Top 5: Best Gaming Headsets under $100

 When choosing a headset for gaming, you may be experiencing difficulty locating the top tier headsets for your budget. In this article I have done just that. I have put together a list of the top 5 best headsets for gaming under $100.

There are lots of lesser options out there and all function to accomplish the same task, provide audio and voice control to the user but the list of products and manufacturers have become increasingly vast and comprehensive. Let’s keep away from the rabbit hole and with the aid of this list, let’s look at the top 5 of the absolute best gaming headsets under $100.

What is a Gaming Headset?

Simply put, a gaming headset is basically just a pair of headphones with either a fixed, detachable, or retractable microphone. With that in mind, to pick the best gaming headset for yourself, you should first understand a tiny bit about how the actual headphone portion works, and also the differences between headphones and headsets.

The most important point to consider is closed-back vs open-back. Generally speaking, a closed-back headset is going to offer better noise cancellation on the inside and allow for less noise leakage to the outside; this is great if you’re gaming somewhere that’s loud, or you don’t want everyone around you hearing every gunshot. But, an open-back set will typically have a better, more accurate soundstage – basically, you can tell where people are easier – which is important in FPS games especially. 

That all said, the majority of gaming headsets are closed back. 

Another important point to consider is the microphone style. Do you want a mic you can remove completely, one that can just fold out of the way, or one that can retract? Personally, I’m extremely biased towards headsets that offer detachable mics as they can be easily replaced; you’ll see that in this Top 5 list. 

Lastly is connectivity. Wireless vs wired, USB vs 3.5mm. You definitely want to consider how you’ll be using your headset before pulling the trigger on the first set that looks good. 

By keeping those 3 points in mind, you’re sure to make a great choice! 

Specs:

• Connectivity: Wired, USB
• Compatibility: Cross-Platform
• Frequency Response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz
• Drivers: 50mm
• Mic: Detachable boom
• Weight: 0.53lbs

Razer’s Kraken has been tested and proven to be one of the top gaming headsets time, and time again. That hasn’t changed with the V3 and you can expect even better overall quality than before. As with all gaming headsets these days, the Kraken V3 is compatible with all modern gaming systems and, of course, computers. 

The Kraken V3 delivers high-quality audio, a great mic, and enough in-line controls to get the job done. It also features some decent RGB backlighting (controlled by Razer Chroma) if you want to customize the color scheme. 

The redesigned earcups and thick memory foam padding really accentuate the overall comfort of the Kraken V3. They’re not the most comfortable on the list, but they’re still one of the best when it comes to comfort. 

All-in-all, if you’re looking for a good, comfortable headset with RGB lighting and virtual 7.1 surround sound, the Kraken V3 is undeniably one of the top options to look at.

Cons

• Requires a USB connection

Specs:

• Connectivity: Wired, 3.5mm or USB
• Compatibility: Cross-Platform
• Frequency Response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz
• Drivers: 50mm
• Mic: Detachable boom
• Weight: 0.68lbs

The G Pro X is a fairly new addition to Logitech’s gaming headset lineup – as far as headsets go – and it’s undeniably proven to be a great one. Built on a foundation of consistently delivering top-level audio products, Logitech really hit it out of the park with this headset and everything it comes with and features. 

 While possibly the most packed box on the list, the G Pro X comes with a plethora of additional items such as a mobile cable with a built-in mic that enables you to use this on your phone, a carrying case, 2 pairs of earpads (cloth and leatherette) and even an external sound card.

In terms of performance, the G Pro X are able to keep up with the best thanks to its awesome 50mm drivers and a great detachable boom mic. The mic features Blue VO!CE tech that cancels background noise and helps to deliver a significantly cleaner output when compared to other boom mics.

 Ultimately, there’s a reason why over 73% of its ratings are 5-stars regardless of where you look. Logitech’s G Pro X are one of the top choices and clearly one of the best gaming headsets under $100.

Cons

• A little on the heavy side at roughly .68lbs
• Can be a little tight for… wider heads

Specs:

• Connectivity: Wireless
• Compatibility: Cross-Platform
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Drivers: 40mm
• Mic: Detachable boom
• Weight: 0.55lbs

Razer has a long-standing history of making some of the best gaming peripherals that exist. From keyboards to mice and yes, even headsets. Their Barracuda X Wireless is basically unbeatable when it comes to price vs performance for a wireless gaming headset.

Featuring a long battery life, superior comfort, clean audio quality, and a very nice detachable mic, it’s everything you need in 1 package.

One drawback would undeniably be the 40mm drivers. At just 40mm, they’re a full 10mm smaller than the other options on the list featuring at least 50mm drivers – that’s a 20% reduction in size and directly translates into significantly less bass than 50mm options. 

While for some, the lack of bass might be a deal breaker… But, if you’re looking for a well priced gaming headset that’s wireless and coming from a reputable company, it’s hard to go wrong with Razer’s Barracuda X Wireless. However, if you want that extra bass, next up on the list is a wireless option with 50mm drivers. 

Cons

• Small drivers (40mm)
• Hardly any bass

Specs:

• Connectivity: Wireless
• Compatibility: Cross-Platform
• Frequency Response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz
• Drivers: 50mm
• Mic: Detachable boom
• Weight: 0.53lbs

Corsair’s HS70 is a top-tier gaming headset with everything you need to seriously enjoy your sessions. From comfort to sound quality and a top-tier mic, the HS70 doesn’t leave much to be desired. 

Coming from one of the most reputable companies in the game, this headset is one of the absolute best reviewed online at the time of writing. Our impressions were in-line with what everyone else is saying and it’s hard to go wrong with the HS70. 

The only reason to buy something else on this list would be purely aesthetics, or you want a wired connection for better reliability. Maybe you’re not a fan of the dark color palette and would prefer a bit of vibrance tossed in? If so, our #1 pick might be the headset for you! 

Cons

• Corsair’s iCue software can be a headache
• Won’t survive many drops before pieces start breaking

Specs:

• Connectivity: Wired
• Compatibility: Cross-Platform
• Frequency Response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz
• Drivers: 50mm 
• Microphone: Detachable boom
• Weight: 0.53lbs

Formally owned by Kingston, the HyperX Cloud II are undeniably the best headphones under $100. This comes down to unbeatable audio quality, a crystal clear microphone, and a long-standing track record of simply being the best headset for gaming under $100.

Since HP acquired the HyperX brand from Kingston in 2021, nothing has changed. The HyperX Cloud II are still unbeatable when it comes down to price vs performance.

At its core, the Cloud II is built upon the frame of an audiophile-grade pair of headphones – the Takstar Pro 80. This is an incredible platform to base a closed-back gaming headset on thanks to its great isolation, accurate sound reproduction, and balanced soundstage. When it comes to the microphone, it’s very comparable to the quality you’d expect from a ModMic.

Long story short, if you have $100 to spend on a gaming headset and you want to get the absolute most out of your money, the HyperX Cloud II is the way to go. If you would prefer a wireless version of these, they exist, but they’re a little more expensive, closer to $150 than $100. 

Cons

• It’s wired
• You don’t have a pair

Conclusion

With all of the options available, I hope this list of the top 5 makes your gaming headset search a little less stressful. If you’re looking for a gaming headsets under $100, this list is basically guaranteed to have what you’re looking for.

When you’re picking a headset, make sure to fully consider your needs – and wants – prior to pulling the trigger! 

That concludes this roundup of the top 5 best gaming headsets for under $100! If you have any questions or comments about any of the keyboards on this, please leave them below as we’d love to hear your opinion!