Buying Guide
The Best Headsets Under $150
Five headsets ranked on battery life and driver size, where the Cloud Alpha Wireless has the longest battery life, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $100 and $150, headsets add wireless, better mics and longer battery life. Every pick sits in that range, ordered by battery life.
Rankings weigh battery life, driver size and connection as the makers state them; if a maker skips driver size, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Longest Battery Life
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
The longest battery life here (300 hours).
Best for: Players who hate charging mid-week.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Largest Drivers
HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset
The largest driver size here (53mm).
Best for: Players who favour a fuller low end.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless
Blue VO!CE mic filters.
Best for: Buyers who want Blue VO!CE mic filters.
Our take Check price for Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset
Dolby Atmos spatial audio support.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Atmos spatial audio support.
Our take Check price for Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Longest Battery Life1 of 5
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud Alpha Wireless stands apart on battery: HyperX offers up to 300 hours, several times any other claim here.
Best for
- Players who hate charging mid-week.
Skip if
- Its driver size is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It pairs that with DTS Headphone:X spatial audio and dual-chamber drivers in an aluminum frame. On battery life it leads this guide at 300 hours, ahead of the Cloud III S (120 hours). It is the only pick here with a 2.4GHz wireless connection; the G733 has a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection instead.
It shares an included microphone with the Xbox Wireless Headset; the BlackShark V3 goes with a detachable microphone. It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. It undercut the Xbox Wireless Headset and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its driver size; if that figure matters, the Cloud III S comes in at 53mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 300 hours
- Connection: 2.4GHz wireless
- Microphone: Included
Pros
- Up to 300 hours of battery life
- DTS Headphone:X spatial audio
- Dual-chamber drivers in a durable aluminum frame
- 2.4GHz wireless connection, the only one here
Cons
- No published driver size
Largest Drivers2 of 5
HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud III S leads on battery at a 120 hours, with 53mm drivers, the largest here.
Best for
- Players who favour a fuller low end.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Cloud Alpha Wireless was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its aluminium frame resists knocks, and a lifetime Spatial Audio activation adds 3D positioning on PC. Magnetic ear-cup plates can be swapped. Its 120 hours battery life ranks second of 5 here, behind the Cloud Alpha Wireless (300 hours) and ahead of the Xbox Wireless Headset (20 hours).
On driver size it leads this guide at 53mm, ahead of the BlackShark V3 (50mm). Like the BlackShark V3, it has a detachable microphone, while the Cloud Alpha Wireless uses an included microphone. You also get memory foam cushions.
On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. When we checked, only the G733 and cheaper picks cost less, and the BlackShark V3 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 120 hours
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone: Detachable
Pros
- Up to 120 hours of battery life
- 53mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Memory foam cushions
Cons
- Costs more than the Cloud Alpha Wireless at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V3 balances the list: 50mm drivers, a 70-hour battery, a detachable mic and both dongle and Bluetooth modes.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Cloud Alpha Wireless, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Esports-tuned EQ profiles and THX Spatial Audio 7.1.4 add positional cues, and the detachable HyperClear mic captures super-wideband voice. On battery life it sits mid-pack at 70 hours: the Cloud Alpha Wireless runs for 300 hours, and the Xbox Wireless Headset comes in at 20 hours. Its 50mm driver size ranks second of 3 here, behind the Cloud III S (53mm) and ahead of the G733 (40mm).
It shares a detachable microphone with the Cloud III S; the Cloud Alpha Wireless goes with an included microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Cloud III S.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 70 hours
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone: Detachable
Pros
- Up to 70 hours of battery life
- 50mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing
Cons
- Costs more than the Cloud Alpha Wireless at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's G733 is a Lightspeed wireless headset with a suspension headband and Blue VO!CE mic filters.
Best for
- Buyers who want Blue VO!CE mic filters.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when shorter 29-hour batter is a problem.
Why we like it
It has 29 hours of battery life. Its 29 hours battery life ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Cloud Alpha Wireless (300 hours) and ahead of the Xbox Wireless Headset (20 hours). On driver size it trails the group at 40mm, while the Cloud III S comes in at 53mm.
A lightspeed 2.4GHz connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Cloud Alpha Wireless uses a 2.4GHz wireless connection. It is the only pick here with a detachable with Blue VO!CE microphone; the Cloud Alpha Wireless has an included microphone instead. It also comes with Lightsync RGB.
It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. When we checked, only the Xbox Wireless Headset and cheaper picks cost less, and the Cloud III S cost more. Driver size is its weakest area, and the Cloud III S covers it better at 53mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 29 hours
- Driver size: 40mm
- Connection: Lightspeed 2.4GHz
- Microphone: Detachable with Blue VO!CE
Pros
- Blue VO!CE mic filters
- Suspension headband
- Lightsync RGB
- Battery life of 29 hours, ahead of the Xbox Wireless Headset
Cons
- Shorter 29-hour battery
- Driver size trails the Cloud III S (53mm)
- Costs more than the Cloud Alpha Wireless at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Headset connects straight to the console and adds Bluetooth LE for a phone, with Dolby Atmos spatial audio support.
Best for
- Buyers who want Dolby Atmos spatial audio support.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: shorter 20-hour battery.
Why we like it
Its 20-hour battery is the shortest here, so it suits shorter sessions or a nearby charger. On battery life it trails the group at 20 hours, while the Cloud Alpha Wireless runs for 300 hours. It shares an included microphone with the Cloud Alpha Wireless; the Cloud III S goes with a detachable microphone.
It also offers dual wireless connectivity. It connects to Xbox consoles over Xbox Wireless; on a PC, check the product page for the connection it supports, since Xbox Wireless on Windows usually needs Microsoft's adapter or a built-in radio. Its price falls between the Cloud Alpha Wireless and the G733, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Connection: Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE
- Microphone: Included
Pros
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio support
- Dual wireless connectivity
- 20 hours battery life
- Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE connection
Cons
- Shorter 20-hour battery
- Battery life trails the Cloud Alpha Wireless (300 hours)
- No published driver size
How We Chose These Headsets Under $150
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five headsets on battery life, driver size, connection and microphone from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Cloud Alpha Wireless to the Xbox Wireless Headset, state battery life, connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Cloud Alpha Wireless and the Xbox Wireless Headset give no driver size.
- Price range
- From the Cloud Alpha Wireless to the BlackShark V3, all sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Headset Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Battery life across these picks
Here battery life runs from 20 hours on the Xbox Wireless Headset to 300 hours on the Cloud Alpha Wireless. Start with the Cloud Alpha Wireless if battery life decides it.
How much driver size you need
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the G733 to 53mm on the Cloud III S. The Cloud III S is the pick for driver size. No figure for the Cloud Alpha Wireless and the Xbox Wireless Headset.
What to check at home
It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. It connects to Xbox consoles over Xbox Wireless; on a PC, check the product page for the connection it supports, since Xbox Wireless on Windows usually needs Microsoft's adapter or a built-in radio.
Extras that separate them
The Cloud III S: memory foam cushions. The G733: a suspension headband. The Xbox Wireless Headset: dual wireless connectivity.
Budget
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the Cloud Alpha Wireless at the low end to the BlackShark V3 at the top, so decide on features first.
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.
How to Choose a Headset Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players who hate charging mid-week | Cloud Alpha Wireless | The longest battery life here (300 hours) |
| Players who favour a fuller low end | Cloud III S | The largest driver size here (53mm) |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | BlackShark V3 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want Blue VO!CE mic filters | G733 | Blue VO!CE mic filters |
| Buyers who want Dolby Atmos spatial audio support | Xbox Wireless Headset | Dolby Atmos spatial audio support |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Cloud Alpha Wireless leads on battery life at 300 hours, ahead of the Cloud III S at 120 hours. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Headset | Battery life | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | 300 hours | Not listed | 2.4GHz wireless | Included |
| Cloud III S | 120 hours | 53mm | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Detachable |
| BlackShark V3 | 70 hours | 50mm | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Detachable |
| G733 | 29 hours | 40mm | Lightspeed 2.4GHz | Detachable with Blue VO!CE |
| Xbox Wireless Headset | 20 hours | Not listed | Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE | Included |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cloud III S compare with the Cloud Alpha Wireless on battery life?
The Cloud Alpha Wireless leads at 300 hours, with the Cloud III S at 120 hours. The Xbox Wireless Headset is at the other end of this group with 20 hours.
Which has the largest driver size: the Cloud III S or the BlackShark V3?
The Cloud III S leads at 53mm, with the BlackShark V3 at 50mm. The G733 is at the other end of this group with 40mm. The Cloud Alpha Wireless and the Xbox Wireless Headset don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the BlackShark V3 add over the Cloud Alpha Wireless?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the Cloud Alpha Wireless still leads on battery life (300 hours). The Cloud Alpha Wireless was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the Cloud III S our Largest Drivers pick?
It earns the label for the largest driver size here (53mm). It suits players who favour a fuller low end.
Do the Cloud Alpha Wireless and the Cloud III S differ on microphone?
The Cloud Alpha Wireless and the Xbox Wireless Headset use Included; the Cloud III S and the BlackShark V3 use detachable; the G733 uses Detachable with Blue VO!CE.
Will the G733 work with my setup?
It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Cloud Alpha Wireless. Look at the BlackShark V3 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, the G733 for Blue VO!CE mic filters and the Xbox Wireless Headset for Dolby Atmos spatial audio support if those matter more to you.
Check the dongle type if you play on consoles too.