Top 7 Best Gaming Headset Under $100

You don’t have to empty your wallet for super-quality gaming peripherals. The market swarms with affordable cans but identifying high-sensitivity audio drivers, durable construction and lightweight profile is tricky.

Our handpicked 7 best gaming headsets under $100 deliver high performance and comfort with a clear, immersive sound. They include performance-boosting features to throw your gaming experience to refreshingly new heights.

If you’re on the hunt for pocket-friendly gaming headsets without compromising quality, check out our list.    

Best Gaming Headset Under 100

1. Plantronics RIG 400HX-Gaming Headset for box

Mic Pick Up Pattern: Uni-directional.

Mic Freq Response: 100 Hz–10 kHz.

HP Impedance: 32 ohms.

 HP Freq Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz.

 HP Drivers: Dynamic 40 mm.

Plantronics RIG 400HX gaming headset delivers superior immersive, super-lightweight and durable audio arrangement at a pocket friendly price. It integrates a cushioned headband to ease off pressure as you take on marathon gaming sessions. Memory-foam, sound-isolating ear cushions block exterior noise with moisture-wicking fabric promoting comfort during long battles.

For those who thirst for explosive game audio, this set hits the spot. It has high-sensitivity 40 mm drivers that render responsive bass for high-definition audio to amplify every detail. The audio sounds engaging and crisp for the price. You can tweak volume or mute your mic with inline controls so you can listen in more, react clear-sightedly and immerse yourself longer.

Easy-to-access controls allow you to focus on the game as you don’t need to take your eyes off the screen. Additionally, you stay connected to your squad throughout the campaign and get lost in the game.  When the dialogue is undecipherable, you can tune up without disrupting the episode. If the blasts get too deafening, you can turn them down and you don’t have to minimize your game.  Explosive sounds place you right in the trenches, with the bullets flashing across and blasts next to your head. And the noise cancelling construction prevents real life from breaking the chain of events

Compatible with Xbox, the 3.5 mm connector mates with PS4 controllers, mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Finally, they have a minimalist, resilient design with lightweight and comfortable ear cups that blows the competition out of the water. It has a high-quality feel with evenly distributed weight for maximum comfort.  

Bottom line: If you want superior full and rich audio, superior comfort and lightweight design, this headset packs quite a punch. However, it’s only for Xbox. 

2. ONIKUMA Stereo Gaming Headset

Mic Pick Up Pattern: Omnidirectional.

Mic Sensitivity: -38 ±3dB

HP Impedance: 16 ohms.

 HP Freq Response: 20-20,000Hz.

 HP Drivers: 50mm

It all boils down to personal taste, but the ONIKUMA Stereo Gaming Headset looks irresistible. With this ONIKUMA PS4 gaming headset, you have broad range compatibility with Nintendo products, windows PC, Mac, Xbox, android, and much more. And for ergonomics, we found the padded, silky and over-ear ear cup thicker and sizable, ideal for sealing off ambient noise. However, they fit snugly at first but tend to loosen up with prolonged use. We also found it’s not as thick as the earpads contained in the Razer Kraken or Turtle Beach headsets.   

The game audio on this unit is engaging and clear as a bell thanks to the 7.1Surround Sound Technology. It creates a super-real gaming experience of space immersing you in the sounds. It means you can nose out the location of the enemy footsteps or stray bullets with military precision. With a professional-grade 50mm driver reinforced with neodymium magnets, it renders clean clear bass.

The omnidirectional and adjustable ONIKUMA PC gaming headset can pick up sound in 360 degree. It picks up voice but it’s not completely free from disruptions and distortions from background noises. You’ll require a whisper-silent environment for excellent performance. It’s also noise-cancelling but falls short of many users’ expectations. All in all, it’s very far from impressive but we appreciate the flexible and well-balanced design.  

Cords and joints come with super-strong construction to withstand wear for long-lasting durability. Additionally, the manufacturer shields its circuit and this lengthens lifespan than the competition. However, lengthy cords reduce the overall lifespan of this product.  

Thanks to the 3.5mm plug, it provides versatile compatibility with a variety of devices. Moreover, the folding microphone lets you adjust it closer to your mouth. On the other hand, it’s not detachable for a travel-friendly profile.

Lastly, the ONIKUMA headsets come with breathable and skin-friendly ear pads for all-round coziness. Adjustable and soft-padded headband improves comfort for all-day wearing. 

Bottom line: The ONIKUMA PS4 makes a budget-friendly addition to your gaming arsenal. It has detailed clean audio, long-term comfort, and durable construction with sleek looks that go the extra mile for this price range

3. CORSAIR Void PRO RGB Wireless Gaming Headset

Mic Pick Up Pattern: Uni-directional.

Mic Freq Response: 100 Hz–10 kHz.

HP Impedance: 32k Ohms @ 1 kHz.

 HP Freq Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz.

 HP Drivers: 50 mm.

Pricewise, the CORSAIR Void PRO RGB Gaming Headset is the best deal for premium wireless models at a shoestring budget. It comes in a minimalist design shot with streaks of black, grey and white to select from. The controls feel a bit flimsy, as does the sleek plastic on the edges of the earcup, but the solid build hides these sins quite well.  

It has a thick headband made from rugged plastic and metal earcup brackets with reinforced stress areas. Extra-large earcups sit around longer ears rather than on them. They fold flat around the user’s neck or for portability.

When it comes to comfort, the headband has memory foam covered in a soft fabric. The earcups have memory foam lined with mesh cover for optimal breathability. The low clamp combined with generous makes this pair’s comfort a cut above. A foldable mic mounted on the left cap with a pop filter at the end allows you to switch it off by retracting upwards.

Even audiophile purists will appreciate the well-balanced audio response and fidelity in handling the all-round sounds. Dolby 7.1 Surround plays an instrumental in getting you sonically acclimatized to the game world. Nonetheless, the stereo version falls in the average bracket of the sound quality department.

Bottom line: Corsair shines through in all what matters like audio quality, dynamic range, and mic performance. The crystal-clear audio broadens your horizons with movies and music.

4. Turtle Beach-Ear Force XO One Amplified Gaming Headset-Xbox One

Speakers: 50mm with Neodymium Magnets

Speaker Impedance: 32O

Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

Ear-cup Design: Over-Ear (Closed)

Ear-cushion Material: Fabric (Black) with Foam Cushioning

Microphone Design: Removable Omni-Directional

Microphone Cable Length: 3ft/0.91m

Thanks to the sumptuous padding of the headband and earcups topped off with soft mesh, the headset feels more comfortable and easy on your head. The sizable and racetrack oval earcups settle around the moderate ears. Some users may find these too small. The plastic materials make it as common as muck and cables’ length is shorter than anticipated. At the same time, the lightweight over-the-ear design eases off strain during marathon sessions.  

This entry-level version delivers a killer audio response and features an extremely clear and lucid mic defying expectations for the price. It’s not what you get from high-end models. We have to admit it has rich and more detailed audio with 50mm drivers. You also get the two-step Bass Boost setting which you can use to amplify.

The Turtle Beach comes with a detachable mic. The Mic connection snaps into place securely. The only issue is removing the adapter is a devil of a job. A mic monitor allows you to control volume so you don’t shout unknowingly. 

The package includes a ChatMix controller which attaches to Xbox one. You can adjust Game Sounds and Chat volumes separately. Setting up the headset with Xbox One requires only a few connections. A 3.5 mm audio output makes it compatible with other devices. The separate buttons for volume and chat get creepy when operated simultaneously. The omnidirectional mic performs excellently picking up your voice. The only criticism comes from the inability to tweak volume without affecting the sound of the game.

Bottom line: The Turtle Beach has crystal-clear audio with superior comfort and a lightweight design. Unfortunately, they lack Surround Sound.   

5. HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset for PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS4 PRO, Xbox One S

Headphone Driver: 53mm

Frequency response: 15Hz-25,000Hz

Nominal Impedance: 60 Ω per system

Nominal SPL: 98±dB T.H.D. < 2%

Microphone Transducer type: condenser (back electret)

Operating principle: pressure gradient

Polar pattern: cardioid

With the HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset, you get a broad array of accessories for the whole shooting match. Along with the 3.5mm connections, it’s compatible with Mac, PS or PC. The cable measures 3m and is longer for trouble-free use. But this pair stands out at splitting sound stages and signatures like they do with music. They also come with a detachable mic making the cans the perfect fit for the subway or commuting.  

The debut piece delivers the gaming audio oomph in stereo sound. It has impressive clarity that conveys the sound of bullets as they cleave through the air. You can hear all the detailing of the pair thanks to the earcups. The large earcups rotate inwards off of the metal brackets while they sit snugly around your ears. It has a richer experience and improved fidelity than studio headphones within this price range.

Instead of using plastic for the entire structure, it has aluminum reinforcements to enhance durability in the long haul. It’s made to endure repetitive gaming abuses without showing symptoms of wear and tear. It has a stylish flat headband befitting medium-sized heads and generous padding with stitching patterns.       

You also walk away with an inline volume and mic mute control device. It works with cable extension or controls. For normal playback gadgets like Smartphone, it offers a double 3.5mm adapter and a single 3.5mm adapter. The microphone construction is the chink in the armor for this model. Wires will stick out after a while, were not surprised as the tip is not sheathed thoroughly. Handle your HyperX Cloud with kids’ gloves and wrap in a mesh-cover for storage.  

Bottom line: The high-fidelity stereo sound, durable construction and accessories make it worth every penny spent. However, it lacks 7.1 Surround Sound which would amount to a richer experience.

6. Sennheiser GSP 302 Closed Back Gaming Headset for PC, Mac, PS4 and Xbox

Impedance: 19 Ω

Connector: 2 x 3.5 mm / 1 x 3.5 mm (PCV 05 Combo Audio Adaptor)

Frequency response (Microphone): 10 - 15,000 Hz

Frequency response (Headphones): 15 - 26,000 Hz

Sound pressure level (SPL): 113 dB

Ear coupling: Circum-aural

Cable length: 2 m

Weight: 290 g

Pick-up pattern: Noise-cancelling

Microphone sensitivity: - 41 dBV/PA

With the Sennheiser Gaming Headset, you get a weapon-grade tool of the trade with balanced weight and solid build. Sizable racetrack oval earcups sit entirely outside the ears. Speaking of comfort, the earcups are lined in plush earpads enclosed in premium faux leather. This is more durable and less sweaty than typical leather. The headband is split for ventilation and keeps the head cooler over the long haul. The thick pads of the headband and mesh cover also improve breathability. Earcups completely lock away ambient noise but it tends to sweat the ears. 

For sound quality, the Sennheiser has tweaked audio response to respond to the havoc of gaming environments. It has a solid boost of bass notes adding to the oomph of the overall sounds. However, it omits Surround Sound which would have been an added bonus. The folding mic is the cheery on the cake for this gaming headset. You can hear the audio so lucidly over your team chat, it sounds extremely clear as if you were flanked next to other players. When folded up, it mutes and you can lower to engage it.

Given that it’s among the priciest in this class, we had to frown upon the microphone construction which is not detachable.  It makes a formidable opponent for models like the King HyperX. What it lacks in embellishments looks exorbitantly compensated by its sheer performance. Importantly, an intuitive volume knob on the left earcup at your fingertips lets you tweak in the blind. It includes a cable splitter for the unit and mic. A 3.5mm combo adapter increases compatibility range and the cord stretches out 4 feet. On the downside, the extra-thin and unbraided cord will get battered after a few uses.

Bottom line: Solid and sturdy, the Sennheiser has excellent sound quality to play on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Mac. The wire build shortens overall lifespan of the product.

7. Razer Kraken 7.1 V2: 7.1 Surround Sound

Headphones Form Factor: Supraaural

Frequency Response: 12Hz

Impedance: 30 Ohm

Microphone Sensitivity: -42 dB

Microphone Response Bandwidth: 100 Hz

Microphone Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 60 dB

At the outset, the Razer Kraken 7.1 V2: 7.1 has a beefy build with 1” thick earpads that look as if they could exert pressure on your ears. However, the round earpads hug your ears in velvety comfort to wear for long sessions. The back of the earcups contain an open aluminum grille while the sizable and thickly padded headband improve comfort. But bear in mind it lacks spare earpads, in-line controls and has PC-centered functions. It also lags behind in the music department compared to other models in this price range.  

The mic pulls back into one earcup and integrates a button at the tip. A LED ring neighboring the tip indicates the mute status. An important thing to note is the lack of controls; you have to load the Razer’s Synapse software to access other settings. Consequently, PS4 users will not be able to tweak settings at lightning-fast speeds. You have a horde of EQ options, RGB settings and Surround Sound. It includes a 6-foot USB cable, inline control and a longer cable.

Good-sized earcups means a larger 50mm driver. Surround Sound delivers an open and rich sound that tops off a vast majority of the games and genres. The stereo sound does not disappoint but calls for slight equalization to meet gaming demands. The mic is top-notch and best-in-class for this budget. Expect excellent voice pickup from the noise-cancellation boost given by Synapse.    

Unfortunately, it has full-range music EQ presets instead of gaming ones. You have to flirt with the sound and manually archive your gaming presets. This is not a plug-and-play system. The average stereo sound is ideal for music and not gaming.

Bottom line: The Razer Kraken gives a bang for your bang with meaty and ultra-comfortable earcups along with Surround Sound technology which improves sound. However, the stereo sound works well with music and not gaming.   

Conclusion

The best gaming headsets offer full-range compatibility, superior comfort and crystal-clear, and well-balanced sounds. High-quality mic with a mute button and light indicator promotes effective communication for your gaming experience. In the same vein, extended hours of entertainment demands super-comfortable gaming headsets. Go for sizable earcups that rest on the edge, ears or around to avoid strain and fatigue. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all option and personal taste is the best approach when buying. For those who are willing to dig deeper into their pockets, expect top-of-the-line features and long-lasting durability.