Top 5: Best PC Gaming Headsets Under $50 in 2021

Written by Branton

Last updated Oct 20, 2021

best gaming headsets under 50

Although all of our top 5 are great, the best gaming headset under $50 is the Kingston HyperX Cloud Stinger

Choosing the best headset for gaming doesn’t mean looking for the shiniest lights and most futuristic look, it means finding the best audio quality for the best price possible – especially when you’re on a budget of $50.

AT A GLANCE: Our Top 5 Picks for PC Gaming Headsets Under $50
  1. Overall Best: Kingston HyperX Cloud Stinger
  2. Best for the Money: Corsair HS50
  3. Creative Sound Blaster Blaze
  4. Logitech G230
  5. SADES SA902

Picking the right headset to use for gaming can make a tremendous difference. In FPS games for instance, where pinpointing things like footsteps and gunfire is key, a good headset will almost always give you the upper-hand on someone without one.

Looking for headsets of a higher quality? Then check out the best gaming headsets under $100 instead!

Best Gaming Headsets under $50 2020

Editor's Rating: 4.8/5

Specs
  • 50mm Drivers
  • 20Hz-20KHz Frequency Response
  • On-Ear Controls
  • Noise Cancelling Omnidirectional Mic
  • Weighs 11 ounces
  • Wired (6.5ft, 3.5mm jack, Braided cable)

Kingston’s HyperX Cloud Stinger is easily the best gaming headset under 50 I’ve had the pleasure of testing out in the sub-$50 bracket and it’s great for PCs, Consoles (Xbox One, PS4, etc), and mobile phones.

This wired gaming headset offers a level of comfort that’s unprecedented in a $50 headset and a level of performance comparable to a mid-range set of audiophile cans that would cost a lot more. A lot of that is because of the memory foam ear cushions.

As far as comfort & performance go, nothing on this list really comes close to the great sound of the Cloud Stinger, yet.

Probably the coolest feature that the Cloud Stinger comes with has to be how you mute the mic, which is done by simply moving the mic into the vertical “resting” position. Definitely a feature that I have yet to see implemented on another headset!

The overall look & feel of the Cloud Stinger will definitely leave you wondering how you got away with such a high-quality headset for such a low price in comparison. It’s very lightweight even though it uses steel reinforcements, and the swiveling earcups don’t feel like they’re going to snap off anytime soon and everything just feels very well put together.

All-in-all, the number 1 spot on this list was pretty easy to hand over to Kingston’s HyperX Cloud Stinger, after about a day of using it the results were pretty clear and I have no doubt that you’ll feel the exact same way!

Pros

  • Good overall sound quality + decent soundstage
  • Good amount of comfort because of memory foam ear cushions
  • Single 3.5mm connection
  • Swiveling earcups

Cons

  • Not USB if that’s what you’re looking for
  • Mic quality is spotty

Editor's Rating: 4.7/5

Specs
  • 50mm speaker drivers
  • 20Hz-20KHz Frequency Response
  • Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound
  • Unidirectional Mic
  • Weighs 11.2 ounces
  • Wired (6ft, 3.5mm analog connection, braided cable)

The Corsair HS50 is a surprisingly good headset that works really well for gaming. But, then again, Corsair does have a pretty good track record of making great products to deliver a solid gaming experience.

The HS50 boasts a crisp sounding pair of 50mm Neodymium drivers that have good lows and highs but are somewhat lacking mids. But, not to the point where it’s insanely noticeable or ear-piercing. The open back design allows for a nice wide soundstage that makes it easier to pinpoint where things like footsteps and gunfire are coming from.

The detachable mic is okay and seems to work well when it does. However, there are a lot of reviews that mention their mics didn’t work so well or that they died after a short time. Just something to be aware of for your gaming sessions.

The overall design is very minimalist and with the mic removed the HS50 could easily be mistaken for a high-end pair of audiophile headphones at a glance. The earcup padding is a little rigid and not everyone will enjoy how they feel. The arms adjust smoothly and the actual build quality of the headset seems sound.

Overall, the HS50 is a solid gaming headset for under $50. There are multiple colors available and even an option to get one with an in-line USB DAC to increase the sound-quality even more.

Pros

  • Good sound quality + wide soundstage
  • Detachable mic
  • Durable (and quite flexible)
  • Good in-line controls

Cons

  • Some people might find the ear cups uncomfortable
  • Mic quality can be spotty
  • Lacking mids

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Editor's Rating: 4.6/5

Specs
  • 40mm Speaker Drivers
  • 20Hz-20KHz frequency response
  • Noise cancelling omni-directional Mic
  • Weighs 13 ounces
  • Wired (8ft, 3.5mm, Rubber)

Creative’s Sound Blaster Blaze headset is the successor to the previous Sound Blaster Fatil1ty and is still a perfect example of why you don’t need to spend insane amounts of money to get a quality headset. They’re comfortable, sound great, the mic performs well, and they’re more than affordable – what more could you ask for?

The overall design is simple and the removable mic lets you use them for more than just gaming or VoIP. With other uses in mind, the Sound Blaster Blaze come with a 3.5mm jack and they’ll work with basically anything that has this type of input. So, if you wanted to pull the mic off and use them with something that doesn’t need the mic, you could do that.

The sound quality is well above what you would expect from a gaming headset under $50, and the quality of the mic is also above par. They deliver a decent sound stage and you can definitely pin-point enemy footsteps as soon as you hear them.

Overall, Creative’s Sound Blaster Blaze gaming headset is a great choice if you’re browsing for something that’ll perform great without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • In-line controls
  • Removable mic
  • Solid sound quality
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Feels a little cheaper than its predecessor the Fatal1ty
  • Mic quality can be spotty

Editor's Rating: 4.5/5

Specs
  • 40mm Speaker Drivers
  • 20Hz-20KHz Frequency Response
  • Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound
  • Noise Cancelling Unidirectional Mic
  • Weighs 19.2 ounces
  • Wired (10ft, 3.5mm, Braided)

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Logitech’s G230 is a decent gaming headset and  is probably one of the older sets on this list, but it’s tried & true and still competes with newer tech in the sub-$50 range.

They don’t claim to feature virtual 7.1 surround and they deliver a rich and wide soundstage that allows you to pinpoint sounds with ease.

Although the set I tested worked perfectly, there have been a few people mention that the quality of the mic is substandard. Like I said, mine worked well, but I don’t doubt that this issue exists.

The G230 is comfortable for short uses, but can get somewhat uncomfortable during extended use depending on your preferences. Personally, I found it pretty comfy.

Overall, the Logitech G230 gaming headset is a good one to consider for under $50, and if you can deal with a sometimes crappy mic, they will work well.

Pros

  • Large, comfortable earcups
  • Good sound quality
  • Decent bass
  • Compatible with almost anything

Cons

  • Somewhat “cheap” feeling
  • Mic quality can be not the best

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Editor's Rating: 4.4/5

Specs
  • 40mm Speaker Drivers
  • 20Hz-20KHz Frequency Response
  • Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound
  • In-Line Controller
  • Omnidirectional Mic
  • Weighs 25.6 ounces
  • Wired (6.5ft, USB, Braided)

The Sades SA902 is definitely one of the better PC gaming headsets that you can get for under $50. In fact, you can usually pick up this headset for right around $25.

Featuring powerful 40mm drivers, virtual 7.1 surround, and noise isolating earcups, the Sentey Arches perform like a headset within the $100+ range, for a very reasonable price.

The mic performs great and offers crystal clear clarity, it also tucks away into the earcup for when you’re not using it. I’m usually not a huge fan of fixed mics, but the SA902’s is pretty good with all things considered.

The A60 are extremely comfortable for extended periods of use and the padding used in the earcups is super comfortable and doesn’t seem too hard or too soft.

USB connections for gaming headsets are pretty standard, and actually required when they have any kind of LED lighting like the SA902 does. This also means that you’re going to need a free USB 2.0+ port to use them, something I’m sure your PC has.

If you’re in the market for a solid headset that’ll last for a while without breaking the bank, you should not overlook the SADES SA902.

Pros

  • The mic works well
  • Good sound quality with plenty of bass
  • Comfortable
  • Decent in-line controls

Cons

  • Not compatible with consoles
  • “Spellond” written above each earcup?.. k
  • Mic can be annoying to extend

PC Gaming Headsets Under $50 Faq

#1 What are the best PC gaming headsets?

While there is no single perfect PC gaming headset for everyone, you can choose various market options. You will have to consider your preferences such as design, sound quality, comfort, connectivity, and battery life before making the final bid. 

The Razer Blackshark V2 is an outstanding option if you are into wired gaming headsets, and it comes with a comfortable design, 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, and in-line cable controls.

However, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless headset is suitable if you want to go fully wireless while gaming. Thanks to its impeccable battery life of up to 30 hours and 53mm neodymium drivers, you can enjoy the best-quality audio as well.

While the two headsets are the most popular options, you can explore advanced options that cost a little more. For instance, you can check out the Razer Thresher Stereo Headset for PC, which brings custom control dials and a lag-free wireless connection.

Similarly, if you want to save money, you can check out something like the Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset, which brings surround sound and a lightweight frame.

Nowadays, you can quickly move between wired and wireless gaming headsets without worrying about sound quality or latency. Because most of these wireless headphones offer a decent battery life, you can use them for lengthy streaming sessions as well.

#2 What headset do Pro gamers use?

Considering the increasing number of Pro gamers worldwide, the list of the best headsets used by Pro gamers would be significant. While it’s impossible to list all the headset models recommended by eSports, we have to narrow things down.

The HyperX Cloud II is one of the headsets most recommended by Pro gamers in the industry. Memory foam earpads, a detachable microphone, and a sturdy aluminum frame are a few reasons why competitive gamers use this wired headset.

Plus, it works on almost all devices as well. The Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset is an entirely different deal, though. This wired headset has been designed for professionals, and it brings 7.1 surround sound and custom-made drivers to the scene.

Although you have to spend more, some premium features like the Logitech G Hub software make this headset a dream deal for many tournament players.

Besides, you can count on the HyperX Cloud II Wireless if you need zero-hassle cable management.

As it goes without saying, buying the most expensive gaming headset can’t make you a pro gamer overnight. That is why it makes sense to understand your specific needs, the working environment, and budget-based restraints before making a pick.

#3 Are gaming headsets worth it in 2021?

The short answer is yes. Most importantly, you have so many gaming headsets to choose from in 2021. It comes as a solution for those who don’t like the mainstream options.

For instance, if you prioritize comfort over anything else, you can find a suitable headset. Similarly, if you want the best sound quality in the world, there are options.

Judging by the number of possibilities alone, we believe the gaming headset industry is worthy in 2021.

This situation puts beginner, intermediate, and professional gamers in a comfortable position. For instance, even if you can’t spend a tremendous amount of money, gaming headsets from brands like Razer and HyperX offer so much value.

There are also a few options on the wireless front, which provide a cable-free way to enjoy high-quality sound.

We are again seeing that wireless gaming headsets are now focusing on bringing near-perfect latency and sound quality to noise-canceling gaming headsets.

The Arctis 9X from SteelSeries is an impressive wireless headphone if you can go beyond the typical budget brackets.

Altogether, if you are willing to invest a little more, you have some really gaming headsets to choose from.

#4 What are the best Wired Gaming Headsets?

Many still consider wired headsets as a better option than wireless headphones for gaming. We can’t blame them, either, because wireless headsets allow you to focus on sound quality and comfort.

When you get one wireless headset, you always have this doubt about connectivity issues and battery life. But when you go for wired headsets, a pretty long cable and a dedicated USB sound card make things simpler.

With these priorities set, you can explore options based on the preferred size, comfort, sound quality, and durability.

More importantly, you can now explore multiple options under a specific budget bracket. You can choose the Logitech G635 7.1 LightSync Gaming Headset if you are looking for a comfortable-fit headphone with high-quality sound and customizability.

Similarly, if you need in-line controls, you should check out the Razer Blackshark V2, which comes with top-of-the-class audio quality as well.

If you think these are expensive for your wallet, you can check out the less pricey options from brands including Razer and Logitech.

Most of these come with all the accessories you need for a superb gaming experience.

#5 Which gaming headset has the best sound quality?

There have been multiple debates to find the best gaming headset with the best sound quality, but it’s not a successful one. It’s like trying to find the one good song for everyone.

Although not as vague as finding a song, sound quality is a relative concept among gamers. While many gamers prefer the perfect mix of bass and trouble, others’ preferences keep varying.

Even then, if you can narrow down your expectations into a specific section, we can find a few products.

For instance, if you are looking for the best sound quality among wireless gaming headsets, the Arctis 9X of the SteelSeries is an impressive option. Although it comes with a gigantic price tag, the sound quality you get in the end is no less than soothing.

All the while, you can enjoy top-notch connectivity and comfort as well. Similarly, you can choose the Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset with Blue Voice Tech on the wired side.

These headphones are costly, costing around a couple of hundreds of dollars. But, when you are building the perfect gaming station, they are the ones to get.

Now that you know the basics clearly, you can choose a product for maximum-quality sound.

#6 What is the Best Logitech Gaming Headset?

Logitech has been making gaming accessories for more than a decade now. More importantly, the company has upped its game to meet the demand of the competitive gamers and streamers.

Therefore, you have two primary choices when it comes to choosing a gaming headset from Logitech.

Let’s say you are building crazy-big gaming set up in your studio. In that case, you need a gaming headset that can compete with different platforms and environments.

That is where the Logitech G Pro X comes, and it offers the best of Logitech’s improved sound technology and ultimate comfort. The customization options on this headset are also dope.

However, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can go for the Logitech G332 Stereo Gaming Headset, which also offers comfort and extended compatibility.

Of course, you might not find the premium-quality sound in this package.

We don’t want to give you any false dilemma here. There are so many Logitech headsets between the Pro X and G332 models, and you can explore them as you wish. We simply wanted to show the two extremes you can choose with Logitech.

#7 What Is the Most Comfortable Gaming Headset?

Again, we have come to the relative topic of comfort. Because of this very factor, all we can do while choosing the most comfortable gaming headset is picking a product from the common categories.

We would have to select categories like wired and wireless gaming headsets, over-the-ear and on-the-ear gaming headsets, and the different types of in-ear gaming headsets. Even then, we would have a big list.

If you can shell out a considerable amount of money, you can get the SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X, the most comfortable wireless gaming headset.

However, suppose you are looking for the most comfortable pick from the wired gaming headsets.

In that case, you have the HyperX Cloud Alpha S, which also costs a lot but provides premium-level comfort with the help of breathable leatherette and memory foam.

If you are looking for an on-the-ear headphone with a lower budget, you can consider the Corsair HS35 Stereo Gaming Headset.

If you find the maximum comfort with simple earbuds, you can check out the HyperX Cloud Earbuds, which is optimized for handheld gaming, though.

As you can see, there is no scarcity of options. You just have to find what works for your ear and the gaming setup before you pick one.

#8 What are the best affordable gaming headsets?

As we mentioned earlier, you don’t have to spend a considerable amount to get a good-quality gaming headset.

In the previous years, we have seen companies coming up with affordable products that don’t compromise quality.

Therefore, regardless of how much you can spend — be it $20, $50, $100, or $200 — you will have at least a couple of good headphones to choose from.

The Mpow EG10 PC Gaming Headset is one of the most affordable products you can buy today. This product is available in different colors and even has an LED light system. In the end, we are talking about 7.1 surround sound quality.

However, if you can up the game to $50, you can check out the Razer Kraken X USB Ultralight Gaming Headset, which offers an impressive gaming experience.

If you have a maximum budget of $100, it makes sense to check out the Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset. Last but not least, if you have a total budget of $200, you can check out the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset.

As you can see, all these products offer at least a minimum guarantee when it comes to sound quality and comfort. We hope this helps you choose the right gaming headset based on your budget.

#9 What is a good gaming headset for a PC?

We have already mentioned some of the best gaming headphones above.

Because the same devices would make things repetitive, we thought we would show you a few pointers that help you select the best PC gaming headsets as per your needs.

The first thing you should consider is the amount of comfort that the headset can offer. If you want to use a headset for an extended period, it should have an ergonomic design.

The second thing would be the sound quality, and we have multiple options here. You can get high-quality surround sound with extra features like noise cancellation.

Nowadays, you can find gaming headsets with these features without spending a massive amount from your pocket. However, if you are building a great gaming setup already, you can spend around $100 or $200 for a headset too.

If you are into dynamic online gaming, you have to consider the different aspects like latency and customizable controls.

When you can choose the right elements from the list, you would have a good gaming headset for you. If you find more than one option, you can pick one based on how much you would like to spend for a gaming headset.

#10 What Is the best brand of gaming headsets?

There are quite a few brands that are popular for their gaming headset products. Some of them are general consumer electronics manufacturers, but some are gaming-exclusive. 

For instance, we have Razer, which is a brand dedicated to gaming hardware.

Because of this reason, those who have a gaming setup built with a lot of Razer products tend to get a gaming headset from Razer. On the other hand, Logitech also makes some popular gaming headsets, but the brand is more than gaming gadgets.

At the same time, we have to mention its new lineup of Pro gaming hardware, designed to meet the specific needs of streamers and competitive gamers.

Some other popular brands known for gaming headsets are HyperX, SteelSeries, Astro, Creative, etc. There’s also an option to choose a non-gaming specific headset for gaming needs.

For instance, you can find high-quality, high-fidelity products from brands like Audio Technica and BOSE, but they don’t have the ‘gaming’ tag with them.

If you can give that up, along with the small entailing features, you can find a good headset for gaming from these brands.

If you choose something without the ‘gaming’ tag, make sure you check it for connectivity options and the microphone's sound quality.

#11 Are expensive gaming headsets worth it?

Judging by the thousands of positive reviews and in-person recommendations that we see; we have reason to believe that expensive gaming headsets are worth it.

One good thing about the gaming headset industry is that you don’t have to wait too long to know about the performance.

Streamers and competitive gamers keep searching for the best hardware for their gaming needs, often recommending the same to the followers with ease.

Therefore, gaming headset manufacturers have only two options. One, make a typical gaming headset that doesn’t cost much but does a decent job.

Two, create a high-quality gaming headset and put a hefty price on it. In this way, the companies can avoid harsh criticism and enjoy referrals from competitive gamers and streamers with ease.

Long story short, expensive gaming headsets are worth it as long as you get these headsets from one of the trusted brands. For instance, when you pay $100 or $250 to brands like Logitech, Razer, and HyperX, you can expect a minimum performance from the gadgets.

Just keep in mind that the extra amount that you pay may be for build quality, better comfort, connectivity features — not always great sound.

#12 How much should I spend on gaming headphones?

Because random selection doesn’t work for the best gaming headphones, you have to define your budget and then search for the products. That is where the confusion arises.

People are always worried if they are spending too much or too little on gaming headphones. Once again, it’s all relative.

Fortunately, it’s all relative based on how much you have spent on your entire gaming setup. We believe it’s a good idea to dedicate 10% of the total PC budget to the headphones.

If everything else on your setup has come down to $900, you can easily spend around $100 on a gaming headphone. You can use this system to understand how much you should spend on any headset, even if it weren’t a gaming PC setup.

Considering that a powerful gaming PC would cost you around $1000, you can easily get a high-end gaming headphone without a doubt.

As we mentioned earlier, $100 gives you access to headphones from even some premium manufacturers like HyperX and Logitech Pro. On the other side of things, if you have a really small budget, you can still get one of the regular gaming headphones.

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s more than possible to get a great gaming headset for under $50. For the gamer on a tight budget or looking for a cheap gaming headset, this list should have helped answer some of your questions.

If you’ve been told, “buy headphones instead” but you’re not too sure what the difference is, I’d suggest reading my comparison of headphones vs headsets.

All in all, we’ve given you 5 solid pairs of gaming headsets to look over and choose from, but the Kingston HyperX Cloud Stinger is our top choice by far. If you can’t find the headset you’re looking for in this list, maybe you’re not looking for a headset at all?

If you have any questions, comments, or general observations, feel free to leave it in comment section below! 

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Anonymous
Anonymous
September 18, 2020 12:37 pm

Yes

Anonymous
Anonymous
November 29, 2018 7:31 pm

the Cloud stinger broke for me in less than three months so did the replacement

Anonymous
Anonymous
August 3, 2018 9:59 am

I’m torn between the Corsair HS50 and the HyperX Cloud Core. Is the Core worth the extra $20?

Reubs
Reubs
May 6, 2017 6:13 pm

Hey Branton

Can I ask. What is the mic quality like on the Stinger, in comparison to the fatality?

Rahul
Rahul
January 31, 2017 5:39 am

Awesome list i like it

Alex
Alex
December 28, 2016 3:16 pm

The Sentey looks pretty good, but I’m also considering a pair of refurbished Turtle Beach XO Seven headphones for the same price. Which would you recommend?

Rens
Rens
November 17, 2016 1:52 am

Hello Branton,

I was wondering what your recommendation is for comfort while wearing glasses,
I’ve been looking for a good headset but alot of them are said to be uncomfortable when wearing glasses.
Also i can’t get the sentey arches, since there not available in my country.

(Also I have an odd name I know)

Rens
Rens
November 17, 2016 4:07 pm
Reply to  Branton

Alright, thanks.
I’ll probably go for the Stinger then,
as my budget is not large enough for the Revolver.

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