Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Headsets Under $25
Five headsets compared, from the Vliveaudax to the CM7002, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $25 a gaming headset is a wired over-ear model with a boom or built-in microphone. Every headset cost 25 or less when we checked and is an over-ear headset with a microphone.
We sorted these picks by driver size, connection and microphone, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips driver size, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround
The cheapest way into this group, below the QXQ.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the QXQ the next step up.
Our take Check price for Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
QXQ Wired Gaming Headset
A flip-to-mute microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want flip-to-mute microphone.
Our take Check price for QXQ Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset
A 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles.
Best for: Buyers who want 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles.
Our take Check price for Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset
A 198g frame.
Best for: Buyers who want 198g frame.
Our take Check price for WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
syndesmos CM7002 Wired Gaming Headset
50mm drivers.
Best for: Buyers who want 50mm drivers.
Our take Check price for syndesmos CM7002 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the QXQ. | Spending as little as possible, with the QXQ the next step up. | Check price for Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround (opens in a new tab) |
| A flip-to-mute microphone. | Buyers who want flip-to-mute microphone. | Check price for QXQ Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
| A 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles. | Buyers who want 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles. | Check price for Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
| A 198g frame. | Buyers who want 198g frame. | Check price for WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
| 50mm drivers. | Buyers who want 50mm drivers. | Check price for syndesmos CM7002 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Vliveaudax USB Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Vliveaudax's headset connects through a USB sound card with 7.1 virtual surround.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the QXQ the next step up.
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 ties with the CM7002 at 50mm.
A wired USB sound card connection is unique to it among these picks, while the WIRWTRU uses a wired 3.5mm connection. Like the Ozeino Wired and WIRWTRU, it has a boom mic microphone, while the QXQ uses a flip-to-mute boom microphone. It also offers 50mm drivers.
It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the QXQ was closest.
Key dimensions & 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
Also Consider2 of 5
QXQ Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The QXQ headset adds a flip-to-mute mic to a 3.5mm design.
Best for
- Buyers who want flip-to-mute microphone.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Vliveaudax was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest headset here with that feature at the time of writing. It matches the WIRWTRU on driver size (40mm). Like the WIRWTRU, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Vliveaudax uses a wired USB sound card connection.
A flip-to-mute boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Ozeino Wired uses a boom mic microphone. It also offers 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. Its price falls between the Vliveaudax and the Ozeino Wired, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Ozeino's wired headset uses a 3.5mm plug for PC and consoles, with USB powering only the lighting.
Best for
- Buyers who want 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles.
Skip if
- Its driver size is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
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 and WIRWTRU; the CM7002 goes with an ENC noise-cancelling boom microphone. 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 third of 5, between the cheaper QXQ and the pricier WIRWTRU, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its driver size; if that figure matters, the Vliveaudax comes in at 50mm.
Key dimensions & 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
Worth a Look4 of 5
WIRWTRU Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
WIRWTRU's headset weighs 198g and lists ear pads designed for glasses wearers.
Best for
- Buyers who want 198g frame.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Vliveaudax offers 50mm.
Why we like it
A 3.5mm plug covers PC and consoles. It matches the QXQ on driver size (40mm). Like the QXQ, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Vliveaudax uses a wired USB sound card connection.
It shares a boom mic microphone with the Vliveaudax and Ozeino Wired; the CM7002 goes with an ENC noise-cancelling 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. Its price falls between the Ozeino Wired and the CM7002, based on our last check. If driver size is your priority, the Vliveaudax (50mm) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 198g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Boom mic
Pros
- Light 198g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- 198g frame
- Ear pads described as glasses-friendly
Cons
- Driver size trails the Vliveaudax (50mm)
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up5 of 5
syndesmos CM7002 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The CM7002 offers 50mm drivers and an ENC noise-cancelling mic at a budget price.
Best for
- Buyers who want 50mm drivers.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Vliveaudax cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Noise cancelling on the mic helps in a loud room. Its 50mm drivers and soft over-ear cushions aim at long competitive sessions, and an ENC mic reduces background noise. The wired link avoids battery worries.
On driver size it ties with the Vliveaudax at 50mm. A wired connection is unique to it among these picks, while the WIRWTRU uses a wired 3.5mm connection. It is the only pick here with an ENC noise-cancelling boom microphone; the Vliveaudax has a boom mic microphone instead.
Another plus: no charging or pairing needed. You also get this: low price tier. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired
- Microphone: ENC noise-cancelling boom
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- ENC noise-cancelling microphone
- Low price tier
Cons
- Costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Headsets Under $25
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five headsets on driver size, connection and microphone as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 3 fields compared are stated for every pick, while driver size has gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Vliveaudax to the CM7002, state connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ozeino Wired gives no driver size.
- Price range
- From the Vliveaudax to the CM7002, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Gaming Headset Under $25
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 WIRWTRU to 50mm on the Vliveaudax, a 25% spread. Start with the Vliveaudax if driver size decides it. The Ozeino Wired gives no driver size figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Ozeino Wired: a USB plug used only for lighting. The WIRWTRU: ear pads described as glasses-friendly. The CM7002: an ENC noise-cancelling microphone.
Budget
Price does little to separate these 5: the Vliveaudax through the CM7002 all landed in the under $50 tier, which leaves driver size to decide it.
Virtual surround is software
7.1 and spatial audio labels usually describe software processing, not extra drivers. They can help locate sounds in some games and hurt music in others.
Make sure you can switch it off in the headset's software.
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.
How to Choose a Gaming Headset Under $25
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the QXQ the next step up | Vliveaudax | The cheapest way into this group, below the QXQ |
| Buyers who want flip-to-mute microphone | QXQ | A flip-to-mute microphone |
| Buyers who want 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles | Ozeino Wired | A 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles |
| Buyers who want 198g frame | WIRWTRU | A 198g frame |
| Buyers who want 50mm drivers | CM7002 | 50mm drivers |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Vliveaudax leads on driver size at 50mm, ahead of the CM7002 at 50mm. "Not listed" marks driver size where the Ozeino Wired leaves the figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vliveaudax | 50mm | Wired USB sound card | Boom mic |
| QXQ | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute boom |
| Ozeino Wired | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm (USB for LED only) | Boom mic |
| WIRWTRU | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Boom mic |
| CM7002 | 50mm | Wired | ENC noise-cancelling boom |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Vliveaudax the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the QXQ. It suits spending as little as possible, with the QXQ the next step up.
Do the Vliveaudax and the QXQ differ on microphone?
The Vliveaudax, the Ozeino Wired and the WIRWTRU use boom mic; the QXQ uses flip-to-mute boom; the CM7002 uses ENC noise-cancelling boom.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Vliveaudax and the QXQ apart?
The Vliveaudax: a USB sound card. The QXQ: a flip-to-mute microphone. The Ozeino Wired: a 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles.
Should I pick the Vliveaudax or the CM7002?
The Vliveaudax suits spending as little as possible, with the QXQ the next step up; the CM7002 suits buyers who want 50mm drivers.
What else do the WIRWTRU and the CM7002 offer?
The WIRWTRU: a 3.5mm plug for PC and consoles. The CM7002: a low price tier.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Vliveaudax, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the QXQ. Look at the QXQ for a flip-to-mute microphone, the Ozeino Wired for a 3.5mm connection for PC and consoles and the WIRWTRU for a 198g frame if those matter more to you.
Check the connector; a 3.5mm headset needs a splitter or one jack on some PCs.