Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Razer BlackShark V2 X ($39 – $59).
- Mid-range wired headsets often sound better than cheap wireless ones.
- Wireless 2.4 GHz headsets have lower latency than Bluetooth.
In this article
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You do not need to spend a lot to get good gaming headsets. These are the cheapest gaming headsets we would still buy in the US, sorted by typical price.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Razer BlackShark V2 X | Buy | 8.0/10 | $39 – $59 |
| HyperX Cloud III Wireless | Buy | 8.5/10 | $99 – $169 |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless | Buy | 8.7/10 | $149 – $199 |
Budget picks in detail
Razer BlackShark V2 X
Budget · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.0/10 · Typical price: $39 – $59
Why we like it: Light, wired and cheap.
Pros: Very light · Works with any 3.5 mm jack · Clear mic for the price
Cons: Wired only · Basic build
Buy it if you want a light, comfortable wired headset for under $60 that works with almost anything.
Skip it if you want wireless freedom.
HyperX Cloud III Wireless
Comfort and battery · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $99 – $169
Why we like it: Famous Cloud comfort, now wireless.
Pros: Plush memory-foam cushions · Very long battery life · Clear detachable mic
Cons: No Bluetooth · Plain design
Buy it if you want a comfortable wireless headset with very long battery life at a fair price.
Skip it if you want Bluetooth to your phone at the same time.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
Most gamers · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $149 – $199
Why we like it: Wireless gaming and Bluetooth in one headset.
Pros: Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth · Comfortable ski-goggle headband · Long battery life
Cons: No active noise cancelling · Mic is good, not great
Buy it if you want a comfortable wireless headset for PC or PlayStation that also connects to your phone.
Skip it if you need Xbox wireless; buy the Xbox-specific version.
How to save money
Mid-range wired headsets often sound better than cheap wireless ones.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Wireless 2.4 GHz headsets have lower latency than Bluetooth.
Common mistake: Paying for virtual surround features that matter less than good stereo sound.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap gaming headsets in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Razer BlackShark V2 X, typically $39 – $59.
Are cheap gaming headsets worth it?
Mid-range wired headsets often sound better than cheap wireless ones. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Wireless 2.4 GHz headsets have lower latency than Bluetooth.
When are gaming headsets cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.