Buying Guide
The Best Affordable Gaming Headsets
Five wired headsets near or under $50 at the time of writing, from 3.5mm to USB.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Affordable headsets now include cardioid mics and 50mm drivers. These five stay near or under $50 at the time of writing.
We compared drivers, mic type and connection from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Mic for the Price
Razer BlackShark V2 X
A HyperClear cardioid mic on a 240g frame.
Best for: Voice chat in team games.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X (opens in a new tab)
Best USB Option
Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset
A USB DAC with 7.1 surround.
Best for: PC players who want surround.
Our take Check price for Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Best SteelSeries Pick
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset
A noise-cancelling mic on a 3.5mm headset.
Best for: PC and console.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Best Swivel Mute
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation)
A swivel-to-mute mic.
Best for: Quick muting.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation) (opens in a new tab)
Best Controller Plug
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset
A flip-to-mute mic on a 3.5mm plug.
Best for: Console controllers.
Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A HyperClear cardioid mic on a 240g frame. | Voice chat in team games. | Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X (opens in a new tab) |
| A USB DAC with 7.1 surround. | PC players who want surround. | Check price for Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
| A noise-cancelling mic on a 3.5mm headset. | PC and console. | Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
| A swivel-to-mute mic. | Quick muting. | Check price for HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation) (opens in a new tab) |
| A flip-to-mute mic on a 3.5mm plug. | Console controllers. | Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Mic for the Price1 of 5
Razer BlackShark V2 X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V2 X gets the essentials right at a low price: 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, a HyperClear cardioid mic and passive noise cancellation.
Best for
- Voice chat in team games.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Stinger 2 Core, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
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 is light 240g build.
It also brings no charging or pairing needed. Its price falls between the Stinger 2 Core and the G432, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 240g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: HyperClear cardioid
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Light 240g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Passive noise cancellation
Cons
- Costs more than the Stinger 2 Core at the time of writing
Best USB Option2 of 5
Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's G432 is a wired headset with a USB DAC for 7.1 surround and a 3.5mm plug for consoles.
Best for
- PC players who want surround.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Stinger 2 Core, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
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.
Worth noting too: no charging or pairing needed. Its price falls between the BlackShark V2 X and the Recon 70, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired USB DAC and 3.5mm
- Microphone: 6mm flip-to-mute boom
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- USB DAC with 7.1 surround
- 6mm flip-to-mute mic
Cons
- Costs more than the Stinger 2 Core at the time of writing
Best SteelSeries Pick3 of 5
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Arctis Nova 1 is a multi-system 3.5mm headset with a noise-cancelling mic and Tempest 3D support on PS5.
Best for
- PC and console.
Skip if
- The maker gives no driver size, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Noise-cancelling
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Tempest 3D audio support on PS5
- Multi-system 3.5mm connection
- Noise-cancelling microphone, the only one here
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Stinger 2 Core at the time of writing
Best Swivel Mute4 of 5
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's Cloud Stinger 2 Core uses 40mm directional drivers and a swivel-to-mute mic in a light over-ear frame.
Best for
- Quick muting.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: driver size of 40mm, behind the BlackShark V2 X (50mm).
Why we like it
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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Swivel-to-mute boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Swivel-to-mute microphone
- 40mm directional drivers
- Lightweight over-ear design
Cons
- Driver size of 40mm, behind the BlackShark V2 X (50mm)
Best Controller Plug5 of 5
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Recon 70 is a simple console-friendly headset with a flip-to-mute mic and 40mm drivers.
Best for
- Console controllers.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the BlackShark V2 X offers 50mm.
Why we like it
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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm
- Flip-to-mute microphone, the only one here
- A flip-to-mute mic on a 3.5mm plug
Cons
- Driver size trails the BlackShark V2 X (50mm)
- Costs more than the Stinger 2 Core at the time of writing
How We Chose These Affordable Gaming Headsets
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
What to Look for in an Affordable Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
Console versions are not always interchangeable
Some wireless headsets come in PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions with different dongles. An Xbox-specific model may not connect wirelessly to a PlayStation.
Buy the version that matches every system you plan to use.
How to Choose an Affordable Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Voice chat in team games | BlackShark V2 X | A HyperClear cardioid mic on a 240g frame |
| PC players who want surround | G432 | A USB DAC with 7.1 surround |
| PC and console | Arctis Nova 1 | A noise-cancelling mic on a 3.5mm headset |
| Quick muting | Stinger 2 Core | A swivel-to-mute mic |
| Console controllers | Recon 70 | A flip-to-mute mic on a 3.5mm plug |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlackShark V2 X | 50mm | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
| G432 | 50mm | Wired USB DAC and 3.5mm | 6mm flip-to-mute boom |
| Arctis Nova 1 | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Noise-cancelling |
| Stinger 2 Core | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Swivel-to-mute boom |
| Recon 70 | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
They give a wide, natural soundstage but leak sound and block little noise. They suit quiet rooms, not shared spaces.
Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming?
For casual games it is fine, but 2.4GHz dongles have noticeably lower latency. Use the dongle for competitive play.
Should I turn on virtual surround?
Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.
Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?
Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Can I use one headset on PC and console?
Many can, but check the connection for each system. Xbox-specific wireless headsets often need a matching adapter or Bluetooth on PC.
Bottom Line
Razer's BlackShark V2 X is the pick for its cardioid mic and 240g frame. Logitech's G432 adds a USB DAC, and SteelSeries's Arctis Nova 1 is the lightweight alternative.