Gaming is one of the most preferred leisure or recreational activities nowadays not only in America but all over the globe as well. Thanks to the impressive advancement of technology, having so much fun while staying indoors is an easy feat. There is a common misconception that gamers need to spend a lot of money to enjoy an optimized game performance. This article is aimed to share some recommendations for the best gaming headset under $100 with straight, no frill reviews. So whether you’re using Xbox One, PS4 or any other gaming platform, you can enjoy optimized gaming performance with the best gaming headset under $100.
There are lots of gaming headsets available in the market today, sold either in physical stores or online. While each headset may have its own unique features and technology, it is worth noting that when you’re searching for the best gaming headset under $100, you need to consider if it has a high quality driver(s) and if it has a high level of compatibility, among others. This way, you can pretty much gauge the performance of that certain headset you’re eyeing – if it can do its job or better yet, compete with premium headsets.
Want to score cat ear headphones but on a budget? Fret not – check out our cat ear headphones recommendations!
Best Gaming Headset Under $100: HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset
What We Like
- features dual chamber audio drivers
- crisp tones, booming bass
What We Don’t Like
- no surround sound technology
The HyperX Cloud Alpha will certainly put a smile on gamers’ face because it features most of the needed specs for a gaming headset for a price tag that’s under $100. If you’re looking for a set of headphones that will give you value for money, this is highly recommended.
This gaming headset has been getting rave reviews not only because it gets the job done, but also because it’s perfect for gamers on a budget. The volume controls of the HyperX Cloud Alpha are strategically located in an inline control board which is mounted on the power cable of the headset. It gives gamers access to dual-chamber audio drivers to create crisp tones and booming bass.
In terms of comfort, this best gaming headset under $100 has an aluminum band supported by an expandable headband to allow it to fit different head sizes. The ear cups of the HyperX Cloud Alpha are also quite impressive for its price as they are shaped to fit the ears naturally with memory foam. A gamer usually spends hours playing on Xbox or PS4 (some girlfriends even tease their boyfriends that they might plan on marrying the gadget), and one vital factor to consider in a headset is the level of comfort it provides. The game experience is expected to be awesome, thanks to the high-quality foam and more than basic sound quality the Cloud Alpha provides.
However, it is worth noting that the Cloud Alpha is not equipped with surround sound technology. Most gamers you see on YouTube who are seen hosting a live streaming video are usually seen very immersed in the game, thanks to the surround sound quality of their headphones. Unfortunately, Cloud Alpha doesn’t have this feature, but who knows? They might add this in future models.
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is also a notable gaming headset from the same brand – check it out here!
- Compatibility Nintendo Switch, PC, XBox One, Mac, PS4, Mobile
- Drivers HyperX Dual-Chamber
- Connectivity Single 3.5mm
- Wireless No
- Surround Sound No
- Frequency Response 13-27,000Hz
- Noise Cancelling Yes
CORSAIR Void Pro Overview
- Compatibility PC and Mac
- Drivers 50 mm neodymium
- Connectivity USB dongle Bluetooth
- Wireless Yes
- Surround Sound7.1 Dolby Digital
- Frequency Response 20,000Hz
- Noise Cancelling Noise dampening
Best Gaming Headset Under $100: CORSAIR Void PRO RGB Wireless Gaming Headset
What We Like
- unique design
- won’t interfere with ear hooks
What We Don’t Like
- large earcups
- short battery life
Quite frankly, most of CORSAIR’s headset products cost below $100 but not all of them can be included in the roster of the best gaming headset under $100 category. One popular product from the brand is the CORSAIR HS70, but that will be for another writeup. This time, let the spotlight be on CORSAIR Void PRO RGB Wireless.
Considered to be one of CORSAIR’s best quality headsets, the Void Pro can confidently flex its features and go head to head in competing with popular and premium brands and models. In terms of design and aesthetics, picking the CORSAIR Void Pro is a no-brainer. The design is unique and extraordinary and is also perfect for a gamer who is wearing eyeglasses as it does not interfere with the ear hooks.
The earcups of the CORSAIR Void Pro also comes in a large size, which can excellently seal the ear to dampen the background noise. Honest review – the large ear cups don’t really guarantee to cancel out background noise, but they can pretty much lessen it to help gamers immerse in the game.
The microphone of the CORSAIR Void Pro can be muted with a simple flip action. In terms of the mic performance, this best gaming headset under $100 can produce high-quality audio when a gamer speaks into it. It also boosts the gaming experience by blocking out background noise which is a plus for gamers who are playing with teams or co-op games.
Gamers who need a wireless gaming headset can truly appreciate the CORSAIR Void Por as it uses a Bluetooth dongle compatible with whatever system or platform you connect it to. The Bluetooth technology of the CORSAIR Void Pro can keep it connected up to 40 ft away from the adapter, making gamers’ life easier and free from unnecessary wires.
After highlighting the pros of the CORSAIR Void Pro, let’s delve into some of its not so impressive features. This USB gaming headset has been getting feedback about its battery life. Basically, it offers a 16-hour battery life but there have been several report and comments that after a few months, the battery life eventually dwindles and shortens. While this issue may not be that much of a concern since it is bound to happen to most wireless headsets, let this just serve as a guide for consumers who are particular on a gaming headset’s battery life.
Best Gaming Headset Under $100: SADES SA819 Gaming Headset
What We Like
- surround sound technology
- can cancel out noise entirely
What We Don’t Like
- wired
If you’re really on a budget, the SADES SA819 is truly ideal because it just sells below $25. We’re surprised this gaming headset didn’t make headlines in the gaming industry, considering that it offers surround sound technology and it’s very durable than its counterparts.
Fans of wireless gaming headsets might be turned off with the fact that SADES is wired but gamers might give a double take once they see that the wire is actually protected with a braided nylon sleeve to prevent superficial damages. The sound controls of the SADES SA819 are located on the site of the headset’s wire for easy gaming access.
Large ear cup lovers are in for a delight as the SADES SA819 ear cups have a similar style with the ear cups of the CORSAIR Void Pro – plus, they both have similar designs. The difference is, the SADES gaming headset is designed to cancel out noise entirely, making the CORSAIR Void Pro’s noise dampening features pale in comparison. For gamers who make a big deal out of noise cancellation features, this is the sign that SADES SA819 might just be the best gaming headset under $100.
As mentioned earlier, the SADES really spews out a lot of surprising features for its super affordable price. It has 50mm drivers that produce audio with amazing quality and the mic also works above basic for online streaming and gaming. Manage your expectations though, while the SADES SA819 may be one of the best gaming headset under $100, don’t expect it to have features that can compete with a $500 premium headset.
In terms of compatibility, the SADES has a 3.5-mm audio jack that can be used for PC, Mac, mobile, or as an Xbox gaming headset.
SADES SA819 Overview
- Compatibility PC, Xbox One, PS4, Mac, Mobile
- Drivers 50-mm
- Connectivity Wired
- Wireless No
- Surround Sound Yes
- Frequency Response 20Hz to 20,000Hz
- Noise Cancelling Yes
Logitech G Pro Overview
- Compatibility Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, Mac
- Drivers G Pro
- Connectivity 3.5-mm jack
- Wireless No
- Surround Sound No
- Frequency Response 20Hz-20,000Hz
- Noise Cancelling Yes
Best Gaming Headset Under $100: Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset
What We Like
- impressive audio clarity
- comes with condenser microphone
What We Don’t Like
- looks basic
The next featured product in our edition of the best gaming headset under $100 is the Logitech G Pro. Logitech is considered to be one of the most respected gaming headsets in the gaming world offering great selections at budget-friendly prices.
Is it compatible with every major platform or system? Yes! The Logitech G Pro can be used with Nintendo Switch, Mac, Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
One of the reasons why Logitech G Pro is considered to be one of the best gaming headset under $100 is the fact that it offers impressive audio clarity. This gaming headset does an awesome job at separating treble sounds and bass and it allows gamers to reproduce game audio; this is considered to be one of its expertise.
Unlike the CORSAIR Void Pro, which is a favorite among gamers who are particular with aesthetics, the Logitech G Pro may just look like a basic gaming headset with no special features. However, it’s designed to work well with glasses and also built to be extremely light weight, so it doesn’t weigh the head down. This is highly recommended for players who spend hours and hours immersed in a game.
The Logitech G Pro also comes with a condenser microphone that effectively prevents background noise from interrupting communication and helps the mic respond to more frequencies.
Best Gaming Headset Under $100: Sennheiser GSP 300 Gaming Headset
What We Like
- thick, padded headband
- noise cancelling earcups
Gamers who are on the lookout for a comfortable headset should seriously consider the Sennheiser GSP 300. It is primarily designed to help gamers stay comfortable during the game with its thick padded headband and closed-back headset. The headband is also split down to the middle to help distribute and decrease its weight and pressure on the head. The design of the Sennheiser GSP 300 also allows more airflow for greater gaming experience.
If you want to prevent your friends or fellow gamers from hearing or recording your personal conversations, simply flip the arm of the boom mic. The ears are also protected from outside noises thanks to Sennheriser’s noise cancelling ear cups.
What makes this best gaming headset under $100 different from other headsets in the same category is its audio controls. Other gaming headsets have the audio controls as part of the inline control pad while the audio controls of GSP 300 are situated on the earcup of the headset. This makes it easier for gamers to locate the audio controls especially during intense gaming sessions.
While the GSP 300 is known to be compatible with all major systems and platforms, it is marketed as the best gaming headset under $100 for PlayStation 4. Quite understandable, considering that the control set up is designed for the quick pace of console gaming.
GSP 300 Overview
- Compatibility Mac,PS4, PC, Xbox One, PC
- Drivers 50-mm
- Connectivity 3.5-mm jack
- Wireless No
- Surround Sound No
- Frequency Response 15Hz-26,000Hz
- Noise Cancelling Yes
SteelSeries Arctis 5 Overview
- Compatibility PC, Mac, Xbox One
- Drivers S1
- Connectivity USB
- Wireless No
- Surround Sound DTS HeadphoneX V.2
- Frequency Response 20Hz-22,000Hz
- Noise Cancelling Yes
Best Gaming Headset Under $100: SteelSeries Arctis 5
What We Like
- made of AirWeave fabric
What We Don’t Like
-higher price range among best gaming headsets under $100
Technically, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 barely makes it as one of the best gaming headset under $100. Although primarily marketed for PC gaming, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 also comes with an adapter so it can be used for Xbox One. It features the ClearCast mic feature and uses RGB lighting to give some illumination.
The earcups of the SteelSeries Arctis 5 are enlarged to fit most ear types of gamers but they’re not as large as that of the SADES and CORSAIR Void Pro. Additionally, the ear cups of this best gaming headset under $100 are also made of AirWeave fabric which gives gamers a cold and sweat-free feeling even under intense gaming sessions.
Audio produced by the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is considered to be high quality (courtesy of S1 drivers) and it produces full surround sound thanks to the DTS HeadphoneX V.2 software. All is great with the Arctis 5 except for the fact that it offers pretty similar features (for a higher price range) than other products included in the roster of the best gaming headset under $100.
So that concludes our list of the best gaming headset under $100. We hope we helped you decide which affordable gaming headset is right for you. You can purchase most of these headsets on Amazon.com or you can also check electronics or gaming stores near you if they have your desired gaming headsets in stock.