The goal of any good gamer is to create a setup that allows them to immerse themselves fully into the world of whatever game they’re playing.
With a good computer and monitor, you’re half way there, with the sound aspect being just as important for creating this special experience.
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Investing in audio gear doesn’t have to cost the earth just to guarantee you something worth playing with. In fact, there are some great options for the best gaming headset under 100 dollars that lets you get this immersive experience without breaking your budget on the way.
So, what do you look for in the top gaming headset under $100?
A good PC gaming headset under $100 should offer comfort and adjustability, some sound isolation, clear audio, surround sound, and other features. Depending on how you play and what’s important you might want additional abilities like a microphone or LED lights on your gaming headset.
A quality gaming headset is capable of turning your everyday gaming for fun into an immersive and life changing experience. With one of these on your head, you’ll step up your gaming to something brand new, and all without having to spend a fortune.
Our Favorites for the Best Gaming Headset Under $100 – Reviews for 2021
The search for any gaming accessory can get overwhelming quickly when you see the sheer volume of choice out there, and gaming headsets are no different.
To help you sort through the pile, we’ve made a hand-picked list of our choices for the best gaming headset for 100 dollars or less so you don’t have to look any further.
Winner: HyperX Cloud II
- Connections: Wired
- Headphones Form Factor: Closed-back
- Compatibility: 7.1 surround sound
If you’ve ever owned a gaming headset before, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the HyperX name. Cloud II is one of their best sellers and our favorite of all, with a full size design, memory foam ear cushions, and compatibility with 7.1 surround sound for the most immersive gaming experience.
According to gamers, the clarity and excellence of audio were what set these apart, and not what you’d expect in the best gaming headset under $70. For the price, they’re impressive, and this is thanks to the virtual sound capabilities as well as how comfortably the closed ear cups on either side keep cancel all of the noises around you. With both working together, this headset offers the most amazing sound for gaming and any other use.
On the negative side of things though, gamers weren’t too thrilled with the flaking that occurred from the ear cushions after some use even though it was made with leatherette. Although it didn’t affect the sound quality of the headset, it was an annoyance to find especially when you’re spending so much on a product. With a bit of extra care, you might be able to avoid this, but we’re hopeful that HyperX can use a new more durable material in other models.
The HyperX Cloud II has loads more noteworthy features to discuss though, including the detachable and noise cancelling microphone, compatible with both Discord and TeamSpeak. This will allow you to speak to opponents, friends, and your audience without any interference and with absolute clarity. The headset is compatible with both PC and Mac in 7.1 surround sound and offers stereo sound when playing with Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PS4, so you can use it for virtually anything.
This headset features a 53-millimeter driver which delivers its precision audio, and you’ll be able to hear all aspects of the game much clearer which will make gameplay more enjoyable. With memory foam cushioning you can wear them for hours on end, and it’s held together with an aluminum frame that provides a solid base no matter how often you take them off and on.
It’s no surprise that this is one of the best-selling gaming headsets of all time, and if you’re looking for big sound on a budget, you can’t go wrong. The HyperX Cloud II Headset can be purchased online at Amazon for the best price, and it comes with a two-year limited warranty which is impressive in itself. If you want immersive audio from a trusted brand and don’t want to blow the budget, the Cloud II Headset is one of a kind.
Runner Up: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen Headset
- Connections: Wireless
- Headphones Form Factor: Over Ear
- Compatibility: Windows Sonic
Turtle Beach is a huge name in the gaming world and people know their headsets and mics to be first class. The Stealth 600 Gen Headset is an example of their talent and features a full size design, refined 50mm speakers, wireless connectivity, and compatibility for all types of gaming from PC to console. With two sleek designs of white or black to choose from and advanced sound settings to change from, this can be fully customized to your preferred gaming experience.
The best thing about this headset was how seamlessly it changed from mute to mic which is a must-have for gamers who stream or speak to opponents and other players. With a flip-to-mute mic, you’ll never make the mistake or fumble while trying to change settings, and it lets you focus more on the game which people loved.
However, this isn’t the most comfortable gaming headset under $100 and it’s thanks to the padded headband that sits atop your head. Although it seems like Turtle Beach has tried to do something revolutionary here it’s kind of annoying, and left gamers with the hopeful feeling that it’ll wear down over time. If you’re funny about having padding on top of your head while you play and know you’ll be distracted, keep shopping around.
This padding factor aside, these headphones are made with breathable ear cushions and come with a glasses relief system called ProSpecs, both of which bring the comfort factor up a bit. The hinges of the headphones are reinforced and made with durable plastic, feeling as though they’ll last for years to come. The average battery time of the Stealth 600 is 15 hours and you can recharge easily with a mini USB connection, or keep it plugged in while you play if you don’t mind being wired.
The audio is an impressive feature of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen Headset, thanks mainly to its compatibility with Windows Sonic surround sound. They also feature a Superhuman Hearing sound option that comes only with Turtle Beach headsets and allows you to choose from four preset audio settings.
Turtle Beach is a force to be reckoned with in gaming audio and this headset proves why they’re so popular. The Stealth 600 Gen Headset falls into the right price category for less than $100 and comes with a one-year warranty which could be longer when you consider its competitors. However, in this price range and with all of the features it offers, you’ll be hard-pressed finding a headset as impressive and one that offers such an extraordinary mic as well.
Alternative: SteelSeries Arctis 5
- Connections: Wired
- Headphones Form Factor: Over Ear
- Compatibility: DTS
If you’re someone who likes all of the bells and whistles when it comes to gaming gear, you’ll appreciate everything the SteelSeries Arctis 5 has to offer. Although it’s priced as cheaply as our other contenders, it offers a lot of fancy features, including v2.0 surround sound, RGB illumination, and independent controls for your gameplay and chat, so you can keep your head in the game.
According to customers, the microphone is the leading star of this headset and if you’re choosing one for this reason specifically, it’s worth considering. SteelSeries are famous for their mics and this one is no exception, so your opponents, teammates, and audience will be able to tell the difference when you’re using the Arctis 5.
However, comfort isn’t the strong point with these headphones and customers didn’t like how little chance there was to adjust them. Unlike others that give you some control over where they sit and how far or close they are to your head, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 fell short and featured padded air weave that made your ear feel far too close to the speaker. Considering many gamers play for hours on end and need something comfortable, it’s a risk you take when choosing these over other more luxurious models.
The feeling aside, there were loads of other bonuses that made these worthy of our list. The RGB illumination steps it up to another level and gives you a more immersive gaming experience. The headset features an inline USB chat mix dial so you can adjust the chat and game audio as you go, ensuring no distractions and only the best sound experience overall. In terms of compatibility, it can be connected through USB to your PC as well as Mac and other gaming consoles, giving you the freedom to play however you want.
The SteelSeries Arctis 5 runs with DTS sound which gives the experience of surround without the expensive technology and offers the 2.0 version in this model of headset which is opulent and immersive. Paired with the impressive microphone that improves voice clarity and cancels background noise, both your input and output of audio will be worth spending this amount of money on.
SteelSeries is known for quality goods and they cover all of their headsets and accessories with a one-year warranty, which could be more for its price. However, if you want a top-tier microphone and DTS sound for clarity and cleanness, you’ll love what the Arctis 5 has to offer. This is a reasonably priced headset that gamers would be impressed with and provided you can get past the comfort issues, it has a whole lot to offer.
Alternative: Razer Kraken Tournament Edition Headset
- Connections: Wired
- Headphones Form Factor: In Ear
- Compatibility: 7.1
Razer is no stranger to building a quality gaming headset and if you want something snazzy and impressive, you’ll love their Kraken Tournament Edition Headset. This headset features 7.1 surround sound from THX, an included audio enhancer that connects via USB, and noise cancelling microphone. You can choose between a bright green or black color scheme, both styled in the limited edition tournament design, and it’s one of the trendiest options out there by far.
This is the most comfortable gaming headset on the market in this price range and it’s clear that Razer knows how to appeal to gamers. With cooling gel infused into the cushions that go over your ears and a special oval shape that tends to fit better than the circular one, it ticks all of the boxes for luxury, and you’ll never want to take them off, even after hours of serious gameplay.
The sound didn’t seem to match up to some of the other headsets we’ve reviewed, even though they’re one of the costlier sets. There are a lot of bells and whistles added by Razer that make you think they’ll be the most impressive, but they fall short in bass and volume and have done so for many gamers who’ve used them previously. If you want something that can go as loud as possible without fear of damaging your ears, you’ll probably want to choose a different headset.
This aside, there’s still a lot to love with the Razer Kraken Headset, including the custom-tuned 50mm drivers that deliver its sound direct to your ears. The retractable microphone allows you to speak to audiences and players with professional level audio, and it features an upgrade cardioid mic that ensures the clearest sound with built-in noise cancellation, no matter what’s going on in the background.
Razer consistently has their gear voted as a top seller and their Kraken headphones are no exception. With the option for THX 7.1 surround sound if you’re playing on Windows 10, it’s clear and immersive, even, if the volume could go a little louder. You’ll have in-line audio controls including a mute mic button and volume wheel, which means more focus is spent on the game and not trying to find the right settings.
Although it could be a little louder, there is still a lot to be impressed by with the Razer Kraken, and you can get it online at Amazon for the cheapest price. This is one of the best gaming headsets for under $100 by far, and easily the most comfortable that we’ve reviewed, so if you’re a gamer who puts in long hours and wants to feel supported, it’s worth your consideration.
Alternative: EPOS Sennheiser GSP 302
- Connections: Wired
- Headphones Form Factor: On Ear
- Compatibility: N/A
The right gaming headset can be a gamechanger and if you’re after immersive sound on a budget, the Sennheiser GSP 302 Headset is the way to go. This headset boasts closed acoustic sound which puts you right into the game and it’s made with extra-large memory foam pads that give it the comfort factor as well. This gaming headset uses intuitive volume control so you can game the way you want to without distractions, and it’s adjustable even further with a ball-joint hinge that allows the perfect fit on your head.
According to their happy customers, gamers loved how the Sennheiser GSP 302 sounded, even though it doesn’t boast any fancy surround sound like 7.1. It’s heavy on the bass, which most gamers appreciate, and you’ll get consistently clear and crisp audio. Furthermore, you have total control of the settings and can get them adjusted to perfection, giving every gamer exactly what they want.
The biggest letdown is the cord, and when you’re dealing with a wired headset, this isn’t something you want to get wrong so it lost a lot of points for the GSP 302. Most gamers found it to be too short and some even commented on its durability, saying it felt flimsy. You’ll need to be careful not to pull and tug too tight otherwise it could start to fray, and your big investment in a quality gaming headset would be worth nothing without its cable.
The GSP 302 from Sennheiser features EPOS engineered audio that gives an impressively fast reaction for in-game play and makes it more immersive, with a simple wheel located on the headphones that you can reach while you play. The microphone has a lift to mute arm which can be adjusted as you need, and whenever it’s lifted, it’ll be turned to mute automatically.
Other features worth noting including the ergonomic design that features memory foam pads that sit comfortably over your ears. This provides a softness but also a good seal which adds to the immersive gaming experience and improves the sound as well. As a multi-platform headset you don’t just have to use it with your PC, so you can plug them into an Xbox or Playstation, among others, provided there’s a 3.5mm audio jack input available.
EPOS has delivered the goods for a budget friendly price with their Sennheiser GSP 302 Headset, and no matter how you game you’ll find it just as impressive and immersive. Priced under $100 and available online through Amazon, you can get it shipped fast and free to your door, to experience the fully customizable and comfortable audio accessory.
Gaming Headsets FAQ
Choosing a gaming headset can be overwhelming, as your sound capabilities have a huge influence on your overall gameplay.
As you’ve seen, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get it right though, but you should know a little about what you’re looking for at least. Check out these answers to a few FAQs that gamers have about headsets to give you a push in the right direction.
What Headset Does PewDiePie Use?
Popular streamer PewDiePie uses a set of Razer Nari Ultimate Headphones in the PewDiePie Limited Edition style for gaming and streaming. As his microphone, he’s equipped with an AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII Microphone that allows the audience to hear everything that he’s doing while he games.
Is HyperX Or Razer Better?
HyperX and Razer are two of the biggest names in gaming headphones and both have a lot to offer. Some of their more popular headphones have gone to head to head, like the Black Shark and Cloud Alpha, but it’s hard to choose a winner as the ultimate best because gamers have their personal preference between the brands.
What Headset Do Pro Gamers Use?
There are a few leading brands and models of headsets that pro gamers use, with most having higher price tags. Popular brands include HyperX, Razer, Sony, JBL, SteelSeries, and LucidSound, but it all comes down to the preference of the gamer and what features they desire.
Is 7.1 Better for Gaming?
Many games are encoded for 7.1 sound and if you have headphones that can match these requirements, you’ll have a noticeable difference in audio. However, many gamers find that stereo sound can be just as impressive and will still give the immersive experience that you’re looking for during gameplay.
Immerse Yourself in the Game
A quality headset has the power to revolutionize the way you game and when you see what’s available in this price range, it makes it even more exciting.
Equipped with a good gaming headset under $100 and your favorite titles, you’ll turn this casual hobby into something immersive like you’ve never experienced before.
Any of our selections would make even the most serious gamers proud and they have the sound capabilities to change the way you play for good. With immersive sound, a comfortable feel, and the latest features, today’s gaming headsets have come a long way, and with a much cheaper price tag as well.
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