Key takeaways
- Wired or wireless: Wireless models add convenience, but the radio, battery and charging hardware take a share of the budget. Some reviewers argue that wired headsets usually sound better at this price. Wired models also never need charging.
- Platform support: USB, 3.5mm and 2.4GHz dongle headsets do not work equally on every console. Check the exact version you are buying, because some wireless models are sold in separate Xbox and PlayStation/PC editions.
- Microphone: A detachable or retractable boom mic is usually clearer than anything built into the earcup. Noise cancellation helps in shared rooms.
- Comfort and weight: Anything much over 300 grams can get tiring in long sessions, and glasses wearers should look for soft, flexible cushions.
- Battery life (wireless): Anything above 30 hours means charging only once or twice a week.
A good headset is one of the few pieces of gear that improves games, calls and movies at the same time, and you do not need to spend much to get one. This guide rounds up the best headsets under $100, including options for people who want the best PC gaming headsets under 100 dollars, the best wireless headsets under 100, and a couple of wired picks that punch above their price. If you have been asking which headset to buy for 100 dollars or less, six models come up again and again in reviewer roundups.
A quick note on method: we did not run hands-on tests. The picks below are based on manufacturer-published specifications and the feedback of professional reviewers, and we flag where details were missing or sources disagree. Prices move constantly, so treat every figure as a rough guide and check the current listing before you buy.
What to Look For in the Best Gaming Headsets Under $100
At this price you are trading features against each other, so it helps to know what matters most to you.
- Wired or wireless: Wireless models add convenience, but the radio, battery and charging hardware take a share of the budget. Some reviewers argue that wired headsets usually sound better at this price. Wired models also never need charging.
- Platform support: USB, 3.5mm and 2.4GHz dongle headsets do not work equally on every console. Check the exact version you are buying, because some wireless models are sold in separate Xbox and PlayStation/PC editions.
- Microphone: A detachable or retractable boom mic is usually clearer than anything built into the earcup. Noise cancellation helps in shared rooms.
- Comfort and weight: Anything much over 300 grams can get tiring in long sessions, and glasses wearers should look for soft, flexible cushions.
- Battery life (wireless): Anything above 30 hours means charging only once or twice a week.
HyperX Cloud III
The Cloud III is the headset most roundups name as the best wired choice under 100 dollars. Published specs list 53mm angled drivers, an aluminum frame, memory foam leatherette earpads and a detachable cardioid microphone with noise cancellation. It connects by 3.5mm cable, with a USB adapter for PC and PlayStation use, and one source notes DTS Headphone:X spatial audio in USB mode. One roundup lists it at 79 dollars and another at about 70, so shop around. Weight is reported at roughly 320 grams.
Pros: strong sound for the money, sturdy build, clear detachable mic, wide platform support. Cons: on the heavy side, and leatherette pads can run warm. Best for: anyone who wants the best all-round wired headset and does not mind a cable.
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
This is the pick for the best wireless headsets under 100 if you want a long battery. It offers 2.4GHz wireless plus Bluetooth 5.2, so you can be connected to a console or PC and your phone together. Turtle Beach advertises around 80 hours of battery, and SoundGuys reported measuring a little over 83 hours. Reviewers praise the dual wheels for game volume and chat mix, and the glasses-friendly cushions. It sells for about 90 to 100 dollars.
Pros: huge battery life, Bluetooth for calls, easy volume controls. Cons: SoundGuys scored it 6.5 out of 10 and criticized build quality, hinge flex and clamping force, while other outlets were more positive, so opinions are split. PlayStation/PC and Xbox versions are different products. Best for: long sessions where battery matters more than premium materials.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Wireless
The Nova 1 Wireless is a light, simple option at around 99 dollars. It uses a 2.4GHz USB dongle described as lag-free, has a retractable ClearCast microphone and is rated for up to 38 hours of battery life. One roundup lists 40mm drivers and a weight of about 220 grams, making it the lightest headset here with a published weight. The smaller driver is below what some reviewers prefer.
Pros: light, comfortable for long play, retractable mic, decent battery. Cons: smaller drivers, and budget wireless mics are often weaker than wired ones. Best for: people who want a cable-free headset that disappears on the head.
Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed
Among the best gaming headsets under 100 for wireless competitive play, the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed usually costs about 60 dollars. It pairs 2.4GHz wireless with Bluetooth, uses 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers and is rated for about 70 hours of battery. GamesRadar recommends it as a budget wireless pick and praises the sound quality.
Pros: low price, long battery, strong audio for competitive games. Cons: reviewers describe the plastics as thin and hollow, and disagree on how well it will last under daily use. Best for: budget-minded shooter players who want wireless.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
The Nova 3 is a wired USB headset at about 80 dollars with the ClearCast Gen 2 microphone, which uses AI noise cancellation, and access to SteelSeries Sonar software for EQ and per-game profiles. One source puts its weight near 260 grams. Tom’s Guide and others note that passive noise isolation is only average, so outside sound leaks in.
Pros: good mic, flexible software, comfortable weight. Cons: average isolation, and software features need a PC to use fully. Best for: PC players who like to tune their sound.
Cooler Master MH752
The MH752 is the cheapest pick here at roughly 69 dollars. It is a wired headset with virtual 7.1 surround, and one roundup calls its microphone excellent and its spatial audio great. We could not confirm driver size or weight from the sources we checked, so verify those on the product page before buying.
Pros: low price, virtual surround, well-regarded mic. Cons: fewer published specs and less reviewer coverage than the others. Best for: shoppers who want surround features at the lowest cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best headset under $100 overall?
Reviewer roundups most often name the HyperX Cloud III for wired and the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 for wireless, but the best choice depends on your platform and budget.
Are wireless headsets under 100 dollars worth it?
Yes, if you value convenience. Expect some compromise in materials or sound compared with wired headsets at the same price.
Will these headsets work on consoles?
Usually, but compatibility varies by model and edition. Check the exact version listed on the product page for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC support.
Do I need a separate microphone?
Not with these models. Each has a built-in boom mic, and most of them detach or retract when you do not need it.
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