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Top 5 gaming headsets for under $100
# Top 5 Gaming Headsets for Under $100 In the world of gaming, audio can be the difference between a triumphant victory and a frustrating defeat. Hea...
Top 5 Gaming Headsets for Under $100
In the world of gaming, audio can be the difference between a triumphant victory and a frustrating defeat. Hearing the subtle footsteps of an approaching enemy or the distant crackle of sniper fire provides a critical competitive edge. While premium headsets can cost a small fortune, you don’t need to break the bank to get an immersive and high-quality audio experience. The market for the best gaming headsets under $100 has exploded in recent years, with manufacturers packing impressive features and performance into budget-friendly packages. This guide is designed to help you navigate this competitive landscape, offering clear purchase guidance for those looking to maximize their gaming experience without emptying their wallets.
We've sifted through countless options, focusing on what truly matters: crystal-clear audio, a reliable microphone for team communication, long-lasting comfort for those marathon gaming sessions, and overall build quality. Whether you're a casual player looking for a solid all-arounder or a competitive esports enthusiast needing precise positional audio, there's a headset on this list for you. We'll delve into the specifics of each model, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect audio companion for your gaming setup. Get ready to elevate your game with one of the best gaming headsets available for under $100.
1. HyperX Cloud III
The HyperX Cloud series has long been a titan in the budget gaming headset space, and the Cloud III continues this legacy of excellence. Known for its exceptional comfort and durable build, this headset is a fantastic choice for gamers who prioritize long-lasting quality and a well-balanced audio experience. It’s a versatile wired option that punches well above its weight, making it a top contender for the best gaming headsets under $100.
### Audio Performance
The HyperX Cloud III features large 53mm dynamic drivers that are tuned to provide a balanced and immersive soundscape. The audio profile is slightly bass-heavy, which adds a satisfying rumble to explosions and in-game action without overpowering the mids and highs. This makes for an engaging experience in cinematic single-player games and provides enough clarity to pick out crucial audio cues in competitive titles. While the out-of-the-box stereo sound is impressive, the Cloud III also includes a USB dongle that enables DTS Headphone:X spatial audio. This virtual surround sound technology enhances positional awareness, making it easier to pinpoint the direction of enemy footsteps and gunfire.
### Comfort and Design
Comfort is where the HyperX Cloud III truly shines. The headset is built with a sturdy aluminum frame that feels both durable and lightweight. The earcups are padded with plush memory foam and covered in a soft leatherette, providing a comfortable fit even during extended gaming sessions. The clamping force is gentle enough to avoid causing pressure points, yet secure enough to keep the headset firmly in place. The headband is also generously padded, further contributing to the overall comfort. The design is understated and sleek, with the classic HyperX red accents on a black frame.
#### Microphone Quality
The detachable boom microphone on the Cloud III is a significant improvement over its predecessors. It features a built-in pop filter that helps to reduce plosives and ensure clear voice communication. The mic does an excellent job of capturing your voice with a natural tone, and it effectively minimizes background noise, so your teammates will hear you loud and clear. When not in use, the microphone can be easily detached, making the headset suitable for listening to music or watching movies. There's also a convenient red LED indicator that lights up when the mic is muted, a small but appreciated feature.
### Features and Connectivity
The HyperX Cloud III offers versatile connectivity options. It can be connected via a standard 3.5mm audio jack, making it compatible with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The included USB-C dongle not only enables the DTS spatial audio on PC but also provides an additional connection option. The headset has on-ear controls for volume adjustment and a dedicated microphone mute button, allowing for quick and easy adjustments without interrupting your game.
2. Razer BlackShark V2 X
For gamers who crave a competitive edge, the Razer BlackShark V2 X offers a compelling package focused on precise audio and clear communication. Its lightweight design, inspired by aviation headsets, and powerful drivers make it a popular choice among esports enthusiasts and a strong candidate for one of the best gaming headsets under $100. It strips back some of the frills of its more expensive sibling, the BlackShark V2, to deliver exceptional core performance at a very accessible price point.
### Audio Performance
At the heart of the BlackShark V2 X are Razer's TriForce 50mm drivers. This innovative design essentially splits the driver into three parts, allowing for the individual tuning of high, mid, and low frequencies. The result is a remarkably clear and detailed sound signature, with rich trebles, a vibrant midrange, and powerful bass. This audio clarity is particularly beneficial in competitive games where identifying subtle sound cues is crucial. The headset also supports 7.1 surround sound software, which enhances spatial awareness and allows you to pinpoint the location of enemies with greater accuracy.
### Comfort and Design
The BlackShark V2 X is incredibly lightweight, tipping the scales at just 240g. This, combined with thick headband padding and plush memory foam ear cushions, makes it exceptionally comfortable for long gaming sessions. The closed-back earcups are designed to provide excellent passive noise cancellation, sealing out distractions and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game. The design is distinct, with thin metal forks connecting the earcups to the headband, giving it a professional, aviation-inspired look.
#### Microphone Quality
The Razer HyperClear Cardioid Mic on the BlackShark V2 X is another standout feature. Its cardioid pickup pattern is designed to capture your voice with clarity while suppressing noise from the back and sides. This ensures that your teammates hear your callouts clearly, even in noisy environments. The microphone is also bendable, allowing you to position it perfectly for optimal voice capture. While it's not detachable, its performance is among the best you'll find on a headset in this price range.
### Features and Connectivity
The BlackShark V2 X connects via a standard 3.5mm audio jack, making it compatible with a wide range of platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. For PC users, the purchase includes a splitter cable for separate headphone and microphone inputs. The on-headset controls are simple and effective, with a volume control knob and a microphone mute button located on the left earcup for easy access. While it lacks the extensive software customization of more premium Razer products, the 7.1 surround sound application provides a significant audio enhancement for a more immersive gaming experience.
3. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is a testament to the idea that you don't need a flashy design or a long list of features to deliver a superb gaming audio experience. This headset focuses on the fundamentals: excellent sound quality, a clear microphone, and a comfortable, lightweight design. As an entry-level option in the revamped Arctis Nova line, it offers remarkable value and is a fantastic choice for gamers looking for one of the best gaming headsets for under $100.
### Audio Performance
The Arctis Nova 1 is equipped with high-fidelity drivers that produce a clean and well-balanced sound profile. The audio is tuned for gaming, with a slight emphasis on the high-end frequencies to make footsteps and other critical in-game sounds more discernible. While it may not have the booming bass of some other gaming headsets, the low end is present and punchy enough to make action sequences feel impactful. The headset is also compatible with 360° spatial audio technologies like Windows Sonic and PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D Audio, providing an immersive surround sound experience.
### Comfort and Design
SteelSeries has a reputation for creating some of the most comfortable headsets on the market, and the Arctis Nova 1 is no exception. It features the ComfortMAX system, which includes AirWeave memory foam ear cushions that are soft and breathable, even for those who wear glasses. The headset is incredibly lightweight at just 236 grams, and the adjustable, stretchy headband helps to distribute the weight evenly, virtually eliminating fatigue during long play sessions. The earcups can also rotate to lie flat, making them easy to rest around your neck or store.
#### Microphone Quality
The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone on the Arctis Nova 1 is fully retractable, sliding seamlessly into the earcup when not in use. This makes the headset a great option for listening to music or for on-the-go use. The microphone features noise-canceling technology that effectively reduces background distractions, ensuring your voice comes through clearly to your teammates. While it may not have the AI-powered features of its more expensive siblings, it's a very capable microphone for in-game chat.
### Features and Connectivity
The Arctis Nova 1 connects via a universal 3.5mm jack, making it compatible with virtually every gaming platform, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The on-earcup controls are conveniently placed, with a volume dial and a microphone mute button for quick adjustments. While the headset is largely a plug-and-play device, PC users can take advantage of the SteelSeries Sonar Audio Software Suite to unlock a pro-grade parametric EQ, allowing for deep customization of the sound profile.
4. Corsair HS65 Surround
The Corsair HS65 Surround is a stylish and comfortable gaming headset that delivers a premium experience at a budget-friendly price. It boasts a solid build quality, impressive audio performance with virtual 7.1 surround sound, and a high-quality microphone. This combination of features makes it a strong contender for one of the best gaming headsets under $100, especially for PC gamers who can take full advantage of its software--enabled capabilities.
### Audio Performance
The HS65 Surround is equipped with custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers that deliver clear and detailed sound across a wide frequency range. The audio is well-balanced, with punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making it suitable for both immersive gaming and listening to music. The standout feature is the included USB adapter that enables Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound on PC and Mac. This creates a multi-channel audio experience that enhances positional awareness, allowing you to hear enemies coming from all directions.
### Comfort and Design
Corsair has paid close attention to comfort with the HS65 Surround. The headset features plush memory foam earcups covered in a breathable leatherette material, and the headband is also well-padded. It's a lightweight headset, which, combined with the soft padding, allows for hours of comfortable gameplay without causing fatigue. The build quality is excellent, with a durable aluminum-reinforced construction that feels robust and long-lasting. The design is modern and sleek, available in both black and white color options.
#### Microphone Quality
The omni-directional microphone on the HS65 Surround is designed to capture your voice with exceptional clarity. It does a great job of isolating your voice from background noise, ensuring that your communications are always clear. The microphone has a convenient flip-to-mute function, which is a welcome feature for easily muting yourself when needed. The mic is also Discord Certified, guaranteeing reliable and clear communication with your teammates.
### Features and Connectivity
The HS65 Surround offers flexible connectivity options. It can be connected via a 3.5mm jack for use with consoles and mobile devices, or through the included USB adapter for PC and Mac to unlock the 7.1 surround sound. PC users can also utilize Corsair's iCUE software, which allows for audio equalizer customization and access to SoundID technology from Sonarworks. SoundID creates a personalized sound profile based on your preferences for a truly customized audio experience.
5. Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
For those looking to cut the cord without breaking the bank, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 is an excellent wireless option and a top pick for one of the best gaming headsets under $100. This latest iteration in the popular Stealth 600 series brings a host of improvements, including a massive boost in battery life, dual wireless connectivity, and a refined design, making it a feature-packed choice for multi-platform gamers.
### Audio Performance
The Stealth 600 Gen 3 is armed with powerful 50mm Nanoclear drivers that deliver a rich and detailed soundstage. The audio is immersive, with a strong bass response that adds excitement to action-packed games. The headset also supports spatial audio technologies like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D Audio, providing a competitive advantage through accurate positional audio. Turtle Beach's exclusive Superhuman Hearing sound setting further enhances subtle audio cues like enemy footsteps and reloads, making it easier to detect nearby threats.
### Comfort and Design
Comfort is a priority with the Stealth 600 Gen 3. The ear cushions feature plush memory foam with ProSpecs glasses relief technology, ensuring a comfortable fit for gamers who wear glasses. The headband has been reinforced for added durability and features ample padding. The overall build quality is solid, with a design that is both stylish and functional. The earcups can also swivel to lay flat, making it comfortable to rest the headset around your neck.
#### Microphone Quality
The Gen 3 version of the Stealth 600 features an improved flip-to-mute microphone. It offers crisp and clear chat, and its larger size allows for better voice capture. The microphone seamlessly integrates into the earcup when muted, maintaining the headset's sleek profile. The addition of AI-based noise reduction helps to minimize background distractions, ensuring your voice is heard clearly by your teammates.
### Features and Connectivity
The standout feature of the Stealth 600 Gen 3 is its impressive battery life, boasting up to 80 hours of playtime on a single charge. The headset also offers dual connectivity with low-latency 2.4GHz wireless via a USB dongle and Bluetooth 5.2. The QuickSwitch button allows you to easily toggle between the two wireless modes. The Turtle Beach Swarm II companion app for PC and mobile provides access to a 10-band EQ, microphone adjustments, and button remapping for a highly customizable experience.
6. Conclusion
Finding the best gaming headset under $100 no longer means you have to compromise on quality or performance. As we've seen, there is a wealth of excellent options available that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize the supreme comfort and balanced audio of the HyperX Cloud III, the competitive edge offered by the Razer BlackShark V2 X's precise sound, the versatile simplicity of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1, the immersive surround sound of the Corsair HS65, or the wireless freedom and long battery life of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3, you can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Each of these headsets delivers exceptional value, proving that immersive, high-quality audio is well within reach for every gamer on a budget.