Having the right headset can make or break your gaming experience. A slight movement from the enemy you failed to hear can mean your imminent death. You can also experience a lot of miscommunication with your team without the proper gaming headset. This can very well lead to a mission failure.
Even if you have the best gaming keypad or the best monitor, your setup is not complete without a headset. Not to worry, you don’t have to spend hundreds or thousands on this. It is possible to get a high-quality gaming headset under 100 dollars. Check out the list below:
Our Top Gaming Headset Under $100 Picks:
From HyperX to SteelSeries and Turtle Beach to Razer, we’ve included some of the best brands for gaming headsets on our list.
HyperX Cloud II
Experience exceptional comfort and supreme audio quality with the HyperX Cloud II. This headset comes with a padded leatherette headband and memory foam ear cushions—you can play for hours without feeling any sting on your head or ears. This headphone is also built to last as it uses an aluminum frame.
Thanks to 53mm drivers, you can enjoy high-quality audio. Opponent scuffles and footsteps will be easier to hear with the HyperX Cloud II. What’s more, this model comes with 7.1 surround sound for PC and Mac for a truly immersive gaming experience. It’s available on stereo on Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and other mobile devices.
The earphones come with passive noise cancellation while the detachable microphone also has a noise-canceling feature. The HyperX Cloud II can very well be one of the best PC gaming headsets under 100. It’s available in both wired and wireless versions and comes with an audio control box.
- 7.1 Surround sound
- Memory foam ear pads
- Detachable microphone
- Compatible with multiple platforms
SteelSeries Arctis 5
The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is the best $100 gaming headset with RGB illumination. It can definitely amp up your gaming setup in aesthetics. But the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is more than just looks, it’s built to last for years as it has a steel-enforced headband. But at the same time, it provides comfort for wearers—the headband is adjustable and is made with the same fabric used on ski goggles. Its ear cushions are also made with performance fabric so your ears will stay dry and cool, perfect for long campaigns.
With ultra-low distortion, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 makes it easier to experience in-gaming audio. You can expect to hear rich sounds and music from this headset.
One of the best features of the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is its bidirectional microphone. It produces a clear voice plus has background noise cancelation. What’s more, it has an inline dial that allows you to control the volumes of your game and chat audio. You don’t have to pause your game while you talk to your comrades.
- RGB Illumination
- Studio-quality voice clarity
- Combines comfort and durability
- Ultra-low audio distortion
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2
For the best Xbox headset under 100 dollars, check out the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2. This Gen 2 headset comes with a redesign on the mic, a flip-to-mute feature, plus a larger diameter to ensure clear chat. With mic monitoring, you’ll be able to hear the level and sound of your own voice, making you fully aware if you are shouting or whispering to other players.
With independent controls on game and chat audio, you can adjust the volume for each to suit your preference. This headset also boasts an exclusive from the Turtle Beach brand, the Superhuman Hearing setting. It also has Window Sonic virtual surround sound.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 also offers physical features such as comfortable ear cushions with eyeglass-friendly foam and audio presets—a single touch allows you to switch from Signature Sound, Bass Boost, and other audio options. The wireless Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 allows long gameplay with its 15-hour battery life.
- “Superhuman Hearing”
- 50mm speakers
- 15-hour battery
- Clear chats
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Another excellent option from HyperX, the Cloud Alpha. Just like other headsets from the gaming brand, the HyperX Cloud Alpha combines a leatherette headband with memory foam for comfort. It also made with an aluminum frame for long-lasting stability and durability.
The dual-chamber drivers on the headset separate bass from highs and mids, which provides better sound distinction as well as less distortion. The HyperX Cloud Alpha allows easy mic muting and volume adjustment with its in-line audio controls, accessible on the braided cable. To prevent cable damage and bulky storage, the cable is removable.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is truly the best gaming headset under $100 when it comes to multiple platform usage, be it PC, Mac, Xbox, PS, Nintendo, or even mobile devices that come with a 3.5mm port. Certified by VOIP programs, you can use the HyperX Cloud Alpha with Discord and TeamSpeak. The noise-cancellation mic is removable for days when you only need to listen.
- In-line audio control
- Dual-chamber drivers
- Detachable cable and microphone
- Compatible with multiple platforms
Logitech G533
Not only is the Logitech G533 one of the better-looking headsets in the market, but it’s also the best wireless gaming headset under 100 dollars in the category of computer use. This sleek headset is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. It promises precision and realism with its DTS and Pro G 40mm drivers, the 7.1 Surround Sound is only available for PC.
You can use the Logitech G533 all day as it has a lightweight design. It is made of sports mesh and stainless steel bands plus it weighs only 350g for your comfort. You also don’t have to worry about gameplay interruptions. This headset has a 15-hour battery life and a 15m range—you can grab a snack from the kitchen while still talking to your mates.
On the left earcup, you can easily fiddle with the volume controller or tap the mute button. There’s also a programmable G-key that can be used for functions like starting and stopping or playing and pausing media. The 2.4 GHz Logitech G533 also has a foldable mic with a noise-canceling feature.
- 15-meter range
- 15-hour battery life
- 7.1 Surround Sound
- Sleek and lightweight design
Razer Kraken Tournament Edition
The high-performance gaming company Razer offers an affordable headset option in the Kraken Tournament Edition. This gaming headset under $100 offers dual connectivity across multiple gaming platforms. It has a 3.5mm jack for consoles, like Xbox and PS, and a USB with audio control for computers.
The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is designed for spatial awareness. With its THX 7.1 Surround Sound, you’ll have the advantage of hearing in-game sounds at a louder and faster capacity. Its audio control boasts 3D audio mapping instead of 2D audio cues.
For maximum comfort and heat build-up reduction, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is made with memory foam with cool gel padding. All the while ensuring its noise isolation feature is not compromised. Finally, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset comes with a retractable microphone that offers crystal-clear communication plus ambient and background noise reduction.
- THX 7.1 Surround Sound
- Ear cushions with cooling gel
- In-line audio control
- USB and 3.5mm connections
Buying Guide on Gaming Headset Under 100 Dollars
When it comes to getting a gaming headset, it needs to fit you just like the best gaming gloves. At the same time, it should also meet your gaming needs. Here are several factors to consider when buying a gaming headset:
Gaming Platform
First things first, what kind of gaming platform are you using? Not all headsets are compatible with a gaming console while some companies produce models that are designed specifically for a PC or an Xbox. This should be on top of the list when considering what kind of headset to get.
Another thing you should consider is some headsets can be used on different platforms but they have features that are exclusive to PCs or gaming laptops. So, when you use it on your mobile device it pretty much just works like a regular headphone.
Check out the Best Gaming Laptops under $1500
Connectivity
When it comes to wired and wireless headsets, they each have their own pros and cons. So, it really is a matter of preference what you will pick. There are of course headsets in the market that are able to offer the best of both worlds with an option to be used with or without a wire.
Wired
Wired headsets offer two main advantages over wireless earphones: unlimited use and direct connectivity. You don’t have to worry about being in the middle of a battle and suddenly your headset gives up on you because it ran out of juice. Although there are wireless headsets under 100 with solid connectivity, there are times when a Bluetooth connection can skip a beat. That’s something you won’t experience with a wired headset.
Wireless
Imagine freely moving around while you play without getting entangled in wires—that’s a wireless headset for you. Wireless headsets are also easier to store or bring with you for playing on the go.
Comfort
Just because you have a 100 dollar headset doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Comfort is an important factor a gamer should consider but sometimes fail to. Imagine, you will be using your headset for hours and hours at a time. A headset should have the proper fit so you can use it without worry.
Ear cups
Your ears will definitely get sweaty underneath the ear cup but there are headsets that come with cooling gels or breathable mesh to help you out. If you are wearing glasses, you might also want to consider ear cups that are more pliable so your frames don’t dig into the side of your face.
Headband
An adjustable headband is a must when it comes to a gaming headset. It’s also best to find a headband that can contour to your natural head shape. You’ll definitely feel pinching on the top and sides of your head when the headband is too rigid.
Weight
It doesn’t matter if you have the best $100 gaming headset loaded with amazing features if you can barely let it sit on your head. The weight of your gaming headset is something to factor in. Remember you will be using this for hours and it may seem pretty light during the first 30 minutes. But as you continue playing and feel a strain on your neck, nape, and shoulders, you’ll probably want to trade in your heavy-duty headset for something lighter.
Features
Not all gaming headsets are created equally. There will definitely be a gaming headset under 100 with better features than the others. It all comes down to your priorities. Is it important for you to have a 7.1 Surround Sound? Do you prefer a headset with a control box or onboard programmable buttons? Or is the lack of an RGB illumination a dealbreaker for you?
Design
This may not be important to some, but there’s something about a gaming setup that has a common aesthetic. If you want your monitor and accessories to have matching colors or be from the same brand and sporting the same logos, then headset design is definitely something to think about.
Check out the Best Gaming Monitors under $300
The Best Gaming Headset Under $100 For You
Again, the best gaming headset really depends on your preferences and your needs. All of the products listed above perform well enough for games but don’t expect to be blown away by its audio quality comparable to that of a professional headphone.
The best gaming headset under 100 dollars is compatible with your gaming platform, can be worn for long periods but is durable, and more importantly, allows you to hear your game and communicate with other players.
