You just can’t call yourself a real gamer without a complete set of tools of the trade, like keyboard, mouse, headphones, mousepad and a chair. Of course, the PC itself is not included here, but if you want to check out a few setups, we’ve previously covered the best gaming desktops under $1,500.
Back to the tools of the trade, we’re focusing today on the one accessory that – we believe – defines the gaming experience: a set of top-notch headphones, allowing you to hear even the tiniest detail while in-game, but also communicate with your teammates while playing online.
Since budget is always an issue when putting together a gaming setup, we’ve focused on pocket-friendly models, with a price tag that doesn’t exceed $100. And, believe it or not, we managed to find some pretty amazing models.
Without much further ado, let’s see the best gaming headsets under $100 you can currently get.
The Best Gaming Headsets Under $100 Reviewed
Corsair Void PRO RGB
Mice, keyboards, headphones…these guys can do pretty much anything in terms of gaming gear! Today we’re looking at their Void PRO RGB headset which, we must admit, look incredibly good, especially with the white finish.
The cups are made with microfiber mesh fabric, as well as memory foam, for exceptional comfort, while the already famous Corsair build quality makes sure they will last in time, no matter how intense your gaming sessions are.
Going a bit into technical details, the headphones feature custom-tuned 50mm neodymium speaker drivers, deliver a high-end sound accuracy and low latency, wireless audio with up to 40ft range. The microphone shouldn’t be ignored either, as it’s an optimized unidirectional model, with an LED mute indicator that reduces ambient noise, for increased voice quality.
In a nutshell, we’re looking at a top headphones model, just in our budget range, which we guarantee that you won’t regret buying.
Razer Kraken 7.1 V2
Yes, 7.1 is referring to exactly what you’re thinking! Thanks to an advanced, built-in virtual surround sound engine, the Razer Kraken model can deliver top quality audio, with pinpoint accuracy. It’s also made of Bauxite aluminum, being lightweight and very flexible, while the headband was also improved.
Design-wise, they offer full-ear coverage, which is perfect for those planning to use it for intense and long gaming sessions.
The spec sheet list is completed by 50mm audio drivers, specially tailored for balanced and crystal-clear in-game audio communication.
If you’re planning to use them with an Xbox, you should also know that the headphones have a proprietary port for connection to the Controller, with a dedicated volume control, as well as a mute button, perfect for those in-game moments when you just need a bit of silence.
Bonus points for the oval ear cushions, great for long-wearing comfort!
SteelSeries Arctis 5 RGB
It’s not like you weren’t expecting a SteelSeries headset in this top, right? And if we’re doing this, let’s start with the Arctis 5 RGB, arguably the most impressive budget headphones in the manufacturer’s portfolio.
The headset features some pretty amazing ear cushions, made with athletics-inspired performance fabric – AirWeave – as well as a ski goggle suspension headband, for increased comfort. Also, if you were looking for a high-quality microphone, we have some more good news: they come with the ClearCast mic, able to deliver studio-quality voice clarity and background noise integration, while the detachable USB soundcard with ChatMix can be used to adjust the balance between game and chat volume instantly.
They provide DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound on your PC, for an excellent experience while gaming, not to mention that if the design is not convincing enough – the Arctis 5 RGB won the Red Dot Product Design award! Still have any doubts that you’re looking at one of the best gaming headsets under $100?
Sennheiser GSP 302
You don’t see Sennheiser headphones in such tops very often, but the GSP 302 – a closed back model, that is – is absolutely amazing, so we had to take a few moments to discuss them.
It comes with memory foam ear pads, providing best-in-class noise isolation, according to the manufacturer, but also increased comfort. If you’re the type of gamer who plays for hours without getting up, these could be the headphones you need! And don’t worry, they will feel great on your head as well, thanks to the split headband.
Since we’re talking about Sennheiser, a brand which usually delivers some great product, there’s no doubt that the sound quality will be top, with exceptional bass and acoustic clarity.
Finally, let’s also mention the broadcast quality microphone, with noise-canceling, which can be muted by simply raising the arm it’s mounted on, as well as the intuitive volume control, conveniently placed on the right ear cup, for quick adjustments. Looks like a pretty sweet pair of headphones, don’t you think?
HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset
When it comes to the best gaming headphones under $100, the HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset is a serious option to consider for those that are on a really low budget. And you know what’s the best part? These are incredibly good, despite the price!
First thing first, they are extremely comfortable and lightweight, thanks to the foam ear cups. They also come with a set of velour ear cups, if you prefer another material and they are noise isolating! Not as good as noise-canceling technology, but it still does the trick nicely.
Sound-wise, the headphones have 53mm high-fidelity capable drivers, with a 15 to 25khz frequency response, if you want to get a bit technical. Also, the microphone is detachable, if you’re not the type of gamer that talks a lot.
Besides PC compatibility, the HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset can also be used with an Xbox One (with an adapter), Xbox One S, PS4, PS4 Pro, Mac, and even your smartphone!
Logitech G430
Logitech’s G series products are among yours truly’s favorites, so I had to include the G430 on our list of the best gaming headphones under $100. But hey, they’re here not just because they’re a personal preference!
DTS certified, like a lot of Logitech speakers’ systems, these babies deliver a Dolby 7.1 experience, which translates to an immersive 360-degree sound field that lets you hear what you can’t see. Imagine how that feels during games.
In terms of design, the Logitech G430 has a pair of soft cloth ear cups, with a 90-degree swivel, for maximum comfort and a personalized fit. And they look really badass with those awesome blue touches.
The boom microphone – folding, by the way – has noise-canceling, reducing background sounds for a clear voice pick-up, but also rotates up and out of the way. The volume dial and mute switch are close at hand, for some quick audio adjustments.
And yet again, how cool is that color combination?
Sades SA902
Most likely, a lot of you people don’t know about this brand, but hey, you’re here to check out some of the best gaming headsets under $100, right? In this case, we have something you will really like!
The advanced driver present in these headphones delivers 7.1 virtual stereo surround, with separately adjustable levels. Or, if you prefer, they can deliver an awesome audio experience during gaming sessions and not only.
The headphones have adjustable levels, so you can tune the audio according to your preferences, as well as a Smart Mute button, alongside in-line volume control, for convenient hand control.
Finally, let’s not forget that we’re talking about a pair of gaming headphones, so comfort is very important, as you will be wearing them for a few hours, at least. The ear cushions are comfortable, while the reinforced headband guarantees comfort. Oh, and it has close earcup covers, going entirely over your ear and cutting out any external sounds, and a retractable microphone, with a unidirectional pickup pattern. For a plus of atmosphere, there are a few LED lights, looking awesome in the dark.
SteelSeries Flux
We have another pair of gaming headphones from SteelSeries on our list, but an even more affordable model, compared to the previous. The Flex is a headset compatible not only with your PC but also Mac and mobile devices.
It has a cable connection, with an integrated uni-directional microphone and volume and mute controls, designed to be travel-friendly. And you must believe us when we’re saying that it’s tangle free. For those moments when you want to share them with somebody, the headphones have two input jacks, so you can both listen to the same device.
We’re big fans of the white finish, going very well with a white phone – if you’re also using them with one – while the on-ear mesh cloth cushions are incredibly comfortable.
And this is pretty much it! A pair of simple, yet very reliable gaming headphones under $100, coming from a reputed manufacturer. What more can you ask for?
VersionTECH G2000
Sticking to the very affordable gaming headphones under $100, we have another brand that isn’t that famous, but this doesn’t mean that some of its products aren’t worth a shot. Take the VersionTECH G2000 for example, which, despite their ridiculously low price tag for a pair of gaming headphones, are incredibly good!
First thing first, we need to mention the built-in industry-leading high precision 50mm magnetic neodymium driver, which delivers an immersive audio experience. And this is not it, since they come with omnidirectional noise reduction technology, which makes sure that the microphone picks up your voice clearly while gaming.
The mute button and volume control are conveniently placed, so you can easily access them. There is also an LED light, glaring beside the headset. Of course, we need to mention what the company calls a humanized design, with a retractable headband design, featuring synthetic leather-wrapped ear cushions.
Well, who’s going to give it a chance?
MSI Gaming DS502
You must have heard of those awesome gaming laptops and desktops MSI makes. Well, wait until you see the gaming headphones under $100 they have in their portfolio! And we can take the MSI Gaming DS502 as the best example!
We’re looking at a pair of headphones with two enhanced 40mm drivers, for high-quality audio, powered by the Xear Living technology, which delivers enhanced virtual 7.1 surround sound. There’s also a 10-Band Equalizer, for fine-tuning your audio, as well as the Xear SingFX technology, which we really like. But we’ll let you discover what it actually does. And you will totally like it.
Last but not least, we should mention that we’re looking at a pair of headphones with an ergonomic design, extra lightweight and a self-adjusting headband, so it fits pretty much any gamer you can think of. And if you want full control, you should know that there’s a volume rocker on the cable and an adjustable microphone, perfect for online gaming sessions.
The bonus points the MSI Gaming DS502 get are because of the design. With a classic MSI color scheme, consisting in black with red touches, these will look very good in any gaming setup. Plus, they have a very nice feeling, thanks to the quality plastic they’re made of!
And we’re all done! Below you can find a list with ten of the best gaming headphones under $100 money can buy right now. We wanted to pick models from some of the most well-known manufacturers on the market, but also have some unknown (well, relatively) companies a chance. And we weren’t disappointed, after testing their models.
Obviously, we’re convinced that the market is loaded with quality affordable gaming headphones, so if you know any other model that is worth of this list, do let us know about it. The comments section is open so whether if you know a few cool models or have something to share about our choices or your experience with the headphones in this list, feel free to share a few ideas!
Last update on 2024-07-13 at 15:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API