When it comes to gaming, like everything else, you should look for the best gaming headset you can afford and the best headset does not necessarily have to be the most expensive. You can get a really good cheap gaming headset under $100. If you are an avid gamer, you will want to immerse yourself in the gaming world but not break the bank and we have some excellent options for you here in this comparison review guide, as well as more ideas in our gaming section.
Table of Contents
What gaming headset should I buy?
With so many options available, it can be pretty confusing so we have put together a review for you to compare the features and benefits of each so you can select the best gaming headset for your needs. We also reviewed 11 of the best gaming headsets under $50 for those interested in cheaper options.
However, if you are in a hurry, here is the link to the best pick, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S used by gamers all over the world and renowned by pro players.
Top 8 Best gaming headphones under $100
#1 – HyperX Cloud Alpha S (Overall winner)
This wired gaming headset comes with 7.1 surround sound and a great detachable boom microphone making the HyperX Cloud Alpha S our best gaming headset under $100.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â No
- Type:Â Over-ear
- Enclosure:Â Closed-back
- Wireless:Â No
- Noise Canceling:Â No
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls:Â Detachable, noise-canceling microphone. Controls include bass sliders, volume, mic muting, and chat audio mixing.
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Blue
- Waterproof:Â No
- Weight:Â 10.9 oz
- Battery time:Â No Battery
- Price: Around $100 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 26, 2021
Our take:
If you want the best, wired headset around then the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is exactly what you are looking for. You can fully immerse yourself with the 7.1 surround sound, you get a better sound quality when gaming on a PC. These headphones are very comfortable and don’t overheat your ears like a lot of other closed-back headphones do. With a boom mic, it produces a clear sound allowing you to hear your teammates well when playing. The ability to adjust and mix your sound with the controls means you can have your in-game sound, exactly as you like. HyperX has been making some of the best gaming headsets around for a while now, so you know you are getting something built to last with a great reputation. These are our best, wired gaming headsets we have reviewed.
Pros
- Detachable USB Dongle for audio controls.
- HyperX Cloud Alpha S comes with bass sliders that control each ear separately.
- Durable but comfortable build quality.
- Detachable boom mic.
- 7.1 surround sound that can be switched on with a press of the button.
Cons
- Little companion software is available.
Our Rating:
9.6/10
Durable, comfortable, with excellent audio controls and immersive sound, the perfect gaming headset around $100.
Other Models by HyperX: If you are looking for wireless headsets then the  HyperX Cloud Flight S or the HyperX Cloud II is another great wired gaming headphone.
#2 – Razer Kraken – Budget Gaming Headset (Runner-up)
For a budget price, this gaming headset under $100 comes from PewDiePie’s favorite headphone brand Razer, so if you want to become part of the Bro crew this affordable headset might be the one for you.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â No
- Type:Â Over-ear
- Enclosure:Â Closed-back
- Wireless:Â No
- Noise Canceling:Â No
- Charging:Â No
- Mic and Controls:Â In-line audio controls
- Transducer:Â add info
- Colors:Â Black, Blue/Black, Green, White and Pink
- Waterproof:Â No
- Weight:Â 11.4 oz
- Battery time:Â No Battery
- Price: Under $99 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 26, 2021
Our take:
These Razer Kraken gaming headphones are an update to the Razer Kraken Pro V2, the main differences are the cooling gel ear cups, a lot more padding around the headband making it far more comfortable for long-term use, and superior microphone quality. The bauxite aluminum frame is lightweight but extremely comfortable. The sound quality from the retractable mic is clear and whilst it doesn’t block all background noise it does a decent job. The thicker padding on the headband makes this gaming headset pleasant to wear for longer periods.
Pros
- Gel-infused ear cups that cool your ears.
- Unidirectional Microphone, that is fully retractable.
- In-line audio controls.
- Stereo sound with 50mm drivers.
- 1.3m cable allowing you to move freely.
- Durable and sturdy.
Cons
- No surround sound.
Our Rating:
9.6/10
Best budget gaming headset, that is extremely comfortable for long wear use.
Other Models by Razer:Â There are many gaming headsets by Razer but if audio quality is what you are seeking, you get THX Spatial Audio with the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition.
#3 – Corsair HS70 Pro Gaming Headphones
If you are looking for a wireless gaming headset for under $100, then the Corsair HS70 Pro is a great option. Built well it is comfortable and has the added advantage of surround sound for PC gamers.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â No
- Type:Â Over-ear
- Enclosure:Â Closed-back
- Wireless:Â Yes with a range of up to 40ft
- Noise Canceling:Â No
- Charging:Â USB port for charging
- Mic and Controls:Â Detachable, noise-canceling mic and on-ear audio controls
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black and Carbon
- Waterproof:Â No
- Weight:Â 11.7 oz
- Battery time:Â 16 hours
- Price: Under $100 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 26, 2021
Our take:
If you are looking for an affordable gaming headset under $100, with wireless features that have low latency then this is one of the best wireless gaming headsets for its price range. This headset has a simple but premium-looking design and is incredibly comfortable with its memory foam earpads and sturdy headband. It can produce a high-quality sound on a budget and has the option of surround sound for PC games. The is our best wireless headset.
Pros
- Memory foam ear pads
- 7.1 Surround sound
- Noise-canceling, detachable mic
- Wireless headset with 40 ft range and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity
- Can be used whilst charging
- 50mm audio drivers
Cons
- Only connects to PC or PS4
Our Rating:
9.2/10
The overall sound quality of this wireless headset is impressive and it comes with good battery life and a brilliant wireless range.
Other Models by Corsair:Â If you are looking for a wired version the Corsair HS60 is another gaming headset under $100 that is a good option.
#4 – HyperX Cloud II
HyperX is the US #1 selling PC gaming headset brand. This versatile gaming headset lets you enjoy playing on multiple different platforms.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â No
- Type:Â Over-ear
- Enclosure:Â Closed-back
- Wireless:Â No
- Noise Canceling:Â No
- Charging:Â No
- Mic and Controls:Â Detachable microphone with in-line remote with USB connection
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black/Gun Metal and Black/Red
- Waterproof:Â No
- Weight:Â 8
- Battery time:Â No Battery
- Price: Under $90 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 26, 2021
Our take:
When PC gaming you will benefit from surround sound, when using PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices you will get stereo sound. The 53mm drivers mean this headset can produce high-quality sound when using without the surround sound functionality. When looking for the best gaming headsets under 100, they must be built to last! These have a really durable design but are still lightweight too and, the extra padding on the headband makes them really comfortable for long hours of playing.
Pros
- Padded headband with memory foam ear cups
- 53mm drivers
- Plug and play surround sound
- Separate mic and audio controls
- The detachable mic has noise cancelation functionality
Cons
- Quite bulky
Our Rating:
9.6/10
Lightweight, comfortable, durable, with a better quality of sound due to the USB sound card and 53mm drivers.
Other Models by HyperX:Â HyperX Cloud Alpha comes with a detachable cable making them a bit more durable
#5- EPOS Sennheiser GSP 300 Headset
This gaming headset under $100 has an excellent sound quality for its price and works well for gaming and music lovers making it our most versatile gaming headset.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â No
- Type:Â On-ear
- Enclosure:Â Open-back
- Wireless:Â No
- Noise Canceling:Â No
- Charging:Â No
- Mic and Controls:Â Noise-canceling mic with on-ear audio controls
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black
- Waterproof:Â No
- Weight:Â 12.8 oz
- Battery time:Â No Battery
- Price: Around $100 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 26, 2021
Our take:
It is the sound quality that sets this headset apart. It has proprietary drivers that ensure the game audio is top-notch. The mic mutes automatically when flipped up and the noise-canceling feature gives it a decent sound performance. The headset market has lots to pick from and this one is a little light on features but is still a great headset for the price.
Pros
- Brilliant microphone quality
- Mic mutes in the upright position
- Comfortable oval ear pads
- Noise-canceling microphone
- Easy on-ear audio controls
- Works on lots of platforms
Cons
- The mic doesn’t detach
- No surround sound
Our Rating:
9.2 / 10
Comfortable headset with great sound quality and easy-to-use on-ear controls.
Other Models by EPOS: Other gaming headsets EPOS I Sennheiser GSP 302 Headset and EPOS H3
#6 – SteelSeries Arctis 5 Gaming Headset
The design of the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is the thing that really makes it stand out from the crowd. The RGB lighting along with the great overall sound quality make it one of the best gaming headsets.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â No
- Type:Â Over-ear
- Enclosure:Â Closed-back
- Wireless:Â No
- Noise Canceling:Â No
- Charging:Â No
- Mic and Controls:Â Boom mic and chat mixing, mute and audio controls
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black and White
- Waterproof:Â No
- Weight:Â 12.8 oz
- Battery time:Â No Battery
- Price: Under $100 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 26, 2021
Our take:
The SteelSeries headsets are known for their comfort and the SteelSeries Arctis 5 are no different. The weight is distributed well and the ear pads are breathable making it great for long wear use. The controls are really easy to use and are good for mixing between chat and game. Arctis is recognized as having the best mics in the gaming industry and the SteelSeries Arctis 5 has both amazing clarity and, multichannel audio and noise-canceling making it better than most gaming headsets.
Pros
- Breathable ear pads
- Adjustable elastic headband
- Customizable controls for the audio with chat mixing
- RGB lighting
- Bi-directional microphone
- DTS X v2.0 surround sound
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Cable management is a bit messy
Our Rating:
9.6 / 10
Comfortable, lightweight design with excellent mic quality and mixing controls.
Other Models by SteelSeries: If you are looking for Bluetooth-enabled headsets then you could go for the SteelSeries Arctis 3 or if it is a wireless gaming headset you after then the Arctis Pro Wireless.
#7 – Logitech G PRO X
Using Blue Voice technology this headset has crystal clear communications and excellent noise reduction. It is a durable design but still lightweight and comfortable to wear.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â No
- Type:Â Over-ear
- Enclosure:Â Closed-back
- Wireless:Â No
- Noise Canceling:Â No
- Charging:Â No
- Mic and Controls:Â Detachable mic with blue voice technology
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black
- Waterproof:Â No
- Weight:Â 9.1 oz
- Battery time:Â No
- Price: Around $100 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 26, 2021
Our take:
Logitech G ProX has some incredible features when gaming on a PC making it our best PC gaming headset. You get the best experience with the software on your PC to control all aspects of sound and mic allowing you to hear every audio cue. It also comes with 2 different choices of ear pads, either breathable or passive noise canceling. It is a very durable aluminum design but still really comfortable and lightweight.
Pros
- Removable boom microphone
- 7.1 surround sound
- USB soundcard
- Compatible with Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices
- 50mm Pro G drivers
- USB Connector
- Memory foam ear pads
- For Xbox players these are close to being on of the best xbox one headsets under 100
Cons
- A lot of the features only work for the PC
Our Rating:
9.6 / 10
Excellent quality of sound when using with PC, comfortable and customizable.
Other Models by Logitech:Â Another alternative is the Logitech G935.
#8 – Turtle Beach Stealth 600
Best PS4 headset under $100 with a flip-to-mute mic and easy-to-use controls. A great headset for glasses wearers with the dual padded glasses relief system.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â No
- Type:Â Over-ear
- Enclosure:Â Closed-back
- Wireless:Â Yes
- Noise Canceling:Â No
- Charging:Â Yes
- Mic and Controls:Â Boom mic and on-ear controls
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black/White
- Waterproof:Â No
- Weight:Â 1.28 lbs
- Battery time:Â 15 hours
- Price: Under $100 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 26, 2021
Our take:
This headset is compatible with PS4 and PC and you can adjust the audio in-game and chat mix. With an amazing 16 hour battery time which is aided by the fact it automatically turns off when not in use. The headset really is comfortable with a lot of through having gone into the long-wear use. Another great headset by Turtle Beach.
Pros
- Wireless USB transmitter
- 3D Audio
- USB Charging cable and 15 hour battery time
- Mic mutes when flipped in an upright position
- 4 on-ear audio controls
- Dual foam ear pads
Cons
- Bit plastic looking
Our Rating:
9.4 / 10
Comfortable, low latency with a battery-saving functionality that automatically switches the headphones off when not in use.
Other Models by Turtle Beach:Â KSI uses the Turtle Beach Ear Force 800 or you could also look for the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2.
Considerations choosing the best gaming headsets under $100?
Here are some of the must-have characteristics:
Great sound quality
Lots of cheap gaming headphones come with surround sound, but if that doesn’t worry you too much then you just want to look for something with stereo sound and a decent bass sound quality.
Adjustable headband and comfortable ear pads
As you will likely be wearing the headset for hours at a time, looking for one that has well-padded ear cups along with a cushioned and adjustable headband will avoid any discomfort that might take away from your gaming experience.
Microphone and controls
A decent microphone with good mic quality will work well, you want to be able to speak to your teammates without lots of background noise. You can get a built-in mic or a detachable microphone and this is really down to personal preference. A few simple on-ear buttons for mic and volume controls are all that is needed.
Noise cancellation
The best headsets will have a good seal around your ears to prevent background noises from ruining your gaming experience. This is especially true of games that have audio cues that you need to hear to be able to fully immerse yourself.
Build quality
You are looking for something that is built to last but still lightweight and comfortable.
Battery Life
If it is a wireless gaming headset you want, then battery life becomes vital, you need to last through those long gaming sessions.
Gaming Headsets FAQs
Are expensive gaming headsets worth it?
With so many different types of gaming headphones on offer, it is hard to know whether to spend a lot or a little. What I have found is that where the price range really matters varies is with the quality of the audio and the microphone. You can get really reasonably priced gaming headsets under $100 with a decent quality of sound, but if you are a true audiophile and you want to use the headphones for both games and music then you might want to invest a bit more.
How much should I spend on gaming headphones?
You can get a decent pair of headphones for between $50 – $100, but the answer to this question really depends on what features you want the headphones to have. You should also consider which platform you want to use them for and how important the audio quality is. Once you have found the features that are important to you then find the best ones for your budget.
What is the best gaming headset for under 100?
With so many gaming headsets under $100, our above review should help you to find the right one for you. The best and cheapest gaming headsets are the HyperX Cloud Alpha S and Razer Kraken.
Wired vs Wireless gaming headsets?
There are both advantages and disadvantages to both wired and wireless. Wired can be less flexible and are not able to be used when commuting for music. Wireless sometimes experience lag issues and have batteries so need charged and could run out mid-game.
If purchasing a wireless headphone, then look for ones with a good battery time and quick charge or can be worn whilst charging. The best wireless gaming headset for under $100 that we reviewed was the Corsair HS70 Pro.
Is 7.1 better for gaming?
The answer to this very much depends on what sort of games you want to play and which platform you plan to play them on. A lot of headphones only have enabled surround sound when playing on a PC and it isn’t really needed in certain games where it isn’t as vital to hear audio cues. If you want to feel fully immersed in a game then you will want to go for 7.1 and it does enhance some games.
What headsets do pro gamers use in 2021?
As you would think the Pro Gamers all use some of the best well-known brands. Shroud has been known to wear the HyperX Cloud Flight but has more recently been wearing the Logitech G Pro X whilst Leafy and Markiplier use the Sennheiser HD 598. They all favor the more premium brands but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a less expensive pair from the same brand. In our review above we have looked at a lot of the premium brands for under $100.
What headset does Ninja use?
Ninja or Tyler Blevins is a really popular gamer, YouTuber and streamer, who is most known for playing Fortnite. He uses the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro currently and has previously worn the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
