Top 15 Best Gaming Headsets under 100 in 2019
All the gamers in the world regardless of whether they are professional gamers or just amateur ones, love the sounds of virtual gunfire. They love the magical quests they go on and the swoosh of the swinging swords as they engage themselves in virtual but seemingly real and exciting PC or console games. All good players would agree with the notion that the sound of the games plays at least 50% part in the excitement and thrill felt by the gamers. However, not all can afford the very expensive gaming headsets that do a marvelous job of reproducing these incredible sounds. There are plenty of gaming headsets available in the market for less than $100, and they do a good enough job and provide a high level of thrill with exciting and amazing sounds to let the users enrich their gaming experience.
Read our complete guide about the best bluetooth headsets under 50.
Benefits and Uses of Gaming Headsets Under 100
As the gaming headsets under 100 are affordable by most games, they are extremely useful in providing a high level of quality in their audio output as well as comfort to the gamer. However, since the gamer is not spending a large sum of money on getting the best possible quality gaming headsets in the market with al the desirable features at their best, the gamers need to prioritize his/her requirements. This would help the gamer get the best of what he/she wants and compromise a bit on those features that are not as important as the ones on priority. For this reason, it is important that gamers try to get the features that are most beneficial from his/her point of view. A preauthorization of features in this manner helps to keep the price tag of the gaming headset under $100.
Read our latest guide about the best USB headsets for office.
Wired Over wireless
Under ideal circumstances, a PC gamer would want to have wireless capability in the gaming headset as this would give him/her the ability to move freely during the game or while needing to get up to do some work after taking a break and perhaps continue to listen to music on the headset while working, etc. For those people who play on many other platforms like PS4 or Xbox, etc., they would also prefer to have a wireless gaming headset to allow the freedom of movement around the house. However, it must be noted that even these consoles have an input for a wired headset. The wireless headsets make use of advanced technology, which adds a cost factor to the gaming headset, especially if it is of high-quality. It is highly probable that the PC game or console gamer would be able to get a wired headset with the required features easily as compared to a wireless one for under $100.
Freedom from Charging the Wireless Headset
The fact that the wired gaming headset of good quality is available for less than $100 is not the only benefit it has to offer to the PC or console gamer. The wired headset does not need to be charged like the wireless one. It is quite possible that the gamer might experience a drain of charge from the headphone right when he/she is in the middle of a do-or-die stage of the game. Nothing could be more frustrating to the gamer if this happens. With a wired gaming headset, this possibility is nullified. It allows the user complete confidence while playing the game known that its energy supply is not going to run off in the middle of the game. Thus, a wired gaming headset under 100 could prove to be a lifesaver for the gamer.
No Static or Interference
The wired gaming headset under 100 would not be prone to many other technical issues as well. The wireless headsets could face interference from mobile devices, electrical equipment, speakers, etc. but the wired gaming headset would not have any such issues. The wireless signals might have a hard time crossing thick walls, but the wired one would have no such issues. The communication provided by wired gaming headsets is not just break-free but also static-free.
However, at this point, it must be pointed out that the wired technology does not ideally beat the wireless one in terms of all the features. The wireless gaming headsets have ranges which are usually 33 feet or 100 feet depending on the Bluetooth technology they use while the wired ones tend to bind the gamer to close vicinity of the game console or PC. This might also be a shortcoming for those gamers who get so excited during the games that they end up tugging or pilling at the wire or cable part of the headset due to excitement ad might end up causing a disconnection.
Settling for Stereo or Virtual Surround Sound rather than Real Surround Sound
The true Surround Sound capability in a gaming headset requires the use of multiple channels and not just the right and left ones as used by stereo sound. The surround sound creates a 3D effect, and the gamer feels that the sound is coming from all directions. This allows such games as Call of Duty to sound extremely realistic and incredibly real. Moreover, in terms of how well the gamer can react to the sound, the 3D sound gives better cues to the gamer, thus pointing to the direction of the hidden enemy better. The gamer is thus able to easily figure out if the enemy is located to the left, right or rear. However, this type of technology comes with a high price tag, as well. For this reason, the gaming headsets under 100 normally make use of ‘virtual’ surround sound. The virtual surround sound makes use of the same left and right drivers as does the stereo sound and just adds some audio wizardry to it. It starts to sound like the surround sound. This sound is available in most gaming headsets even though it has a little less clarity. The reason it is important to have virtual surround sound is that it gives a good idea to the gamer an idea about the direction of the enemy in many games. Some gaming headsets have stereo sound as they emphasize on clarity.
Types of Gaming Headsets under 100
The gaming headsets under 100 are available with Virtual surround Sound, and there are some who deliver stereo sound. The gamers who prefer voice clarity and do not play games in which ascertaining the direction of the enemy is the key to win the games could go for stereo sound gaming headsets. The gamers who need to figure out the direction of the enemy need to get the ones with virtual surround sound. The other differentiating features among the various types of gaming headsets available for under $100 are the mic quality and comfort level. The mic quality becomes important in terms of its noise cancelation ability, and comfort is an important feature for those gamers who spend long hours playing games.
Features of Best Gaming Headsets under 100
Despite being under 100, the gaming headsets of high quality in this category provide a lot of extremely beneficial features to the gamers:
Audio Quality
Regardless of whether the gaming headsets under 100 employ virtual surround sound technology or deliver stereo sound, the quality of the audio is important, and the best ones provide good quality audio. For the FPS gamers, the direction of the sound is important, and the best ones would provide this ability to them. They can get positional audio along with the virtual surround sound experience. The audio of the best gaming headsets under 100 has got a strong and deep bass; however; it does not have to be too boomy.
Microphone Quality
Communication between team members is extremely important for gamers, and thus the microphone quality in the best gaming headsets under 100 is very important as well. Such headsets are available with unidirectional bot mics that capture sound from one direction as well as with Omni-directional mics which capture sounds from all directions. For communications purposes, games prefer the ones that are equipped with unidirectional mics. A lot of gaming headsets have boom microphones as well. However, some gamers might prefer to have ones with regular mics and then they can attach a separate clip-on the mic to their shirt collars.
Comfort
The best gaming headsets under 100 are comfortable. With an uncomfortable headset, the gamer cannot play games for long hours. These best headsets do not produce heat on the user’s ears, and also their headbands do not clamp hard on the head of the user. Thee are no headaches, earaches or neck pains involved while using the best gaming headsets under 100. Earcups that sit over or around the edges of the ears are better than the on-ear earcups in this respect. It is possible to squeeze large-aperture drivers in such headsets providing better audio to the gamer. Best gaming headsets under 100 have earcups that enable airflow and keep the user’s ears dry.
Top 15 Best Gaming Headsets under 100 in 2019
1. CORSAIR VOID PRO RGB Wireless Gaming Headset
Corsair Void Pro RGB gaming headset is the best deal you can get under $100. This is a premium wireless headset at a very affordable price tag. Corsair gets all the important features nailed like the audio quality with Dolby 7.1 Surround sound, audio range, mic performance. Everything else is an extra perk over an already stellar set. This is without question the best gaming headset under $100.
Design
As gaming headsets go, the Corsair Void Pro RGB has an understated elegance. Instead of going for brash colors and tacky embellishments, they have kept it classy in shades of black, white or grey, depending on the color you choose. The thick headband is sturdy plastic. But as you move down, you see metal earcups brackets. So they have reinforced the stress areas with metal. The earcups are slightly larger than the original Void. They sit around large ears than on them. They can fold flat around the neck and or portability.
The most significant comfort feature is the padding. They now use memory foam covered in a soft fabric for the headband. The earcups also have memory foam with mesh cover for breathability. The low clamp and the room for ears make these one of the most comfortable gaming headsets we have tried. There’s a foldable mic attached to the left earcup and has a pop filter at the tip. It can be turned off by retracting it up. The boom is flexible now and you can adjust its position to be undisruptive. There’s an LED close to the tip to announce the Mute status. One earcup carries the mute button, the multifunctional button and the volume dial. It also has a micro-USB port for charging.
The wireless range of this gaming headset is 40 feet. The connection remain surprisingly strong. The battery life is rated 16 hours which is plenty for a day of gaming and you can leave it for charging overnight. The back side of the earcups have the Corsair logo which lights up with RGB. Corsair Void Pro is also available in analogue and USB wired versions.
In Use
Starting out with the Corsair Void Pro RGB is a one-step process. You simply plug in the transmitter into a USB port and switch on the headset, it pair automatically. You can also install the Corsair Utility Engine. It allows you to customize the RGB lighting and mic levels.
Instead of sticking with the bass-heavy signature, the Void Pro has gone for a well-balanced audio response much like its predecessor. They show laudable maturity in handling the audio all-round. That being said, its gaming chops show up in the EQ options. Equalizing a balanced audio is much easier than enhancing an already boosted bass. Dolby 7.1 Surround is the real deal and it reflects in the way you find yourself sonically transcended to the game universe. The bullet fire. The clang of swords and eruptions fly with bassy weight but not with the unnatural boominess of overdone bass. The vocal cries of fellow team members rises above the havoc. The unidirectional mic is exceptional in picking up voice clearly and carrying over all the background noise.
The clear audio victory of the Corsair Void Pro is that it performs equally well with music and movies. So it’s more than just a gaming headset.
Pros:
- Well-balanced clean audio
- Deep, powerful bass
- Dolby 7.1 Surround sound
- High-quality microphone
- Wireless
Cons:
- Bootloader mode issue gets no help from Corsair
2. SteelSeries Arctis 5 RGB Illuminated Gaming Headset with DTS Headphone
SteelSeries Arctis 5 RGB gaming headset is another Hi-Fi headphone which pushes precision balanced audio over the cheaper, bass-infused gaming headsets. Another major advantage is that its looks and sounds like a quality music headphone, so this is an all-round device. What’s not to like about this multi-platform gaming headset? Hence, its place in the best gaming headsets under $100 list.
Design and Features
The SteelSeries Arctis5 RGB gaming headset remind us of Oppo PM3 planar magnetic headphones. The Arctis 5 is a low-profile and elegant headset that you can wear confidently in public. It has none of that ‘gaming jazz until you connect the USB and light up the RGB logo. The build is high-quality plastic that looks and feels long lasting. It has a self-adjusting suspension-style headband. An elastic band makes contact with the head. A plastic headband acts as the secondary support and the limit of the elastic stretching. This way, the headband automatically aligns to any head size and shape. The headband is detachable through Velcro straps and SteelSeries offers funky replacements. The earcups are large and racetrack oval. The ear padding is removable. They have sheathed it with an airweave material. It’s soft and prevents sweating.
This gaming headset has retractable mic with a Mute/Unmute LED at the tip. There’s an overall volume dial on the left earcup and a mute button with raised marking for tactile advantage. There’s an 8-pin USB and a 3.5mm port as well for connection. The Arctis5 comes with different rubber-coated cables for different platforms. For Xbox users, you get a USB cable along with a USB-to-3.5mm converter. For PC, Mac or Playstation, you get a cable system. Its one part connects to the ChatMix dial and the other connects the dial to the PC/PS. The ChatMix is a volume dial with a rubber bottom. You can use it to adjust the ratio of Game Volume to Chat Volume. If you want to hear the vocals more, turn toward Chat volume and the relative volume of chat will increase compared to Game sounds. Both volumes are balanced at the center position. The overall volume controlled by the dial on the left earcup.
In Use
Plugging in the SteelSeries Arctis5 gaming headset to Xbox is fairly straight-forward. Connecting it to PC/PS for ChatMix has a few more steps. The ChatMix appears as two different devices on the PC. You have to assign the SteelSeries Arctis5 Game as the PC default playback device and SteelSeries Arctis5 Chat as the default playback device of the Chat app.
The Arctis5 gaming headset trumps the bass-bleeding signature and goes for an accurate audio response. They sound much like high-fidelity headphones meant for music, movies and gaming. It is much easier to Equalize than the bass-heavy signature. For a more impactful performance, you can EQ the bass up. The accuracy translates to laser-sharp gunfire and excellent positional audio. You get plenty of spatial cues from all sides. The audio has a nice space to it which allows you to pinpoint the enemy movement as if this were a closed-back headphone.
The 7.1 Surround sound makes the game sounds richer but muddies the Chat sounds. It has overall less clarity than the default settings. But it does create an extra dimension when you play FPS games.
Pros:
- Self-adjustment headband
- Looks like a music headphone
- Neutral, accurate audio
- ChatMix dial
- Multi-platform use
Cons:
- 1 Surround Sound muddies the chat
3. Turtle Beach - Ear Force XO One Amplified Gaming Headset - Xbox One
The Turtle Beach Ear Force XO gaming headset is one of their entry-level headsets for Xbox One. It looks like a basic unit but it has every feature you need along with a killer audio response. The mic quality is also exceptionally clear and lucid for the price. The attractive price ultimately sealed its deal to be on the best gaming headset under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Turtle Beach Ear Force XO One gaming headset is a very basic-looking set. The plastic black body is made to be functional because Turtle Beach has invested in getting the audio quality and mic quality right. The build is lightweight but sturdy plastic. It can stand up to a lot of abuse as we have discovered in the past few months. It has become out go-to headset for Xbox One. The earcups are large and racetrack oval. They are large and sit around the moderate ears. Both the arch of the headband and the earcups have ample padding to support the light weight. And they are topped with soft mesh. This is more comfortable than leatherette. The headphones are overall easy on head, so much so that you forget you have them on.
This Turtle Beach Gaming headset has a removable mic, a fixture with many TB sets. The Mic connection locks well and the boom is flexible along the length. The XO One comes with a ChatMix controller which connects to Xbox One. You can control Game sounds and Chat sound volumes independently. The headset does not require and wires to connect to the console, so it is wireless that way. But a cable runs to the Stereo Adapter. The new adapter has 3-step mic monitoring and 3-step bass boost. With mic monitor, you can monitor your own volume and prevent shouting into the mic. We like the variability options on both.
In Use
Setting up the Turtle Beach Ear Force XO One gaming headset to play with Xbox One requires minimal connections. This headset can also connect to any device with a 3.5 mm audio output.
The XO One brings the classic Turtle Beach clarity and power to the sound. The wireless connection is strong and static-free. Bass beats with a much punch but does not overwhelm the other frequencies. You have the two-step Bass Boost option which you can use for an extra helping of bass. The audio is clean and natural with the normal bass setting. The 50mm drivers can reproduce the fiery war sounds with panache without the Bass Boost as well. The audio sounds richer and more detailed than normal audio headphones at the same price.
The mic is omnidirectional but quite adept at picking up your voice.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Static-free clear audio
- ChatMix controller
- Wireless connection to Xbox One Console
- Variable Bass Boost and Mic-monitoring
Cons:
- Cables could be longer
4. Sennheiser GSP 302 Closed Back Gaming Headset for PC, Mac, PS4 and Xbox One
The Sennheiser GSP 302 gaming headset is a lesson in solid quality at a budget price tag. Sennheiser makes this weapon-grade headset to balanced weight and sturdiness. It looks like a gaming headset. And it sounds like an excellent gaming headset too. If you are looking for a dedicated set to play on PC, PS4, Mac and Xbox One, this is one of the best gaming headsets under $100.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser GSP 302 gaming headset is a beefy gaming headset through and through. However, they have kept their weight average. The earcups are large racetrack oval structures that sit completely outside the ears. They are covered in plush earpads sheathed in high quality faux leather. It is more durable than normal pleather and less sweaty than actual leather. This headset has a split headband which allows some ventilation and keeps the head cooler in the long term. The headband is mounted with thick pads sheathed in mesh for breathability.
The headband has just the appropriate amount of clamp. It does not dislodge from the head easily, no matter how enthusiastic you get playing Grand Theft Auto. This gaming headset has a folding mic. The mic can be folded up to mute. Lower it to engage the mic. There’s a large volume knob on the left earcup. It’s just easy to each up and change volume in the blind. The cable has a splitter with one branch for the headset and the other for mic. A 3.5mm combo adapter is included in the box. The cord runs 4 feet long. Our only complaint is that the cord is pretty thin and not braided. Although it hasn’t broken but it sure scares us.
In Use
The Sennheiser GSP 302 gaming headset connect easily to PC, PS4, Mac and Xbox One. It’s pretty much plug and play. The earcups of the headset are large enough to completely isolate you from ambient noise. This might sweat the ears a bit but it cuts out a lot of noise.
This gaming headset will quickly become your go-to headset for gaming. Their audio response is tweaked to respond to the mayhem of gaming sounds. There’s a solid helping of bass notes which add an extra punch to the game sounds. The boosted bass does make the audio response warmer than usual. So while we may use the GSP 300 for gaming and movies, we are unlikely to use it much for music. It does not support Surround Sound.
The mic is the best part of this gaming headset. The audio was heard so clearly over the team chat, we sounded almost as clear as if we were standing next to them. So kudos to the Sennheiser team!
Pros:
- Powerful clear audio with good bass
- Exceptional mic pickup
- Excellent noise isolation
- Great build quality
- Foldable mic
Cons:
- Wire quality
5. HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset for PC, Xbox One¹, PS4, PS4 PRO, Xbox One S
The HyperX Cloud is Kingston’s first gaming headset and they nailed it in the first go. This is a beautiful set with an amazing haul of accessories. The audio also delivers the gaming punch in stereo sound. They have come up with numerous new models but it speaks to the quality of the original Cloud that it’s still popular and one of the best gaming headsets under $100.
Design and Features
The HyperX Cloud gaming headset gets major brownie points for design. The architecture is mainly plastic but it’s reinforced with aluminum for the long haul. We have meted out the regular abuse of playing World of Warcraft with this set and it is yet to show any signs of wear. It has a nice flat headband which is made for large to medium-sized heads. It has light sufficient padding with contrast stitching. The earcups swivel inwards off of their metal brackets. They are large and sit nicely around the ears. They are mounted with somewhat stiff pleather pads.
This gaming headset has removable earpads and comes with a spare pair of soft velour pads. This is a surprising addition to a budget set. The mic plugs into one of the earcups via a 3.5mm port. It has a flexible boom and a not-so-effective pop filter. The Cloud comes with a plug to cover the mic port when not in use. It comes with an inline volume and mic mute control unit. It offers both cable extension and the controls. If you don’t need this, you also get a plain extension. You get a double 3.5mm adapter and a single 3.5mm adapter for normal playback devices like smartphone. The overall braided cable reach is 3m which is pretty long enough for our use.
In Use
With the 3.5mm connections, the HyperX Cloud gaming headset is compatible for plug and play with PC, PS and Mac.
This gaming headset brought unbelievable audio to the table for a debut piece. The ringing clarity of the stereo sound and its ability to convey the weight of bullets and crashes made it an instant favorite. The earcups isolated the noise enough to hear all the detailing of Cloud. It has a full sound which offers more fidelity than a musical headphones at this price point. All this is without the 7.1 Surround Sound. The next model Cloud II adds the Surround sound for a richer experience. But with stereo sound and the price point, the HyperX Cloud remains unbeatable.
Pros:
- Replaceable spare velour earpads
- Build quality
- Balanced and detailed audio
- Removable mic
- Volume/mic control with extension
Cons:
- No 7.1 Surround sound
6. Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma V2 USB Gaming Headset
The Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma V2 USB gaming headset is the epitome of a gaming headset. It looks like a prop out of Counter Strike and sounds brilliant like something out of the gaming universe. The Chroma V2 also brings the Surround Sound to life and remains super comfortable during playtime. This set takes well-deserved place in the best gaming headset under $100.
Design and Feature
The Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma V2 gaming headset is one beefy unit. Most of the bulk comes from the almost 1-inch thick earpads. They weigh average and you would expect the weight of the earpads to press down on your ears. But they don’t! The round earpads engulf your ears in pillowy comfort. You can wear them for hours together. With pleather, the sweating is limited. However, you will look like a dork wearing this on the subway. The back of the earcup have an open aluminum grille. The headband is wide and thickly padded.
The mic of this gaming headset retracts inside one earcup. It has a mute button at the tip. There’s also an LED ring near the tip that shows the mute status. Apart from these, there are no controls. You have to install Razer’s Synapse software for all other settings. It is user-friendly. You have a bunch of EQ options, Surround Sound settings and RGB settings. The logo on the earcups has RGB lighting. The Chroma V2 comes with a 6-foot USB cable for connection. There’s another similar model with 3.5mm connection called Pro V2. It doesn’t have the Mute and RGB lights but it has an inline control and a longer cord. It comes in a nice magenta/fuchsia shade too.
In Use
The large earcups of the Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma V2 gaming headset pack a larger 50mm driver now compared to earlier versions. With the Surround Sound on, you will find an open and rich audio that complements the most popular game and genres. Both single-person and multiple-player games are handled well with the visceral bass that hasn’t been overdone. The stereo sound is pretty good too, but it requires a bit of equalization to sound like a proper gaming headset. The mic is excellent and top of the range for this budget. Voice pickup is aided by noise-cancellation options from Synapse.
Surprisingly, Razer has added all music EQ presets rather than gaming headsets. You have to fiddle with the audio and manually store your gaming presets. Most gamers prefer a plug-and-play situation. The normal stereo sound is more focused on music than gaming. On the other hand, it is one of those rare gaming headset that play music brilliantly well.
Pros:
- Pillowy comfort
- Excellent Surround sound
- Detailed audio with ample bass
- Retractable mic with mute status
Cons:
- Only music EQ presets
- No volume controls
7. Logitech G430 7.1 DTS Headphone: X and Dolby Surround Sound Gaming Headset
The Logitech G430 gaming headset is a well thought-out unit with the most relevant features and Logitech’s Surround Sound voodoo. It gets all the basics right with long-term comfort, high quality mic and a sweat-reducing design. This is a dedicated PC/PS4 headset which earns its top place in the best gaming headset under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Logitech G430 gaming headset strikes a very favorable balance between weight and comfort. It has large rectangular earcups padded with removable cushions. The padding is sheathed in sports performance cloth that allows proper ventilation for the ears. You can also remove and replace the earpads if they get damaged. The headband has thick padding along the cranial arch which cradles the head. The clamp is balanced enough to hold it stable but not enough to hurt your ears. There are no controls on the earcups, so the circuitry is minimized and the headset remains lightweight. The earcups swivel when worn on the neck. The clamp is minimal.
This gaming headset has a folding mic. It sticks out when in use. But when folded, it does not automatically mute. We wondered why Logitech didn’t take such an easy opportunity. The cable of G430 ends in the old-school double 3.5mm jack. For PC players, you get an adapter to plug it into the USB slot. The cable has an inline remote with an overall volume wheel and a mute button. The cable is braided against possible impact from the gaming. Unlike the advanced Logitech headsets, this one comes without programmable keys.
In Use
The Logitech G430 gaming headset has a unidirectional mic which picks up your vocals expertly over the ambient noise. Logitech’s experience with computer headset does have a part in this. We could be heard clearly over the game sounds.
We used this Logitech gaming headset in the 7.1 Surround mode first. Sure enough, the audio is quite immersive. Logitech has jacked up the bass for that low-end oomph. But it’s crisp and clear. There’s no boominess in the super-bassy situations like explosions and battles. It also extends deep into the sub-bass region and creates a visceral effect. You would need a quiet place to use this headset because it has only average noise isolation. The mids and treble are pretty well-balanced. They only benefit from the calculated bass boost. The soundstage is plenty open but not as much as that of an open-back headphone. We do occasionally use them for music and movies. They are a delight for all purposes but not suitable for wearing in public.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Balanced mids and treble
- Calculated bass boost
- Inline control
- Excellent noise-cancelling mic
Cons:
- No controls on the headset
8. SteelSeries 61433 Arctis 3 All-Platform Gaming Headset for PC
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 gaming headset is the budget child of this line-up. It’s not a USB headset but in all other respects, it is identical to Arctis 5. The same comfort, the equally great audio chops and looks that blend in with the subway audiophiles. Like Arctis 5, this headset took a straight dive into the best gaming headsets under $100 pool.
Design and Features
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 gaming headset defies its price to look just like its more expensive cousin. It has the suspension-style self-adjusting headband. And elastic strap makes contact with the head. The elasticity of the band is restricted up to the secondary headband. The strap has a Velcro fastenings in case you want to adjust its length. This adjusts to any head size easily enough. The earcups are amply padded and sheathed in Airweave material which prevents sweating. The large racetrack oval earcups cover the ears for isolation. The headset is very sleek and with no outward gaming features, you can wear it in public.
This gaming headset has a retractable mic. It has a small LED near the tip to indicate mute status. The left earcup has the volume wheel and a tactile mute button. The cord of Arctis 3 ends in dual 3.5mm jack. It does not offer USB connectivity. But you can adjust your sound settings. The process is a little complicated and you have to set up a SteelSeries Account online and register your product. You get access to the SteelSeries Engine 3 software which is seamless and has many options including variable mic monitoring.
In Use
Setting up the SteelSeries Arctis 3 gaming headset with any platform with dual 3.5mm or single 3.5mm plug. The mic is bidirectional and crisp-sounding. It does have a slight emphasis on Ss and Ps. But the audio is clearly heard on the other end.
This gaming headset is a lesson in clean gaming audio. The bass is emphasized just the right amount to add substance to gunfire and battle cries. We loved the audio in FPS games where we got proper feedback from enemy movements and gun noise. The audio is pretty immersive with the midrange and treble balanced with the bass. This also boasts of SteelSeries 7.1 Surround sound. Based on the game, the Surround sound may or may not sound better than the stereo sound. For most of the genres, both worked for us. If you ever sign up for the Engine 3 software, you will find EQ options which create a fair difference to the sound of Arctis 3.
Pros:
- Clean open audio
- Self-adjusting headband
- Clear mic quality
- Retractable mic
- Can be worn in public
Cons:
- Difficult to access customization software
9. HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset for PC, Xbox One
HyperX Cloud Stinger gaming headsets gets all the basic features spot-on. It shrugs off all the extras to create quality build, comfort and detailed audio. The design is mature and classy. A foldable mic and swiveling earcups seal the deal for these to be on the best gaming headsets under $100 list.
Design and Features
We really like the subtle elegance of the HyperX Cloud Stinger gaming headset. It’s done all in black with red logo and earcups. It sits low-profile on the ears and doesn’t stick out from your head. The racetrack oval earcups are padded and sheathed in pleather. The earcups swivel and fold flat. So it’s one of those few gaming headsets that can hang comfortably around the neck. The build quality defies the small price tag.
This gaming headset has a folding mic. It folds up when not in use. The cable of the Stinger is two-part. The upper part that connects to the headphone terminates in a single 3.5mm port and can be used with smartphones, laptops etc.. The second part is an extension that ends in dual-3.5mm for PCs. The right earcup has the volume control. These are pretty lightweight and distribute their weight well.
In Use
The HyperX gaming headset wins hearts with its audio. It packs a lot of punch for its price. Its one of the rare headsets where audio is perfectly tuned to both gaming and music. The bass response is tight and powerful. Mids and treble are detailed. Being a stereo headset, the positional cues are limited. But we would much rather have an exceptional stereo can than a poorly-done Surround Sound.
The mic is excellent in picking up your sound amidst all the external noises. It can deliver high-volume and clear audio.
Pros:
- Punchy, enjoyable stereo sound
- Classy, sturdy design
- Foldable mic
- Affordable
Cons:
- Mic doesn’t retract
10. Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset
Logitech G230 stereo gaming headset is the king of budget headset. If you limit your connectivity expectations to 3.5mm jacks, we cannot think of a better, more wholesome offer. It offers premium comfort and seriously elegant looks that defy the expectations from price. It takes a deserving spot on the best gaming headsets under $100 list.
Design and Features
Looks-wise, the Logitech G240 gaming headset is almost similar to the G430. The headset is made almost entirely of plastic and has a steel chassis. It has the large rectangular earcups that sit completely around the ears. It has fluffy adding on the earcups which is detachable and replaceable. The headband pressure is optimum for the weight. We can easily wear the G230 for extended periods without noticing. It feels a little rickety compared to the more expensive G430 but it hasn’t fallen apart with our regular use.
This gaming headset have decent padding along the arch of the headband too. The mic is foldable. When not in use, it can be folded up and out of the way. The earcups swivel flat for storage and for when you want to hang it around the neck. G230 connects through 3.5mm jacks whereas the pricier G430 has USB. Consequently the settings of G230 cannot be tweaked. The cable has inline volume and mute controls.
In Use
The Logitech G240 gaming headset has a very clear and neutral audio. One the one hand, it highlights every detail well. On the other hand, it does not offer any positional cues. So genres like FPS may suffer a little compared to headsets outfitted with Surround Sound. The audio offers impressive clarity and details but just not that 3D sonic richness that G430 brings. But the stereo sound is one amongst the top 10 stereo gaming headsets we have tried. It has a unidirectional mic which sounded average. It did pick up some noise but we could still be heard properly.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Detailed clear audio
- Removable earpads
- Earcups fold flat
- Good for music
Cons:
- Mic quality could be better
11. Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset – DTS 7.1 Surround Sound
Logitech G533 wireless gaming headset is a premium wireless headset available under $100 now. The excellent wireless range piqued our interest in this unit first. But we fell hard for its engaging audio, the long term comfort and Logitech’s clean software interface. In no time, we put this on the best gaming headset under $100 list.
Design and Feature
The Logitech G533 wireless gaming headset is a huge improvement on the G933s. This lighter, more comfortable headset speaks of quality. It has a matte black headband with glossy earcups. The build is high-quality plastic reinforced with a metal backbone. The earcups are large and rectangular. There’s lavish padding on the earcups sheathed in mesh like material. We like that this material discourages sweating. The earcups can fold flat when not in use. This is convenient when you want to hang it around the neck.
This gaming headset has a retractable mic, it packs away right into one earcup. When folded up, it mutes itself. The same earcup has both the volume wheel and a mute button. They are built to tactile advantage. This is a wireless headset. All you have to do a USB transmitter dongle to the PC and it pairs automatically. It works for 15 hours on a single charge within a 15m range.
In Use
The Logitech G533 wireless gaming headset has a very engaging game audio. It is one of the few headsets that got Surround Sound right. We thought that it created a real sense of space and immersed us in the sounds. It helped us figure exactly where the enemy footsteps and stray bullets were coming from. The bass is crisp and puts its weight behind the battle noises. More than simply accurate, we found the audio very enjoyable. The soundstage is also plenty wide to hold the action.
The mic of this gaming headset also performed admirably. Its in-built pop filter removed the P-emphasis and relayed our voices clearly. The background noise is filtered away and the vocals are heard clearly over the game sounds. Logitech Software offers a bunch of EQ options and allows you to program the controls on the headset.
Pros:
- Wireless with 15m range
- Engaging audio
- Immersive 7.1 surround sound
- Programmable button
- Sturdy and lightweight
Cons:
- Earcups are fingerprint magnet
12. Sades SA902 7.1 Channel Virtual USB Surround Stereo Wired
Sades SA902 gaming headset is one of the most affordable units on this list. Lightweight, comfortable and dependable, this unit covers all the basic requirements from a headset. It is for a leisure golfer who is on a shoestring budget. The wicked gaming looks and the noise isolation ultimately landed them in the best gaming headsets under $100 list.
Design and Features
The Sades SA902 gaming headset is a lightweight unit. It doesn’t feel as flimsy as the price would suggest. They are done up in all glossy black and red. The headband is broad and padded under the arch. The earcups are racetrack oval. They are padded and finished in pleather. This is the good-quality leatherette that hasn’t chipped away. The back of the earcups have red LED just to kick up the gaming ambience.
This gaming headset has a foldable mic. When not in use, it can be folded up out of the way. The mic boom can rotate 160 degrees. SA902 connects to the PC via its USB jack. The cord is braided in Nylon for extra durability. There is an inline control with volume buttons and a mute button. These can be plugged in and immediately used. However, you can download the virtual Surround Sound driver from their website for the extra effect.
In Use
The Sades SA902 gaming headset is easy to set up and play with. With the USB plug, you can plug into PC, Mac or laptop. The audio played with surprising clarity. We were enamored by the stereo sound of such an affordable headset. We got plenty of sonic feedback from other players and the noises around us in the game universe. The audio sounded engaging and detailed for the price. The mic could have better noise cancellation though.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Clear balanced audio
- Lightweight and comfortable
- USB headset
- Inline control
Cons:
- The headset lighting cannot be turned off
13. HyperX Cloud Core Gaming Headset for PC/PS4
The HyperX Cloud Core gaming headset is one of their top performers. This middle-of-the-road headset has got consistently positive feedback. It has a basic feature set with a classy build which is a far cry from the rickety cheaper headsets. We found it to be a great addition to the best gaming headset under $100 list.
Design and Features
The HyperX Cloud Core gaming headset is a solid-looking device. It has a maturity it its architecture but still a stylish edge afforded by red highlights on a black design. The headband is broad and padded well. The earcups are oval and padded opulently. The frame is lightweight aluminum and finished in plastic. The earcups can swivel forward and lean in toward your ears for maximum comfort. The clamp is pretty comfortable and the weight is very evenly distributed.
This gaming headset has a removable boom mic. It has a flexible boom so you can move it closer to the mouth. It comes with a 3.5mm male-male cable for normal audio. Accompanying this is a 2m cable extension with dual 3.5mm ports for gaming on PC. All the cables are braided in fabric for extra strength.
In Use
The HyperX Cloud Core gaming headset scores high on audio performance. It maintains a slight mid-bass boost which makes things interesting. It complements the midrange and lends it more body. Bass supports the battle noises and war cries with gusto. But the audio never sounds too boomy or bassy. For a closed-back headphone, it has a pretty spacious soundstage. This is an excellent headset for music because of its warm balanced audio.
Pros:
- Full and rich audio
- Detachable boom mic
- Very Comfortable
- Excellent for music
Cons:
- No mute option
14. SteelSeries Siberia v2 Full-Size Gaming Headset
SteelSeries Siberia V2 gaming headset edges close to greatness at a low budget. These have received rave reviews from the users and now we know why. This beautiful white specimen is funky as it is sturdy. And it has the audio chops to become the go-to best gaming headset under $100 for gamers.
Design and Features
We liked the SteelSeries Siberia V2 gaming headset’s architecture. It has a suspension style headband that’s commonly seen in AKG’s audiophile headsets. This is a self-adjusting band that adapts to the size and shape of your head. There are two flexible bars that provide proper support over the band. The earcups are round, over-ear structure. All contact surfaces are padded and finished in pleather. The earcups have an open-grille back.
This gaming headset has a retractable mic. It can be pulled out when needed. The flexile boom allows you to position it as is convenient to you. This has a thick cable that ends in dual 3.5mm jacks for mic and headset. There is an inline control or muting mic. It is available in 9 color combinations.
In Use
The SteelSeries Siberia V2 gaming headset does not support Surround Sound. But it’s a pretty sweet deal for a stereo headset. In up to moderately noisy situations in a game, it provided surprisingly clear positional cues. The good sound is based on solid bass. There is definitely some boost at play here. But it does not overwhelm the mids and treble. It can handle the complex mix of sounds during a volley of gunfire and shouting.
The mic performed well and picked up only our vocals. It cancelled out the ambient noise efficiently.
Pros:
- Open, clear stereo sound
- Self-adjusting headband
- Retractable mic
- Funky design and color combos
Cons:
- Cable quality could be better
15. SteelSeries Flux Gaming Headset for PC, Mac, and Mobile Devices
The SteelSeries Flux gaming headset is a travel-friendly and affordable addition. These are on-ear cans and super-lightweight. It may not replace a proper gaming headset for an avid gamer but it works for leisure gamers who are on a tight budget. It draws the best gaming headsets under $100 list to a close.
Design and Features
The SteelSeries Flux gaming headset is an uber-light set. The earcups are on-ear and round. They sit lightly on the ears. The earcups are round and small. They do not press down hard on the ears or clamp the head. They have soft padding with mesh covers. The arms of the headband fold inwards and reduce the footprint to half. The headband has a slotted design which allows proper ventilation. One quirk is that you can customize the backplates of the earcups.
The cable o this gaming headset is detachable. It connects to either one of the earcups through a 3.5mm jack. There’s an inline mic on this cable which hangs close to the mouth. You also get two cables, one that ends in a single 3.5mm jack and another that has dual-3.5mm jacks for gaming.
In Use
The SteelSeries Flux gaming headset is a clear and loud unit. The game sounds are not muddied or veiled. You get good bass and reasonable amount of details. We though the audio was pretty well-balanced for a budget piece. The mic picks up the voice well amidst low to moderate noise. . It can be muted via the inline control.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Foldable
- Detachable cable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not for hardcore gaming
