Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Headsets Under $50
Six gaming headsets under $50 compared on connection, driver size, weight and microphone, including one wireless pick.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Under $50 you can buy a comfortable wired headset or a basic wireless one. The main decisions are connection, weight and microphone.\n\nWe compared six on listed drivers, weight, connection and mic features.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

Lightest Build
Logitech G535 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset
The lightest weight here (236g).
Best for: Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Our take Check price for Logitech G535 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Best Lightweight Wired
Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset
A 240g build with flip-to-mute.
Best for: Long sessions on a wired headset.
Our take Check price for Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Largest Drivers
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Gaming Headset
The largest driver size here (50mm).
Best for: Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Best USB Pick
Razer Kraken V3 X Wired USB Gaming Headset
A USB connection with 7.1 surround in Windows.
Best for: PCs without a good headphone jack.
Our take Check price for Razer Kraken V3 X Wired USB Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Best Multi-System Pick
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset
A 3.5mm multi-system connection with a noise-cancelling mic.
Best for: Moving between PC and consoles.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Best for Consoles
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset
PS5 and Xbox support over 3.5mm with flip-to-mute.
Best for: Console players who also use a PC.
Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lightest Build1 of 6
Logitech G535 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G535 is the only wireless headset under $50 here.
Best for
- Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Skip if
- Pass on it if driver size of 40mm, behind the Cloud Stinger 2 (50mm rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its 33-hour battery is short by wireless standards, but it is light at a 236g. On driver size it ties with the G335, the Kraken V3 X and the Recon 70 at 40mm. On weight it leads this guide at 236g, ahead of the G335 (240g).
A lightspeed 2.4GHz connection is unique to it among these picks, while the G335 uses a wired 3.5mm connection. It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Recon 70 was closest. What it gives up: driver size of 40mm, behind the Cloud Stinger 2 (50mm); by contrast, the Cloud Stinger 2 comes in at 50mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 33 hours
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 236g
- Connection: Lightspeed 2.4GHz
Pros
- Light 236g build
- Wireless at a wired-headset price
- Lightspeed 2.4GHz connection, the only one here
- The lightest weight here (236g)
Cons
- Driver size of 40mm, behind the Cloud Stinger 2 (50mm)
Best Lightweight Wired2 of 6
Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G335 is almost as light as the G535 at 240g, with flip-to-mute and a 3.5mm plug that works on any system.
Best for
- Long sessions on a wired headset.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the G535, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the G535, the Kraken V3 X and the Recon 70 on driver size (40mm). Its 240g weight ranks second of 3 here, behind the G535 (236g) and ahead of the Kraken V3 X (285g). Like the Arctis Nova 1 and Recon 70, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the G535 uses a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection.
It shares a flip-to-mute microphone with the Recon 70; the Arctis Nova 1 goes with a noise-cancelling microphone. It also offers memory foam ear pads. 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 fourth of 6, between the cheaper Cloud Stinger 2 and the pricier Kraken V3 X, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 240g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute
Pros
- Light 240g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Memory foam ear pads
- A 240g build with flip-to-mute
Cons
- Costs more than the G535 at the time of writing
Largest Drivers3 of 6
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud Stinger 2 has the largest drivers in this list at 50mm, plus DTS Headphone:X spatial audio on PC.
Best for
- Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Skip if
- The maker gives no weight, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
Its ear cups rotate to rest around the neck, and DTS Headphone:X spatial audio adds positional cues. Its signature HyperX comfort suits long sessions at a low price. On driver size it leads this guide at 50mm, ahead of the G535 (40mm).
No other pick in this guide offers a wired connection; compare the Recon 70, which has a wired 3.5mm connection. Worth noting too: no charging or pairing needed. Its price falls between the Recon 70 and the G335, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the G535, which weighs 236g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- DTS Headphone:X spatial audio
- The largest driver size here (50mm)
Cons
- No published weight
- Costs more than the G535 at the time of writing
Best USB Pick4 of 6
Razer Kraken V3 X Wired USB Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Kraken V3 X plugs in over USB, which avoids a noisy front-panel jack and enables 7.1 surround in Windows.
Best for
- PCs without a good headphone jack.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight matters most to you; the G535 offers 236g.
Why we like it
Its bendable HyperClear cardioid mic picks up voice over room noise, and Chroma RGB lights the ear cups. On driver size it ties with the G535, the G335 and the Recon 70 at 40mm. On weight it trails the group at 285g, while the G535 weighs 236g.
You get a wired USB connection here, which sets it apart from the G535 and its a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection. You also get memory foam cushions. It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC.
It was priced above the G335 and below the Arctis Nova 1 at the time of writing. It gives ground on weight, where the G535 weighs 236g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 285g
- Connection: Wired USB
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- 7.1 surround in Windows
- Memory foam cushions
- A USB connection with 7.1 surround in Windows
Cons
- Weight trails the G535 (236g)
- Costs more than the G535 at the time of writing
Best Multi-System Pick5 of 6
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
- Moving between PC and consoles.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its driver size before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
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. It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the G335 and Recon 70; the Kraken V3 X goes with a wired USB connection. It is the only pick here with a noise-cancelling microphone; the G335 has a flip-to-mute microphone instead.
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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Kraken V3 X the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the Cloud Stinger 2 instead: it comes in at 50mm, while this one gives no figure.
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
- No published weight
- Costs more than the G535 at the time of writing
Best for Consoles6 of 6
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 players who also use a PC.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Cloud Stinger 2 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. It matches the G535, the G335 and the Kraken V3 X on driver size (40mm).
Like the G335 and Arctis Nova 1, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Kraken V3 X uses a wired USB connection. It shares a flip-to-mute microphone with the G335; the Arctis Nova 1 goes with a noise-cancelling microphone. It also offers 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. Its price falls between the G535 and the Cloud Stinger 2, based on our last check. If driver size is your priority, the Cloud Stinger 2 (50mm) is the stronger choice.
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
- PS5 and Xbox support over 3.5mm with flip-to-mute
Cons
- Driver size trails the Cloud Stinger 2 (50mm)
- No published weight
- Costs more than the G535 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Headsets Under $50
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
What to Look for in a Headset Under $50
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Headset Under $50
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Long sessions where clamp and weight add up | G535 | The lightest weight here (236g) |
| Long sessions on a wired headset | G335 | A 240g build with flip-to-mute |
| Listeners who want the biggest drivers here | Cloud Stinger 2 | The largest driver size here (50mm) |
| PCs without a good headphone jack | Kraken V3 X | A USB connection with 7.1 surround in Windows |
| Moving between PC and consoles | Arctis Nova 1 | A 3.5mm multi-system connection with a noise-cancelling mic |
| Console players who also use a PC | Recon 70 | PS5 and Xbox support over 3.5mm with flip-to-mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Driver size | Weight | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G535 | 40mm | 236g | Lightspeed 2.4GHz | Not listed |
| G335 | 40mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute |
| Cloud Stinger 2 | 50mm | Not listed | Wired | Not listed |
| Kraken V3 X | 40mm | 285g | Wired USB | Not listed |
| Arctis Nova 1 | Not listed | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Noise-cancelling |
| Recon 70 | 40mm | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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.
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.
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 I need a separate microphone?
Only if your headphones do not include one or you stream. Most gaming headsets include a usable microphone.
Bottom Line
Buy the G535 if you want wireless, the G335 for a light wired headset, and the Kraken V3 X if your PC's headphone jack is noisy.
