Reviews
The 5 Best Gaming Headsets Under $100
Which are the best gaming headsets under $100?
Finding the best gaming headset for a cheap price is a dream that every gamer has.
Having an immersive sound experience when exploring futuristic landscapes or fighting in underground dungeons is ideal.
The 5 Best Gaming Headsets Under $100 Reviewed
Let’s take a look at some of the most impressively designed headsets for console and PC gamers.
1. RUNMUS Gaming Headset
The RUNMUS Gaming Headset is a fantastic option for the best PC gaming headset under 100 and console gamers alike.
Whether you play on previous-gen or current-gen consoles, it’s a convenient option with high sound quality.
Review
There are several valuable features you’ll appreciate having with this pro-style gaming headset, including:
- 50mm Surround Sound Drivers
When gaming on a PS4 or PS5, you’ll be able to experience the proper depth of 50mm surround sound drivers.
This feature is one of the most impressive for environmental soundscapes, helping you hear enemy movement more proficiently.
- Ergonomic Design
There’s nothing more frustrating than a headset that sits uncomfortably on your head.
With this model, you’ll have breathable ear pads, allowing for optimal airflow paired with a retractable band.
You’ll also appreciate the padding that helps keep the earcups comfortable while delivering impressive audio clarity.
Customizing the fit and feel of your headset has never been simpler for all-day comfort.
However, you might notice your ears get slightly warm due to the ample ear cup padding.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility
As mentioned, this headset works with consoles and PC alike.
The 3.5mm audio jack works perfectly for PC and PS4, although you’ll need a separate adapter for older Xbox controllers.
Also, it works well with Nintendo consoles for audio-only.
Just keep in mind that the RUNMUS Gaming Headset’s connection wire is pretty long and challenging to manage.
- Noise-Canceling Mic
The most notable feature of this headset is the clarity of its microphone and noise cancelation.
When sending comms to your team, the last thing you’ll want is background noise interrupting you.
With the addition of a noise-canceling mic, you’ll experience a higher level of vocal clarity.
Also, there’s a single switch to help you turn the mic off entirely when solo queuing.
Additionally, when adjusting the volume, you’ll find the max settings are more than enough to hear finer details.
Pros:
- Impressive microphone
- Heavily padded
- High-quality sound clarity
- Good maximum volume
Cons:
- Too long connection wire
- Ears could get warm
2. SteelSeries Arctis 5 RGB Gaming Headset
SteelSeries has always been one of the highest-quality gaming headset brands.
The Arctis 5 RGB Gaming Headset has comfort and impressive audio quality.
This product appears 2nd on our list of the best gaming headsets under $100.
Review
Let’s look at some of the most notable features of the SteelSeries Arctis 5 RGB Gaming Headset.
- Versatility
There’s no doubt this model is one of the best for gamers, as it’s natively built for PC gaming.
There are independent chat controls as well as game controls paired with DTS surround sound.
The headset also offers RGB illumination in two zones, creating the ideal aesthetic for your setup.
Although the SteelSeries Arctis 5 RGB Gaming Headset has PC gamers in mind, it also works for consoles.
The headset is comfortably wireless and works on several devices for easy versatility.
You can also adjust the headband to find the ideal fit for your head shape.
- Speakers
The Arctis 5 is particularly notable because of the Arctis sound technology.
Subtler sounds will be more apparent, allowing you to emphasize the smaller details.
Also, the headset features DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound.
This feature is iconic for hearing every in-game environmental sound from engines to enemy footsteps.
That said, the most notable concern with this headset is its high distortion levels, especially when listening to music.
You might also find you’ll need to tune the headset with software, as the sounds could be skewed left upon arrival.
- ClearCast Microphone
Compared to other gaming headsets, this model comes with impressive chat audio.
With ClearCast, you’ll have impressive noise cancellation for improved chat clarity.
Pros:
- Impressive adjustability
- Wireless design
- Versatile design
- Works on console
Cons:
- Sounds are skewed left
- High distortion levels
3. Jeecoo Xiberia USB Pro Gaming Headset
PC gamers can rejoice with the Jeecoo Xiberia USB Pro Gaming Headset and its great features.
As a USB mic, it’s natively designed to work with PC and Mac games with many impressive qualities.
Review
Let’s explore the features the Jeecoo Xiberia USB Pro Gaming Headset has to offer.
- 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
The sound quality of this headset is a significant upgrade from your existing gaming headset.
It’s designed with 7.1 surround sound, helping you hear finer details and sound effects.
When playing FPS’, you’ll notice a significant improvement in hearing enemy footsteps.
- Noise-Canceling Microphone
As a standard feature for more above-average quality headsets, this model also boasts a noise-canceling mic.
When talking in party chats or Discord, you’ll notice a significant reduction in ambient noises with the best PC gaming headset under 100.
As an added benefit, the microphone is fully retractable, features a separate volume adjustment, and can be turned off.
- In-Line Controller
With the help of an in-line controller, you have better control over your headset’s independent settings.
You’ll find functions to adjust your mic and headset volume and turn it on or off on the controller.
For your convenience, there’s a built-in t-shirt clip to ensure the device is always within reach.
- Downloadable Software
To unleash the true power of surround sound, you’ll need to download software to your PC.
Within the program, there are plenty of different customizable settings to configure your headset to your liking.
- Design
The sleek design of the Jeecoo Xiberia USB Pro Gaming Headset makes it modern and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
It’s not natively console-compatible, as it’s designed for PC.
Also, the controller that houses all the adjustable features is slightly large, adding to the headset’s weight.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Comfortable padding
- Easily accessible controls
- Great overall sound
Cons:
- Not console compatible
- The controller is slightly large
4. HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
There’s no doubt the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset is one of the most popular affordable headsets.
Frequently endorsed by big streamers and pro gamers alike, it has plenty of high-quality components.
This product appears 4th on our list of the best gaming headsets under $100.
Review
There are several features the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset has to offer, including:
- Audio Quality
If you were to compare the audio quality of the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset to your existing rig, the differences are significant.
You’ll have integrated 53mm drivers to help you hear in-game sounds and enemy movement better.
As an added benefit, the headset also features 7.1 virtual surround sound.
- 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
The native hardware-driven virtual 7.1 surround sound is the most luxurious feature of this headset.
You’ll have access to precisely located audio so you can make the most of your gaming.
- Passive Noise Cancelation
The unique design of the earcups helps create a more immersive gaming environment.
You’ll find the closed ear cup design allows you to block out environmental noise to focus on gaming.
- Noise-Canceling Microphone
Another impressive component of this model is that it boasts a detachable noise-canceling microphone.
It’s also certified for TeamSpeak and Discord, offering enhanced clarity and loudness compared to other models.
- Design
The broad compatibility of the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset makes it a fantastic option, as it works with consoles and PC.
You’ll love the comfortable padding paired with the unique ear cup design that genuinely helps you to immerse yourself while gaming.
The most prominent issue you might experience with this headset is that its wire twists easily.
Also, there aren’t any in-line controls, which can be inconvenient, especially for a modern headset.
Pros:
- Wide compatibility
- High-quality mic and audio
- Comfortable padding
- Fully immersive
Cons:
- Wire twists easily
- No in-line controls
5. Razer Kraken Tournament Edition
The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a heavy-duty option when it comes to pro gaming.
With plenty of unique features for console and PC gamers, its audio experience is unmatched.
Review
Let’s take a look at some of the features the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition offers.
- THX 7.1 Surround Sound
The most iconic feature of this headset is that it features THX 7.1 surround sound.
You’ll unlock industry-leading audio technology for more realistic sounds and in-game immersion.
This feature also offers spatial audio information you wouldn’t experience elsewhere.
However, the THX audio is only natively applicable for PC gamers and requires an adapter on a console.
- Custom-Tuned Drivers
Another significant feature that contributes to this headset’s audio quality is its drivers.
With custom-tuned 50mm drivers, you’ll lose yourself in your game within minutes.
When reaching max settings, you can preserve audio quality for a high-quality gaming experience.
- Comfortable Design
The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is designed for all-day comfort with oval cooling gel-infused cushioning.
You’ll be far less likely to experience overheating or a buildup of pressure around your ears.
- Noise-Canceling Microphone
The cardioid mic on this headset is significantly improved.
It doesn’t offer complete noise cancelation, but environmental noise is reduced near max settings.
You’ll find it allows you to make crystal-clear comms with minor adjustments.
Pros:
- Impressive spatial audio
- Clear mic comms
- Comfortable for extended periods
- Incredible max volume
Cons:
- THX only for PC
- Earcups aren’t noise-canceling
Buyer’s Guide
When you begin your hunt for the perfect headset, there are plenty of key features to consider.
Below, we explore all of the most important things to look for when you start shopping.
1. Gaming Headphones vs Gaming Headsets
The first thing to consider is whether you want gaming headphones vs gaming headsets.
If you’re someone who’s always in party chats or likes communicating with your team, you’ll want a gaming headset.
These devices have high-quality mics that allow you to talk freely with friends and teammates.
Gaming headphones, on the other hand, are better for RPG players who don’t require communication.
You’ll have an equal ambient sound level and an immersive experience, just without access to a mic.
2. What’s Your Gaming Platform?
Another vital factor to consider is the type of platform you game on.
Some headsets are natively designed for PC or console, while others have multi-platform compatibility.
Ideally, you should consider a multi-platform mic as it will work across consoles and PC.
3. Wired vs Wireless Gaming Headsets
Choosing between a wired and wireless gaming headset has everything to do with preference.
Most quality models don’t show any differences in audio and mic quality but can differ when charging.
Wireless headsets need to be plugged in to have a full charge for gaming, or they could die mid-session.
On the other hand, wired headsets don’t offer as much freedom as you have to be directly connected to your device.
Although you won’t have to worry about recharging, it significantly limits your movements.
4. Build Quality
The build quality of your headset has everything to do with how comfortable it is and how long it lasts.
The best gaming headsets under 100 are built with metal components and feature plenty of padding, such as memory foam, for comfort.
You’ll also need to make sure it’s fully adjustable to find a custom fit.
5. Noise Isolation
Noise isolation is important as it determines how immersive your gaming experience can be with the best gaming headsets under 100.
By isolating noise and reducing ambient sounds, you’ll be able to hear every detail in your game.
Also, it can significantly improve party chat audio, especially if someone on your team has a quiet mic.
6. Surround Sound
Surround sound is more of a luxury than a necessity, depending on the type of games you play.
There’s no doubt it offers a more immersive experience, allowing you to hear sounds all around you.
However, audio quality is more important than offering surround sound.
7. Microphone
Having clear comms can make or break games like R6, Valorant, and even WoW.
With access to a crystal-clear microphone, ideally, with noise cancelation, you can quickly communicate with your team.
The faster they hear your callouts, the more productive your movements will be against the enemy.
8. Aesthetics
There’s no doubt that the aesthetics of your headphone have a significant influence on the models you consider.
You’ll want to find a headset that matches the aesthetic of your setup but that also feels comfortable.
9. Replacement Parts
If you’re spending a lot of money on a gaming headset, you’ll want to make sure it can be repaired if needed.
The model you choose should have easily sourced parts to help you return it to its original condition easily.
Also, ensure your headset comes with a warranty to ensure you’re covered.
Our Final Recommendation
The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is undoubtedly one of the best gaming headsets under $100 for several reasons.
It has a heavy-duty build designed for pro-gamers with amazing THX 7.1 surround sound audio.
The clarity of the retractable mic with its in-line controls catapults it to the top of the list for casual and professional gamers.
If you have a smaller budget available, check out our article on the best gaming headsets under $50!
Which of the best gaming headsets under $100 would you buy? Leave a comment below.
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