Gamers take note:
You can get the best gaming headsets under $50.
Available in every style (in-ear, around-the-neck, over-ear), type (wired, wireless) and gaming console compatibility (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch or PC), these gaming headsets offer loads of customization options and an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
And the best part about them?
They cost less than your PS4’s controller, so you can afford them without blowing a hole in your budget. With this in mind, let’s check out the best under $50 gaming headsets.
Best Gaming Headsets under $50 – Comparison Table
HyperX Cloud Stinger | SADES A60 | Mpow EG3 | Logitech G430 | Turtle Beach Recon 50X | |
Preview | |||||
Weight | 9.8 ounces | 20 ounces | 19.2 ounces | 21.92 ounces | 6.4 ounces |
Type | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
Compatibility | PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch | PC and MAC | PC, PS4 | PC, PS4 | PS4, Xbox One |
More Info | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon |
ONIKUMA K5 Stereo | Creative Sound Blaster Blaze | Mpow 071 USB Headset | CORSAIR HS50 | BENGOO G9000 | |
Preview | |||||
Weight | 13.8 ounces | 13.6 ounce | 5 ounces | 11.2 ounces | 9.6 ounces |
Type | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | 9.6 ounces |
Compatibility | PS4, Xbox One, PC | Xbox One, PS4, PC | PC | PC, Mac, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android | PS4, PC, Xbox One |
More Info | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
HyperX gaming headsets are known for their attractive design, high-end features, and low price tags. In addition to offering all this, the Cloud Stinger’s super adjustability makes it one of the best-rated gaming headsets on the market.
Features:
As is the case with most HyperX headsets, the Cloud Stinger boosts a jet-black design with a HyperX logo on each ear cup. To let you use it with a PC, it provides two 3.5mm jacks – one for audio, the other for the mic, whereas another 3.5mm jack lets you use this wired headset with gaming consoles.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger owes its adjustability to two specific features, the first of which is the faux leather padding underneath the headband. Playing an equally important part in inducing comfort is the headband’s adjustability, which makes it wearable for people with all head sizes.
Belying the meager price tag of this model is the fact that both its earcups – which have a faux-leather coating – can rotate up to 90 degrees. Though the best part about the earcups has to be the noise-canceling mic which allows crystal-clear communication among your team members.
Finally, while its sound field isn’t very large, the overall sound quality of the Cloud Stinger is crisp and powerful. The presence of stereo sound allows you to sense the direction of sounds coming from left and right and a low-frequency soundstage means you won’t be disappointed with the Stinger’s above-average bass response.
Pros:
- Adjustable and lightweight
- Swiveling earcups
- Noise-canceling mic
- Almost universal compatibility
Cons:
- Mic isn’t detachable.
Final Verdict:
For a headset that comes in the under $50 price tag, the Hyper X Cloud Stinger offers excellent value for money. Provided you’re not looking for customization options – in which case you’d have to spend big bucks – this gaming headset might suit your requirements.
The Sades A60 is a no-brainer for fans of role-playing games (RPGs) with its directional sense, superior sound quality, and excellent bass response. Throw into the mix its aesthetic appeal, and you’d find it hard to ignore this gaming headset.
Features:
How many under $50 headphones you could identify which offer noise-cancellation technology? Even if you don’t know any – which is very much possible given how restricted this price range is – you don’t have to worry: the Sades A60 offers exactly that.
What does it do? For starters, the noise cancellation technology blocks out external noises so you can fully focus on the audio. Second, it supplements the existing sound quality of the headphone, which means you can expect superior sound quality.
Having a microphone which can swivel 360-degrees does wonder to the call quality of this headset. Also, while the mic isn’t adjustable, the fact that it is well-grounded means it won’t produce a crackling sound as you adjust the mic’s boom.
As is the case with most gaming headsets, the Sades A60 offers plug-n-play installation – which means you won’t have to install any drivers. Both it’s earcups contain inline controls so that you don’t have to go back to your PC to make volume adjustments switch to mic and mute the incoming audio.
Compare this with other models in this review, and you’d note that the Sades A60 goes one better on one count: it doesn’t restrict itself to providing a 3.5mm jack. In addition, you also get a USB connection which increases the utility of this gaming headset.
Pros:
- Plug-n-play
- Noise cancellation technology
- Folds for easy storage
Cons:
- Cannot turn off its LEDs.
Final Verdict:
With its above-average noise-cancellation technology, foldability for easy storage and plug-n-play capability – not to mention the ease-of-usability which its inline controls provide – the Sades A60 is certainly one of the best under $50 gaming headsets on the market.
The Mpow EG3 Gaming Headset comes at a wallet-friendly price which enables it to fit the bill for most gamers out there.
Features:
It doesn’t matter which gaming platform you have, the Mpow EG3 gaming headset will probably do the job for you; it is compatible with PlayStation 4, PCs (Windows 7, 8 and 10) and any device which provides USB audio support.
With its advanced 50mm neodymium drivers, the EG3 oozes a surround-sound like an effect to fully immerse you in the game. Throw into the mix its captivating sound environment, and you can hear your enemies before they pat on your back and make sure that you last the longest in the virtual world.
Once you have purchased these headphones, turn to Mpow Gaming Software to have a full bevy of customization options. Apart from letting you create and customize your sound profile, this software lets you different sound profiles for different games.
Also, since they have a lightweight metal build, these headphones keep your comfort in mind at all times. They also have tension control notches using which you can adjust their tightness and memory foam earpads which feel soft and cool on your ears even after marathon gaming sessions.
Pros:
- Wallet-friendly price tag
- 2 years guarantee
- User-friendly software
- Fingertip control
Cons:
- Won’t connect with Xbox.
Final Verdict:
With blowing a hole in your pocket, the Mpow EG3 provides a lightweight and comfortable design, captivating audio experience and loads of customization options via its user-friendly app.
The Logitech G430 features swiveling earcups, an expandable headband, and a semi-flexible microphone. All these features make it worth having if you plan on wearing your headset for extended gaming sessions.
Features:
What is it that makes headphones comfortable to wear – but hard to get? Leather. It does the former by providing padding not only on the headband but also on the earcups. By doing that, the price tag automatically increases, though you won’t experience this problem with the G430.
What’s more, the faux leather which pads the earcups and headband of this material is also breathable, hence preventing the buildup of heat and humidity. On top of everything else, the fabric is washable to let you clean any dirt and dander that might have built up along the way.
To make things simple, the presence of a Velcro strip comes really handy. It gives you the optional to organize the cable whose length is considerable thanks to the presence of inline mic and volume controls.
As for its sound quality, the mixture of X and Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound results in an immersive experience.
In addition to letting you hear what is going right and left – which is what stereo sound does – the Surround Sound makes you cognizant of the happenings on your back and front as well. So you’d never miss anything with this headset.
Finally, if you want to customize its sound quality, travel to Logitech’s website to download their Gaming Software. Provided you do that, you can adjust overall volume, 7-different speaker volumes, bass, treble as well as EQ sliders.
Pros:
- 1 Surround Sound
- Superior build quality
- Swiveling earcups
- Has an excellent app
Cons:
- Max volume isn’t that loud.
Final Verdict:
As you can see from its review, the Logitech G430 has so many strong features in its arsenal that purchasing this headset seems a no-brainer.
For those of you who are looking for a headset which could just plug into your Xbox controller’s 3.5mm jack and gets up and running, the Turtle Beach Recon 50X would suit you just right.
Features:
First things first, you won’t get any premium vibes while looking at the design of the Turtle Beach Recon 50X. The build quality isn’t high-end and pads are a little stuff too. On the upside, they are lightweight, have a removable mic and their overall control scheme is pretty easy.
In terms of controls, these headphones follow a pretty basic, easy-to-use pattern. You get a volume dial that is not only responsive but also has tangible endpoints, so you could easily gauge when it has reached its full volume. The mic also has an on/off switch.
Also, for an over-the-ear headset, these headphones are pretty breathable when you compare them to other over-ear headphones. That’s because they rest only partially on your ears, hence leaving the space for airflow.
As for their sound quality, you won’t have any complaints as they are above-average sound headsets. Apart from providing you with powerful and deep bass, they supply consistent mid-range with an adequately-balanced treble.
In plain English, that means that as long as you aren’t a listener of classical or vocal-centric music, these headphones will cater most genres with ease.
Pros:
- Removable mic
- Above-average sound quality
- Breathable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Build quality is suspect.
Final Verdict:
As a mere glance over their price tag might suggest, the Turtle Beach Recon X are a set of entry-level headsets. However, with their decent sound quality, breathable fabric, and lightweight build, these headsets have done well to belie their price tag with aplomb.
Despite not being as famous a brand as Logitech or HyperX, the fact that ONIKUMA has sold more than two million products lends credence to their products. And as you’ll find after going through the review of the ONIKUMA K5, the company invests in providing value what it saves on branding.
Features:
First things first, you won’t get any premium vibes while looking at the design of the Turtle Beach Recon 50X. Its black-and-silver chassis is fairly simple and the overall build feels cheap. That said, both the earcups, as well as the mic, have blue LEDs, giving this headset a unique touch.
One more thing which we noticed about its build is that both the earcups have an omnidirectional movement pattern. Put simply, you can adjust them freely to pump sound in any direction you may like. As you might guess, this freedom makes these headphones conducive to comfort.
Unless you’re looking for an ultra-portable gaming headset, the 50mm drivers of these headphones would suit you just fine. Their large size allows these headphones to leave some space between their drivers and your ears, which they can then manipulate to provide greater air volume, which is never a bad thing.
Also, while the table itself isn’t tangle-resistant, it is quite thick. All the usual inline controls are located there including the mic on/off switch, a volume wheel and a power on/off button. So you won’t have to tinker with some fancy looking software to do basic stuff.
Lastly, as far as their sound quality is concerned, these headphones have made pretty good use of their 7.1 Surround Sound. That’s pretty unique because unlike most other headphones which use 7.1 Surround Sound, they do not have a multi-speaker design, yet they are able to provide their listeners with an immersive listening experience.
Pros:
- Has a lifetime warranty
- 60mm driver
- Huge compatibility
- Fingertip control
Cons:
- Design is pretty basic.
Final Verdict:
For an under $30 gaming headset, the ONIKUMA K5 Stereo packs a pretty powerful punch to compete with gaming headsets costing three times as much.
Despite being a budget gaming headset, the Creative Sound Blaster Blaze has some of the bells and whistles which you don’t normally get in this price range.
Features:
What is it that serves as the defining feature of the Sound Blaster Blaze? Its comfort inducing cushioning. Right from the headband – where you get soft cushioning – down to the earcups – where plush velvet keeps your ears comfortable – this headset is designed to be worn during extended gaming sessions.
That said, while comfort is good and desired, on its own, it isn’t enough. Which is why clarity in communication is another unique forte of this headset. It has a noise-canceling headphone which delivers crystal clear voice to the listener. And the best part about the mic? It is detachable.
Making sure that you don’t have to go through the depths of some finicky software just to change its volume is the inline remote of the Sound Blaster Blaze. In addition to letting you turn the mic on/off and adjust its volume, you can also use the controller’s clip to attach it to your clothing.
When it comes to its sound quality, the Sound Blaster Blaze does well for a headset with a relatively short frequency response (20Hz to 20 Hz). Though, thanks to its 40mm Full Spectrum drivers and Neodymium Magnet, this headset produces clear high notes and more powerful bass.
Pros:
- Plus velvet earcups
- Detachable, noise-canceling mic
- Durable and lightweight
Cons:
- Relatively short frequency response
Final Verdict:
While its restricted frequency response prevents this headset from competing with their expensive counterparts, the Creative Sound Blaster Blaze is still a solid gaming headset.
Of all the gaming headsets that we’ve reviewed thus far, the Mpow 071 is the cheapest of the lot. Luckily, though, its meager price tag hasn’t held this headset back from offering a quality listening experience to its users.
Features:
Anticipating the need for portability of its users, the 071’s earcups fold flat for easy storage. It has a USB in-line remote which you can detach to use the 071 with your laptop and tablet as well as a smartphone via the 3.5mm jack of the headset.
Additionally, while the Mpow 071 has earcups which are heavily padded, they don’t fully envelop your ears by sitting atop them. Wrapped in protein leather, these memory foam earcups are built for long usage. Yet, to relax your ears, Mpow recommends that you remove the 071 every one to two hours.
Aiding the 071 in their quest to provide clear and balanced sound to its listeners is the 40mm driver of the headset. The very size of the headset should make it clear how far this headset would go in translating audio signals into solid sound quality.
On the mic front, you’ll get a unidirectional choice which you can twist to get a perfect placement in front of your mouth. Also, while the mic isn’t fully noise-canceling as some of the other gaming headsets’ mics in this review, Mpow 071 does have a built-in noise reduction sound card to lower the unwanted noise from other devices.
Pros:
- Value for money
- Ultra-portable
- Heavily padded earcups
- 40mm driver
Cons:
- Mic isn’t noise-canceling
Final Verdict:
Extremely portable the Mpow 071 USB headset is built for those of you who want a lightweight, inexpensive gaming headset.
With most gaming headsets on the market, you only get what you pay for. That fact is certainly true with most under $50 gaming headsets, though Corsair’s HS50 bucks the trend with aplomb.
Features:
Starting with a glance at its design, the Corsair HS50 is a black headset which gives you the choice of having green, blue or additional black lights. Apart from that, its design lacks any unique feature: it has large over-the-ear cups, a detachable mic on the left earcup and an expandable headband with cushioned padding,
In terms of connectivity, the HS50 gives you two options: use the provided single wire to connect it with gaming consoles and mobile devices or turn to the audio/split mic wire for PCs.
Corsair is of the view that you can view this model for hours on end and still won’t feel any discomfort, and we didn’t find any evidence to refute this claim. That said, while it provides a comfortable fit, the absence of swiveling earcups and the presence of rigid notches means you might not get a perfect one.
One of the features of the HS50 which we liked the most was its ability to work with virtually any gaming system. How? Thanks to its 3.5mm audio jack. It allows you to use this headset for a PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch, smartphone or any device with an adapter in tow. So you won’t have any complaints here.
The same is also true when it comes to its sound quality, which is surprisingly good for a budget stereo headset. Corsair’s choice to go with the 50mm pays dividends as you get a solid bass tone with the sound of virtual bullets resonating vividly around your ears.
Pros:
- Can handle music, video, and gaming
- Excellent stereo sound
- Comfortable fit
- Mic performs well for online gaming
Cons:
- Doesn’t have any customization option
Final Verdict:
After a versatile gaming headset but can’t afford to break the bank for a pricey version? Then the stellar Corsair HS50 will suit you perfectly.
Before reviewing the BENGOO G9000, we weren’t expecting much out of it. After all, it comes from a relatively unknown brand, has a below-average price tag and isn’t wireless. Surely, then, it couldn’t compete with the likes of HyperX, Corsair, and Mpow, right?
Nope, it can.
Features:
Why is this model so famous? That’s the first question we had while looking at the number of sales it has had over the years. We found the answer in no time: universal compatibility. The BENGOO G9000 is compatible with your PS4, Xbox One, smartphone, PC, tablet and even iPad.
Fortunately, that’s not all as far as the high-end features of this model are concerned. It has a high-precision, 40mm neodymium driver with which this headset delivers a booming bass, clear sound and vivid experience during gameplay.
Also, regardless of how much chaotic action you’re going through, its premium noise-isolating microphone will make sure that the messages come nice and clear. Whereas the presence of extra-soft ear pads help you remain comfortable during extended gaming sessions.
Whether you desire full control over its volume or want to turn the mic on/off at whim, the convenient built-in controls on its cable will allow you to do exactly that. Plus, despite its under $30 price tag, the long mic’s boom means you can use the BENGOO G9000 for conference calls or video chatting.
Pros:
- Inline volume control
- Almost universal compatibility
- Above-average sound quality for gaming
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- For LED lights, extras are needed
Final Verdict:
If universal compatibility is what you’re after, the BENGOO G9000 is definitely above-par. Though you need to keep in mind that its below $30 price tag should prepare you to make some compromises.
Conclusion
The above mentioned reviews of the best gaming headsets under $50 disporves the myth that you have to spend a fortune to land above-average products.
Provided you do some research (which we did for you in the shape of reviewing these products) and decide what you’re looking for (which you have to do now), there’s no reason why a quality gaming headset won’t fall in your budget.