A quick look: if you just want to find out which one is the best overall option, then we recommend the Razer Kraken Gaming Headset.
Gaming is caring! Whether you want the feeling of being right inside the game or to support your teammates and be able to hear well each other communication. I always like having my headsets and think how pleasant it is to enjoy the dynamic sounds when gaming.
All headsets aren’t created equal, and choosing the right one can be difficult with the market so saturated. But in this article, I want to take you to the next level with these upgrade gaming headsets.
We have created this guide to help you make the best choice.
Contents
The Best Cheap Gaming Headsets for Ps4 and Xbox One
Here is a list of our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each headset so you understand its pros and cons.
1. HyperX Cloud Alpha
- Over-Ear
- Impedance 63 ohms (an amplifier is recommended)
- Frequency response 13Hz-27KHz
- Noise-canceling microphone
- Dual Chamber Drivers
- Audio control on the cable
Why do we think that these are the best cheap gaming headsets for PS4 and Xbox One? On top of the beautiful design, the HyperX comes with award-winning comfort and is made of durable aluminum in the frame with an extended headband.
It has dual chambers for better sound and removes distortion. It has a detachable braided cable. The cable includes audio control.
The headset itself is compatible with all your consoles like PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One, Xbox One S, Nintendo Switch, and VR. In addition to consoles, PC, Mac, and Mobile compatibility are available. It comes with a detachable noise-cancellation microphone.
The drivers are 50mm Dual Chamber and have memory foam ear cushions for added comfort. These headsets have an impedance of 63 ohms and an amplifier is recommended. HyperX Amp seems to be enough to give the extra needed boost.
The Hyperx will provide you with comfort, compatibility, and great sound quality. And that is why we believe this is the best wired gaming headset out there. The ear cushions are made of memory foam.
Compatibility extends across the top platforms including your phone. The sound quality is ranked one of the best, but it does have lower sound when it comes to using it on the PS4 versus other platforms.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear for long periods.
- Delivers quality sound.
- Detachable cable and microphone
Cons:
- Sound quality isn’t the greatest on a PS4.
2. SteelSeries Arctis5
- Over-Ear
- Customizable features like light display, USB dial, and sound EQ.
- Ear cushions are designed to keep your ears cool and dry.
- Surround sound
- Frequency response 20–22kHz
- Impedance 32 Ohms (External preamp not necessary)
- Compatible to Mac, PC, Playstation, Mobile
The SteelSeries has DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround in the entire earpiece. The S1 speaker drivers are made to provide you with ultra-low distortion audio enabling you to hear every detail and enhancing sound quality.
It has a lightweight design with Ski Goggle Suspension Band, so it conforms to the comfort of your head. The ear cushions are made with AirWeave technology to allow for airflow to keep the ears dry and cool.
There are several customizable features it comes with like a USB ChatMix dial that allows you to balance your game and chat audio. There’s also audio control on the earpiece to give you easy access to both the volume and microphone muting.
The USB plugin is designed to give you the freedom to play on multiple platforms. You can adjust the sound at any time with EQ software, so you’ll always get the sound you want. The Prism RGB Illumination displays different colors and light effects.
The SteelSeries might be the right choice for those that are looking for gaming headsets that aren’t only wireless but have the comfort level of the more expensive sets.
The AirWeave technology will add to the comfort level by allowing airflow. This is different from other brands that tend to be hot and uncomfortable because of the leather. The customizable features it has with lighting and sound make it different from others out there as well.
Pros:
- The sound is precise and rich.
- Comfortable to wear/don’t feel like you’re wearing them.
- The mic picks up the sound easily.
Cons:
- No background noise cancellation.
- The USB dial only works with PC/Mac.
3. Turtle Beach
- Around-Ear (Closed)
- Speaker Impedance: 32Ω (no external preamp needed)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Mesh and foam ear cushions.
- 50mm speakers.
- Mic Monitoring.
This Turtle Beach headset comes with limited compatibility compared to others. You can only use it with an Xbox One and PC. You can use it for both chatting, gameplay, music, and movies on your console, and Skype.
It has 50mm speakers in the earpiece and the cushion is made with mesh and foam so airflow can get through and you can play comfortably for hours.
The audio controller connects to your controller, so you have quick access to your audio. Also, you can add a bass boost to give your sound a little kick.
The mic is removable that can be used on mobile devices and is highly sensitive. It does come with Mic Monitoring to adjust the sound.
The Turtle Beach headset might be the better option if you are looking for a headset for your Xbox One or PC. Beyond those, you’ll have to invest in a different set. With that in mind, for the price point, they do work well.
The added bass boost gives more power to your sound without making it sound distorted. The removable mic can be used for the phone and is clear.
The only drawback is it can be a little sensitive and pick up all sounds. The only major flaw this headset does have is the lack of ability to control your audio while in-game and your chat audio.
Pros:
- Bass boost works well without messing with the sound.
- Good mic quality.
- Great sound quality.
Cons:
- Can’t adjust the sound for the mic and game individually.
4. Sennheiser GSP 300
- Over-Ear
- Closed acoustic and noise isolation
- Microphone frequency response 10 Hz – 15KHz
- Impedance 19 Ohms (no external amplifier needed)
- Adjustable headband and memory foam ear cups
The Sennheiser is a wired headset that uses sound technology developed by Sennheiser. It has closed acoustics and noise isolation to deliver a sound experience that makes your game come to life. They have an added bass boost option to enhance your sound but keep the clarity.
The earpieces are made of memory foam and the headband is adjustable to reduce pressure for long-term use. The mic has a flip button to mute and it will cut out any background noise or breathing while in use. The sound is controlled by using the right ear cup buttons.
Compatibility doesn’t lack in the Sennheiser. You can use this headset with Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, your phone, or any device that has a 3.5mm audio jack input.
The Sennheiser might be the best option for those that are looking for a headset that’s compatible with many devices out there including phones or audio jacks with 3.5mm inputs.
Despite it being wired in, it comes with a long cable, unlike many brands. The downfall is that the cable does tear easily. It has a bass boost option and noise-canceling that works so well you may not even hear your doorbell!
Pros:
- Compatibility among different devices.
- Noise cancellation.
- Comfortable to wear for long periods.
Cons:
- The cable is flimsy and easy to tear.
5. Razer Kraken
- Over-Ear
- Custom-tuned 50 mm Drivers
- Cooling Gel-Infused Cushions
- Retractable Unidirectional Microphone
- Bauxite Aluminum Frame
- Thicker Headband Padding
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
- Impedance 32 Ohms (no external preamp needed)
The Razer offers 7.1 surround sound with 50mm drivers. The software-enabled surround sound can be used if you have a Windows 10 64-bit PC or laptop. The headset is made with lightweight materials like bauxite aluminum and has a flexible frame.
The ear cups are oval-shaped and have cooling gel cushions with indentations for those who wear glasses to prevent overheating of the ears and pressure around the head.
The retractable mic reduces both ambient noises and background noise for clear chatting. Volume control is handled by the built-in analog wheel and a mic muting switch.
It’s compatible with different platforms like Xbox One, PS4, and devices with a 3.5mm audio jack input.
The Razer might be a good option for you if you’re looking for a headset that has surround sound. It offers 7.1 and noise canceling. This is perfect for when you want to escape from life and put yourself in the game.
The slight annoyance does come with the volume wheel because it’s very sensitive to touch. If you move around even to get a drink or shift around, it will turn the sound up or down. The cooling technology will keep your head and ears cool while you play so you don’t have to take any breaks.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable to wear for long playing times.
- Noise-canceling.
- The cord length is very long.
Cons:
- The volume wheel doesn’t lock in place and can turn the sound up or down with a slight touch or if you move.
6. Turtle Beach Stealth 600
- Windows Sonic Surround Sound
- ProSpecs and breathable mesh ear cups design
- Mic Monitoring
The Turtle Beach Stealth is designed with Xbox in mind. It has 50mm speakers and Windows Sonic Sound software. These wireless headphones for gaming especially have virtual surround sound and equalizer settings for both. Xbox and your Windows 10 PCS that are compatible with it.
The ear cups are made with breathable mesh fabric and ProSpecs design for those that wear glasses. It will reduce the pressure felt by those who wear headsets with glasses and add to the comfort. The mic has a flip-up switch to mute and Mic Monitoring so you can hear yourself inside the headset.
The battery life lasts about 15 hours per charge giving even the most intense gamer enough usage. The range of use goes about 20 feet without disconnecting. Although, this will depend on your internet connection’s stability.
The Turtle Beach might be the best wireless headphones for gaming for Xbox One or Xbox One S. They have a good sound quality and are noise-canceling to the point someone can come up behind you and you wouldn’t know it.
The ProSpecs combined with the breathable mesh fabric makes them comfortable to wear even with glasses which is different from most brands.
The Windows Sonic Surround Sound lets you play around with an equalizer to get the sound you want with the headset. For us, these best wireless headphones for gaming seem the most suitable for a wireless option out there at the moment.
Pros:
- Wide range compared to most brands.
- Noise-canceling.
- Very comfortable to wear especially with glasses.
Cons:
- The mic can be very sensitive and pick up background noise easily.
7. Corsair Void RGB Elite
- iQue Software
- Surround sound 7.1
- RGB effects
The Corsair wireless headphones have custom-tuned 50mm high-density neodymium audio drivers. They deliver surround sound 7.1 and come with sound software.
The iCUE software lets you have control over the equalizer, set profiles, and the light effects of the RGB. The RGB is LED lighting that’s customizable with colors and different effects.
The ear cups are designed for comfort with memory foam and microfiber mesh. This allows for airflow to keep you from getting hot and to provide the ultimate comfort.
The volume is also found on the ear cup, so you don’t have to leave your game or get distracted by looking for buttons.
The mic is Discord certified and omnidirectional with a flip-up mute button. The build is made durable with aluminum yokes to last long term.
The Corsair might be the better wireless headphones option for you if you want customizable sound and lighting effects.
iQUE software allows you to set up different sound profiles by playing around with the equalizer. This will make your game sound the way you want it to. It also controls your lighting effects.
The RGB lighting effects can be set up using the iQUE software. The range on the headphones isn’t the greatest, but it will uphold you leaving the room.
The only major issue is with the surround sound. While surround sound is ideal for movies and music, most video games are created for stereo sound, so that it won’t enhance your game’s sound quality.
Pros:
- The range is far enough to where you can leave the room.
- Good sound quality.
- Customizable sound profiles.
Cons:
- Surround sound only works with software.
8. HyperX Cloud Flight
- Wireless range up to 20 meters
- Ear cups rotate for comfort
- LED effects and indicators for mic, sound, and charging
The HyperX Cloud comes with 50mm drivers and neodymium magnets. It has a detachable noise-canceling mic.
The volume controls for the mic are located on the left side of the ear cup and the volume wheel is on the bottom of the right ear cup. This makes it easier to control and less likely to cause accidental sound mishaps. The cups even rotate up to 90 degrees making it easy to rest on your neck.
The battery life lasts 30 hours if you keep the LED off, 18 hours with the breathing LED, and 13 hours with a solid LED. This was tested with the volume at 50% so the life may vary based on your volume settings.
The wireless range is up to 20 meters depending on your internet connection.
The HyperX might also be the best one for you if you’re looking for wireless headphones with all the bells and whistles. It has special effects with the LED lights and has indicators for when the mic is on when the headset is charging, and when it’s off.
It plays in stereo sound that most games use, and the quality is clear and worth the price. The mic is also of good quality and is detachable if you don’t need it. The range works well, even changing room or going upstairs or downstairs.
The battery life lasts longer compared to other models. The only downfall this headset has is that it gets really hot after a few hours of using it so you may have to take a break here and there to let it cool down.
Pros:
- Clear sound on both the mic and ear cups.
- Lightweight and comfortable even with glasses.
- Long battery life.
Cons:
- Headset gets hot after a few hours of use.
How to Choose The Best Budget Gaming Headsets
The right headsets can make all the difference when it comes to gaming. Having the wrong set can get you or your team killed, cause distractions with bad quality, or just not immerse you fully into the game.
Many of the popular brands come with customizable features to not only enhance your sound but the experience too with lighting effects.
There are some factors that you should consider when choosing the best cheap gaming headsets for PS4 and Xbox One. That ranges from the type of gamer you are, wireless headsets, wired headsets, the extra bells and whistles, the materials used to make it, and the cost.
Today, we break down the most common questions people have and what you should specifically be looking for before you purchase.
Cost
The first is cost. If you are someone who doesn’t play games that often or are more into casual play, then you will do just fine with a cheap set to get you through a match or story. Those that are competitive or more serious will usually need to spend more for the added extras.
Features
The added features are another reason. Those that are more casual players won’t need to have the type of headsets you can adjust the sound equalizer on or lighting effects or comfort features. This is because if you aren’t someone who plays often, while it will enhance your experience, it’s not necessary.
Looking for comfort-added headsets with breathable fabrics or cooling technology you can wear for hours on end when you only play for an hour a day just adds to the price tag.
The same goes for sound-equalizing software. Unless you want to hear everything in the game or need to, then it’s better to skip out on the extras and go with a basic set.
The type of mic it comes with is another factor to consider. Whether it’s detachable or not is a personal preference to most but for some, how flexible it is can be a deal-breaker.
Some mics that aren’t flexible pick up on all noises around you, including your breathing. This means whoever is on the other end can hear you breathe if you have the tv on, or if people are in the room talking.
Causing a distraction both for you and other players can mess up the game. Plus, who wants to hear another person breathing the whole time?
Another factor regarding mics is Mic Monitoring. Mic Monitoring is necessary because it allows you to hear yourself in the headset when you talk. This will prevent you from yelling from not being able to hear yourself.
Some headsets do have Mic Monitoring but lack the volume control of in-game volume and chat volume. This type of conundrum can mess with your overall playing since both sounds can overlap making it hard to differentiate between the game and other players.
Compatibility
Some headsets will only work with certain consoles like Xbox One or PS4. Others will be able to work with any device that has a 3.5mm audio jack input.
Impedance. Some of these headphones have an impedance above 50 Ohms. This means that an external amp may be necessary to give your headset enough energy input to work properly.
FAQs
Here are some other questions related to the topic, I’ll answer them briefly below.
Should I Get Wired or Wireless?
The decision to go wired or wireless is a personal preference. Wired headsets tend to have the best sound quality. This is because wireless depends on how good is your internet connection.
If you are having a bad connection day due to poor internet or the weather, then the quality of sound will suffer. The same applies to being disconnected from the chat too. When you have a good connection, the only difference will be the ability to freely move around to different rooms or if you prefer fewer wires.
Do I Need Surround Sound on My Gaming Headsets?
Many people find this debatable. You have one side who thinks it’s a gimmick and others that will swear by virtual or surround sound.
Your run-of-the-mill headsets will be stereo and aren’t lacking in sound quality. The main thing they rely on is using volume to determine where a sound is coming from.
Virtual sound uses manipulation to trick the brain into hearing sounds in certain areas. For example, hearing footsteps to the right of you instead of stereo sound that places it in both ears, so you don’t know the true location.
As was stated above, this is something much debate on and comes down to personal choice in the end.
What’s the Difference Between Gaming Headsets and Music Headphones?
There are quite a few differences. One of them is a mic. Every gaming headset will have a mic attached to it that’s useful for talking with teammates or friends while playing. Music headphones typically do not have them.
Another difference is the use of surround sound, virtual sound, and sound. Music headphones are designed for the most part to have how the music was meant to sound already built-in.
Gaming headsets will have surround sound and virtual sound. Some consider this a gimmick and it doesn’t enhance anything, but others say it makes a difference.
Technically speaking, virtual surround sound will come with software that lets you play with an equalizer to get the sound you want. For example, more bass or treble to hear footsteps or shots being fired. Surround sound has multiple drivers on each side that produce a sound in different directions.
The last major difference is comfort. Since gamers are wearing headsets usually for hours upon hours, many manufacturers design them with comfort as a priority.
This can mean using certain fabrics like mesh, breathable fabric, cooling technology, or even indentations for people who use glasses. Music headphones generally don’t focus on a comfort aspect as gaming headsets do.
Final Verdict
Our best overall choice is the Razer Kraken Gaming Headset. Among all the ones we reviewed, this one stands out the most. It has cooling technology that none of the other brands offer for added comfort.
The sound can be customized through a computer. This way you always get the kind of sound you want. The mic is noise-isolating and it’s compatible with any device that has a 3.5mm audio jack input as well as PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
