Thanks to evolving sound technologies, gamers can easily find splendid headsets for around $100. We have covered some of the finest ones for casual and pro gamers, infused with pleasing audio, ergonomic build, and good battery backup, among other considerations.
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.
7 Best Gaming Headsets Under $100 2023
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.
Value-for-money gaming headsets
Logitech has some of the best gaming headsets certified for excellent gaming and multimedia experiences. You can get the G535 LIGHTSPEED at around $100 and enjoy comfortable, extended A/V sessions with up to 33 hours of battery backup. Logitech prioritizes ergonomics and uses skin-friendly, breathable memory foam and sports mesh material for the build. You also get a reversible headband for optimal weight distribution.
Quick response and flexible controls like flip to mute or volume controls on the earcups are imperative for gaming headsets. This Discord Certified series understands it well. It also guarantees compatibility with PC and PlayStation (4 and 5) and operates up to 12 meters.
We admire the HyperX Cloud III headset family for packing multiple ingenious features in their budget-friendly offering. These wired headsets work with all platforms, including your computer, Xbox, PS, or Nintendo Switch. They have excellent 53mm drivers and use DTS Headphone:X for immersive audio.
HyperX has invested effort and thought into designing these headsets, as is evident from the aluminum frame design for robustness, an LED indicator for mic muting, and a mesh filter to weed out unwanted noise. It is also a durable, comfortable (memory foam) and well-connected device.
Console-specific headsets
A console-specific gadget like the Xbox Wireless can be a good choice for dedicated fans. Rest assured, it will work smoothly with various platforms like the Xbox Series X|S, One, and Windows. It delivers good-quality audio, letting you explore Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X. These noise-canceling headsets also have adjustable headbands for extended comfort during gameplay or audio calls.
Premium $100 headsets for pro gamers
Professional gamers and esports players need headphones that go the extra mile for high-fidelity, low-latency sound. The SteelSeries New Arctis Nova 4 is a headset to reckon with, boasting 360° spatial audio tuned by Sonar Software and a customizable acoustic experience with Parametric EQ.
SteelSeries has persevered to extend the unplugged usage (up to 36 hours, quick charging), which becomes critical for gaming contests and travel-based events. This headset works smoothly with most platforms – a PC, Playstation, MacBook, etc. We also like the design sense of these gadgets, particularly the adjustable headbands/earcups and the memory foam.
Headsets with a long-lasting battery
Gamers who value battery backup – more than the average player – can consider headsets from the Turtle Beach lineup. The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 can last for over 48 hours (on a full charge) and delivers quick-charging performance of up to 8.5 hours.
This good-looking headset works well with different platforms but has an official Xbox license from Microsoft. It delivers smooth audio with minimal lag (2.4GHz, 50mm speakers) and is glasses-friendly. Color us impressed by the unique mic monitoring feature that lets players hear their voices while chatting, thus limiting shouting – a common problem that bugs many during competitive gameplay.
The Razer New BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is another brilliant pick for professional or fiercely competitive gamers. It lasts for 70 hours on one charge and weighs just 280 grams. Razer has endeavored to deliver exceptional sound with 50mm drivers and THX Spatial Audio. The driver design stands out, featuring tailored tuning for highs, lows, etc. Other innovative additions are a bendable mic to streamline and fine-tune voice input and closed earcups for various head shapes. You don’t want extraneous sounds spoiling your time in the arena, no matter how your head is structured!
Innovative gameplay headsets
Some companies are charting previously unexplored waters, like an extended frequency range for auditory output. For instance, the Corsair Void RGB Elite delivers 7.1 Surround Sound and supports a frequency range of up to 30,000 Hz (unlike the standard 20,000). While the difference – or lack thereof – is debatable, it does deliver impression audio with neodymium drivers. It is Discord Certified and compatible with several platforms.
This headset also benefits from a stellar iCUE software application with headset controls like audio profiles, equalizers, and RGB lighting. Besides, it uses comfy microfiber mesh and aluminum for a sturdiness boost.
FAQs
What are the benefits of buying a gaming headset?
Engaging audio isn’t the only reason to purchase a gaming headset; you also want to keep other sounds in the room or the house away from your ears. Even $100 headphones can now deliver stunning sound that picks up all the details of the action, from approaching footsteps to exploding bombs.
You will require headsets for communicating with your teammates during competitive gameplay. Many contemporary models have easy-to-locate controls for muting, attending calls, multitasking, etc., and thoughtful designs that don’t give you a headache (or an earache).
Is it worthwhile getting a $100 gaming headset?
Lately, many new entrants in the headset category offer advanced features at affordable prices. You can find customization options, good battery backup, and resilient build and design in the $100 to $120 range. Although active noise-cancellation features are premium and likely rare at this price point, you can still find spatial audio and surround sound. Headsets like the Razer New BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed minimize background noise and let you sink deeper into the virtual world.
What are the prime considerations while buying a $100 gaming headset?
Besides good sound quality, the most crucial aspect is compatibility with your desired platform, whether you game on a PC, Xbox, PS, or Switch. Manufacturers will list the compatibility range for your reference, including the specific model, like a PS5. You can also consider a device-specific model like the Xbox Wireless if you don’t have any plans of shifting your console of choice shortly.
Also, aim for low latency and a dependable wireless connection if you want a future-ready device. The smoothness and responsiveness will deliver dividends during gaming, chatting, voice calling, and other multimedia experiences. Wired gadgets like the HyperX Cloud III are also worth considering if you don’t mind the added clutter. They also have an edge in sound quality and eliminate the need for charging.
Another vital consideration is the battery backup; a good ballpark is at least 48 hours. Lightweight headsets with ergonomic design can serve you better if you game for long hours or while traveling.
