The right gaming headset can make all the difference between victory and defeat in the arena. When you hear more, you improve your chances of outwitting your rivals. Many AAA games and esports rely heavily on audio effects. If you are a passionate gamer, you should invest in a superior headset for your A/V experiences.
The good news is that quality headsets have become much more affordable than earlier. Top manufacturers like Logitech and SteelSeries Arctis now provide a few fantastic options for less than $100.
How to select a gaming headset under $100
Most $100 headsets use wired connections via a 3.5mm headphone jack. It lets you connect to multiple platforms like laptops, mobile phones, and gaming consoles. You can also find a few wireless options.
At this price, buyers should be willing to give up fancy audio processing or customization. But good sound output, device compatibility, and comfort must be priorities.
It is crucial to choose a breathable gadget that feels comfortable during gameplay. Look for mesh fabric or leatherette (synthetic leather) for the padding material. The headband and its adjustability are also vital.
When the pressure points are improperly distributed throughout the head, many gamers develop headaches.
Best Gaming Headsets Under $100 2022
We have researched the best budget-friendly headsets under $100 for gamers to make the job easier for you. The following are cost-effective options but do not cut corners in sound output or mic quality.
They can work beautifully for professional gamers who wish to keep the bells and whistles to a minimum.
Many of these options use wires to give you a smooth and hassle-free experience across devices.
If you select a wireless gadget, battery life becomes a critical factor. You will also have to ensure that the Wi-Fi connectivity or Bluetooth is up to the mark.
Best Wireless Gaming Headset Under $100: SteelSeries Arctis 1
- Excellent driver performance
- Offers multi-device compatibility
- It also provides wired connectivity
- Ergonomic and thoughtful design
- Long-lasting battery life
- It lacks lighting
- Bass and treble output may be inconsistent
Trust the SteelSeries Arctis 1 if you want an all-rounder wireless gaming headset that works with most devices like a dream.
Gamers can use it with their PS, Nintendo Switch, laptop, and mobile phone with a USB-C connection. It offers a lovely microphone with noise cancellation (ClearCast).
This detachable mic is Discord certified and boasts realistic output that adds a new realm to your gameplay. The speaker drivers are also excellent and deliver outstanding performance.
A prime advantage is the provision of a 3.5mm cable. If you wish to plug into your Xbox controller, you have an adaptable solution ready.
This headset sports a sleek and ergonomic design. It uses a snug headband (steel-reinforced) to fit you well and last for a long time, never mind the intensity of your multimedia sessions.
Another plus point is the easy positioning of volume controls and the mute button.
At 9oz, it is a light device. It also lasts for 20 hours on one charge, which is phenomenal for gaming.
Best Wired Gaming Headset Under $100: HyperX Cloud Alpha S
- A neat balance between gaming and chat
- Adjustable bass
- Reliable and long-lasting design
- Heavier than some other options
- It lacks inline controls for consoles
- It can feel disappointing compared to the original Cloud Alpha
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a fantastic option for gamers looking for superior audio and overall comfort.
It bundles stellar offerings like adjustable bass (with sliders) and dual chamber drivers to elevate your multimedia experiences.
The sound output is impressive: 7.1 Surround Sound with custom tuning. The detachable microphone is also noteworthy, with excellent noise cancellation.
One of the highlights of this gadget is its balance between gameplay and chatting. You can easily adjust the audio levels to decide what you wish to emphasize.
HyperX employs two drivers to separate bass frequencies (mids vs. highs).
Design-wise, we like the leatherette material that feels breathable against the skin.
This headset also uses memory foam to up your comfort during long hours of gaming.
A reliable aluminum frame keeps your headset going for several years.
It is a happy situation for gamers looking to save up for other paraphernalia. It weighs 13.2oz – a tad heavier than some competitors.
Best Xbox Gaming Headset Under $100: Xbox Wireless Headset
- Uses multiple spatial sound technologies
- Customizable headset with Xbox controls
- Lets you use Bluetooth to connect to your phone for a chat
- The sound can feel a little bass-heavy
- The mic is average
- It does not offer a 3.5mm jack
Explore the Xbox Wireless Headset if your focus is on a console and you wish to delve into numerous spatial sound technologies.
This smart headset offers the razzmatazz of Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, and DTS Headphone: X. Auto-mute and voice isolation reduce background noise for chatting.
It is a well-designed headset with an eye for flexibility and comfort. You can adjust the headband and rotate the earcup dials.
The latter is a handy way to adjust the volume or tinker with the game/chat balance. Moreover, this gadget uses an auto-mute feature and isolates your voice to sharpen the output during chats.
Since this gadget caters to Xbox, it ties in beautifully with the Xbox Accessories app.
You can create a personalized sound experience or link to the Xbox Wireless radio.
Here is a bonus: you can also connect to your mobile phone via Bluetooth if you need to chat or listen to music for a distraction.
Best Gaming Headset Under $100 for PC & PlayStation: SteelSeries Arctis 5
- Good mic with excellent sound clarity
- Dazzles with RGB lighting
- Comfortable and adjustable design
- The bass and treble output may vary
- The in-game sound can differ across titles
The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is a sensible choice for gamers seeking engaging audio and minimal distortion.
This headset offers DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround Sound with negligible interference. The RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors is gorgeous and can add a new dimension to your gaming den.
Not many headsets in this budget offer lighting, setting the Arctis 5 apart from its rivals.
The bidirectional microphone outputs studio sound and offers noise cancelation. You get some inline controls for the chat mix.
Customizing the audio and chat levels on the go can be very liberating. You won’t find yourself fidgeting around when things get rough in the arena.
The comfortable design is worth a mention, especially for long-haul gamers.
The steel-reinforced headband is an established hallmark of the brand.
It uses an elastic fabric that divides the weight over your head and keeps you from feeling pressured. The ear cushions are also very snug and breathable.
Logitech Gaming Headset Under $100: Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset
- Excellent sound output
- Good battery backup
- Dependable connection strength
- The bass can feel over the top
- The padding is not as smooth as some other picks
- Design standards are average
We like the Logitech G533 wireless gaming headset for its sparkling sound, dependable connection strength, and long-lasting battery backup.
It delivers DTS 7.1 Surround Sound. The output is superior – at par with some much more expensive choices in the market. You can sense the difference during games that use audio effects extensively.
The boom mic employs a micro-pop filter to limit the background noise. Logitech has designed it intuitively, allowing it to get muted when folded.
The company uses Pro-G audio drivers for a professional, high-fidelity sound experience during long hours of gaming.
You can also use personalized audio profiles (with the Logitech software). The best part is that the connection strength is also quite good (up to 15 meters). It lends you flexibility during gaming events.
This headset has a good battery backup of around 15 hours. It makes it a portable choice for gamers who like to travel.
Conclusion
A budget-friendly headset no longer needs to mean compromised sound output. Even pro gamers use $100 headsets and delve into brilliant sound, dependable microphones, and good connectivity.
An affordable headpiece can be a logical choice for gamers who wish to reserve cash for GPU upgrades or a new high-res monitor.
If you need a headset for the long haul, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is a reliable option. It combines the ease of a 3.5mm cable with good battery backup. The cozy design and natural positioning of controls make for enjoyable gaming sessions.
If RGB lighting is more your game, you can go for the SteelSeries Arctis 5. It blends the classic brand offerings with razzle-dazzle to light up your world.
Another pick you can explore specifically for Xbox is the Xbox Wireless Headset. It has the advantage of spatial technologies and customized settings for your console. Those looking for portability can check out the Logitech G533. It lasts for 15 hours on one charge and boasts dependable connection strength.
Some picks, such as the HyperX Cloud Alpha S, offer premium features like adjustable bass. You can also mix the game/chat balance to focus on what matters most at the moment.
