Buying Guide
The Best Cheap Gaming Headsets
Six headsets near or under $25 at the time of writing, for a first headset or a spare.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated

At this price every headset here is wired, and most use a 3.5mm plug for PC and consoles. The differences are the mic and the extras.
We compared connection and mic type from each listing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

Best Brand Pick
Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming HeadsetA removable mic and inline controls.
Best for: Controllers and PCs.
Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Flip-to-Mute
QXQ Wired Gaming HeadsetA flip-to-mute mic near $16.
Best for: Quick muting.
Check price for QXQ Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Mic Pattern
NUBWO HG04L Wired Gaming HeadsetA cardioid boom mic.
Best for: Voice chat.
Check price for NUBWO HG04L Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Drivers
Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 SurroundThe largest driver size here (50mm).
Best for: Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Check price for Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Known Budget Pick
BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming HeadsetA 3.5mm plug with USB only for LEDs.
Best for: First headsets.
Check price for BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Lighting
Ozeino Wired Gaming HeadsetUSB-powered lighting on a 3.5mm headset.
Best for: Lit-up desks.
Check price for Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Brand Pick1 of 6
Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset
Turtle Beach's Recon 50 is a light 3.5mm headset with an inline volume and mute control.
Best for
- Controllers and PCs.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Vliveaudax cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its mic removes, so it doubles as plain headphones. Its high-sensitivity mic detaches when you're watching films or listening to music, and the light frame suits long sessions. It works across PC and consoles over 3.5mm.
Its light build suits long sessions without pressure on the head. It matches the QXQ and the BENGOO G9000 on driver size (40mm). Like the QXQ and NUBWO HG04L, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Vliveaudax uses a wired USB sound card connection.
A removable boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Ozeino Wired uses a boom mic microphone. You also get a light 3.5mm design that plugs into a controller. 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 NUBWO HG04L.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Removable boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Inline volume and mute control
- Removable mic for use as plain headphones
- Light 3.5mm design that plugs into a controller
Cons
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
Best Flip-to-Mute2 of 6
QXQ Wired Gaming Headset
The QXQ headset adds a flip-to-mute mic to a 3.5mm design.
Best for
- Quick muting.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Vliveaudax cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest headset here with that feature at the time of writing. It matches the Recon 50 and the BENGOO G9000 on driver size (40mm). Like the Recon 50 and NUBWO HG04L, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Vliveaudax uses a wired USB sound card connection.
You get a flip-to-mute boom microphone here, which sets it apart from the Ozeino Wired and its a boom mic microphone. You also get a 3.5mm plug for PC and consoles and an entry-level price tier. 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. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Vliveaudax and the pricier Ozeino Wired, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Flip-to-mute boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Flip-to-mute microphone
- 3.5mm plug for PC and consoles
- Entry-level price tier
Cons
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
Best Mic Pattern3 of 6
NUBWO HG04L Wired Gaming Headset
NUBWO's HG04L pairs a cardioid microphone with a 250g frame.
Best for
- Voice chat.
Skip if
- The maker gives no driver size, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
A cardioid mic picks up less from the sides than an omnidirectional one. Like the Recon 50 and QXQ, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Vliveaudax uses a wired USB sound card connection. A cardioid boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the QXQ uses a flip-to-mute boom microphone.
It also offers a budget price tier. 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. Its price falls between the BENGOO G9000 and the Recon 50, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the Vliveaudax, which comes in at 50mm.
Key specs
- Weight
- 250g
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Cardioid boom
Pros
- Light 250g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Cardioid microphone
- 250g frame
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
Largest Drivers4 of 6
Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround
Vliveaudax's headset connects through a USB sound card with 7.1 virtual surround.
Best for
- Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It is the lowest-priced USB headset here. Its noise-cancelling mic and ear-cup volume control are plug-and-play over USB-A or USB-C. On driver size it leads this guide at 50mm, ahead of the Recon 50 (40mm).
You get a wired USB sound card connection here, which sets it apart from the NUBWO HG04L and its a wired 3.5mm connection. Like the Ozeino Wired, it has a boom mic microphone, while the NUBWO HG04L uses a cardioid boom microphone. It also comes with 50mm drivers.
It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the QXQ the next step up.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 50mm
- Connection
- Wired USB sound card
- Microphone
- Boom mic
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- USB sound card
- 7.1 virtual surround
Best Known Budget Pick5 of 6
BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset
BENGOO's G9000 is one of the cheapest headsets with a boom mic, using a 3.5mm plug for audio and USB only for its LEDs.
Best for
- First headsets.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Vliveaudax offers 50mm.
Why we like it
It suits a first headset for PC or console. It matches the Recon 50 and the QXQ on driver size (40mm). You get an omnidirectional boom microphone here, which sets it apart from the NUBWO HG04L and its a cardioid boom microphone.
It also offers a USB plug that only powers the LED lights and one of the lowest prices among these headsets. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. Another plus: no charging or pairing needed. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper Ozeino Wired and the pricier NUBWO HG04L, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm (USB for LED only)
- Microphone
- Omnidirectional boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- USB plug that only powers the LED lights
- 3.5mm plug that suits controllers and PCs
- One of the lowest prices among these headsets
Cons
- Driver size trails the Vliveaudax (50mm)
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is driver size; for more, the Vliveaudax comes in at 50mm.
Best Lighting6 of 6
Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset
Ozeino's wired headset uses a 3.5mm plug for PC and consoles, with USB powering only the lighting.
Best for
- Lit-up desks.
Skip if
- The maker gives no driver size, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It sits in the entry-level price tier. Its mic rotates 360 degrees with noise cancellation, and breathable protein ear pads keep it comfortable. RGB lights the ear cups.
It shares a boom mic microphone with the Vliveaudax; the QXQ goes with a flip-to-mute boom microphone. 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 QXQ and the BENGOO G9000, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the Vliveaudax, which comes in at 50mm.
Key specs
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm (USB for LED only)
- Microphone
- Boom mic
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles
- USB plug used only for lighting
- Entry-level price tier
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
How We Chose These Cheap Gaming Headsets
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

- What we compared
- We lined up six headsets on driver size, connection and microphone from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and driver size is missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Recon 50 to the Ozeino Wired, state connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The NUBWO HG04L and the Ozeino Wired give no driver size.
- Price range
- From the Vliveaudax to the Recon 50, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Cheap Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much driver size you need
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the BENGOO G9000 to 50mm on the Vliveaudax, a 25% spread. If driver size is your first filter, the Vliveaudax sets the ceiling at 50mm. The NUBWO HG04L and the Ozeino Wired give no driver size figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Vliveaudax: 7.1 virtual surround. The BENGOO G9000: a 3.5mm plug that suits controllers and PCs. The Ozeino Wired: a USB plug used only for lighting.

A gaming headset beside a desk with backlit speakers Budget
Price does little to separate these 6: the Vliveaudax through the Recon 50 all landed in the under $50 tier, which leaves driver size to decide it.
Match the pick to your priority
Controllers and PCs: the Recon 50. Quick muting: the QXQ. Voice chat: the NUBWO HG04L.

Headphones on a red stand next to an amplifier and bookshelf speakers 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 a Cheap Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Controllers and PCs | Recon 50 | A removable mic and inline controls |
| Quick muting | QXQ | A flip-to-mute mic near $16 |
| Voice chat | NUBWO HG04L | A cardioid boom mic |
| Listeners who want the biggest drivers here | Vliveaudax | The largest driver size here (50mm) |
| First headsets | BENGOO G9000 | A 3.5mm plug with USB only for LEDs |
| Lit-up desks | Ozeino Wired | USB-powered lighting on a 3.5mm headset |
Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side
The Vliveaudax leads on driver size at 50mm, ahead of the Recon 50 at 40mm. "Not listed" marks driver size where the NUBWO HG04L and the Ozeino Wired leave the figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recon 50 | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Removable boom |
| QXQ | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute boom |
| NUBWO HG04L | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Cardioid boom |
| Vliveaudax | 50mm | Wired USB sound card | Boom mic |
| BENGOO G9000 | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm (USB for LED only) | Omnidirectional boom |
| Ozeino Wired | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm (USB for LED only) | Boom mic |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vliveaudax ahead of the Recon 50 on driver size?
The Vliveaudax leads at 50mm, with the Recon 50 at 40mm. The NUBWO HG04L and the Ozeino Wired don't state a driver size figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.
Is the Recon 50 worth paying more than the Vliveaudax?
The Recon 50 matches or trails the Vliveaudax on driver size. The Vliveaudax leads on driver size (50mm). Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so choose on the features you need.
What makes the BENGOO G9000 the Best Known Budget Pick?
It carries the badge for a 3.5mm plug with USB only for LEDs. It gives up driver size (40mm against 50mm) to the Vliveaudax, the cheapest pick. It is aimed at first headsets.
Do the Recon 50 and the QXQ differ on microphone?
The Recon 50 uses removable boom; the QXQ uses flip-to-mute boom; the NUBWO HG04L uses Cardioid boom; the Vliveaudax and the Ozeino Wired use boom mic; the BENGOO G9000 uses Omnidirectional boom.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Recon 50 and the QXQ apart?
The Recon 50: an inline volume and mute control. The QXQ: a flip-to-mute microphone. The NUBWO HG04L: a cardioid microphone.
Bottom Line
Turtle Beach's Recon 50 is the pick for its removable mic and inline controls. QXQ adds flip-to-mute for less, and Vliveaudax is the USB surround option.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Headsets Under $50
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Headsets
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Gaming Headsets for PC
- Without a budget limitThe Best Gaming Headsets Right Now
- Similar guideThe Best Cheap and Good Gaming Headsets
- ExplainerHow to Choose a PC Headset
- ExplainerHeadset connection types for PC, PS5 and Xbox
- Also see: microphonesHow to Choose a USB Microphone for Your PC
- Similar guideThe Best Headsets for a Gaming PC
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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