Any time you sit down to play a game, you want to immerse yourself in the story.
However, you won’t be able to do that if you hear a constant humming in your ear due to cheap earphones.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Headset Under 50
- Best Overall: Logitech G432
- Runner Up: ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset
- Alternative: HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset
- Alternative: Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50
- Alternative: Corsair HS60 7.1
Perhaps you have already experienced this, which is why you are here. You may be a little reluctant to purchase your first set, though, since they can be so expensive.
Gaming headsets can easily cost up to $300, which you may not be willing to spend (which is very understandable).
Fortunately, there are affordable headsets out there. There are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing some, though. These factors will include comfort level, sound quality, and build quality.
This guide will cover the best headsets under 50 and discuss each of the above factors for each and any other features it may have.
By the end of this article, you will have the perfect (and affordable) headset for your gaming needs. Let’s get started.
The Studio Genie is dedicated to helping streamers and YouTubers or anyone looking to have their own home studio. The author, Felicity Martinez, have been helping out streamers and YouTubers for years.
The goal is to provide a free resource for anyone looking to build a quality home studio. The reviews below are a result of hours of research and analysis. We provided the pros and cons and ranked each product to help you make a quick decision.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Our Top Picks for Headset Under 50
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL | Logitech G432
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
RUNNER UP | ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
ALTERNATIVE | HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
ALTERNATIVE | Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
ALTERNATIVE | Corsair HS60 7.1
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Headset Reviews & Recommendations for 2021
Best Overall: Logitech G432 Surround Sound Wired PC Gaming Headset
Featured Specs
The Logitech G432 Wire PC Gaming Headset is a sturdy set that weighs 20 ounces.
Comfort will not be a problem with this product; it has leatherette padding materials that fully cover your ear. The ear cups are sport-performance rotating cups that are lightweight and slim.
The headset also has a wired connection compatible with 3.5mm or USB DAC inputs. It can connect to mobile devices, PC, and gaming consoles.
Benefits
These Logitech Gaming headphones are one of the best gaming headsets under 50.
It is a surround sound gaming set that gives an immersive and high-quality sound. It has large, 50-millimeter audio drivers that produce a 3D soundscape with positional audio.
The advanced DTS (digital theatre system) headset also has a 6mm microphone with swivel technology to mute it quickly.
The headset also has an easy-to-access volume control wheel on the left earpad.
Drawbacks
A big drawback of this set is that the headphones do not have programmable buttons.
A few other products on the market offer this and make it easier to control the headphones, a big plus for hardcore gamers.
The product also does not have LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting. This feature would sync the headset lighting system with movies, games, and music to increase the listening experience.
Lastly, the headset only has a wired connection. Many hardcore gamers would prefer a wireless connection, so you don’t have to worry about wires getting in the way.
Extra Features
This set has an advanced audio system that gives you X 2.0 surround sound. The headphones will give you one of the best immersive experiences while gaming.
Furthermore, since the phones have a wired connection, you won’t have to worry about the set running out of battery during gameplay.
Buying Advice
If you are looking for the best headset under 50, the Logitech G432 PC Gaming Headset will be a great choice.
We highly recommend this set for anyone with a computer that has a cheap sound card. The USB DAC connection will bypass the poor sound system and will give a top-notch sound experience.
It has comfortable leatherette earpads and 50mm audio drivers that produce high-quality X 2.0 surround sound.
With its convenient volume control wheel and swivel microphone, you will experience a great gaming session without giving a second thought to faulty headset controls.
Runner Up: ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset
Featured Specs
The ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset weighs 12.2 ounces.
It has over-the-ear lightweight foam ear cushions that will provide comfortable wear for long gaming sessions. Finally, the durable aluminum headband is built for a flexible yet sturdy fit.
The headset has a 3.5” audio plug and is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4&5, PC, and Mac.
You can also use the set with mobile devices that have a 3.5” audio connection.
Benefits
This product is a good gaming headset under 50 since the manufacturers built it with comfort and durability in mind.
The anodized aluminum headband has a damage-resistant polycarbonate layer on top to prevent scratches and dents.
Audio quality will not lack with this product. ASTRO Gaming designed this headset with hardcore gaming in mind, giving it immersive, accurate, and high-quality sound.
You will always be in sync while using the mic since it is low latency and has accurate voice communication.
This model is not only functional but stylish. The sleek black headphones have accents of vibrant green on the outside of the ear cups.
The inside cushioning is also green, making for a unique look.
Drawbacks
Even though you can remove the wire from the headset, the set will only work when plugged in.
Furthermore, the foam earpieces will be hard to clean if they get dirty, unlike leather pieces where you can easily wipe with a cloth.
Extra Features
Whenever you want to mute, all you have to do is flip the mic up.
Furthermore, the set has an in-line volume control which gives you total command and makes it easy to adjust.
You can also detach the wire from the headset for easy storage.
Buying Advice
This headset is extremely comfortable, making it one of the best headsets under 50.
If you are an extreme gamer and want a set that will not hurt your ears after ten hours of playing, this might be the product for you.
The mic is also uni-directional and has a flip to mute feature. If you like to join online chat-rooms, these features will come in handy.
Alternative: HyperX Cloud Stinger - Gaming Headset
Featured Specs
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset weighs 9.7 ounces (275 grams) and has 90 degree rotating ear cups.
The headset is lightweight and has memory foam ear cups to ensure you are gaming in comfort.
One of the best headsets under 50, this product is compatible with most gaming systems such as PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and any mobile device with a 3.5mm plug.
Benefits
With a 50 millimeter directional driver, this good gaming headset under 50 provides full, high-quality, and precise audio.You will get an immersive gaming-grade sound experience.
The microphone has a swivel-to-mute feature. All you have to do is flip it upwards. It is also noise-canceling, so your voice will be crystal clear with minimal background noise.
There is also an easy-to-use volume control switch on the ear cup.
The ear cups are leatherette with memory foam technology, which will be comfortable to wear for hours. Furthermore, the set will be easy to clean since leatherette material covers the foam.
Drawbacks
This gaming headset is not wireless and is not detachable; you have to plug it in to work.
Lastly, the headset does not have surround sound technology but has stereo speakers.
If sound quality is the most important headset feature, then the HyperX Cloud Stinger will not be the best headset under 50.
Extra Features
Another great feature of the headset is that it has an adjustable steel slider that is durable and will last long.
The steel slider will give a sturdy fit that will not slide or move at all during gameplay.
You can also use the set with just about any gaming console since it has multi-platform compatibility.
Buying Advice
If you are looking for a lightweight, all-around durable headset, the Cloud Stinger will be a good choice.
The headphones are super comfortable to wear and are compatible with many devices.
However, if you want the highest-sound quality on the list, this pair will not be a good match since it has stereo technology and not surround sound.
Alternative: Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50 Gaming Headset
Featured Specs
The Turtle Beach Ear Force Gaming Headset is lightweight and comfortable, weighing 12.8 ounces.
It has synthetic leather earpieces that wrap around your entire ear to give an immersive gaming experience. The earpieces will also fold flat when you are not using the set.
This set is compatible with just about any gaming console. It works with PC, Mac, PS4 Pro, and PS4 and any device with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Benefits
These headphones have 40mm speakers and produce high-quality, crisp stereo sound. If you love to join online chat rooms, these headphones will work great.
They have a boom mic that is highly-sensitive and will pick up your voice well.
With in-line controls, you will also be able to easily adjust the master and mic volume. There is a small switch to mute the mic and a volume wheel beside the switch.
Another great feature is the detachable mic. Whenever you do not want to use it, you can simply unplug it to enjoy watching movies. This feature will also be great if you are traveling with the headset.
Lastly, the mic is Omni-Directional, making it one of the best headsets under 50. These mics perform well in a closed room setting and will produce crisp sound.
The headset is also a sleek black color accented with bright red and has the Turtle Beach logo on the ear cup.
Drawbacks
This set has a wired connection and no wireless option. While this ensures it will never run out of battery, you will always need to keep an eye on the cord to make sure you aren’t too far from the connection source.
Another thing to keep in mind is the omnidirectional mic.
Even though these mics usually perform well in a closed-room setting, they may pick up some ambient noise since they absorb noise from all directions.
If you have a louder household or if your door is not soundproof, you may want to invest in a product with a unidirectional mic.
Extra Features
Another great thing about this headset is that the mic has a muffler to remove loud background noise, helping your friends hear you better.
The earphones also closed speakers that fit completely over the ear. When playing your favorite game, you will only hear in-game noise and no outside distractions.
Buying Advice
Overall, this is the best headset under 40. If you love to use in-game chat rooms, this product will serve you well. The high-quality boom mic will have no problem picking up your voice.
You will also get a great and vivid sound experience with its 40mm speakers. Lastly, the headphones are very comfortable to wear and will not hurt your ears when playing games for hours.
Alternative: Corsair HS60 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset
Featured Specs
The Corsair Virtual Surround Sound Gaming Headset is a durable headset under 50, weighing 11.2 ounces.
The adjustable synthetic leather ear cups are comfortable to wear for hours since they are plush memory foam. They securely fit over the ear to increase sound quality.
This headset under 50 is compatible with any mobile device with a 3.5mm audio jack and PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PS4.
Benefits
If you are looking for the best headset under $50, this will not disappoint with its 50mm Neodymium speaker drivers. The drivers produce superior sound quality with an accurate and wide range.
This gaming set is also perfect for those who use the mic a lot. With a unidirectional microphone, your voice will come through crystal clear without any background noise.
The microphone is also detachable. If you just want to watch a movie, you won’t have the microphone in the way. The removable mic also makes for easy storage.
With the on-ear volume and mute controls, adjustments will be simple and convenient and will not distract you from gameplay.
The ear cups are also adjustable, so you can rest the headphones around your neck if you want. You can also easily store these headphones, making them great for traveling.
The company built the Corsair Gaming Headset with durability in mind. These headphones will last years of gameplay, so you won’t have to waste money on a new set.
Drawbacks
One downside of the Corsair is that it only has full surround sound for PC when you use the USB adapter the set comes with.
If your main gaming console is a PS4, for instance, you will not experience the full potential of the headphones.
Extra Features
If you use the HS60 USB adapter that the set comes with on the PC, it will unlock 7.1 virtual surround sound.
The multi-channel positional audio is highly immersive and is superior to many audio systems on the market.
The Corsair HS60 also has metal parts, which increases its durability. With these headphones, you won’t have to worry about scratches or damage lowering its lifespan.
These can withstand a few bumps and bruises with no problem.
Buying Advice
If you use a PC for your gaming, this will be the best headset for under 50. You will have high-quality surround sound that provides an immersive gaming experience.
Not only is the audio top-notch, but the phones are very comfortable to wear since it has plush memory foam.
The mic will also work well for online chat rooms. Since it comes with a unidirectional microphone, it will only pick up your voice and not any ambient noises in your room.
Headset Under 50 FAQ
Are Expensive Gaming Headsets Worth It?
Expensive gaming headsets can be worth it, depending on how often you use them. A few factors will be affected when you choose a cheap headset over an expensive set.
Comfort
When you wear a cheap headset for hours on end, you will feel it. Expensive headphones have much better cushioning and will not hurt your ears or cause headaches.
Sound Quality
Even if you may get surround sound with a cheaper headset, there is a major difference in sound quality.
For instance, with a more expensive headset, you will be able to tell what direction a character is coming from by hearing their footsteps.
Expensive gaming headsets provide a much more immersive audio experience.
Build Quality
Expensive headsets will always have better-built earpieces and stronger headbands. This will help the headphones last much longer than a set with poor build quality.
High durability will also prevent scratches and dents from ruining the look of the headset.
The above points are the main factors that will have a noticeable difference.
If you are using the headphones every day for more than a few hours at a time, I recommend investing in a more expensive headset. You will save money in the end and will have a much more comfortable experience.
On the other hand, if you will only be using the headphones for an hour every few days, for example, buying a cheaper set will be no problem.
There are lots of cheaper sets out there with adequate sound quality that many gamers love.
Are USB Headsets Better Than Jack?
USB headsets can be better than headphone jacks, but it depends on your computer.
USB headphones usually come with their own DAC and amp. A DAC is a digital to analog converter.
The job of the DAC is to bypass the built-in soundcard system on your computer. This means that if your computer has poor sound output, you don’t have to use it at all.
Many people will purchase a USB headset instead of replacing the sound card on their computer since it is cheaper and produces a higher-quality sound.
Sound cards are also a hassle to replace and install. Many USB headsets are also easy to use; you simply plug it in to your computer, and it’s ready to go.
On the other hand, 3.5mm headsets take advantage of your computer’s internal hardware.
The headsets often will use the soundcard or a chip on the motherboard to produce the sound. These kinds of headsets are good for computers with exceptional sound cards.
If your computer has a good sound card, then USB headsets are not better than jack headphones. Both headsets will work well with the computer.
However, if you hear a sort of hissing noise when you plug a 3.5mm headset in, you probably have a low-quality sound card.
If your computer does not have a good audio system, then USB headsets will be better than jack headphones in that case. It will all depend on the computer.
Is USB Good for Audio?
USB is good for audio in most cases. Almost all gamers could benefit from a USB audio connection.
Many computer manufacturers spend most of the budget on the screen and processor but tend to neglect the audio quality.
USB audio comes in handy since it can bypass the poor sound card in your computer, as mentioned above.
USB audio can handle high-resolution sound, typically much higher than your built-in audio system.
The USB DAC converts digital to analog in better quality than your computer can, so in most cases, USB audio will be good for audio.
What Headset Does Tommyinnit Use?
Tommyinnit is a twitch and youtube streamer with over 6,000,000 subscribers. His gaming content includes Minecraft, Dream SMP, and SMP Earth.
Tommyinnit uses the Kingston HyperX Cloud II Red Headset, one of the higher-priced headsets on the market when it comes to gear.
These headphones are known for their noise cancellation feature and extremely comfortable wear
Conclusion
The best headset under 50 is the Logitech G432 Surround Sound Gaming Headset. It has the superior sound quality to the others on the list and is very comfortable to wear with its leatherette cushion ear pads.
The runner-up is the ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset. This set is good for heavy gamers since the comfy ear cups will prevent aches. The microphone is also superb if you love to join online chat rooms.
In general, expensive gaming headsets will be worth it if you spend more than an hour or so every time you sit down to play a game.
The most prominent differences between expensive and cheap headphones will be the comfort, sound quality, and build quality/durability.
Resources: