If you are shopping for the best gaming headsets under $50, you no longer have to settle for a creaky plastic band and a mic that sounds like a tin can. The best cheapest gaming headsets now come with 40 to 50 mm drivers, flip-to-mute microphones and padded ear cups, and the best budget headsets for PC and console work with almost any device that has a 3.5 mm jack. Below are five of the best affordable gaming headsets still widely sold, chosen for value rather than flash.
A note on method: we did not hands-on test these headsets. The picks are based on manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and the published feedback of reviewers and buyers. Prices move around constantly, so treat the ranges as approximate and check the current listing before you buy. Where sources disagree on a spec such as weight, we say so.
What to Look for in Affordable Gaming Headsets
- Connection — at this price almost everything is wired. A 3.5 mm plug works on consoles, phones and handhelds; on a PC with separate headphone and mic jacks you may need a splitter cable, and some models include one.
- Drivers — 40 mm drivers are the budget standard and sound fine for games; 50 mm drivers tend to give more bass and volume, though size alone does not guarantee quality.
- Microphone — a boom mic with flip-to-mute or swivel-to-mute is handy. Expect clear-enough voice chat, not streaming quality.
- Weight and comfort — in long sessions, lighter headsets (around 200 to 250 g) and soft ear pads matter more than extra features.
- Platform support — check that the plug fits your setup (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch). Marketing terms like “7.1 surround” often only work on Windows through software.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
The Cloud Stinger 2 is the most commonly recommended pick in budget roundups, and it is the one to beat for the best gaming headsets under 50 dollars. HyperX lists 50 mm dynamic drivers, a 3.5 mm (4-pole) wired connection, a swivel-to-mute microphone, onboard controls and DTS Headphone:X spatial audio on the PC version. Its list price is $49.99, though retailers often sell it for roughly $30 to $40. Weight is listed at about 275 g on Amazon, while some reviews quote slightly lower figures, so the exact number is not consistent.
Pros: larger 50 mm drivers, easy mute, widely compatible, lightweight for its class. Cons: tuning leans bass-heavy, the mic is built in rather than removable, and the leatherette pads can run warm.
Best for: most players who want one dependable all-round headset for PC and console.
Logitech G335
The G335 is a light, comfortable option with a simple design. Logitech and retailer listings give 40 mm neodymium drivers, a 3.5 mm connection, a flip-to-mute cardioid boom mic, a rotary volume wheel and a weight of about 240 g (8.5 oz). It works with PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and mobile devices that have a 3.5 mm jack, and a PC splitter is included in the box. It usually sells for about $40 to $50. Cable length is listed as roughly 6 to 6.5 ft depending on the retailer.
Pros: low weight, breathable fabric ear cups, clear flip-to-mute mic, balanced sound. Cons: analog only (no USB option), no detachable mic, and the bass is not as punchy as the Stinger 2.
Best for: long sessions and anyone who finds heavy headsets tiring.
Turtle Beach Recon 50
The Recon 50 is among the cheapest names in the best affordable gaming headsets category and is often discounted to the $25 to $30 range. Listings describe 40 mm neodymium drivers, a closed over-ear design, a wired 3.5 mm connection with a splitter for PC, a removable omnidirectional mic and in-line volume and mute controls. It supports PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, Mac and mobile. Weight listings vary from roughly 200 g to a much higher figure on one retailer, so treat the weight as unconfirmed; most sources point to around 200 to 209 g.
Pros: very low price, removable mic, works on nearly everything. Cons: plain stereo sound, basic build, and the cable is only about 4 ft, so you may need an extension for a couch setup.
Best for: players on the tightest budget, or a spare headset for a second console.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core
If the full Stinger 2 stretches your budget, the Stinger 2 Core trims the price while keeping the same family look. HyperX lists a wired 3.5 mm (4-pole) connection, 40 mm directional drivers tuned for bass, onboard audio controls and a swivel-to-mute mic. The PC version includes a code for a period of DTS Headphone:X spatial audio, and an Xbox-licensed CloudX version exists. Weight is listed at 275 g. Street prices are commonly in the $30 to $40 range, though they vary by version.
Pros: familiar HyperX comfort, swivel-to-mute, versions for PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Cons: smaller drivers than the standard Stinger 2, and it is not noticeably lighter. Make sure you buy the version for your platform.
Best for: console players who want a name-brand headset with a simple setup.
Redragon H231 Scream
The H231 Scream is a budget pick that adds RGB lighting. Redragon lists 40 mm dynamic drivers, a 20 Hz to 20 kHz response, leather foam ear pads, a fixed noise-canceling mic and a roughly 2.1 m cable, with PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Switch and mobile support. Sources conflict on two points: the official spec table gives 280 g while marketing copy says 250 g, and some retailers describe a 3.5 mm plus USB connection (USB for the lighting) while the spec sheet lists only 3.5 mm. Check the listing for your version.
Pros: low price, long cable, RGB styling. Cons: heavier than most picks here, the mic is not removable, and build quality is a step below the HyperX and Logitech models.
Best for: players who want a flashy desk setup on a very small budget.
Near Misses Just Over $50
Two popular headsets sit just above this budget at list price. The Razer BlackShark V2 X (50 mm drivers, 3.5 mm, 240 g) starts at $59.99 on Razer’s site, and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is also commonly priced higher. Both appear on sale from time to time, so they are worth a look if a discount drops them under $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gaming headset under $50?
On paper, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is the strongest all-rounder thanks to its 50 mm drivers and swivel-to-mute mic. The Logitech G335 is the better choice if you value low weight and comfort.
Are cheap gaming headsets good enough for competitive play?
Yes for casual and ranked play. Budget headsets give you the footsteps and callouts you need. You give up detailed sound, strong build quality and wireless freedom compared with pricier models.
Will these headsets work on both PC and console?
Mostly. Models with a 3.5 mm plug work on PlayStation, Xbox and Switch controllers, and on PC through the headset jack or an included splitter. Confirm the version you are buying, as some are sold as platform-specific variants.
Do I need a USB headset for surround sound?
Not necessarily. Virtual surround is done in software and varies by product, so do not pay extra for it on a budget. Good stereo and a solid fit matter more.
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