Best Gaming Headsets Under $100 (October 2025) – PC, PS5, Xbox Tested
Our October 2025 roundup of the best gaming headsets under $100 focuses on what matters most: sound quality for competitive games, microphone clarity for team voice chat, comfort for long sessions, and platform compatibility across PC, PS5, and Xbox.
Quick picks: Best headsets under $100
Best overall under $100
Buy HyperX Cloud Alpha — $80–$100
Model: HyperX Cloud Alpha
Why: Balanced sound with clear mids, great build and long-wearing comfort — an all-rounder for competitive and casual players.
Pros Clean mids; comfortable; detachable cable Cons Not wireless
Key specs: Driver 50mm; Connection: Wired 3.5mm / 2.0m cable; Mic: Detachable noise-cancelling; Weight: ~310 g
Best wired for PC
Buy Razer BlackShark V2 X — $45–$70
Model: Razer BlackShark V2 X
Why: Lightweight, excellent stereo imaging and low latency over wired 3.5mm — ideal for FPS players on PC.
Pros Low latency; strong imaging Cons Basic software/controls
Key specs: Driver 50mm (Triforce-inspired tuning); Connection: 3.5mm wired; Mic: Cardioid detachable; Weight: ~240 g
Best wireless for consoles
Buy SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless — $80–$100
Model: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
Why: True low-latency 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for consoles and PC — solid battery life and console compatibility at budget price.
Pros 2.4GHz dongle; multi-platform Cons Slightly less refined earcup padding
Key specs: Driver 40mm; Connection: 2.4GHz USB dongle / Bluetooth (model dependent); Battery: ~20 hrs; Mic: Retractable bidirectional; Weight: ~295 g
Best for mic quality
Buy Corsair HS60 Pro — $60–$90
Model: Corsair HS60 Pro
Why: Clear, well-isolated boom mic and comfortable fit — great for team chat and casual streamers on a budget.
Pros Clear boom mic; solid build Cons EQ options limited without software
Key specs: Driver 50mm; Connection: Wired / USB or 3.5mm (model); Mic: Unidirectional detachable; Weight: ~320 g
Comparison table
| Model | Connection | Driver | Mic | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HyperX Cloud Alpha | Wired 3.5mm / 2.0m cable | 50mm dual‑chamber | Detachable noise‑cancelling | Padded earcups; breathable; ~310 g | All‑round gaming |
| Razer BlackShark V2 X | Wired 3.5mm | 50mm tuned | Cardioid detachable | Lightweight, breathable; ~240 g | PC FPS |
| SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless | 2.4GHz USB dongle / Bluetooth | 40mm dynamic | Retractable bidirectional | Memory foam cups; ~295 g | Console play |
| Corsair HS60 Pro | Wired USB / 3.5mm | 50mm | Unidirectional detachable | Comfortable for long sessions; ~320 g | Streamer / Team voice |
How we tested
We tested 20+ headsets across PC, PS5, and Xbox using the same test bench: PC with dedicated DAC, PS5 via USB dongle and controller 3.5mm, and Xbox Series X with dongle where applicable. Tests covered positional accuracy, tonal balance, mic clarity (real voice calls), comfort during 4‑hour sessions, measured latency for wireless units, battery runtime checks, and basic durability checks.
Buying advice: what matters under $100
Sound signature
Prioritize clarity and a balanced midrange—overly bassy tuning masks footsteps and voice cues important in competitive games.
Microphone
A good mic with noise rejection improves team play. Detachable boom mics usually outperform inline mics for clarity and directionality.
Comfort and build
Look for replaceable ear pads, breathable fabric, and a headband with even pressure distribution to avoid fatigue.
Connection and latency
Wired is simplest and lowest latency. Wireless headsets should offer a low‑latency USB dongle mode for consoles and PC; Bluetooth alone may introduce lag.
Software and tuning
Companion apps that provide EQ presets or microphone monitoring are valuable, but prioritize raw hardware quality first.
Setup tips
- Use wired mode for competitive play when possible to eliminate latency.
- Enable sidetone if you want to hear your own voice at low volume to avoid shouting.
- Replace foam ear pads if you game daily—comfort equals better focus.
- Test mic in real voice chat to confirm noise rejection and clarity before making calls publicly available.
FAQs
- Can a headset under $100 be good for streaming?
- Yes—many sub‑$100 headsets have usable mics for streaming, but dedicated USB/XLR mics still outperform them in clarity and background noise control.
- Will wired headsets work on PS5 and Xbox?
- Yes—3.5mm wired headsets work on controllers. USB headsets may be platform dependent; check compatibility notes for console support.
- Is virtual surround useful?
- Virtual surround can help with immersion, but native stereo with good imaging often gives clearer positional cues for competitive play.
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