
A design that distributes the weight of the headset across your head can make even a heavy headset wearable for many hours.

A lighter headset will weigh on you less but that isn’t the only solution or even the best one. They don’t move when you shake your head, but they don’t grip too tight, either.ĭuring long gaming sessions, a heavy headset can start to feel uncomfortable, particularly against the top of the head. The best gaming headsets feel balanced on your head, without weighing you down. Some headsets feel better than others when properly adjusted, though. Every headset allows you to adjust it in some way to ensure the earcups line up with your ears so it fits correctly. You want your headset to be comfortable, especially if you plan on using it for long gaming sessions.
BEST GAMER HEADSET BLUETOOTH
That said, we recommend Bluetooth headsets for smartphones, as most receiver dongles require a USB-A port. Many headsets support Bluetooth wireless, but the connection generates more audio lag than you want for most games. If you plan to connect to a console or gaming PC, we recommend relying exclusively on a Wi-Fi connection enabled through a USB receiver dongle. On more expensive headsets, we recommend 20 hours or better, but for a budget headset you may need to be more flexible. If you opt for a wireless headset, make sure you look for one with solid battery life. Also, wireless headsets require battery power, which means they need to be charged. As we mentioned, you don’t need to worry about what console you own when buying one.
BEST GAMER HEADSET SOFTWARE
What they lack in premium features and software customization they make up for in simplicity.

While that’s an obvious advantage, wired headsets have perks as well. They give you the freedom to position yourself without worrying about cables connecting to your console, PC, or controller. Wireless gaming headsets let you ditch the cables and give yourself a clutter-free gaming space. If you have many consoles and want to use one headset for everything, a 3.5mm headphone jack is the way to go. While it doesn’t allow for advanced controls and features, a 3.5mm will work on any device with a headphone jack. Luckily, many of the top options in the sub-$100 budget headset range support a wired, 3.5mm connection. Make sure you know where and how you’ll connect your headset, so you can be sure you’re buying a device that works as intended. If a headset connects to a game console via USB or wirelessly, chances are that you need to buy the version that caters to your devices specifically. Many gaming headsets are not universally compatible across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles. Here are some factors you should keep in mind when picking your next: Is it compatible with your system(s)? Luckily, picking a headset in the lower, sub-$100 price range narrows the field quite a bit. Their specs often don’t translate into a reasonable understanding of how music or games sound through their speakers. Shopping for a gaming headset can be tricky. What to consider before buying a gaming headset under $100
BEST GAMER HEADSET PROFESSIONAL
I am constantly looking to optimize my equipment for both professional and personal comfort. We focused on offerings from the most popular, reliable brands, to ensure that picking a less expensive headset means simple, rather than low-quality.Īs a critic covering games and related gear for Popular Mechanics and NBC Select, I have tested and reviewed tons of gaming headsets and peripherals. We considered the myriad of qualities that go into the perfect gaming headset, including comfort, connectivity, intuitive controls, and, most of all, clear audio. To pick the best gaming headsets under $100, we leveraged our collective audio expertise at PopSci, as well as professional reviews and consumer impressions from across the internet. How we picked the best gaming headsets under $100

Even with a budget limited to $100, you can find an excellent gaming headset for everything from competitive gaming to streaming to simple video calls. There are also some wireless options in the mix but don’t expect audio processing features or best-in-class battery life. Most budget headsets that we really like tend to rely on a simple wired connection via a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is universal across PC, phones, and every game console. At this price, you can find a very simple headset with decent speakers and a solid microphone, but the quality isn’t a given. When you’re looking to spend $100 or less on a gaming headset, it’s best to keep things simple.
