Best Gaming Headsets under $50 in 2021 – Top 10 Budget Headsets Reviewed

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It’s easy to forget that great quality headsets exist out there without the need to lay bare your wallet. Especially with technology evolving so quickly, you can still get solid sound quality without looking at the priciest options.

If you’re a casual gamer on a budget, get excited because we’ve put together a list of headsets you’ll be satisfied with, without having to sacrifice much in terms of quality audio or even design and comfort. Let’s stroll through our list of the best gaming headsets under $50 in 2021 in order of best to, “still pretty okay.”


1. HyperX Cloud Stinger

Frequency Response: 18 – 23.000Hz | Impedance: 30 Ohms | Connection Type: 3.5mm plug (4 pole) + extension cable – 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs | Weight: 275g

HyperX Cloud StingerREASONS TO BUY

  • Good Audio Quality
  • Comfortable
  • Great Flip up/down Mic
  • Excellent Value
  • Looks Good

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Mediocre Build Quality
  • No Surround Sound

Our Rating:   9.6/10

Starting right off with my favorite headsets you can get for less than $50. The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a pretty good looking set. Yes, the plastic band does feel a bit on the cheap side, but overall they maintain enough of a smooth finish to make you look good during a firefight.

The band sports the HyperX logo while each earpiece shows off a nice red HX. One of its strongest features? Their noise cancelling boom mic knocks it out of the park. Your voice will sound crisp and clear so you won’t have to shout commands at your teammates through a hiss of extra noise.

The mic itself switches up and down to mute, but does not bend to adjust to your face which could be a negative if you prefer a bendable mic. However, the quick up and down flip makes it very easy to mute yourself before you say anything too nasty…

This set is wired and comes with a 3.5mm jack as well as an extension cord so you’re free to connect to a controller or into your PC. They offer on-set controls, which you’ll find a convenient addition when you’re in the heat of a game and desperately need to adjust the volume.

The sound quality is stereo, versus virtual surround sound, but even so, the audio holds up pretty well for their price point and may be preferable for some gamers who don’t trust the “virtual” surround space created by headsets.

Again, if you’re an audiophile, maybe just start saving up your money now for a headset you won’t scoff at. I wish I could say this set is hands down perfect for the price. They are unfortunately not the most durable product. As I mentioned, it does have that plastic feel which leads me to doubt how long they could last.

Are they comfortable? Moderately. They are a heftier size, so if you’re looking for a subtle set – this isn’t for you. Despite their larger size, they still remain lightweight and comfortable enough for longer gaming sessions. Their steel sliders adjust to fit your head size and rotating ear cuffs also rest nicely on your neck when you need a break (but remember, these are not wireless, so don’t just get up and leave, they will demand you stay).

This is a great headset for its price point without sacrificing too much on audio quality or comfort. In fact, what you’ll get out of these is a great looking product with an unusually good mic for this price range. So if you’re particularly into multiplayer games that require a lot of communication, look no further than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. It’s got you covered.

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2. SteelSeries Arctis 1

Frequency Response: 20 – 20.000Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Connection Type: 3.5mm | Weight: 272g

SteelSeries Arctis 1REASONS TO BUY

  • Decent Audio Quality
  • Detachable Mic
  • Simple, Stylish Design
  • Great Value For the Price

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Mediocre Build Quality
  • Average Mic

Our Rating:   9.5/10

If you’re not quite feeling the HyperX and you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, you should be nearly as satisfied with the SteelSeries Arctis 1.

SteelSeries is known for creating some powerful headsets for audiophiles, so in terms of brand recognition, the SteelSeries has the win. While they can create headsets with great audio (thinking of the SteelSeries Arctic Pro which sells for about $330), this particular set is a step below the HyperX in terms of quality, though not altogether bad.

Where the Arctis 1 might suit your fancy more than the HyperX is the convenience of their mic and headset design. The mic is detachable, so you don’t have to use the set specifically for gaming. They are compatible with both PC and consoles using a 3.5mm jack so you won’t have to sacrifice how you use the headset.

Design-wise, the Arctis 1 is more subdued than the HyperX. Simpler, but still stylish and smaller overall than the HyperX. More comfortable? Sadly, no. They are slightly less plush and wearable than the HyperX, but if you’re not looking for a large set and don’t often game for eight hours at a time, then this is the set for you.

I personally like being able to detach the mic and be able to wear the headset out, listening to music and ignoring the natural sounds of the outside world and its people.

Durability is about at the same level as the HyperX. Not particularly promising with its plastic headband and material which seems like it’ll show wear over a short amount of time. The headband adjusts to the size of the head and the earpieces do provide that convenient swivel to wear them around your neck. It offers onset controls like the HyperX.

But do they beat the HyperX in any way? Honestly, only in size and ability to detach the microphone. Otherwise, the mic quality does not stand up to that of the HyperX and neither does the audio quality nor the comfort. I would say, go with the HyperX unless you really hate larger headsets and need a detachable mic over a higher quality mic.

If it’s down to the price, with a cost of just below $50 you aren’t saving anything in terms of springing for the Arctis 1 versus the HyperX. However, this is still a decent headset that’s solid, and should give you a great gaming experience for what you’re spending.

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3. Razer Kraken X

Frequency Response: 12 – 28.000Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Connection Type: 3.5mm | Weight: 250g

Razer Kraken X UltralightREASONS TO BUY

  • Noise Cancelling Mic
  • Lightweight Design
  • Quality Mic
  • Comfortable

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Mediocre Build Quality
  • Sub-par Audio Quality

Our Rating:   9.4/10

I’m altogether pleased with our third place contender, the Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset. Right off the bat, this is a larger set than the Arctis 1 but not in a way that makes them look silly or over the top.

The HyperX is arguably better looking, but the Kraken X doesn’t have to try too hard to compete. The earpieces are more round, but their design isn’t too garish. And despite their size, they are true to their name – lightweight. They stay pretty comfortable for long wear as well.

They offer in-set controls and the headset itself adjusts to your head shape, with a bendable cardioid, noise cancelling mic which, while not detachable, is flexible enough to fit to your liking. And yes, this headset is also wired. (Bluetooth is still fancy enough that the tech will cost you extra for the convenience of not having to feel tied down to your gaming platform).

And now to the negatives. They are 7.1 virtual surround sound. Why is this a negative, you ask? Hold on, I’m getting to it. Yes, they do offer virtual surround sound, but the quality is lacking and sets them below the competition.

Additionally, they don’t offer the best noise isolation so you won’t be able to immerse yourself quite as much as you might like. The microphone quality is pretty great however, which keeps them higher on my list. Would I sacrifice audio quality for a good mic? Not necessarily. But for the price range, you have to expect to give up something.

Just like the others, you don’t have to give up what platform you use these with as they come with 3.5mm jacks and work with your PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, mobile phone etc. The microphone is not detachable, so you would look slightly odd wearing them on a subway.

Overall, while these offer a nice microphone with a design that’s tame for Razer’s usual products, the audio quality and durability is lacking. The material isn’t great and their larger size could be too much for some gamers to enjoy. Personally, I like something slightly smaller and less bulky when I game, but these could be ideal if you’re particularly into multiplayer games and like the style of the Razer brand.

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4. EKSA E900

Frequency Response: 20 – 20.000Hz | Impedance: 16 Ohms | Connection Type: USB / 3.5mm | Weight: 250g

EKSA E900REASONS TO BUY

  • Attractive Aesthetics
  • Good Audio Quality
  • Support Surround Sound
  • Detachable, Noise Cancelling Mic
  • Portable Size

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Feels Cheap
  • Surround Sound Only Via USB

Our Rating:   9.3/10

Rivaling the Razer Kraken X is the pretty impressive looking EKSA E900 Gaming Headset. This headset offers both stereo and surround sound which offers fairly decent audio quality. The mic itself is detachable, which is a plus for anyone who doesn’t always play multiplayer games.

As for the mic itself, unfortunately, even though it is noise cancelling, you really only want to use this headset when playing in a quiet room, otherwise your teammates will hear the goings on in your home.

The controls for the mic are also located on the cable itself, which for me is a big drawback. This style tends to be a bit flimsier and when you’re in the middle of a firefight, the last thing you want is to start grabbing around wildly for volume or mute controls.

All in all, the quality offered by the E900 is solid for being under $45. The headset is also compatible with PCs and current gaming consoles. The added USB cable is a convenient bonus to the standard 3.5mm jack, if you’re plugging into a PC that prefers USB versus audio jacks.

It’s also exciting to have a headset that promises both stereo and surround sound, because as a gamer, it’s likely you have your preference for how you hear your world. Surround sound doesn’t always automatically mean better, but having the option to choose is pretty nice.

The E900 looks pretty good from a distance. Mostly black with some red accenting, a subtle mic and smaller earpieces sporting LED lights. The lights are a nice addition and not too overpowering. They glow when you plug in the headset using the USB cable so you don’t have to be a Lite Brite all the time.

The band on the E900 also neatly and subtly shows off the EKSA logo. Despite it looking pretty nice, the durability is questionable. When you have this set in your hands, the price point can be felt. They likely won’t last you forever, which lowers them somewhat on my list. That, coupled with the fact that the material making up the earpieces does lead to the dreaded “sweaty ears,” makes me understand why the price doesn’t hit $50.

Even with the negatives, however, if you’re a casual gamer who doesn’t plan to wear out their headset within a week, you should be fairly pleased with the E900, especially with their detachable mic, nice design, smaller, more portable size and your option to play with stereo or virtual surround sound audio.

Of course, keep in mind that the surround sound is only available if you’re plugging in with the USB cable, so if you’re planning to plug the 3.5mm jack into your PS4 and hear gunshots from all distances, you’ll be a bit disappointed to just be listening to your run of the mill, stereo gunshots… sorry.

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5. OneOdio A71

Frequency Response: 20 – 20.000Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Connection Type: 3.5mm / 6.3mm | Weight: 280g

OneOdio A71REASONS TO BUY

  • Solid Audio Quality
  • Great Noise Cancelling Boom Mic
  • Light and Comfortable Design
  • Good Value For the Price

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Boring Design
  • Surface Prone to Wear and Tear

Our Rating:   9.3/10

If a more subtle design is what you seek, try on a pair of OneOdio A71 Over Ear Headsets with Boom Mic. This stereo headset delivers perfectly solid sound for both gaming and listening to music. The quality is just that – solid.

The microphone follows suit as a perfectly adequate, omnidirectional, noise canceling boom mic. The plus? It’s detachable. This, paired with the fact that the design gives this set more of a headphone-look, you can easily wear them out and about by simply disconnecting the mic.

Unfortunately, the mic itself is not flexible so you won’t be able to adjust it to neatly fit your face. Another plus comes in the box. You get both the 3.5mm jack as well as a 6.35mm and 3.5mm splitter. Truly making this little set pretty versatile if that’s what you’re after. If you’re not looking for a headset purely to game, this could be a good option for you.

The design on the A71 is very understated and somewhat small. They stay light and comfortable throughout wear which is great, but the metal strips for adjusting the headband are somewhat tricky to adjust. They sadly do not offer the most incredible audio quality – the higher the pitch, the more the headset begins to fail to keep up.

Still, this set is fair enough for being under $50. The actual surface of the headset isn’t made with the strongest material and is pretty prone to showing minor wear and tear. If you’re rough with your tech, this headset will definitely show it.

Overall, while not the most impressive headset, the A71 does offer flexibility in terms of how you’re able to use this set, especially if you’re not buying them strictly for gaming. The design is understated, which can be a plus if you’re not particularly interested in having an oversized gaming headset.

However, this might also mean they’re a bit boring to look at. Definitely not quite as fun to look at as the HyperX or as gamer-oriented as the Kraken. But with their small, easily portable body and fair price point, there just might be something for you to love about the OneOdio A71.

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6. RUNMUS Gaming Headset

Frequency Response: 20 – 20.000Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Connection Type: 3.5mm | Weight: 340g

Runmus Gaming HeadsetREASONS TO BUY

  • Game Oriented, Aggressive Design
  • 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
  • Decent Value For the Money
  • Comfortable
  • Decent Mic

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Cheap Materials Used

Our Rating:   9.2/10

If you’re looking for a headset that screams, “Look at me, I’m about to game super hard!” then you’ve struck gold with the RUNMUS Gaming Headset.

This set is just below $50 while still offering fair 7.1 virtual surround sound. They are wired with a 3.5mm audio jack and a fairly long cable so you’re not sticking yourself to your monitor. The audio quality is a solid “ok,” with a bendable noise isolating, omnidirectional microphone that is actually pretty good.

The controls are located on the cable itself which I would find a bit bothersome because in the middle of a firefight, the last thing you want is to be swinging your cable around blindly searching for the volume or mute. They are also compatible with both PC and consoles including the Xbox One and PS4.

Additionally, the headset offers some pretty decent background noise cancellation thanks to the plastic encasing those earpieces.

Why weren’t these higher on my list? Let’s talk design. In my opinion, if you’re going for a “louder,” more aggressive design with LEDs and bulky shapes, it’s really only cool if the material you use is cool. Would this headset look awesome if it was made of firmer, stronger material? Absolutely. But that would also place them outside of our price range.

So when you mix aggressive design with flimsy looking plastic, you get a headset that can be mistaken for a Mattel toy. It just doesn’t scream durable or sexy to me. Would I feel silly showing these off to my friends? Unfortunately, yes. I’d feel even sillier if, while I wore these, I was also a mediocre gamer. Insult to injury.

So, even with a price point of under $40, the design gives me pause before making the purchase. But if you like it? Go for it. Especially if you’re looking to gift these to a younger gamer, they could be deemed a hit (you just have to demand to know if your young gamer is cool enough to wear them).

The design is really the only downside to this headset that knocked off points for me personally. The audio quality is decent, the mic is relatively good and the comfort is passable (although I have to reiterate, the absolute coolness of their design may metaphorically weigh you down).

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7. BENGOO G9000

Frequency Response: 15 – 20.000Hz | Impedance: N/A | Connection Type: 3.5mm | Weight: 272g

BENGOO G9000REASONS TO BUY

  • Solid Audio Quality
  • ‘Loud’ Design
  • Comfortable
  • Decent For the Price
  • Omnidirectional Mic

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Mediocre Build Quality
  • Poor Lighting

Our Rating:   9.0/10

After going off on the Runmus for its aesthetic, I have to admit, they are better looking than their competitor, the BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset. But let’s start with what the G9000 has to offer.

They are in fact stereo and if you’re not looking for high quality audio, this headset is decent enough to be used by casual gamers. You won’t be floored, but if you like your explosions loud and heavy on the bass, then boy are you in luck. This is your set.

The mic is omnidirectional and swivels up and down while the controls are unfortunately located on the cable, including the mute. This is again, not something I love because it isn’t always ready available when you need to adjust volume on the fly or desperately want to mute your mic. It also comes off feeling too flimsy.

That said, while they declare their noise isolating capabilities, the mic will unfortunately pick up the extraneous sounds around your game room. You have been warned. The G9000 are compatible with both PC and console gaming, but the mic is not detachable so you won’t be able to convert these to headphones for outside wear.

I won’t get on the G9000’s case too much for design, because they very clearly embrace how loud they are. That said, I do have to point out that the mic itself has “Gaming Headset” printed onto it in bold lettering in case you suddenly forget that they are, in fact, a gaming headset.

The earpieces are shaped like shields to defend your head, and sadly, the LED lights are blue and not up for debate. Like the RUNMUS, if this design deters you from buying, they could still be a great set for a younger gamer without getting them something too flimsy.

Their audio and mic quality is still solid enough to give them a great gaming experience while looking kid-cool. Additional points were deducted for how hot the earpieces can make your ears. The material is not very breathable and you would likely have to wipe the headset after strenuous hours of gaming.

The actual comfort is pretty modest and remains lightweight enough so you won’t fall victim to a headache while gaming.

Overall, this is a decent headset with a very loud design that doesn’t seem like it could stand the test of time. The audio quality was a nice surprise for a headset of this price point. If you’re all right with a mic that’s a little too sensitive to background noise and the overall design suits your fancy, then the BENGOO G9000 Gaming Headset offers a good option for the price point, especially for casual gamers seeking an entry-level gaming headset.

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8. Acer Predator Galea 300

Frequency Response: 20 – 20.000Hz | Impedance: 16 Ohms | Connection Type: 3.5mm | Weight: 362g

Acer Predator Galea 300REASONS TO BUY

  • Nice Aesthetics
  • Decent Audio Quality
  • good Value For the Price
  • Good For Large-headed Gamers

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Not Adjustable
  • Audio Controls Are Out of Reach

Our Rating:   8.9/10

Let’s kick off this review as bluntly as possible. If you have a giant head, then the Acer Predator Galea 300 White Gaming Headset should shoot up to the top of your list. If not, then this is definitely not the headset for you.

Starting right off the bat with comfort – the Galea 300 is not adjustable. It either fits your colossal noggin, or it’s too big and will fly around your head as you’re playing. If they do fit, they certainly are comfortable. The headband is two pieces – the band itself as well as a metal band piece above it acting as a spring tension for added comfort.

The earpieces are also gigantic and will likely envelope your ears. This is a pretty obvious dealbreaker, so even before getting into the audio quality, this should help you decide whether or not this set is for you. If you are looking for a larger set, then it should be mentioned that the Galea 300 is pretty comfortable to wear.

The earpieces are leather and the headband is a comfortable fit. The Galea 300 has a 3.5mm jack and will work with your PC and gaming consoles providing fairly strong audio. The audio controls are also located on the cable and aren’t very comfortable to reach when you need it.

The mic doesn’t come off but it is retractable which is nice. In general, I wouldn’t recommend this headset if you’re planning on wearing them outside of the home. They’re just too large and will likely make you stand out too much in a crowd.

This headset is a pretty good choice if you have a larger head (or constantly wear a hat under your headset). Otherwise, the audio and mic quality doesn’t surpass the above headsets enough to make up for their larger build. As for their design, the white color will most likely get dirty and fade pretty quickly, especially with constant use and the beige earpieces aren’t the sleekest color to wear while gaming.

The final downside is that this headset does require one AA battery. That in and of itself would make these a no for me, but if additional batteries aren’t a downside (and you’re more of a casual gamer) and you have a particularly oversized head, then this headset might be the choice for you!

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9. Turtle Beach Recon Spark Universal

Frequency Response: 20 – 20.000Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Connection Type: 3.5mm / PC Splitter | Weight: 480g

Turtle Beach Recon Spark UniversalREASONS TO BUY

  • Comfortable
  • Good Aesthetics
  • Flip to Mute Mic
  • Durable
  • Ear-on Controls
  • Solid Mic

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Poor Audio Quality

Our Rating:   8.8/10

If you’re searching for a headset that doesn’t promise great audio but has a certain “kawaii” look and comfortable wear, then you’ve got your match in the Turtle Beach Recon Spark Universal Gaming Headset.

Other than their appearance and wearability, the Recon Spark unfortunately doesn’t have too much more to offer. They are compatible with both PC and gaming consoles, with their 3.5mm jack and have a flip to mute mic that is not detachable. The on-ear controls are handy, but you’ll need to have your hand on them often because of how quiet the headset tends to be.

The audio quality is quite tinny as well. This is a huge shame because if you like the design, you’d have the full package as well as one of the most comfortable headsets. The mic is solid, however, providing crisp, clear vocals, which is a nice save. If you’re not an audiophile, you might find promise in this headset, because it really does hit the nail on the head in all of its other features.

The design is definitely on the “cute” side and if you’re deterred by that but still want a Turtle Beach branded headset, you’re in luck – there are other sets to shoot from. The Recon Spark Universal Gaming Headset is all white with pastel lavender accents and a somewhat aerodynamic shape.

The headband is reinforced with a metal interior to adjust to fit your head and offer a little extra durability. It does feel a bit “plasticy” but it doesn’t feel terribly flimsy in your hands, which was a pleasant surprise. The mic is not flexible, but easy to flip up for muting.

I’m also happy knowing that I don’t have to search for mic controls on any cables. It really is too bad that the sound quality isn’t better, because the comfort that this headset provides is really great – easily wearable for hours of gaming.

Can you wear them outdoors? Please don’t. But can you nap in them? Maybe. The earpieces are a soft synthetic leather over memory foam and even wearing glasses shouldn’t take away from the overall comfort. You would be able to play for hours without getting a headache.

The set is also built well enough that they’ll stay on your head no matter how “excitedly” you like to game. So if you don’t really care about having magnificent sound, still want a clear mic and value design and comfort above all else, this is certainly the headset for you. As one of my favorite product reviews of all time proudly evaluates alongside a solid 4 out of 5 stars, “Is it good i do not have alot of money,” I’d say typos aside, they hit the nail on the head better than I ever could.

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10. Cougar Immersa Ti

Frequency Response: 20 – 20.000Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Connection Type: 3.5mm | Weight: 387g

Cougar Immersa TiREASONS TO BUY

  • Comfortable and Lightweight
  • Solid Audio Quality
  • Noise Cancelling Mic
  • Solid Headset Overall
  • Good Sound Isolation

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Feels a Bit Cheap
  • Boring Design

Our Rating:   8.6/10

And last but certainly not least, comes a headset that is generally pretty decent for being below $50, but doesn’t really wow in any specific area.

The Cougar Immersa Ti Gaming Headset is bulky looking but fairly comfortable to wear and lightweight despite its appearance. Offering 3.5mm audio jack to connect with your PC or console games, the audio itself is all right. Not overly impressive, but not necessarily bad.

The bass tends to be a bit overemphasized with some narrow highs, but again, it’s not altogether terrible for the price range you’re looking at. The mic is not detachable nor is it particularly noise canceling but it does retract which is convenient and offers passable vocal quality. The mic is also flexible to easily adjust to your preferences.

The design is a bit lacking. I’m not the biggest fan of the color scheme – all black with orange accents reminds me of a cheap Halloween toy, and the headset pretty much has that cheap feel overall. The earpieces are oversized which on the one hand, makes them comfortable to wear, but on the other hand, are so large that they create a moist climate in your ears while wearing. Be sure to keep some cleaning wipes next to your gaming setup.

Each earpiece sports the brand logo which does look pretty cool and isn’t too garish. The head band itself is a fake leather with additional orange bands helping to create tension and allow you to adjust the headset to your ideal head shape. While this does help make them comfortable, the orange bands do look cheap both in color and feel.

The controls for the mic are also located on the cable and seem flimsily constructed. Again, I would prioritize headsets that offer on-ear controls. Overall, the Cougar Immersa Ti made the very bottom of the list because yes, they are below $50 and passable, but they don’t really offer any feature that wow.

Every aspect to them is just solidly decent and there are more headset options out there for the cost that have at least one impressive aspect to them. But if “fine” is what you’re after, then the Cougar Immersa Ti will pleasantly suit you.

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What Makes a Great Budget Headset: A Buyer’s Guide

When you’re on the hunt for a great headset while being mindful of your budget or simply buying your time until you can purchase the headset to end all headsets, your winner is the HyperX Cloud Stinger. But what if you want to venture out on your own and decide on a different headset?

There are a number of important things to remember before you go on your audio adventure. One of the most important aspects to remember is knowing what to expect. These headsets are all coming in at under $50, so if you’re expecting audio or mic quality that stands up to elite, competitive gaming, you’re definitely in the wrong place.

That being said, the tech is getting to the point where you can still get good, decent sound at a fair enough price that you don’t have to sacrifice quality altogether. There are strong competitors coming in at a nice price that will happily tide you over until the time comes to buy the ultimate set.

Knowing what your priorities are is another important point to keep in mind. Some headsets might not be the best to look at, but if you really can’t give up good audio, that’s just the direction you’ll have to go. While others offer fair quality but look too good to resist.

Get to know the tech you’re about to get. Bluetooth, wireless headsets will automatically increase the cost. If you do manage to find a wireless headset for under $50, I’d strongly recommend staying away – it really can’t be that good if it’s wireless and under $50.

The same goes for virtual surround sound. Just because a headset offers 7.1 surround sound, doesn’t mean the audio is going to be magnificent. You have to understand the tech behind surround sound. There’s a reason it’s virtual. 7.1 surround sound means there are 7 speakers and 1 amp.

Unless your headset is the size of an entire room, this literal surround sound isn’t possible. Hence the word virtual. Some headsets manage to offer some pretty decent sound, but you may still prefer stereo.

Elite, competitive gamers prefer stereo headsets because virtual surround sound isn’t reliable enough while playing games that require you truly be aware of your surroundings as accurately as possible. Because of this, when looking for your ideal budget headset, don’t write off stereo headsets right off the bat!

A final important note to remember is – what are you gaming on? Does your headset need to be compatible with PCs or the original Xbox One? Remember, while you’re pretty safe with a 3.5mm jack for most gaming setups, the original Xbox One controller will require an adaptor (silly Microsoft, what were you thinking).

Best Gaming Headset Under $50

The final takeaway I’ll leave you with is, if you’re after a headset that looks good, has adequate comfort, solid audio and mic quality, then the HyperX Cloud Stinger should be your top choice. You won’t have to sacrifice too much in any direction with this set and they should tide you over until you’re ready for an incredible, long lasting set. While they are stereo, they know what they’re doing and you won’t be disappointed with the quality you get out of this bargain buy.

About Richard Gamin 201 Articles
My name's Richard and over the years, I have personally built many PCs for myself and my friends. I love gaming, programming, graphics designing and basically anything that has to do with computers and technology. If you ever need a hand with anything, feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to help you out.

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