Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headsets for 2023

Building a gaming setup can be quite the daunting task, financially speaking. And after available capital is applied where it matters the most, such as components like a graphics unit and central processor, the cash may flow a bit less freely when it’s time to buy the smaller peripherals… like headsets. For gamers looking to shop in the premium wireless gaming headset category, there are dozens of recommendations, including the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, a feature-loaded option with insane battery life, custom sound profiles, and active noise cancelation. And a $350 price tag.

RELATED: The Best Gaming HeadsetsThe best wireless gaming headsets are available from numerous household gaming brands, including Razer and SteelSeries, and fall into a wide range of price points. Finding a gaming headset that doesn’t break the bank or slash the features can certainly be trickier. Pick the wrong product and risk battling high latency, a disappointing battery life, and subpar sound. But the good news is that you certainly don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get decent sound and a few attractive features.

When choosing a budget wireless gaming headset, consider these factors:

• Compatibility: Many headsets are only compatible with certain consoles when used wirelessly. Looking for a headset optimized for your console is never a bad idea.
• Connection type: Some brands use propietary wireless connection technology, like Logitech G’s LIGHTSPEED, to promise a reliable, low-latency connection. Headsets that only offer Bluetooth and no 2.4GHz end-to-end wireless connection may struggle with latency or reliability issues.
• Battery life: Wireless options have their conveniences over wired gaming headsets, but one advantage wired sets will always have is that there’s no worry about battery life. Most wireless gaming headset battery capacities fall within the 15-25 hour range.

Game Rant’s picks for the best Budget Wireless Gaming Headsets

Razer Barracuda X (2022)

Best Overall Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

With the Razer Barracuda X, the famous gaming peripheral maker set out to create the lightest and most comfortable wireless headset. Weighing just 250 grams, gamers can wear the Barracuda X all day and night thanks to a 50-hour battery life and not feel any discomfort. Flowknit memory foam ear cushions and a heavily padded headband will make listeners forget they have gear on their heads.
Razer’s Triforce 40mm drivers on the Barracuda X result in a perfect blend of treble and bass. The included USB dongle is amazingly versatile, allowing the Barracuda X to connect to the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices with Bluetooth. 

Microphone

Detachable HyperClear Cardioid

Compatibility

Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Mobile

What’s Included

Wireless USB-C Dongle, USB-C Cable (4.92 ft / 1.5 m), USB-A To USB-C Cable (4.92 ft / 1.5M), USB-A TO USB-C Extender (4.92 ft / 1.5M)

Brand

Razer

Weight

250 grams

Battery Life

50 hours

Pros

• Lightweight
• Long battery life
• Controls on headset

Cons

• Not compatible with Xbox
• Volume wheel adjusts both voice and game volume together

The Razer Barracuda X gaming headset was an easy pick for the all-around best wireless gaming headset on a budget. Its unrivaled 50-hour battery life and ultra-lightweight profile, weighing just 250 grams, surges the Barracuda X over its competition. A headset that’s not too heavy and boasts a long battery life s is perfect for mobile gaming, and the Barracuda X happens to be compatible with the NIntendo Switch and mobile devices, in addition to PC and PlayStation setups.

A detachable Hyperclear boom mic makes the Barracuda an excellent option for gamers that frequently chat with others while playing, while 40mm drivers deliver a lively and detailed audio across every game genre. One downside of the Razer Barracuda X is its relatively counter-intuitive audio controls; the onboard audio wheel adjusts the volume of all audio sources, including party and game sound, together, so individual source volume levels must be manually changed through the console. However, despite fitting into the budget category of headsets, the sound performance of the Razer Barracuda is impressive enough to make it a compelling buy for gamers of all levels and niches.

Read a full review of the Razer Barracuda X gaming headset here.

Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless headset

Best High-End Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

The Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless Premium Gaming Headset is Discord Certified and compatible with PC and PlayStation (4 and 5) setups. It offers 7.1 Surround Sound along with powerful 50mm neodymium drivers. An impressive 20Hz-30,000Hz frequency range brings all nature of noises to life, while memory foam earpads keep gamers comfortable even in long sessions.

Brand

Corsair

Battery Life

16 hours

Material

Memory foam earpads, aluminum yokes, microfiber mesh lining

Intercom Range

40 feet

Colors

Carbon black, white

Compatbility

PC, Mac, PlayStation

Carrying case

None included

Frequency range

20Hz-30,000Hz

Surround sound

7.1 surround sound on PC

Pros

• High speed 2.4 GHz connection
• Noise cancellation included

Cons

• Surround sound only compatible with PC (No Mac)
• On the spendier end of the budget spectrum

A premium budget wireless gaming headset may be a bit of an oxymoron, but the Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless Premium Gaming Headset is a worthy consideration for shoppers who can stretch their dollars just a bit more. This headset, retailing for about $110, boasts 7.1 surround sound (not available when used with Mac devices) plus an expanded frequency range to make the softest footsteps, the richest voices, and rumbling explosions all sound incredibly real-life.

The wireless range of this headset is impressive at 40 feet, roughly 10 feet longer than the average range of competing headsets. While it does conveniently flip up to mute, the mic on the Corsair Void RGB wireless is unfortunately not detachable. And even given all of its perks, including the ultra-comfortable memory foam earpads and lightweight aluminum frame, this pick does have a shorter battery life than others on the list, and does not include a carrying case even at this price point. However, this is an excellent headset for players that want custom audio profiles (available through Corsair’s peripheral software, iCue) and powerful 50mm drivers without spending much more than $100.

Redragon H848 IRE Pro

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset for PC Gamers

The Redragon H848 Bluetooth wireless gaming headset brings together affordability and value. It features an impressive audio output through 40mm drivers and 7.1 surround sound. This headset is versatile in its compatibility, too; the H848 will work for PC, PlayStation (3, 4, and 5), Nintendo Switch, and mobile players. Connect via Bluetooth to Bluetooth-compatible devices, or utilize the 2.4 GHz dongle for a reliable, low-latency connection. 

Microphone

Detachable

Compatibility

PC, PlayStation (3,4,5), Switch, Mobile

Brand

Redragon

Surround Sound

7.1 Surround Sound

Weight

178 grams

Battery Life

25 hours

Ear Cushions

Memory foam

Charge Time

2.5 hours

Driver

40mm

Range

33 feet

Pros

• Super affordable
• 7.1 Surround Sound competes with more expensive headsets
• Available in five colors

Cons

• Bluetooth connection may be slower
• Not compatible with Xbox

At just about $40, the H848 IRE Pro wireless gaming headset from Redragon rivals many competing models that are over double the price. Like the high-end pick of this ranking, the H848 offers compelling 7.1 surround sound and a high-speed 2.4GHz wireless connection via dongle. The smaller 40mm drivers are a bit less powerful than the 50mm drivers used in higher-end models, and the H848 as such will produce a less robust sound, but the surround sound immersion is likely enough to negate this weakness.

The Redragons are available in five colors, include an optional wired USB connection, and are notably lightweight at just 178 grams. User feedback indicates that players are mostly satisfied with the detachable noise-canceling mic’s performance as well as general sound quality. One precautionary warning: the Bluetooth connection in this headset may experience higher latency than higher-end options. Since it seems to be at its peak performance when utilizing the 2.4GHz connection, has a lightweight and comfortable fit, and offers 7.1 surround sound, the Redragons are a compelling purchase for PC gamers who want an immersive experience but a forgiving price.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Gaming Headset

Best Mid-range Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

The SteelSeries Arctic 1 is a wireless headset with a frequency response of 20 – 20,000 Hz. It features a gaming-grade wireless 2.4 GHz connection that has low latency and a maximum range of 30 feet. The headset supports the PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4. 
The headset features a detachable noise-canceling microphone with clear and natural recording sound. It is also Discord Certified for great voice communication. The drivers are the high-performance speakers from the company’s highly-acclaimed Arctis 7 headset.

Microphone

Noise-cancelling, detachable

Compatibility

PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Android

Brand

SteelSeries

Weight

272 grams

Battery Life

20 hours

Pros

• Excellent Discord certified microphone performance
• 2.4 GHz connectivity option for low latency
• Compatible with PC and Mac, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox

Cons

• Ear cuffs may be a bit small
• Shorter range than other options

The SteelSeries Arctis family offers a number of impressive gaming headsets, including the previously-mentioned Arctis Nova Pro, an option that’s extraordinary in its own right, but overtly expensive for many. The Arctis 1 costs less than a third of what the Nova Pro costs, while still offering a high-speed low-latency connection, sweeping compatibility across many console types, including PC, PlayStation (compatible with Tempest 3D AudioTech on PS5), Nintendo, and mobile.

While the wireless range is shorter on this headset than other options, it does offer an impressive frequency spectrum, a noise-canceling microphone, and the same powerful 40mm drivers used in the popular Arctis 7 headset. The battery life is modest and there’s a convenient island of onboard controls for less gameplay interruption.

Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset for Nintendo Switch Gamers

$48 $80 Save $32

The Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset is a headset to consider given its feature set, build quality, and current price point. The lightweight headset gives much more premium models a run for their money and with good reason: It decimates most of its competition in value for money with ease.

Microphone

Built-in Dual beamforming Mics

Compatibility

PC, PlayStation, Switch, Mobile devices via Bluetooth

Brand

Logitech

Weight

163 grams

Battery Life

18 Hours

What’s Included

LIGHTSPEED wireless USB-A receiver, USB-C to USB-A charging cable, Documentation

Surround Sound

Dolby Atmos

Noise Cancellation

N/A

Pros

• Ultra-fast proprietary LIGHTSPEED tech
• Super lightweight
• Dolby Atmos surround sound

Cons

• Battery life on shorter side
• No noise cancellation

For players that take their games on the go, there’s the Logitech G435 wireless gaming headset. This model was selected as the top pick for Nintendo Switch players thanks to its vibrant color options (blue and raspberry, black and neon yellow, or off-white and lilac are sure to be eye-catching while gaming out and about), its easily manageable weight of 163 grams, and its dual beamforming microphones that will cut out environmental noise while chatting with squad members.

The battery life does leave some to be desired, and some active noise cancellation properties would make the G435 truly unbeatable for Switch gaming, but at the ridiculously affordable price point it’s at, there’s a lot going for this budget-friendly wireless gaming headset from Logitech.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless Gaming Headset

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset for PlayStation

This HyperX Cloud Stinger Core wireless gaming headset is licensed and optimized for PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles. It can also be used for PC play. The leatherette ear cuffs seal in audio delivered by powerful 40mm drivers. A suite of onboard controls and a convenient swivel-up-to-mute mic make the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core an excellent pick for co-op play.

Compatibility

PlayStation 4, 4 Pro, and 5, plus PC

Brand

HyperX by HP

Weight

580 grams

Battery Life

17 hours

Ear Cushions

Leatherette

Driver

40mm

Pros

• PlayStation optimized
• Active noise cancellation included

Cons

• Battery life is kind of short
• Steel boning may be more rigid and uncomfortable than other options

Just about every headset in this round-up of the best budget wireless gaming headsets is compatible with PlayStation consoles, but the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core is optimized for performance with PlayStations 4 and 5. In addition to being designed specifically for the Sony system, this headset meshes seamlessly with the PS5’s white hardware and bluish-purple lighting aesthetic.

The HyperX utilizes a 2.4GHz connection for low-latency sound, and features 40mm drivers to deliver precise, powerful audio. The headset’s steel sliders, while certainly providing some added sturdiness and build quality, may be too uncomfortable and put too much weight and squeeze on the head for some players.

PowerA LucidSound LS35X Wireless Gaming Headset

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox

Xbox wireless technology makes connecting the PowerA LucidSound LS35X wireless surround sound gaming headset as easy as connecting a wireless controller; simply turn on the set in proximity of the console and wait for the devices to acknowledge one another. Using this headset with its optimized console also means that critical details such as battery level and connection status can be quickly viewed on-screen. Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic surround sound, coupled with 50mm drivers and stellar earpieces acoustics, make for a truly next-level gaming audio experience for Xbox players. 

Microphone

Detachable boom mic, secondary internal mic

Compatibility

Xbox X, S, and One

What’s Included

Travel case, optional 3.5mm cable

Brand

PowerA

Surround Sound

Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic

Weight

397 grams

Battery Life

15 hours

Ear Cushions

Gel-cooled memory foam

Driver

50mm

Range

30 feet

Pros

• Proprietary intuitive onboard controls
• Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos surround sound
• Xbox optimized, compatible with other devices via 3.5 mm cable

Cons

• Battery life is quite short

Finally, the time for Xbox players to shine has come. The perfect Xbox-optimized budget wireless gaming headset, offered by PowerA, is the LucidSound LS35X. For less than $50, you get a headset that easily connects to the Microsoft console through Xbox Wireless technology, so headset details like battery level and connection status are conveniently displayed on-screen. Temporarily using a different console? The included 3.5mm cable allows for a wired connection to any other console with a corresponding 3.5mm port.

The memory foam earpads on this wireless gaming headset are gel-cooled to keep you comfortable during long play sessions, definitely an added perk. And while the 15-hour average battery life is nothing to be impressed about, the 50mm drivers rival the sound range of higher-end sets.

FAQ

Q: Does a gaming headset need 50mm drivers?

Not necessarily. Picking any sort of audio device for its driver size can loosely be analogized to buying a car just for the size of its engine. Some will, but most look at the aggregate offer. Many argue that a headset driver’s material, precision, and design are all far more important components than its size alone, and that’s not even factoring in other characteristics of the headset like spatial audio, equalizer customization, or noise cancelation — the metaphorical leather seats, sunroof, and air suspension upgrades that make the overall product appealing to the average user. There are slight differences in sound quality between the two popular driver sizes that dedicated audiophiles may pick up on; for instance, 50mm drivers, with their bigger diaphragms, are known to hit deeper, harder basses, while 40mm drivers are more likely to keep the sound natural and smooth, at the cost of a shorter frequency range.

Q: Do 2.4GHz end-to-end connections really make a difference?

In most cases, yes! Utilizing a high-speed end-to-end connection, especially if the wireless headset comes with a proprietary connection technology, will generally be more reliable than Bluetooth connections, and will experience less interruptions, lags, stutters, and delays.