Buying Guide

The Best Low-Cost Gaming Headsets

Five low-cost wired headsets under $40, each with a boom mic.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read5 products evaluated

Low-cost headsets are mostly wired, which keeps them simple across PC and consoles. These five stay under $40 at the time of writing.

We compared mic type and drivers from each listing.

Quick Picks

Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best Mic Spec

    Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox

    A HyperClear cardioid mic.

    Best for: Voice chat.

    Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best Swivel Mute

    HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation)

    A swivel-to-mute mic.

    Best for: Quick muting.

    Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation) (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best Inline Controls

    Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset

    Inline volume and mute.

    Best for: Controllers.

    Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Big Drivers

    IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset

    50mm drivers near $22.

    Best for: Tight budgets.

    Our take Check price for IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Lighting

    Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset

    USB-powered lights.

    Best for: Lit-up desks.

    Our take Check price for Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox

Best Mic Spec1 of 5

Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The Xbox version of Razer's BlackShark V2 X has the same 240g frame and cardioid mic.

Best for

Voice chat.

Skip if

If budget leads, the Ozeino Wired was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

Its 3.5mm plug connects to an Xbox controller. On driver size it ties with the IMYB A36 at 50mm. No other pick in this guide offers a HyperClear cardioid microphone; compare the IMYB A36, 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 also brings light 240g build. It also brings no charging or pairing needed. Only the Recon 50 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Driver size: 50mm
  • Weight: 240g
  • Connection: Wired 3.5mm
  • Microphone: HyperClear cardioid

Pros

  • 50mm drivers
  • Light 240g build
  • No charging or pairing needed
  • HyperClear cardioid mic

Cons

  • Costs more than the Ozeino Wired at the time of writing
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation)

Best Swivel Mute2 of 5

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

HyperX's Cloud Stinger 2 Core uses 40mm directional drivers and a swivel-to-mute mic in a light over-ear frame.

Best for

Quick muting.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Ozeino Wired, which cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

This is the PlayStation-styled version with a 3.5mm plug. Its swivel-to-mute mic flips up to mute, and audio controls sit on the headset. Soft ear cushions keep it light.

It matches the Recon 50 on driver size (40mm). A swivel-to-mute boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Recon 50 uses a removable boom microphone. You also get a lightweight over-ear design.

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 IMYB A36 and the Recon 50, based on our last check.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Driver size: 40mm
  • Connection: Wired 3.5mm
  • Microphone: Swivel-to-mute boom

Pros

  • No charging or pairing needed
  • Swivel-to-mute microphone
  • 40mm directional drivers
  • Lightweight over-ear design

Cons

  • Costs more than the Ozeino Wired at the time of writing
Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset

Best Inline Controls3 of 5

Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Turtle Beach's Recon 50 is a light 3.5mm headset with an inline volume and mute control.

Best for

Controllers.

Skip if

Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox offers 50mm.

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. On driver size it ties with the Stinger 2 Core at 40mm. It is the only pick here with a removable boom microphone; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox has a HyperClear cardioid microphone instead.

It also comes with 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. When we checked, only the Stinger 2 Core and cheaper picks cost less, and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox cost more. Driver size is its weakest area, and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox covers it better at 50mm.

Key dimensions & 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

  • Driver size trails the BlackShark V2 X Xbox (50mm)
  • Costs more than the Ozeino Wired at the time of writing
IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset

Best Big Drivers4 of 5

IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

IMYB's A36 fits 50mm drivers into a 3.5mm headset at an entry price.

Best for

Tight budgets.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the Ozeino Wired cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

The headband adjusts for fit. Its 50mm drivers and 3.5mm connection work with PCs, PlayStation, Xbox (older pads need an adapter) and Switch. The mic handles basic voice chat.

On driver size it ties with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox at 50mm. Like the Ozeino Wired, it has a boom mic microphone, while the BlackShark V2 X Xbox uses a HyperClear cardioid 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. When we checked, only the Ozeino Wired cost less, and the Stinger 2 Core cost more.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Driver size: 50mm
  • Connection: Wired 3.5mm
  • Microphone: Boom mic

Pros

  • 50mm drivers
  • No charging or pairing needed
  • 50mm drivers at a low price
  • 3.5mm connection

Cons

  • Costs more than the Ozeino Wired at the time of writing
Ozeino Wired Gaming Headset

Best Lighting5 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

Lit-up desks.

Skip if

Skip it if you need to know its driver size before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.

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.

Like the IMYB A36, it has a boom mic microphone, while the Recon 50 uses a removable boom microphone. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the IMYB A36 was closest. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the BlackShark V2 X Xbox instead: it comes in at 50mm, while this one gives no figure.

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

How We Chose These Low-Cost Gaming Headsets

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Connection options
We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
Microphone
We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
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.

What to Look for in a Low-Cost Gaming Headset

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

How to Choose a Low-Cost Gaming Headset

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Voice chatBlackShark V2 X XboxA HyperClear cardioid mic
Quick mutingStinger 2 CoreA swivel-to-mute mic
ControllersRecon 50Inline volume and mute
Tight budgetsIMYB A3650mm drivers near $22
Lit-up desksOzeino WiredUSB-powered lights

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

HeadsetDriver sizeConnectionMicrophone
BlackShark V2 X Xbox50mmWired 3.5mmHyperClear cardioid
Stinger 2 Core40mmWired 3.5mmSwivel-to-mute boom
Recon 5040mmWired 3.5mmRemovable boom
IMYB A3650mmWired 3.5mmBoom mic
Ozeino WiredNot listedWired 3.5mm (USB for LED only)Boom mic

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 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.

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.

Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming?

For casual games it is fine, but 2.4GHz dongles have noticeably lower latency. Use the dongle for competitive play.

Should I turn on virtual surround?

Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.

Bottom Line

Razer's BlackShark V2 X for Xbox has the strongest mic spec. HyperX's Stinger 2 Core adds swivel mute, and IMYB's A36 is the cheapest with 50mm drivers.