For a true gamer, having a good pair of headsets is about as essential as having the console itself. The gaming headset is there to not only add some persona but to deliver every detail of sound as intended.
But when you think of gaming headphones, you are probably picturing spending a fortune. Well, you can put down the piggy bank because it doesn’t have to be this way. Thanks to modern-day strides in technology, we now have some pretty decent quality gaming headphones at under 100.
Let’s dive right in and look at the best gaming headset under 100.
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Best Gaming Headset Under $100 Reviews in 2022
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
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Editor’s Pick
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HyperX Cloud II – Gaming Headset |
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|
Best Value
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AmazonBasics Premium Gaming Headset |
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|
3
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Logitech G432 DTS:X 7.1 Surround Sound Wired PC Gaming Headset |
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|
4
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Razer Kraken Gaming Headset |
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|
5
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HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset |
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1. HyperX Cloud II – Gaming Headset
Starting us off and rightfully claiming its number one spot on the list is the HyperX Cloud II – Gaming Headset. As you may expect from any number one, the headset checks nearly all the ticks that make a quality headphone. This means it has a well-above-average sound output, combined with well-engineered design and ergonomics.
Perhaps the first thing you’ll notice about the piece is just how light it is. At just 9.6 ounces, you can almost forget that you are wearing the headset. Its ear cups are further filled with memory foam, making it extra cozy and comfortable.
The sound quality of this baby is nothing less than amazing. It features 53mm drivers that work overtime to pump the high highs and the low lows. This is further complimented with a 7.1 virtual surround sound, which elevates the session to its true potential.
As soon as you put them on, they drown any background noise, instantly immersing you in the game. The Cloud II also has a microphone that is incomparable to anything in its price range. The mic is detachable for when you don’t need it, plus it comes with a secondary set of ear cups made from different materials if you need a change. Hands down, the Cloud II is a must-have for any serious gamer.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Comfortable, with extra ear cups
- Detachable mic
- Lightweight
Cons
- The wiring around the connections is a bit vulnerable
2. AmazonBasics Premium Gaming Headset
Now, if you are a multiple console player, and you need a one-meets-all headset for your Xbox, PlayStation, or pc, then the AmazonBasics Premium Gaming Headset is perfect for you. Other than being clearly versatile among multiple consoles, the headset manages to output exceptional quality sound.
It comes fully supported by the high-frequency response with a little extra bass to make the whole experience more lively. It also features an omnidirectional, adjustable mic that picks out the slightest of sound and easily handles 2-way communication.
For comfort, the headset is armed with memory foam ear cups, ultra-soft polyurethane coverings, topped off with a padded headband. For the convenience of use, the good people at AmazonBasics outdid themselves by integrating a desktop mixer with volume control, EQ, USB, mic mute, and dial input ports.
And all this for under $80? What a bargain. Most users have been blown away by the sound quality. It sounds amazing even without the mixer. You’ll also appreciate the fact that the headsets have a premium feel to them despite being made of plastic.
Pros
- Multi-platform compatible
- Quite affordable
- Memory foam ear cups with Soft polyurethane coverings for comfort
- Feels premium
Cons
- Made of plastic
- Mixer is prone to damage
3. Logitech G432 DTS:X 7.1 Surround Sound Wired PC Gaming Headset
As you navigate around the world of gaming PC accessories, you’d be hard-pressed if you don’t come across a Logitech product. The company is known for the remarkable quality of its products, more so in the midrange capacity. Perhaps this is why the Logitech G432 DTS:X 7.1 Surround Sound Wired PC Gaming Headset comes so highly recommended.
Coming from Logitech’s G series, the model stands out with its 50-millimeter audio drivers and 7.1 channel USB sound card, working in unison to give it a high-end level response. It comes with that signature G series design, so you can expect chunky, black, trapezoidal ear cups and premium leatherette ear pads for comfort.
Another great thing you’ll appreciate is its advanced X2; O surround-sound capability. With this, you get precise positional audio as well as a 3D soundscape. The headset is further equipped with a 6-millimeter mic, with an intuitive flip to mute feature and volume control positioned at the fingertips for extra convenience. Much as it is primarily a PC headset, you can connect them to game consoles and mobile devices through 3.5 mm or USB DAC inputs.
Pros
- High-quality 50-mm drivers
- Has flip to mute mic
- Precise positional audio and surround sound
Cons
- Primarily made for PCs
4. Razer Kraken Gaming Headset
An Immersive, 7.1 surround, all-day comfort, super crisp sound experience are all that you can expect from the Razer Kraken Gaming Headset. And coming from one of the top sellers of gaming peripherals, this is really no surprise.
The headset is quite well thought out. It comes outfitted with custom-tuned 50 mm drivers, which can deliver one of the most on-point software-enabled surround sounds out there today. The aforementioned 7.1 surround channel on this baby is also well in place to support positional audio.
At a glance, the headphones appear relatively chunky. Well, this is purely for comfort reasons. It is padded with cooling gel-infused cushions that enhance comfort and prevent pressure build-up and overheating. Despite this, they are still surprisingly lightweight because they are made using bauxite aluminum, known for being both light and durable.
At the base of the headset, you’ll find a retractable noise-isolating microphone. With this, you get to reduce any background sounds, resulting in crystal-clear communication. You also get to enjoy a mute mic switch and analog volume control wheel for easy sound control.
Pros
- Custom tuned 50-mm driver for quality sound
- Durable gel-infused cushion padding for long use comfort
- Noise isolating earphone
Cons
- Hinges and joints are a little vulnerable
5. HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset
If you are working on a really tight budget, then our number five, the HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset, is what you need. At just under $50 dollars, you get to enjoy the quality of most other high-end headsets out there without compromising on the necessary features.
By this, we are talking about the 50mm directional drivers, working on piping premium quality sound right into your ear with pinpoint precision. We are talking about the signature, extra comfortable cloud stinger ear cups made using the esteemed HyperX memory form to support those marathon-gaming sessions. These headsets are also sleek, with the unique ability to retain their comfort even when worn over glasses.
At just 275 grams, the headsets are light and easy on the neck. The ear cups also conveniently rotate at a 90-degree angle to allow a more adaptive fit or when you need to free up one of your ears. They are large enough so they can cover even large ears while still allowing for adequate noise cancellation.
You also get an adjustable steel slider to give it a solid, sturdy feel. Other intuitive features on this bad boy include volume controls on the ear cups, swivel-to-mute, and multi-platform compatibility. This means that you can use it on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, as well as mobile devices.
Overall, for the price and quality you get, there’s simply no better headset like the cloud stinger.
Pros
- Affordable yet quality sound
- Leatherette padding with cushioning for comfort
- Slider for easy volume control
- Compatible with multiple games
Cons
- The mic is not detachable
- No built-in mic monitoring
Choosing the Best Gaming Headset Under 100: Suitable For PC, X-box & PS4 – The Ultimate Buying Guide
Finding a good gaming headset is like finding a good partner. You get somebody who listens to you when you feel down and a comforting shoulder you can lean on during that long 1 hour gruesome fortnight.
As you might expect, there are quite a number of options available out there, and they all come with their fair share of unique qualities. To really get a bang for your buck, you need to know what to look for. We have put together a buying guide, highlighting some of these fundamental features.
Connectivity: Wired Or Wireless?
Headphones today are often distinguished by two main properties. They can either be wired or wireless. Naturally, you’d be tempted to lean towards the wireless option for the mere convenience of not having wires running around. But the wireless headphones fall short in that they tend to lose signal midway if the signal is low.
They are also generally more expensive than wired headsets. When picking a wireless headset, you are advised to go for a more high-end wireless model that is designed to perform without latency or delays in between the game.
On the other have, we have the good old wired headsets. Most serious gamers prefer these because they guarantee a stable, latency-free connection. They are generally cheaper, and since the signal moves through a solid medium, they give a much clearer sound output. You might have to position yourself a little closer to your screen, but let’s face it, you were going to do that anyway, were you?
When buying a wired headset, check its mode of connection. Usually, it will feature a 3.5-mm audio jack, which is compatible with most modern systems.
Some might need a separate adapter to connect their mics to the PC. The other connection you’ll find is USB connectors. These are more convenient since they only require a single USB port and instantly connect with different systems.
Compatibility: Is The Device Really Ready To Pair?
As common sense dictates, you obviously want a headset that can connect to the system you plan to use it on – whether it’s your home TV or your 2 in 1 laptop. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that because most of the headsets on our list are compatible with a variety of systems.
However, some are primarily built for certain platforms. In order to connect to others, you might need additional drivers or physical adapters. Usually, compatibility will be described on the package or on the product’s description.
Drivers: How High Can You Go?
In gaming headsets, drivers are what determine just how high the sound quality level is. Most headsets today use 50-mm neodymium drivers, which give out pretty decent quality sound. However, some headsets use 45-mm and 35mm uniquely designed by their company.
You are advised to stay away from smaller drivers. A lower driver typically translates to poor quality sound. On the other hand, there are headsets out there, which boast of 50-mm drivers but are still low quality.
What you want to check for is any implication that such a headset is custom-tuned. You see, drivers usually arrive at the manufacturer in default settings. Therefore, the manufacturer is tasked with tuning them to meet quality standards.
Proprietary drivers are the most reliable. With a reputable brand, you are almost assured of getting a quality driver.
Surround Sound Vs Stereo, You Decide!
When it comes to sound distribution, there are two main choices to consider. Your headset can either have stereo sound or surround sound. Stereo is the outdated, less digitally-driven version. Here, the signal comes through to the two headphones independently.
Surround sound, on the other hand, makes it so that the two headphones are almost in sync. This way, you are immersed within the game, getting to feel like you are part of the action.
The catch is that for the cheaper models, you might get a little more virtual or generic version of the surround. The quality comes out slightly muffled, without the true surround-sound magic. Think of it like you are buying affordable computer speakers that can deliver impeccable sound.
Therefore, for a gaming headset under $100, stereo is ideally the better pick, that is, if you have an ear for organic sound; otherwise, if you don’t mind a little less than perfect sound, go for surround sound all the way.
Comfort: Can You Wear It Without Wearing Out?
Comfort is yet another crucial factor you should be akin to when choosing your headphones. Think of it more like choosing a sofa set or a desk chair. Since you’ll likely be wearing it for hours on end, you need something that you almost forget are on your head.
Therefore, check that the headset is lightweight and has extra padding on the ear cups. Some material might cause you to sweat a bit around the ears, in which case, you might want headphones that sit over the top of the ears and cling to your skull. This keeps your delicate ear bones protected from discomfort.
Another thing is the headband. Ensure that your headband has a soft cover material and can be adjusted to a more fitting prize. This way, you can wear it over glasses, or hats, and different other hairstyles without risking overextending them.
Microphone: Let Your Voice Be Heard!
If you are especially inclined towards online gaming, then you are going to need to communicate. Whether it is hurling insults to discourage the enemies or working with teammates to make strategies, you need to be heard loudly and clearly. And for this, you will need reliable earphones.
But there are some considerations you need to make when choosing a reliable mic. And it mostly revolves around the positioning of the microphone. In some, the mic will be permanently attached and will often be positioned right in front of you. In others, the microphone sits a bit closer to the ear cups so that it is not quite directly in front of the player.
On the other hand, some microphones are detachable, meaning you can take them apart when you don’t need them. You also have the option of getting a mic-less headset and then supplementing it with an external mic. This might save you a few bucks, but it might also affect the quality of the whole experience.
One more thing you need to look for in microphones is their flexibility. Some are Omnidirectional, while others are unidirectional. Omnidirectional mics tend to pick a lot more sound coming from you and your surroundings. Unidirectional mics only pick up sound from one source.
Keep in mind omnidirectional mics are more sensitive and will pick up even the slightest background sounds. Therefore, if you don’t mind the players listening in on what’s cooking in your kitchen, then you should definitely give it a go.
Durability: To Weather The Battlefield!
Durability is what determines how long or short your headset is going to last. Since you’ll likely be moving back and forth in those impulsive movements, your handset might go through a certain amount of abuse.
For this reason, you’ll need to have a little extra protection for your headphone. This can come in the form of heavy padding to absorb the shock or simply getting a reasonably lightweight model that won’t have such a heavy impact when hitting the ground.
Warranty
Having a warranty can be an added advantage. You see, much as most of these headsets are built to last, it can still be nice knowing that if some technical malfunction occurs, your headset can be fixed.
However, much as you get some peace of mind from a warranty, you should still keep in mind that the warranty only covers software malfunctions. So don’t go shoving it against the wall or something. All in all, if you take care, a good handset should take you through the long haul.
Conclusion
By now you are ready to conquer the world of gaming with your very own set of gaming headphones. Hopefully, our buying guide has equipped you with the information needed to make a more informed and confident buying decision. And remember, don’t hate the player; hate the poor quality headphones that ruined the game!
Best Gaming Headsets FAQs
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What is the best gaming headset
There are quite a number of really good gaming headsets out there. However, the very best of them will have a good combination of sound quality, design, and ease of use. Some brands manage to deliver this quite well, including HyperX, Logitech, and Razer Kraken. For more information, check out our review below.
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How to connect gaming headset to pc
Connecting gaming headsets to pc falls down to just three major steps. First, identify your PC’s audio output. These ports can either be a 3.5 mm port, a USB 3.0 port, or HDMI and are usually located on the front or side of your PC. Then check your gaming headset for the available connectors. Most will have a 3.5 mm hack or a USB cable. Finally, plug the connector into its respective port, configure the sound levels and enjoy your game.
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How to fix gaming headset
When fixing a gaming headset, you want to start by locating the source of the problem. It might either be a malfunctioning jack, or simple issues with configuration. Therefore, start by checking the audio settings on the device. Ensure that volume levels are cranked up, and mute settings are off. If that hasn’t solved your problem yet, then it might be a hardware problem.
Therefore, try using your jack on another gaming console. If it still doesn’t work, try a different jack altogether. If all those trials don’t work, then your headset might be physically damaged, in which case, you should send it back to your manufacturer for repairs.
