While some gaming headsets can cost upwards of $200, the good news is that you don’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy unparalleled audio quality. In fact, some of the best budget gaming headsets can be purchased for as little as $100 or less and we’ve got a full list for you right here.
From Razer’s lineup of affordable gaming headphones to brands that, frankly, deserve more kudos, when shopping for the best gaming headset on a tight budget, you should also look towards functionality over gimmicks. By doing so, you are going to get the best sound quality for your hard-earned money.
But which is the best cheap headset for you? 👇
Quick Glance – Best Budget Headsets
To help you cut through the fluff, we have curated 10 of the best cheap gaming headsets available in Australia. Each of these has been tested for audio quality, durability and comfort to ensure that they give you a competitive edge.
The best cheap gaming headsets in Australia are:
- Steelseries Arctis 1 – Best Overall
- Razer Blackshark V2 X – Most Popular
- JBL Quantum 100 – The Cheapest
- Corsair HS35 – Best Under $50
- Razer Barracuda X – Best Wireless Headset
- Hyper X Cloud Stinger – Best Wired Headset
- Razer Kraken Kitty Edition – The Coolest
- Turtle Beach Recon 70 – Best For Kids
- Sony Pulse 3D Wireless – Best For PlayStation
- Razer Kraken V3 X – Best For Xbox
SteelSeries Arctis 1
Best Budget Gaming Headset Overall
Price: From $69.00 » Wireless: Wired
Compatibility: PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, Mobile, PC
At a modest price point of $70, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 stands out as the ultimate affordable gaming headset. Stealing the same audio drivers that can be found within pricier models of the Arctis series, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 packages the best of Arctis into a sleek, comfortable and distinctive design.
Despite its lower cost, the Arctis 1 competes admirably with pricier alternatives, especially with FPS games and shooters like Overwatch. While it may not provide the same experience as say the Arctis 5, the Arctis 1 is still the best all-around budget headset within this price range; offering exceptional value for just $70.
In addition, the Arctis 1 is universally compatible with PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS and Android – even more reason to make this your number-one choice.
Razer Blackshark V2 X
Most Popular Budget Headset
Price: From $68.00 » Wireless: Wired
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch & Mobile
If you’re not into SteelSeries headsets then your next best choice is the Razer Blackshark V2 X. As one of the most popular budget gaming headsets in Australia, the Blackshark V2 X retails for $109 but can often be found on sale for just under $70.
A small victory already.
Similarly to the Razer Kaira X, the Blackshark V2 X has well-balanced sound with detail in the mids and highs. There’s a little bit extra it could give down the bottom end, but only true audiophiles will be able to pick this up as a major flaw.
There’s universal compatibility with every gaming platform and those TriForce 50mm drivers will give your ears the most amount of pleasure at this price point. Oh, and it’s a Razer product. So, expect to feel like Venom when you’re preying on the enemy.
Product Note: Mobile compatibility is available via a 3.5mm jack.
JBL Quantum 100
The Cheapest Gaming Headset
Price: From $34.00 » Wireless: Wired
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, Mobile & VR
For gamers who want a cheap, no-thrills headset for the price of an Uber Eats delivery, the JBL Quantum 100 is the cheapest headset you will find that doesn’t sound like you’re playing inside a tin can. But don’t be fooled by the fact that the Quantum 100 can be purchased for less than $35, this headset is no fool.
There are memory foam ear cushions, a detachable boom microphone with echo-cancelling technology and a design that’s as sleek as a cat. All of this protects the hardware inside which is none other than JBL’s Quantum Signature profile (the same sound profile that is used on more expensive JBL headsets).
Universally compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, Mobile and even VR gaming, the JBL Quantum 100 is the perfect budget gaming headset for beginners.
Corsair HS35
Best Cheap Gaming Headset Under $50 In Australia
Price: From $45.00 » Wireless: Wired
Compatibility: PC, MAC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, iOS & Android
For less than $50, the Corsair HS35’s 50mm drivers deliver life-like stereo sound that will have you wondering when you’re going to get arrested. As the cheapest gaming headset on this list and offering the best bang-for-buck, the Corsair HS53 is the best gaming headset under $50 right now.
While slightly bulkier than other headsets on this list, the Corsair HS35 still manages to ensure great comfort through memory foam earpads and a design that naturally follows the concave of your skull. It’s universally compatible and also works like a dream with Windows Sonic too.
Sure, it’s the bare bones of what you will require from a gaming headset. But it’s $45 and will last for a considerable amount of time too. All you need to do now is to decide whether you want a carbon, green, blue or red finish!
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
Best Wireless Budget Gaming Headset
Price: From $109.00 » Wireless: Yes
Compatibility: PC, Playstation, Switch & Android
With multiple connection options and a battery that will last up to 50 hours of gameplay, the Razer Barracuda X (2022) is an affordable wireless gaming that suits almost every gaming room. As no stranger to cheap gaming peripherals, Razer continues to release low-price, high-value products like the Barracuda and it makes us smile very much.
The Barracuda X is perfect for budding gamers and even at-home workers who are in search of headphones that will work with any platform at an affordable price.
Voted: Best Budget Razer Headset
At best, you will be able to snag the Barracuda for just $99. However, even if you do end up paying full price, you will be surprised to see that this unit even supports two connection methods (wired using a 3.5mm cord and through a USC-C dongle). With most budget headsets only coming with a single type of connection, the Barracuda X stands out for this feature alone.
While the Barracuda does not support Razer Synapse, it will work with the audio configurations available on almost all devices. For example, the 3D audio feature from the PlayStation console works to a tee.
HyperX Cloud Stinger
Best Wired Budget Gaming Headset
Price: From $64.00 » Wireless: Wired
Compatibility: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Wii & Android
Often forgotten by critics, HyperX delivers high-value headphones at affordable prices. Of which, when going wireless is not your gag, the feature-packed Hyper X Cloud Stinger is undoubtedly one of the best cheap wired headsets you will find.
More Info » Read Full HyperX Cloud Stinger Review
Compatible with consoles, PC, Mac, Xbox, PS4 and Android, there are two connection methods (via audio jack and USB-A dongle). For sound quality, your ears will enjoy 50mm drivers and positional audio which is absolutely perfect for fragging enemies online. Whilst there are no built-in surround sound features, most Windows PCs and consoles will take this upon themselves anyways.
For less than $70, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is an absolute steal.
Razer Kraken Kitty Edition
Best Wired Budget Gaming Headset
Price: From $94.00 » Wireless: Wired
Compatibility: PC, Xbox & PlayStation
The Razer Kraken Kitty stands tall as the coolest headset under $100 with its incredibly cute cat ears and pink exterior. But that’s not all that makes this headset a must-purchase for Aussie Twitch streamers or gamers who care about the appearance of their peripherals.
There’s a retractable unidirectional microphone, THX spatial audio and an active gaming boost mode that seriously levels up the audio quality too.
Delivering deep bass and clear trebles to any device that has a full-size USB connector, the Razer Kraken Kitty will have your gamer girlfriend, daughter or even yourself playing for hours upon end in pure headset heaven.
Turtle Beach Recon 70
Best Cheap Gaming Headset For Kids
Price: From $47.00 » Wireless: Wired
Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5, Switch & Android
Kids break things, particularly technology. So, when you want to treat your kids to a gaming gift that will have them doing backflips, a pair of Turtle Beach Recon 70 headphones will do just nicely.
As the best cheap gaming headset for kids in Australia, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 has 8 colours to choose from and is universally compatible with PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5, Switch & Android. No more trying to remember what console they have! 😂
Delivering high-quality sound through 40mm speakers and a flip-to-mute microphone for when you need to have a quiet word, there’s a reason why the Turtle Beach Recon 70 has been sold over 80,000 times on Amazon with a review rating of 4/5.
It’s insane value for money, that’s why!
Product Note: Adults can use this headset too, but you may find it’s a little tight.
Sony Pulse 3D Wireless
Best Budget Headset For PlayStation
Price: From $129.00 » Wireless: Wireless
Compatibility: PS4 & PS5
The Sony Pulse 3D Wireless is an absolute stalwart when it comes to cheap PlayStation gaming headsets. I mean, it’s directly out of Sony’s audio division so you shouldn’t ever run into compatible issues. At just $129, the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless is one of the best affordable PS4 headsets that is also compatible with PS5 too.
Learn More: Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Review
There are 12 hours of wireless gameplay, a USB Type C charging port and the drivers are seamlessly attuned for 3D audio on PlayStation consoles. It really is just a plug-and-play experience which, to be honest, is pretty priceless.
Further to this, the Sony Pulse 3D also features a noise-cancelling microphone and easy access controls to adjust your settings. For an experience that is seamless, go for the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless.
Razer Kraken V3 X
Best Xbox Budget Gaming Headset
Price: From $99.00 » Wireless: Wired
Compatibility: PC, MAC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, iOS & Android
Once again, Razer is dominating our list with the Razer Kraken X being rated as the best Xbox headset for budget gaming. That is, unless, you like the Kraken Kitty of course!
Sporting a sleek, professional look, the Kraken V3 X is one of the lightest gaming headsets you will ever encounter. Out of the box, the large and extremely comfortable ear cups will fully cover your ears while providing exceptional 3D sound. It makes use of 40mm dynamic drivers, which (although some gamers prefer 50mm drives), is good enough to help you predict potential threats within your area.
Delivering all the right features for an immersive experience, the Kraken V3 X for overall sound quality is up there with the best of them. While technically you could wear this on the move, in our opinion, the bulkiness of the headset means this is one for the indoors. That said, unlike most other cheap gaming headsets, the Razer Kraken comes with built-in eyewear channels to relieve pressure off your glasses.
The Final Word
Just because some headsets are cheaper to purchase, that does not mean that they are not worth exploring. Even the biggest manufacturers have entry options or essentials available. As we have proved above with models like the JBL Quantum 100, sometimes, cheaper is actually better when all the efforts go into the sound quality over the extras.
If you really want to go bare bones and are hunting for the best budget gaming headset without a microphone, then headsets such as the Razer Opus X will deliver the greatest sound quality for your price range.
If you don’t like the options we have listed here are 5 more runners-up:
- Corsair HS60 Pro
- Astro AS10
- Sony Pulse 3D
- Roccat Elo 7.1 USB
- Razer Kraken Tournament
Truthfully, any one of these headset alternatives could also have made the list. So, there are plenty of options to choose from, no matter how little you want to spend.
Consider the specifications of each gaming headset and also how you intend to use the headsets. From here, your options will drastically be limited which is a good thing. If you are like most, sound quality will trump any peripherals or extras. So, always opt for the gaming headset that delivers the best sound! Oh, and of course, one that will 100% work with the majority of your devices.
Which gaming headset are you currently using?
Share with us in the comments below and don’t forget to read our other reviews to complete your setup with the best gear available.
- AceZone A-Spire Review Australia
- Best Budget Gaming Mouse.
- Razer Nari Essential Review
- Best Gaming Microphones For Streaming.
- Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero Review.
- Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless Gaming Headset Review
- Best Xbox Games For Kids.
- Audeze Maxwell Review Australia
- Razer Iskur Gaming Chair Review.
- Best Cheap Gaming Keyboard.
- HyperX Quadcast Review.
Content Disclaimer: This handpicked shortlist of the best cheap gaming headsets has been independently written. GamePro has not been commissioned by any manufacturers featured on this list, nor have we received any royalties for this article. This includes financial reimbursement, free advertising or free gifts. In addition, any statistics are estimates based on third party publications.
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