15 Best Gaming Headsets Under $50 For Perfect Gaming Experience
You don’t need to spend $150 to get a good gaming headset. I’ve tested headsets at every price point over the years, and some of the best value sits right around the $30 to $50 mark. The sound won’t match a $300 pair of Sennheisers, but for competitive gaming, voice chat, and long sessions, you can get surprisingly close.
I own an Xbox Series S and a gaming PC, so I’ve gone through this exact buying process myself. I shortlisted a bunch of headsets, tested the ones in my budget, and found that brands like HyperX, Razer, EKSA, and Logitech consistently punch above their weight in this price range. The models I’m recommending here are the ones I’d actually buy with my own money.
Budget gaming headsets have gotten much better in 2026 than they were even two or three years ago. Competition between manufacturers has pushed quality up and prices down. You’re getting 7.1 surround sound, detachable mics, and memory foam ear cushions at prices that would’ve been unthinkable a few years back.
What to Expect from a $50 Gaming Headset
I’ll be honest with you. A $50 headset won’t give you audiophile-grade sound. But that’s not what you need for gaming. What you need is accurate positional audio so you can hear footsteps coming from behind you in Warzone, a decent mic so your squad can actually understand you, and enough comfort to wear them for 3 to 4 hours without your ears feeling like they’re on fire.
At this price, you’re looking at wired connections (which is actually better for latency), plastic builds with some metal reinforcement on the better models, and 50mm drivers that deliver solid bass without muddying the mids. Some headsets in this range even offer virtual 7.1 surround sound through software, which is a nice bonus for FPS games.
Best Gaming Headsets Under $50 in 2026
These are the headsets I’d recommend after spending weeks going through reviews, specs, and actual user feedback. I’ve organized them by what they do best so you can pick the one that fits your setup.
HyperX Cloud Stinger
If I could only recommend one headset under $50, it’s the HyperX Cloud Stinger. It costs around $30 to $40 depending on sales, and the sound quality puts plenty of $80 headsets to shame. The 50mm directional drivers are tuned specifically for gaming, so you get clear audio separation between gunfire, footsteps, and voice chat.
The swivel-to-mute mic is a smart design choice. You flip the mic up and it mutes automatically. No fumbling for buttons mid-game. The steel slider headband is adjustable and sturdy. At 275 grams, it’s one of the lightest headsets in this category. I’ve worn it for 4-hour gaming sessions without any discomfort. It works with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Razer Kraken X
Razer doesn’t usually play in the budget segment, but the Kraken X at around $30 is their best affordable option. You get 7.1 surround sound (software-enabled on PC), custom-tuned 40mm drivers, and Razer’s signature green look if you’re into that aesthetic. It weighs just 250 grams, making it the lightest headset on this list.
The bendable cardioid mic does a decent job rejecting background noise. I wouldn’t use it for streaming or podcasting, but for in-game comms, it works fine. The ear cushions are soft with gel infusion, which helps with heat buildup during long sessions. One thing to note: the surround sound only works on PC through Razer’s Synapse software. On console, you’ll get stereo audio.
EKSA E900 Pro
EKSA isn’t a household name, but the E900 Pro at around $35 has built a strong following among budget gamers. The standout feature is real 7.1 surround sound with a USB sound card included in the box. You don’t need to rely on software processing. The 50mm drivers produce punchy bass and clear mids, and the detachable noise-cancelling mic is a thoughtful touch.
The memory foam ear cushions with breathable protein leather kept my ears comfortable even in summer. Build quality is better than expected at this price, with a metal headband frame hidden under the padding. It’s compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox (with the included 3.5mm adapter). If you want surround sound without spending $80+, this is your best bet.
Logitech G432
Logitech has been making gaming peripherals for decades, and the G432 at around $40 to $50 reflects that experience. You get DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound, which is a step above most virtual surround implementations. The 50mm audio drivers deliver a wide soundstage that makes it easier to pinpoint enemy positions in games like Valorant and Apex Legends.
The flip-to-mute boom mic is solid, and Logitech’s G Hub software lets you fine-tune the EQ if you’re particular about your sound profile. The leatherette ear pads are comfortable but can get warm after a couple hours. I’d recommend this one specifically for PC gamers who want to tweak their audio settings. It also works with PS4, Xbox, and Switch via the 3.5mm cable.
Corsair HS35
At around $25 to $35, the Corsair HS35 is the cheapest headset on this list that I’d still recommend without hesitation. The sound quality won’t blow you away, but it’s clean and well-balanced for the price. Custom-tuned 50mm neodymium drivers give you enough bass for explosions and enough treble for voice clarity.
The detachable unidirectional mic is a feature you rarely see under $30. Memory foam ear cups with plush fabric keep things comfortable. The build is all plastic, which means it’s light (250 grams) but you’ll want to be careful with it. It’s a great starter headset for someone who doesn’t want to spend much but still wants something better than the earbuds that came with their phone.
Senzer SG500
The Senzer SG500 is a dark horse pick at around $25. It punches way above its weight with 50mm drivers, a noise-isolating mic, and soft protein leather ear cushions. The surround sound is virtual (stereo with processing), but it does a respectable job creating spatial awareness in games. In-line controls let you adjust volume and mute without alt-tabbing.
I like this headset for console gamers specifically. It works out of the box with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and even mobile devices. No drivers to install, no software to configure. Plug in the 3.5mm jack and you’re playing. The LED lighting on the ear cups is a nice visual touch, though it only activates through the USB connection on PC.
Features to Look for Under $50
Before you pick a headset, here’s what actually matters at this price point. I’ve ranked these by importance based on what makes the biggest difference in your gaming experience.
Sound Quality and Positional Audio
Sound quality is the whole reason you’re buying a headset. At $50, look for 50mm drivers (bigger drivers generally mean better bass response) and some form of surround sound, even if it’s virtual. Positional audio matters a lot in competitive games. If you can’t hear which direction a sound is coming from, you’re at a real disadvantage in any FPS game. I’ve seen players improve their K/D ratio just by switching from cheap earbuds to a headset with decent spatial audio.
Microphone Quality
Communication wins games. If your team can’t hear your callouts because your mic sounds like it’s underwater, you’re hurting your squad. Look for headsets with noise-cancelling or unidirectional mics that pick up your voice and reject background noise. A flip-to-mute or detachable mic is a bonus. Most $50 headsets won’t have broadcast-quality mics, but they should be clear enough for Discord and in-game voice chat.
Comfort for Long Sessions
If a headset hurts after an hour, you won’t use it. Look for memory foam ear cushions, adjustable headbands, and lightweight builds (under 300 grams is ideal). Protein leather ear pads look nice but can get warm. Fabric or mesh-covered pads breathe better for marathon sessions. The clamping force matters too. Some headsets squeeze too tight, which causes headaches over time.
Build Quality and Durability
At this price range, most headsets use plastic frames. That’s fine as long as the hinge points and headband have some metal reinforcement. I’ve broken two budget headsets at the ear cup swivel point because the plastic was too thin. Check reviews specifically for durability complaints before buying. A headset that lasts 18 months is better value than one that breaks in 4.
Wired vs. Wireless Under $50
You’ll notice every headset on this list is wired. There’s a good reason for that. Wireless gaming headsets under $50 cut too many corners. You’ll get worse audio quality, higher latency (noticeable in fast-paced games), shorter battery life, and cheaper build materials. The wireless tax at this price range isn’t worth it.
Wired connections also mean zero audio latency, which matters in competitive gaming. You get consistent power delivery (no battery dying mid-match), and the sound quality is better because there’s no Bluetooth compression. If you want wireless, I’d recommend saving up to at least $70 to $80 where you start getting decent wireless options from brands like SteelSeries and Corsair.
Platform Compatibility
Most budget gaming headsets use a 3.5mm audio jack, which means they work with practically everything: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and even your phone. Some headsets include a USB adapter for PC that unlocks features like virtual surround sound or software EQ control.
If you game on multiple platforms, stick with a headset that uses 3.5mm as its primary connection. You’ll get the widest compatibility without needing adapters or worrying about driver support. For PC-only gamers, a USB headset can give you extra features, but you lose the ability to plug into a controller easily. Check our guides on the best external SSDs for PS5 and the best monitors for programmers if you’re upgrading your entire setup.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
Gaming headsets go on sale constantly on Amazon, especially during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school seasons. I’ve seen the HyperX Cloud Stinger drop to $20 during sales events, which is an absurd deal for what you get. Set up price alerts on CamelCamelCamel for the models you’re interested in.
Don’t ignore open-box or renewed options either. Amazon Renewed often has headsets from these brands at 30% to 40% off, and they come with a warranty. I’ve bought renewed peripherals before and they’ve been indistinguishable from new. If you’re also looking to upgrade the rest of your gaming and fitness setup on a budget, check out our picks for the best fitness trackers and smart devices.
My Top Pick
If you’re short on time and just want one recommendation: get the HyperX Cloud Stinger. It’s the best balance of sound quality, comfort, build quality, and price under $50. I’ve recommended it to friends, family, and readers for years, and nobody has come back disappointed. For $30 to $40, you’re getting a headset that performs like a $60 to $70 product.
If the Stinger is out of stock or you want surround sound, the EKSA E900 Pro is my runner-up. The included USB sound card for 7.1 surround at $35 is hard to beat. And for anyone on a really tight budget, the Corsair HS35 at $25 gets the job done without cutting critical corners.
Upgrade Your Full Gaming Setup
A headset is one piece of the puzzle. If you’re serious about gaming, your monitor and mouse matter just as much. I’ve seen people game on $2,000 rigs with $100 monitors, and it’s painful to watch.
The Dell 27″ QHD gaming monitor at $499 is my go-to recommendation for competitive play. QHD resolution hits the sweet spot between visual quality and frame rate. And for mice, the Logitech G502 SE at $55 has been my daily driver for years. For a full workstation setup, see my best monitors for programmers guide.
Dell S-Series 27-Inch Screen LED-Lit Gaming Monitor (S2719DGF); QHD (2560 x 1440) up to 155 Hz; 16:9; 1ms Response…
- Experience sharp, tear free graphics with a swift refresh rated to 155 hertz (overclocked) and AMD free sync for super smooth visuals
- Get blazing fast and responsive gameplay with minimum input lag at an extremely rapid 1ms response time. Pixel Pitch:0.2331 mm
- Enjoy vivid edge to edge game play and crisp QHD resolution. You'll get lost in the 3.68 million pixels almost two times more than full HD
- Brightness: 350 candela per square metre
- Note: The 27' measurement of a TV monitor is measured diagonally.
Logitech G502 SE Hero High Performance RGB Gaming Mouse with 11 Programmable Buttons
- High performance hero 16k sensor: Logitech most accurate sensor yet with upto 16,000 dpi for the ultimate in gaming speed, accuracy and responsiveness across entire dpi range
- 11 customizable buttons and onboard memory: Assign custom commands to the buttons and save Upto five ready to play profiles directly to the mouse
- Adjustable weight system: Arrange upto five removable 3.6 gram weights inside the mouse for personalized weight and balance tuning. Requirements – Windows 7 or later. macOS 10.11 or later. Chrome OS. USB port
- Programmable RGB lighting and lightsync technology: Customize lighting from nearly 16.8 million colors to match your team's colors, sport your own or sync colors with other Logitech G Gear
- Mechanical switch button tensioning: Metal spring tensioning system and pivot hinges are built into left and right gaming mouse buttons for a crisp, clean click feel with rapid click feedback
Razer Viper Mini Ultralight Gaming Mouse: Fastest Gaming Switches – 8500 DPI Optical Sensor – Chroma RGB Underglow…
- Lightest, Zero-Compromise Miniature Mouse: 10% Smaller Than the Viper and lighter at 61g, with a 8500 DPI optical sensor befitting the most serious gamers without the need for drilling holes in the chassis like competitor mice
- Faster Than Traditional Mechanical Switches: Razer optical mouse switches uses light beam-based actuation, registering button presses at the speed of light for absolute control
- Customizable Chroma RGB Color Profiles & Underglow: Includes 16.8 million color combinations w, included preset profiles
- 6 Programmable Buttons: Allows for reconfiguration and assignment of complex macro functions through Razer Synapse 3
- Drag-Free Cord for Wireless-Like Performance: Razer Speedflex cables eliminate the need for mouse bungees, drastically reducing weight and drag
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gaming headsets under $50 worth buying?
Yes. Brands like HyperX, Razer, and Corsair make solid headsets in this range that work well for competitive gaming and casual play. You won’t get audiophile-grade sound, but for gaming audio and voice chat, they do the job.
What’s the best gaming headset under $50 in 2026?
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is my top pick. It costs around $30 to $40, has 50mm drivers, a swivel-to-mute mic, and weighs only 275 grams. It’s comfortable for long sessions and works across all major platforms.
Should I buy wired or wireless under $50?
Go wired. Wireless headsets under $50 sacrifice audio quality, add latency, and have shorter battery life. Every good gaming headset in this price range is wired, and that’s not a bad thing. Zero latency matters in competitive games.
Do budget gaming headsets work with PS5 and Xbox?
Most do. If the headset has a 3.5mm jack, you can plug it directly into your PS5 or Xbox controller. Some USB headsets work with PS5 but not Xbox, so check compatibility before buying.
How important is surround sound in a gaming headset?
It helps, especially in FPS games where positional audio gives you a competitive edge. Virtual 7.1 surround through software is common at this price and works well enough for hearing directional cues like footsteps and gunfire.
How long do budget gaming headsets last?
With normal use, expect 12 to 24 months. The most common failure point is the ear cup hinge on all-plastic builds. Headsets with metal headband reinforcement like the HyperX Cloud Stinger tend to last longer.
Can I use a gaming headset for music and movies?
You can, but gaming headsets are tuned differently than music headphones. They emphasize bass and spatial audio for gaming. Music will sound fine but not as balanced as a pair of dedicated music headphones at the same price.
Is a separate microphone better than a headset mic?
For streaming or content creation, yes. A standalone USB mic like the Fifine K669 will sound much better than any headset mic under $50. But for in-game voice chat and Discord calls, a headset mic is perfectly fine.