look at the lingo and show you what key headphone specs really mean. - or if - they matter. Read more.
Physical weight A massive headset can feel good...five minutes at a time. Any more than that and you'll be dying to take them off, either because they put pressure on your ears or tire your neck. Light and comfortable is what you want, especially for long gaming sessions.
USB vs. 3.5mm: USB headsets include their own sound cards, which means they're less prone to RF interference, but 3.5mm headsets are more versatile and better for console gaming. For PC gaming, go with USB whenever possible.
Stereo vs. surround sound: Surround sound in gaming headsets is a farce. Not only do most so-called “surround sound headphones” not have the number of drivers to produce true surround sound, but surround sound is meant to take advantage of room acoustics, something headphones don't. /P>
Wired vs. wireless: You won't find a good wireless gaming headset for less than $25. There's a reason wireless headsets are more expensive than wired headsets:It's hard to produce a good-sounding set.
Build quality: At this price, don't expect anything to feel good in your hands or on your head. The ear cushions won't feel luxurious, the metal components will be weird, the plastic components won't be robust, and the cables will feel flimsy. Expect these headphones to last 6-12 months, or a bit longer if you can take care of them. This is why your headphones keep breaking This is why your headphones keep breaking How long do your headphones last? Weeks? Months? Years? If they're making their way through quickly, check out this list of how to extend their lifespan and save yourself some money! Read more.
Brand names: You won't find any Razer, SteelSeries, Corsair, or Sennheiser products in the barrel.
So is it possible to find a gaming headset that fits all of the above criteria without spending more than $25? Not really, but you can get close enough. It depends on what you are willing to compromise.
Here are the best cheap gaming headsets we've found.
Mpow 071 USB Headset / 3.5mm Computer Headset with Microphone Noise Cancellation, Light PC Headset Wired Headphones, Business Headset for Skype, Webinar, Telephone, Call Center Mpow 071 USB / 3.5mm Headset with Microphone Noise Cancellation Microphone, Light PC Headset Wired Headset, Business Headset for Skype, Webinar, Phone, Call Center Buy Now on Amazon $21.99
The Mpow 071 is the cheapest headset we'd ever recommend, whether you're gaming or doing something else, because it offers the best quality and value in this price range. For those on a budget, no other headset offers as much bang for your buck.
Because we like it? Because the mic sounds great, the mic boom can be bent in any direction, the headset comes with both USB and 3.5mm connections, it has in-line mute and volume controls when using USB, the ear pads for ears are comfortable for prolonged use, and the headset looks great.
It's honestly amazing that a company has been able to pack so much goodness into such cheap headphones. Don't expect it to be magical, of course, but there really are no better gaming headsets at this price point.
Logitech is one of the most trusted and reputable brands you'll ever come across. They have several “gaming” product lines, but they are not a “gaming brand” so to speak. This particular headset is a general purpose headset, but it's a good one and we recommend it even for gaming.
The Logitech H390 is an on-ear headset that features comfortable ear cushions, a rotating noise-canceling microphone, and a volume control with a mute button. And thanks to its discreet design, you won't be embarrassed to wear it in company presence. Overall, it's probably the best option if you don't want to look like a gamer.
Bengoo is a newly established off-brand Chinese manufacturer of various PC and mobile peripherals. Its products include external DVD drives, portable fans, selfie sticks, and audio equipment. They make good products, as well as a budget product, anyway, and their gaming headset stands out as one of their highest rated products.
If you're thinking of getting the BENGOO G9000, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. In this case, you are paying for a lack of quality control. It looks good and feels good, but will it make it to a year? Cross your fingers and I hope you get one of a good lot!
Be careful reading the comments for this one. According to ReviewMeta and FakeSpot, a lot of reviews are fake or suspicious. However, when you exclude the negative reviews and adjust the product rating, it's still 4.2 stars out of 5. Not bad at all.
USB Gaming Headset SADES A60 / OMG Computer Over Ear Stereo with Microphone LED Light Isolating Volume Control (Black + White) for PC and MAC USB Gaming Headset Headphone A60 / OMG Computer Over Ear Stereo with Phone Microphone Noise Isolating Volume Control LED Light (Black + White) for PC and MAC Buy now on Amazon $24.99
To this day, Sades remains a hit-or-miss brand. They specialize in low-budget gaming peripherals, and almost all of their products can be had for less than $30. Still, their products tend to have surprisingly good ratings, even after making fake tweaks.
If you're committed to getting a gaming headset in this price range, you'll probably be happy with this one.
The Sades A60/OMG has a sleek design, responsive microphone, volume and mute controls, and above-average (ie) sound drivers that produce excellent sound quality for the amount you pay. The comfortable cups also have a bit of sound insulation.
If you're absolutely strapped for cash, then the aforementioned headphones will do the trick in a pinch. But really, there is no point in spending money on a cheap gaming headset if you can wait a bit and save up to get a suitable one. In that case, we definitely recommend looking at these wireless gaming headsets. The best wireless gaming headsets in 2017 The best wireless gaming headsets in 2017 The right headset can elevate your gaming experience without annoying and annoying cables getting in the way. But which wireless gaming headset should you buy? It depends on your budget, the games you play and… Read more !
