Finding a good gaming headset under $100 that doesn’t sound like tin cans or break in three months is harder than it should be. There are dozens of options and most review sites just list them alphabetically. Instead, here’s every worthwhile gaming headset under $100 ranked in a proper tier list — S tier means buy it immediately, D tier means avoid it. Every headset on this list has been compared on sound quality, mic clarity, comfort, build quality, and features for the price.
S Tier — Best in Class
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 (~$100)
Type: Wireless (2.4 GHz + Bluetooth) | Battery: 85 hours | Weight: 282g
The Stealth 600 Gen 3 is the best gaming headset under $100, period. 85-hour battery life is absurd — you’ll charge it once a month. The 2.4 GHz wireless connection has zero perceivable latency for gaming, and Bluetooth lets you take calls or listen to music from your phone simultaneously. Sound signature is tuned for gaming with boosted bass and clear mids. The flip-to-mute mic is solid for comms. Build quality is the best at this price.
Best for: Wireless gaming on PC, PS5, Switch, or Xbox (model-specific)
HyperX Cloud III (~$100)
Type: Wired (USB-C / 3.5mm) | Weight: 298g
If you prefer wired, the Cloud III is the gold standard under $100. HyperX’s tuning has always been excellent — neutral-warm sound that works for both competitive (hearing footsteps) and immersive gaming (explosions, music). The detachable mic has DTS spatial audio support, and the memory foam ear cushions are comfortable for 6+ hour sessions. Metal headband means this headset will last years, not months.
Best for: Wired gaming on any platform, competitive players who want zero latency
A Tier — Excellent Value
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (~$80)
Type: Wireless (2.4 GHz + Bluetooth) | Battery: 40 hours | Weight: 274g
The Stealth 500 is the Stealth 600’s little brother. Same dual wireless connectivity, same Turtle Beach audio tuning, but with 40-hour battery (still excellent) and a ski-style headband design. At $80 it’s the sweet spot for wireless gaming headsets. The only reason it’s A tier instead of S tier is the slightly thinner ear cushion padding compared to the 600 Gen 3.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 (~$70)
Type: Wired (USB-C / 3.5mm) | Weight: 253g
SteelSeries makes some of the best gaming audio on the market, and the Arctis Nova 3 brings their signature sound to a budget price. The ski goggle-style headband distributes weight evenly, and at 253g it’s one of the lightest headsets on this list. The retractable ClearCast Gen 2 mic is excellent — AI noise cancellation removes background noise without making your voice sound robotic. If you want the best mic quality under $100, this is it.
Razer BlackShark V2 X (~$60)
Type: Wired (3.5mm) | Weight: 240g
The lightest headset on this list and one of the best competitive gaming headsets at any price. Razer’s TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers separate bass, mid, and treble into distinct chambers for cleaner audio. This means you can hear footsteps more clearly without sacrificing explosion impact. At 240g, you’ll forget you’re wearing it. The tradeoff: no USB connection and no software EQ without a separate Razer dongle.
Best for: Competitive FPS players on a budget
B Tier — Solid Picks
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless (~$70)
Type: Wireless (2.4 GHz USB-C dongle) | Battery: 25 hours | Weight: 260g
A budget wireless option that works on PC, PS5, Switch, and mobile (via USB-C dongle). 25-hour battery life is decent, and the detachable mic is clear enough for Discord. Sound quality doesn’t match the Arctis Nova 3, but wireless convenience at $70 is hard to beat. The plastic build feels cheaper than other SteelSeries headsets, but it’s functional.
HyperX Cloud Alpha (~$80-100)
Type: Wired (3.5mm) | Battery: N/A | Weight: 336g
The Cloud Alpha has been around for years and remains a reliable choice. Dual-chamber driver design provides clean bass without muddying mids. The aluminum headband is nearly indestructible. At 336g it’s the heaviest headset here — comfort during extended sessions depends on your head size and tolerance. Great sound, great build, but newer options at the same price offer more features.
JBL Quantum 350 (~$80)
Type: Wireless (2.4 GHz) | Battery: 22 hours | Weight: 252g
JBL’s gaming lineup gets overlooked, but the Quantum 350 delivers solid wireless performance at $80. The JBL QuantumSURROUND spatial audio is effective for positional awareness. Battery life is the weakest on this list at 22 hours, but that’s still enough for a week of gaming sessions between charges. The boom mic is flip-up to mute and sounds clear.
C Tier — Budget Picks
JBL Quantum 100 (~$40)
Type: Wired (3.5mm) | Weight: 220g
The best ultra-budget gaming headset. At $40, expectations are low, but the Quantum 100 actually sounds decent — JBL’s audio engineering trickles down even to their cheapest products. The detachable mic is serviceable for team comms. Build quality is plastic and won’t survive drops, but if you’re on a tight budget, this is the floor for acceptable gaming audio.
Corsair HS35 v2 (~$35)
Type: Wired (3.5mm) | Weight: 246g
Another budget option that gets the basics right. Clean sound, reasonable comfort, and a flip-down mic. No frills, no software, no RGB. It just works. The ear cups are slightly small for larger ears, which knocks it down to C tier.
Tier List Summary
| Tier | Headset | Price | Type | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 | $100 | Wireless | 85-hr battery, dual wireless |
| S | HyperX Cloud III | $100 | Wired | Best sound quality, metal build |
| A | Turtle Beach Stealth 500 | $80 | Wireless | Dual wireless at $80 |
| A | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 | $70 | Wired | Best mic, lightest comfort |
| A | Razer BlackShark V2 X | $60 | Wired | Best competitive audio, 240g |
| B | SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless | $70 | Wireless | Universal wireless dongle |
| B | HyperX Cloud Alpha | $80-100 | Wired | Indestructible build |
| B | JBL Quantum 350 | $80 | Wireless | JBL spatial audio |
| C | JBL Quantum 100 | $40 | Wired | Best under $50 |
| C | Corsair HS35 v2 | $35 | Wired | Cheapest acceptable option |
What Should You Buy?
- Best overall: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 ($100) — wireless, 85-hour battery, great sound
- Best wired: HyperX Cloud III ($100) — premium sound and build at a mid-range price
- Best value: Razer BlackShark V2 X ($60) — competitive audio at the lowest price worth buying
- Best budget wireless: Turtle Beach Stealth 500 ($80) — dual wireless without breaking $100
- Best under $50: JBL Quantum 100 ($40) — the only sub-$50 headset we’d recommend
Pair your new headset with the best gaming keyboard and mouse under $50 for a complete budget gaming setup. And if you’re upgrading your display too, check our best budget gaming monitors guide.
