The Best Sub-$100 Gaming Headsets

At 280g it is one of the two lightest headsets here. It is the only pick here with a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless connection; the Cloud Alpha has a wired 3.5mm connection instead. You get an included microphone here, which sets it apart from the Stealth 600 and its a flip-to-mute microphone.

It also offers an ultra-light 280g frame. It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Cloud Alpha and the pricier Stealth 600, at the time of writing.

The noise-cancelling mic detaches. It is the only pick here with a wired 3.5mm connection; the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed has a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless connection instead. It also comes with a detachable mic.

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. Worth noting too: no charging or pairing needed. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Kaira and the pricier BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Stealth 600 runs for 80 hours.

An aluminum fork and steel headband make it one of the sturdier builds here. Its USB sound card stores pro-tuned EQ profiles on board, and you can choose leatherette or velour ear pads. A detachable with Blue VO!CE microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Kaira uses a HyperClear cardioid microphone.

USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Stealth 600. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Stealth 600, which runs for 80 hours.

It connects over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth and has a flip-to-mute mic. A mappable wheel and mode button can be assigned in the app, and the ear cups lay flat for travel. Memory foam cushions are glasses-friendly.

No other pick in this guide offers a flip-to-mute microphone; compare the Kaira, which has a HyperClear cardioid microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. It was priced above the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed and below the G PRO X at the time of writing.

It also has dedicated EQ and Xbox pairing buttons. It is the only pick here with a xbox Wireless connection; the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed has a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless connection instead. You get a HyperClear cardioid microphone here, which sets it apart from the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed and its an included microphone.

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. It undercut the Cloud Alpha and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Stealth 600 runs for 80 hours.