The Best Budget Headsets for Beginners

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. It matches the BlackShark V2 X PS on driver size (50mm).

No other pick in this guide offers a wired USB sound card connection; compare the G535, which has a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection. It shares a boom mic microphone with the NUBWO G06; the BlackShark V2 X PS goes with a HyperClear cardioid microphone. It also comes with 50mm drivers.

It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the QXQ was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the NUBWO G06, which runs for 100 hours.

It is the cheapest headset here with that feature at the time of writing. On driver size it ties with the G535 at 40mm. It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the BlackShark V2 X PS; the G535 goes with a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection.

It is the only pick here with a flip-to-mute boom microphone; the Vliveaudax has a boom mic microphone instead. It also comes with 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.

When we checked, only the Vliveaudax cost less, and the NUBWO G06 cost more. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the NUBWO G06 instead: it runs for 100 hours, while this one gives no figure.

That is the longest figure among the budget wireless headsets here. A 2.4GHz dongle keeps latency low, and the 1,200mAh battery is rated for up to 100 hours. It suits long sessions without charging.

It shares a boom mic microphone with the Vliveaudax; the BlackShark V2 X PS goes with a HyperClear cardioid microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper QXQ and the pricier BlackShark V2 X PS, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its driver size; if that figure matters, the Vliveaudax comes in at 50mm.

Its 3.5mm plug also works on PC. Razer's Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers split into three parts to tune highs, mids and lows separately. Closed earcups cover the ears fully for passive noise isolation, and the cardioid mic rejects sound from the back and sides.

On driver size it ties with the Vliveaudax at 50mm. It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the QXQ; the G535 goes with a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection. No other pick in this guide offers a HyperClear cardioid microphone; compare the Vliveaudax, which has a boom mic 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 priced above the NUBWO G06 and below the G535 at the time of writing. There is no published battery life figure, whereas the NUBWO G06 runs for 100 hours.

Its 33-hour battery is short by wireless standards, but it is light at a 236g. It matches the QXQ on driver size (40mm). No other pick in this guide offers a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection; compare the BlackShark V2 X PS, which has 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. It makes the most sense for players who notice a heavy headset after an hour, since it offers the lightest weight here (236g). It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the BlackShark V2 X PS. If driver size is your priority, the Vliveaudax (50mm) is the stronger choice.