The Best Affordable Gaming Headsets

At 240g it is one of the lighter closed-back headsets here. It matches the G432 on driver size (50mm). A HyperClear cardioid microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Arctis Nova 1 uses a noise-cancelling microphone.

You also get breathable foam ear cushions. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Another plus: light 240g build.

Worth noting: no charging or pairing needed. It makes the most sense for voice chat in team games, since it offers a HyperClear cardioid mic on a 240g frame. Its price falls between the Stinger 2 Core and the G432, based on our last check.

Its 6mm mic flips up to mute. It matches the BlackShark V2 X on driver size (50mm). No other pick in this guide offers a wired USB DAC and 3.5mm connection; compare the Stinger 2 Core, which has a wired 3.5mm connection.

A 6mm flip-to-mute boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Arctis Nova 1 uses a noise-cancelling microphone. It also comes with 50mm drivers. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller.

You also get this: no charging or pairing needed. Its price falls between the BlackShark V2 X and the Recon 70, based on our last check.

Its ComfortMAX system adjusts in height with rotating ear cups and AirWeave cushions, and on-board controls handle volume and mute. A noise-cancelling microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the G432 uses a 6mm flip-to-mute boom microphone. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.

It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Recon 70. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the BlackShark V2 X, which comes in at 50mm.

This is the PlayStation-styled version with a 3.5mm plug. Its swivel-to-mute mic flips up to mute, and audio controls sit on the headset. Soft ear cushions keep it light.

It matches the Recon 70 on driver size (40mm). You get a swivel-to-mute boom microphone here, which sets it apart from the Recon 70 and its a flip-to-mute microphone. It also comes with a lightweight over-ear design.

A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. It undercut the BlackShark V2 X and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: driver size of 40mm, behind the BlackShark V2 X (50mm). If that matters, the BlackShark V2 X comes in at 50mm.

Its flip-to-mute mic and on-ear volume dial keep controls close, and a PC splitter cable comes in the box. The 40mm drivers and light frame suit long sessions. On driver size it ties with the Stinger 2 Core at 40mm.

It is the only pick here with a flip-to-mute microphone; the BlackShark V2 X has a HyperClear cardioid microphone instead. It also comes with support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Driver size is its weakest area, and the BlackShark V2 X covers it better at 50mm.