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You don’t need to spend $200 to get a gaming headset that sounds good, feels comfortable for hours and makes you easy to understand on Discord. Some of the best gaming headsets under $100 cost less than half that, and several of them have thousands of happy owners on Amazon.
To build this list, we compared the specs of the most popular budget headsets, and read owner reviews on Amazon to find out what holds up over time and what goes wrong. Every pick below was under $100 on Amazon at the time of writing. You’ll also find a platform compatibility table, a list of the most common problems owners report, and a short buying guide. You can read more about our process on our How We Review page.
The Best Gaming Headsets Under $100: Our Picks in Detail
1
Best Overall
HyperX Cloud III
Bottom line: A comfortable, tough wired headset with a clear mic that plugs into almost anything.
Pros- Owners repeatedly call it one of the most comfortable headsets they've worn
- Clear mic with a red LED that shows when you're muted
- Aluminum frame that owners say survives drops and years of use
Cons- Some owners say the ear cushions get warm
- One owner rated the mic and audio only 'acceptable' at full price
Check Price on Amazon
The HyperX Cloud III is the safest pick for most people. It comes with USB-C, USB-A and 3.5mm connections, so the same headset works on a PC, a PS5, an Xbox controller or a phone, and its angled 53mm drivers are tuned for games.
Why We Picked It
- Comfort: reviewers describe the memory foam as plush with light clamping force, and one says it stays comfortable through 4 to 6 hour sessions.
- Durability: a college esports player says theirs survived six moves and several falls off a desk over two years, and another owner is still using theirs after about three years.
- Clear mic: teammates noticed a clearer voice, and a red LED shows when you're muted.
- Flexible connections: USB-C, USB-A and 3.5mm, with DTS spatial audio on PC over USB.
Who It's For
- Multi-platform players: one headset for PC, PS5, Xbox and phone.
- Long-session gamers: owners consistently praise the comfort.
Who It's Not For
- People who run hot: a couple of owners say the ear cushions get warm.
- Audio perfectionists: one more critical reviewer called the mic and sound acceptable but not great, while still giving it four stars for the price. One PS5 player also had to raise the console volume before it got loud enough.
Specs & Configurations
- Connection
- wired (USB-C, USB-A or 3.5mm)
- Drivers
- angled 53mm
- Mic
- detachable 10mm, noise-cancelling, LED mute light
- Weight
- 308 g (listed)
- Warranty
- 2 years
2
Best Budget
Razer BlackShark V2 X
Bottom line: The lightest headset on our list, hugely popular, and well under half our budget.
Pros- Very light at 240 g, and owners call it extremely comfortable
- Cardioid mic that most owners say sounds clean
- One of the best-selling gaming headsets on Amazon
Cons- 7.1 surround only works on Windows 10 64-bit
- One owner heard occasional creaking or tapping noises from the band
Check Price on Amazon
If you want the most headset for the least money, get the Razer BlackShark V2 X. It usually costs well under half our $100 budget, yet it's one of the best-selling gaming headsets on Amazon.
Why We Picked It
- Featherweight comfort: at 240 g, it's the lightest pick here. One buyer compared it side by side with a Turtle Beach Stealth 600 and kept the Razer as the most comfortable headset they'd ever worn.
- Good game audio: 50mm drivers and closed earcups give a good sense of direction.
- Voice-focused mic: the cardioid mic is designed to pick up more of your voice and less of the room.
Who It's For
- Budget buyers: anyone who wants a proven headset for very little money.
- PC, PlayStation and Switch players: it connects over a simple 3.5mm jack.
Who It's Not For
- Surround sound fans on consoles: its software 7.1 mode is only available on Windows 10 64-bit, and Razer notes an Xbox One stereo adapter may be required on Xbox.
- Anyone who needs total isolation: one buyer can still hear their PC fan and keyboard, a few owners say the mic could be better, and one heard occasional creaking from the band.
Specs & Configurations
- Connection
- wired (3.5mm)
- Drivers
- 50mm TriForce Titanium
- Mic
- HyperClear cardioid
- Weight
- 240 g
- Warranty
- 2 years
3
Best Wireless
Razer Barracuda X
Bottom line: A light, versatile wireless headset that switches between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth with one button.
Pros- Switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth with one button
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
- Detachable mic, so it also works as everyday headphones
Cons- 7.1 surround is emulated and Windows-only, as one owner points out
- One buyer returned it over poor sound quality
Check Price on Amazon
The Barracuda X is the wireless headset we'd recommend under $100 for most players. Owners praise its comfort and clear, balanced sound, and one reviewer who uses it on Linux says it works without issues.
Why We Picked It
- Two wireless modes: the SmartSwitch button flips between the low-latency 2.4GHz USB-C dongle and Bluetooth. One owner keeps the dongle in a tablet and the headset paired to a phone at the same time.
- All-day battery: up to 50 hours, with a voice prompt when it's time to charge.
- Light and portable: 250 g, and the mic detaches so it works as everyday headphones.
Who It's For
- Players who switch devices: from PC or console to phone without unpairing.
- Commuters and travelers: who want one headset for gaming and music.
Who It's Not For
- Surround sound fans: one owner points out that its 7.1 surround is emulated and only works on Windows.
- Buyers who can't return easily: one buyer returned it right away over tinny sound, although most reviews we read were positive about the audio.
Specs & Configurations
- Connection
- 2.4GHz USB-C dongle, Bluetooth or 3.5mm cable
- Battery
- up to 50 hours, USB-C charging
- Drivers
- 40mm TriForce
- Mic
- detachable HyperClear cardioid
- Weight
- 250 g
4
Best Wireless for PC
Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed
Bottom line: A wireless PC headset with a standout mic and a 70-hour battery, but no Xbox support.
Pros- Up to 70 hours of battery life, the longest on this list
- Owners say the mic sounds far better than a typical headset mic
- Strong wireless range, according to owners
Cons- Not compatible with Xbox consoles
- Needs Razer Synapse on PC for the best sound and full volume
Check Price on Amazon
If you play mainly on PC and want a wireless headset with a great mic, the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is worth the extra money over the Barracuda X. Owners also mention excellent wireless range and a comfortable fit, even for someone who wears an L/XL hat.
Why We Picked It
- Standout mic: a Super Wideband mic that captures a wider vocal range. One owner compares it to a decent lavalier mic.
- Longest battery on our list: rated for up to 70 hours.
- Strong drivers: 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers tuned for competitive games.
Who It's For
- PC players who talk a lot: on Discord or in team games.
- PlayStation, Switch and Mac users: Razer lists support for all of them.
Who It's Not For
- Xbox players: Razer states it is not compatible with Xbox Series X, Series S or Xbox One.
- Anyone who avoids extra software: one reviewer says that without Razer Synapse, the sound is flatter and the maximum volume is noticeably lower. It also drew more reliability complaints than most picks, including one buyer whose dongle wouldn't connect, although another owner reports it holding up well after seven months.
Specs & Configurations
- Connection
- 2.4GHz HyperSpeed, Bluetooth 5.2 or USB
- Battery
- up to 70 hours, USB-C charging
- Drivers
- 50mm TriForce Titanium
- Mic
- HyperClear Super Wideband
- Weight
- 280 g
5
Best Microphone
Corsair HS65 Surround
Bottom line: A budget wired headset with the clearest mic in our owner reviews and spatial audio on PC and PS5.
Pros- Owners single out the mic as exceptionally clear
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio on PC and Tempest 3D support on PS5
- Metal-reinforced headband joints
Cons- No separate mute button: you mute by flipping the mic up
- One owner says deeper sound tuning requires a paid subscription
Check Price on Amazon
If people often ask you to repeat yourself in voice chat, start with the Corsair HS65 Surround. The most detailed owner review we read came from someone choosing headsets for overseas coworkers, who called it the best mic they had tested under $60.
Why We Picked It
- Excellent mic: owners describe it as clear, with several noise-cancelling options in Corsair's software.
- Spatial audio: 50mm drivers with Dolby Atmos on PC and Tempest 3D audio on PS5, plus SonarWorks SoundID tuning. One owner who is a bit hard of hearing now hears in-game details they never noticed before.
- Sturdier build: a reviewer whose older Corsair headset cracked at the headband points out that the HS65's joints are reinforced with metal.
Who It's For
- Voice chat and work calls: anyone who needs to be heard clearly.
- Multi-platform players: Corsair lists PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and mobile.
Who It's Not For
- People who want a mute button: you mute by flipping the mic up.
- Tinkerers on a budget: a 3-star reviewer was unhappy that fine-tuning the sound required a paid subscription, and one owner found the ear pads thinner than on the older HS60.
Specs & Configurations
- Connection
- wired (3.5mm, USB adapter)
- Drivers
- 50mm neodymium
- Mic
- omnidirectional, flip-to-mute
- Audio
- Dolby Atmos on PC, Tempest 3D on PS5
- Weight
- 282 g
6
Most Proven
HyperX Cloud II
Bottom line: A classic wired headset with the longest track record on our list and owners reporting years of use.
Pros- The longest track record of any headset on this list
- Owners report using theirs for 3, 6 and even 10 years
- Aluminum frame and swappable ear pads
Cons- 7.1 surround works on PC and Mac only (stereo on consoles)
- One owner's hinge housing broke after three years of daily on-and-off use
Check Price on Amazon
The HyperX Cloud II has been around for years, and that's exactly why it's here. It remains one of the most-reviewed gaming headsets on Amazon, and one owner bought theirs almost 10 years ago and says it still works perfectly.
Why We Picked It
- Proven durability: owners report 3, 6 and even 10 years of use, helped by a sturdy aluminum frame.
- Certified mic: a detachable mic certified for Discord and TeamSpeak.
- Surround on PC: the included USB sound card adds hardware 7.1 virtual surround on PC and Mac.
Who It's For
- Buyers who want a safe bet: a headset with years of owner feedback behind it.
- PC players: who want 7.1 surround through the USB sound card. One owner got better sound by using the motherboard's rear USB ports.
Who It's Not For
- Console players who want surround: consoles and phones get stereo through the 3.5mm plug.
- Heavy daily on-and-off users: one owner's plastic hinge housing broke after three years, and another's headband material flaked after about four.
Specs & Configurations
- Connection
- wired (3.5mm, USB sound card)
- Drivers
- 53mm
- Weight
- 320 g (listed)
- Mic
- detachable, noise-cancelling, Discord and TeamSpeak certified
- Surround
- hardware 7.1 on PC and Mac
- Warranty
- 2 years
7
Best Retractable Mic
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P
Bottom line: A clean-looking wired headset with a mic that slides fully into the earcup.
Pros- Mic slides fully into the earcup when you're not using it
- Rotating, height-adjustable earcups and a stretchy band
- One owner says it sits comfortably with glasses
Cons- Only a 1-year warranty
- A few owners report one ear or the connection failing within months
Check Price on Amazon
The Arctis Nova 1P is a good fit if you want a clean-looking headset with no mic sticking out. Owners praise the comfort for long sessions, the clear sound for hearing footsteps, and the long cable, and one says it beat more expensive SteelSeries headsets they'd owned.
Why We Picked It
- Retractable mic: SteelSeries' ClearCast Gen 2 mic is rated to cut background noise by up to 25dB and slides into the earcup.
- Adjustable fit: rotating, height-adjustable earcups and a stretchy band. One owner says it sits nicely with glasses.
- Works everywhere: the 3.5mm plug works with PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC and phones, with Tempest 3D audio on PS5.
Who It's For
- Glasses wearers: who struggle with tight headsets.
- People who want a tidy look: on camera or out and about.
Who It's Not For
- Anyone who prioritizes durability: it drew the most reliability complaints of any headset on our list. One family's pair started cutting out after two and a half months, and another owner had the right ear stop working within a year.
- Buyers who want a long warranty: it only has a 1-year warranty.
Specs & Configurations
- Connection
- wired (3.5mm)
- Mic
- ClearCast Gen 2, retracts into the earcup
- Audio
- 360° spatial audio, Tempest 3D on PS5
- Weight
- 280 g (listed)
- Warranty
- 1 year
8
Best Cheap Lightweight
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core
Bottom line: A simple, light and cheap HyperX headset that's ideal for kids or as a backup.
Pros- Light at 275 g with HyperX memory foam
- Swivel-to-mute mic and a volume control on the earcup
- Includes a 2-year DTS Headphone:X spatial audio code
Cons- One owner says the mic sounds tinny
- Feels plasticky, and one owner with a large head needed full extension
Check Price on Amazon
The Cloud Stinger 2 Core is a simple, cheap headset from a brand known for comfort. Owners say it gets loud with punchy bass, and one reviewer regrets ever giving theirs away after every replacement broke or sounded worse.
Why We Picked It
- Light and comfortable: 275 g with HyperX memory foam and a solid steel slider.
- Easy controls: a swivel-to-mute mic and a volume control on the earcup.
- Bonus spatial audio: a code for two years of DTS Headphone:X on PC.
Who It's For
- Kids and casual players: it works with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and phones over 3.5mm.
- Anyone who needs a spare: it's one of the cheapest picks here.
Who It's Not For
- Streamers and frequent voice chatters: one 3-star reviewer who streams called the mic tinny. Consider the Corsair HS65 or HyperX Cloud III instead.
- People with very large heads: one owner says it fits, but only at the maximum setting. Another describes the build as a bit plasticky.
Specs & Configurations
- Connection
- wired (3.5mm, PC extension cable included)
- Drivers
- 40mm
- Mic
- swivel-to-mute
- Extras
- 2-year DTS Headphone:X code
- Weight
- 275 g
Best Gaming Headsets Under $100 Compared
| Headset |
Connection |
Weight |
Drivers |
Battery |
Mic |
| HyperX Cloud III |
Wired (USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm) |
308 g |
53mm |
– |
Detachable, noise-cancelling |
| Razer BlackShark V2 X |
Wired (3.5mm) |
240 g |
50mm |
– |
Cardioid |
| Razer Barracuda X |
2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm |
250 g |
40mm |
Up to 50 hrs |
Detachable cardioid |
| Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed |
2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB |
280 g |
50mm |
Up to 70 hrs |
Super Wideband |
| Corsair HS65 Surround |
Wired (3.5mm, USB) |
282 g |
50mm |
– |
Omnidirectional, flip-to-mute |
| HyperX Cloud II |
Wired (3.5mm, USB) |
320 g |
53mm |
– |
Detachable, noise-cancelling |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P |
Wired (3.5mm) |
280 g |
Not listed |
– |
Retractable, noise-cancelling |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core |
Wired (3.5mm) |
275 g |
40mm |
– |
Swivel-to-mute |
Weights, drivers, battery life and mic types are taken from each product’s listing.
This is where many budget headsets trip people up, so check this table before you buy.
| Headset |
PC |
PS5 |
Xbox |
Switch |
Phone |
| HyperX Cloud III |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Not listed |
Yes |
| Razer BlackShark V2 X |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (Xbox One stereo adapter may be required) |
Yes |
Not listed |
| Razer Barracuda X |
Yes |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Not listed |
Yes (Bluetooth) |
| Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes (Bluetooth) |
| Corsair HS65 Surround |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| HyperX Cloud II |
Yes (7.1) |
Not listed (PS4: stereo) |
Stereo (Xbox One listed) |
Stereo |
Yes |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Compatibility is based on each manufacturer’s Amazon listing. “Not listed” means the listing doesn’t mention that platform, not that it definitely won’t work.
Common Problems Owners Report
Specs only tell part of the story. These are the issues that came up in the owner reviews we read, so you know what to watch for:
- Durability on cheaper models: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P had the most reports of failures within the first year. The HyperX models had the most reports of lasting for years.
- Software needed for full features: the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed sounds best with Razer Synapse, the Corsair HS65’s best tuning needs Corsair’s software, and 7.1 surround on the BlackShark V2 X is Windows-only (PC and Mac on the Cloud II).
- Warm ears: leatherette and memory foam cushions, like on the Cloud III, can get warm during long sessions.
- Wireless connection issues: a small number of HyperSpeed owners had trouble with the dongle connecting. Buy from a seller with easy returns.
- Mic quality varies a lot: owners praised the HS65, Cloud III and HyperSpeed mics most, while the Cloud Stinger 2 Core drew complaints.
How to Choose a Gaming Headset Under $100
Wired or wireless?
Wired headsets never need charging, and on this list they are also the cheapest picks. Wireless headsets like the Barracuda X and BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed are worth it if you play from the couch, get up often, or want one headset for both gaming and your phone.
Check platform support first
A 3.5mm plug works with almost everything, including PS5, Xbox and Switch controllers. Wireless dongles are a different story: the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, for example, doesn’t work with Xbox at all. Use the compatibility table above before you buy.
The mic matters more than you think
If you play with friends or in competitive matches, your teammates hear your mic far more than you notice your headphones. Look for a cardioid or noise-cancelling mic, and a quick way to mute, like a button, an LED or a flip-to-mute boom.
Comfort and weight
Every headset on this list weighs around 240 to 320 grams. Lighter is usually better for long sessions, but clamping force and cushion material matter too. If you wear glasses or have a larger head, read the owner notes in each pick above.
Do you need surround sound?
Virtual 7.1 and spatial audio can help you locate footsteps in shooters. On the headsets in this list, surround modes work on PC (and Mac for the Cloud II), while some models support Sony’s Tempest 3D audio on PS5. Treat them as a bonus, not the main reason to buy.
FAQ
What is the best gaming headset under $100?
For most people, the HyperX Cloud III is the best gaming headset under $100. It works on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and phones thanks to USB-C, USB-A and 3.5mm connections, and owners consistently praise its comfort, mic and durability.
What is the best wireless gaming headset under $100?
The Razer Barracuda X is our top wireless pick because it switches between a 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth, lasts up to 50 hours and weighs just 250 g. PC players who don’t need Xbox support should also consider the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed for its 70-hour battery and better mic.
Is a $50 gaming headset good enough?
Yes. The Razer BlackShark V2 X, Corsair HS65 Surround, HyperX Cloud II and Cloud Stinger 2 Core all cost under $50 at the time of writing, and owners are mostly happy with each of them. Spending more mainly gets you wireless, longer warranties or better mics.
Do these headsets work with PS5 and Xbox?
Most of them list PS5 and Xbox support, usually through the 3.5mm jack on your controller. The big exception is the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, which Razer says is not compatible with Xbox consoles. See our platform table above for every pick.
Are gaming headset mics good enough for Discord?
Most are. The HyperX Cloud II’s mic is even Discord certified, and owners specifically praise the mics on the Corsair HS65, HyperX Cloud III and BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed. If you stream, consider a separate USB mic instead.
Final Verdict: Which Gaming Headset Should You Buy?
All eight picks are among the best gaming headsets under $100, so the right one depends on how and where you play. For most people, the HyperX Cloud III is the best all-around choice thanks to its comfort, clear mic and USB-C, USB-A and 3.5mm connections. On a tight budget, the Razer BlackShark V2 X is light, comfortable and hugely popular. If you want to cut the cord, the Razer Barracuda X is the most versatile wireless option. And if you’re also shopping for a gamepad, check out our guide to the best PC controllers.
