A decent gaming headset is a necessary accessory for all gamers, whether you like playing solo with story-driven, single-player games, or with your friends in fast-paced, online multiplayer matches. You should be going for one of the best gaming headsets, instead of trying to save a few dollars and ending up with a product that doesn’t live up to your expectations. If you’re wearing a gaming headset, you can better appreciate the details provided by in-game audio, from the soundtrack to the environmental audio, and a built-in mic is required for clear communication with your teammates. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good one, though; here, we’ve rounded up a heaping truckload of the best gaming headset deals available right now for as little as $20 to $25.
Today’s best gaming headset deals
Astro A10 Wired Gaming Headset — $20, was $60
The Astro A10 wired gaming headset makes a good case to be included among the best budget gaming headsets, starting with the excellent sound quality that it provides at its very affordable price. It’s equipped with the same drivers as Astro’s more expensive gaming headset models, and since the brand’s products are specifically tuned for video games, soundtracks and dialogue will be heard as intended. The Astro A10 also features a lightweight but durable construction, compatibility with all gaming platforms, and a flip-to-mute unidirectional microphone. The gaming headset is also very comfortable to wear, with ear cushions that contain cloth, but backed with synthetic leather to improve acoustic performance.
HyperX Cloud II Pro Wired Gaming Headset — $50, was $100
The HyperX Cloud II Pro wired gaming headset was built for extreme comfort, so you won’t have have issues wearing it for hours-long gaming sessions with your friends. It features the brand’s signature memory foam, in addition to premium leatherette materials and a clamping force that’s just right. In terms of performance, the HyperX Cloud II Pro packs specially-tuned 53mm drivers that provide immersive audio while you’re playing, while its detachable noise-cancelling mic will make sure that you can be heard by your teammates loud and clear even when there are other sounds around you.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset — $100, was $180
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is the wireless version of the Razer BlackShark V2, which is among the best gaming headsets as the top option for PC gamers. It features Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless technology and extremely low latency, which will ensure that your audio will always stay synchronized with your game, in addition to the brand’s TriForce titanium 50mm drivers that produce bright and powerful sound. The gaming headset is also equipped with Razer’s HyperClear Supercardioid Mic for voice quality that’s extremely clear, and advanced passive noise cancellation so you also won’t have any problem hearing what your teammates have to say.
SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless Gaming Headset — $130, was $200
The SteelSeries Arctis 9, which is optimized for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, offers the brand’s signature soundscape that emphasizes all kinds of in-game sounds, which may give you the advantage that you need to take down tough bosses and emerge victorious in multiplayer matches. The wireless gaming headset can connect to your gaming platform of choice and your mobile device via Bluetooth at the same time with lossless 2.4 GHz clarity. The SteelSeries Arctis 9’s ClearCast microphone uses a bi-directional design for superior clarity and noise cancellation, while the AirWeave performance fabric on its ear cushions will keep your ears cool and dry at all times.
Dell Pro Wireless Headset — $165, was $220
The Dell Pro wireless headset may not look like a gaming headset, but it offers all the necessary features to function like one. It will stay comfortable on your head with its leatherette earpads and adjustable headband, and you’ll be able to appreciate your games’ audio with its high-quality stereo sound and built-in noise cancellation. The headset comes with controls on the earcups that will let you adjust volume easily, and it features a reversible design that will allow you to wear it with the boom mic on the left or right. The Dell Pro wireless headset also offers a hearing protection feature that detects incoming loud noises and prevents them from reaching your ears.
How to choose a gaming headset
Choosing the right gaming headset isn’t as big of a decision as buying your next PC or console, but as with a mechanical keyboard or gaming mouse, you naturally don’t want to end up spending your hard-earned cash on one that isn’t a good fit. That’s why after setting your budget, it’s a good idea to spend a little time figuring out exactly what headset features you want and which ones you can live without (or maybe even ones you definitely do not want).
The first consideration after the price is what platform you’re gaming on. The vast majority of gaming headsets are universal in their basic functions, typically using a 3.5mm wired or Bluetooth wireless connection that allows them to interface with most devices (be they computers or consoles). Certain gaming headsets, however, are built with a specific system in mind and may have additional features that only function with that platform. For instance, a PlayStation 4 headset’s in-line remote or other onboard controls might not work properly with on your Xbox or PC even if the audio and basic in-game chat capabilities do, to name one common example. Just be sure to look over the specs and read customer reviews to make sure the headset you’re eyeing will operate fully with your chosen gaming setup. This is especially important if, like many gamers, you play on more than one platform.
More Gaming Deals
Choosing between a wired or wireless headset boils down to sound fidelity and convenience. Audiophiles generally agree that wired connections produce the best sound (which is not to say that a wired gaming headset will sound better than a high-end wireless headset), so if you don’t absolutely need a wireless headset at your battle station, then it might not be worth paying the premiums that come with Bluetooth-enabled cans. That said, many if not most wireless headsets also include a 3.5mm audio jack and detachable cable, giving you the option for a wired connection when you want it. Along with possibly providing better audio, this also prevents you from draining your wireless headset’s battery all the time.
A final note before you buy: As with most electronics, you tend to get what you pay for, but you also get diminishing returns on your dollar after you cross a certain budget threshold — for gaming headsets, that’s typically around the $80-$100 mark. Nicer gaming headsets will naturally have better sound quality, sturdier construction (usually), nicer materials (namely metal instead of plastic), and clearer microphones, and even nicer ones will feature things like detailed EQ settings you can tweak to fine-tune your experience as well as 7.1 virtual surround sound. Don’t get too caught up with those additional features, however; while nice to have if you’re willing to pay for them, these are not essential and jack up the price. Know what you need, stick to your budget, adjust your expectations to your chosen price point, and you won’t end up with buyer’s remorse.
Looking for more great stuff? Find tech discounts and much more on our curated deals page.
Editors’ Recommendations
