The best cheap gaming headset deals March 2022

A good gaming headset is practically a necessity these days. Clean and precise audio is essential for competitive gaming, allowing you not just to pinpoint your enemies, but to communicate effectively with your teammates. Moreover, recent developments in spatial audio and virtual surround sound have allowed headsets to meet — and occasionally surpass — more expensive audio setups, allowing even the most budget-conscious gamer to obtain a competitive edge at a fraction of the price.

While you could always invest in a massive pair of speakers, they’re likely to earn you the dubious distinction of the worst roommate of the decade. Thankfully, the right headset will allow you to keep the running and gunning to yourself, which is why we’ve rounded up a collection of the best deals you can currently find on some of our favorite models.

For the sake of clarity, we’ve broken the deals down into two categories: wireless and wired. The former is tailored toward gamers looking for a little less clutter in their setup, while the latter is aimed at anyone who doesn’t mind a little extra cabling, or is looking for a headset that’s a little more budget-friendly.

The best wireless gaming headset deals

Logitech G435

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Definitely the boldest headset on our list, the Logitech G435 is a gaming headset perfect for anyone that isn’t afraid to make a statement. This comfortable, colorful headset is on sale for just $59.99 in a variety of colorways at Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy.

Logitech’s on-ear headset features both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity, making it compatible with PCs in addition to consoles and mobile devices. The 18-hour battery life is impressive, too, and while it does lack the more traditional 3.5mm audio jack, the included USB-C cable can be used to simultaneously charge and listen.

While the lightweight headset lacks the prevalent boom-mic design used by other headsets in this category — it opts for beamforming microphones — the integrated mic still manages to provide an adequate audio input solution. This has the added benefit of giving the headset a more traditional, on-ear profile, giving you the option of wearing these in public without broadcasting your gamer status.

Logitech G435 Lightspeed

Logitech’s G435 Lightspeed is a lightweight and comfortable wireless gaming headset that won’t break the bank. It’s compatible with PlayStation consoles, as well as the Nintendo Switch and PC. It also supports Bluetooth, so you can listen to music or pick up calls while you game.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X / S, Nintendo Switch (via 3.5mm audio)

The wireless version of the esports-inspired BlackShark headset from Razer boasts a lightweight, aviator design, and is currently discounted in white to $141.99 at GameStop and $143.99 at Best Buy. This isn’t the lowest price we’ve seen the comfortable headset go for, but it remains a solid discount on an excellent gaming headset that normally retails for $179.99.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is sturdy and perfectly suited for extended play sessions. The only break in its otherwise innocuous profile is a dedicated knob on the right earcup that allows for quick adjustments to volume when necessary and its detachable boom mic. The headset also features a 3.5mm audio jack and can be paired via 2.4Ghz wireless thanks to the included dongle, but the lack of Bluetooth is a bit disappointing. The V2 Pro is THX 7.1 surround capable, too, and comes with an included license for Razer’s THX Spatial Audio software.

In terms of battery life, the V2 Pro is capable of lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge, making it one of the longer-lasting headphones on the market. Sadly, however, it still relies on Micro USB for charging.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (white)

The wireless version of Razer’s aviator-style, esports headset is lightweight and comfortable. This model also features a detachable boom mic and volume knob.

Razer Barracuda X

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X / S (via 3.5mm), Nintendo Switch

The Razer Barracuda X, another solid entry from team green, is definitely one of Razer’s more versatile (and affordable) options when it comes to wireless gaming headsets. It typically retails for $99.99, but the black colorway is on sale at GameStop and Amazon right now for $79.99, just $10 shy of its best price to date. You can also save a little more with the white colorway, which is down to $73.99 at Amazon and Best Buy.

The Barracuda X is a fairly unremarkable headset at first glance given its standard design, but despite its bulkier profile, is actually lighter than the Razer BlackShark series of headsets. Our initial impressions by Verge staffer Cameron Faulkner noted how comfortable the Barracuda X was, even after several hours of wear, and mentioned that the design sets a strong precedent for potential future iterations.

While the lack of Bluetooth makes the Barracuda X a poor choice for mobile gaming, the 2.4Ghz wireless dongle uses a USB-C connection, meaning that you won’t have to rely on a 3.5mm audio cable to use the headset with your Nintendo Switch. The USB-C dongle can enable wireless connectivity with PS4 and PS5 thanks to the included adapter, too, but it can’t be used with Microsoft consoles unless you use a wired connection.

Razer Barracuda X

Razer’s latest gaming headset, the Barracuda X, normally costs $100 and ships with a USB-C audio transmitter. This makes it an easy choice if you game primarily on the go with a Nintendo Switch or if you have a PS5. It’s also compatible with other platforms via the included USB-A adapter.

Razer Nari Essential

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5

Just like it says on the tin, the Razer Nari Essential offers many of the basic features you’re likely to look for in a wireless headset, but does so at an affordable price point. The gaming headset usually retails for $99.99 but is available at Woot until April 4th (or while supplies last) for $39.99, matching the best price we’ve seen on the competent gaming headset.

On the surface, the Essential looks very similar to its more expensive models in the Nari lineup, but there are a few key differences. The headset shares the same form factor, with a mix of aluminum and plastic components that support the leatherette headband and earcups, but the earcups don’t swivel or lay flat, making them difficult to wear around the neck. The Razer logo on the side isn’t equipped with RGB lighting, either, and while the boom mic can be adjusted, it can’t be retracted into the earcup.

Nonetheless, the Nari Essential still provides a powerful, bassy sound and is compatible with Razer’s THX Spatial Audio, which allows for virtual 7.1 surround sound on PC. Compatibility is the biggest shortcoming of the headset, however, as it relies on a USB transmitter and only works with PCs or PlayStation consoles. It lacks Bluetooth and wired connectivity, which prohibits it from working with Xbox consoles, the Switch, and mobile devices.

Razer Nari Essential

At $40, the Nari Essential is hard to beat. It’s one of Razer’s more affordable wireless headsets, with 16 hours of battery life, a well-made build, and simulated surround sound on PC, a feature that lets you pinpoint enemies before sneak up on you.

Razer Nari Ultimate

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X / S (via 3.5mm), Nintendo Switch

The Nari Ultimate, the high-end model in Razer’s Nari lineup, offers a fairly comprehensive list of features for a wireless headset. The headset normally retails for $199.99, however, it’s currently on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $129.99, one of its better prices to date.

Like the rest of the Nari lineup, the Ultimate is composed of an aluminum frame with leatherette cushions on the headband and earcups. The adjustable boom mic can be quickly muted by retracting it into the earcup, and each earcup sports an RGB Razer logo that can be customized using the Razer Synapse software or the Razer Chroma app. The Ultimate also features a bass-heavy sound that’s accentuated not only by THX Spatial Audio but Razer’s “Hypersense” feature, which provides haptic feedback through the earcups for particularly loud sounds.

The only real drawback to this particular model is the lack of wireless connectivity with Xbox consoles. You can use the headset with an Xbox One or Series X / S, but only via a 3.5mm wired connection.

Razer Nari Ultimate

The Nari Ultimate is the premium model in the Razer Nari lineup. This model includes wired and wireless connectivity, and is equipped with Razer Chroma as well as THX Spatial Audio for virtual 7.1 surround sound.

Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X / S, Nintendo Switch

Our top entry in the wired category gets serious points for opting for its super-clean aesthetic. The Logitech G Pro headset was designed with esports in mind and is currently available at GameStop and Amazon for $79.99, a modest discount on its typical $99.99 price tag. This is still one of the lower prices we’ve seen for this particular headset, which was already a substantial value prior to the current discount.

The G Pro is remarkably simple in terms of its appearance, with no visible knobs or buttons, and no extra ports with the exception of a second 3.5mm audio jack for the detachable boom mic. In addition to the expected 3.5mm audio cable, the G Pro also comes packaged with velour ear pads that can be swapped with the standard leatherette earcups, as well as an external USB DAC that can be used to fine-tune your audio experience on PC using Logitech’s G Hub software.

Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset

The wired version of Logitech’s esports-focused gaming headset features the same sharp aesthetics and robust sound that made the wireless version so popular.

HyperX Cloud II

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X / S, Nintendo Switch

Reminiscent of the minimalist designs used by Logitech and Corsair, the HyperX Cloud II is a simple and effective headset that’s currently on sale in the black-and-red colorway for $68.98 at Amazon and $69.99 at Best Buy — a decent discount for a headset that usually retails for $99.99.

The Cloud II is a versatile, wired headset that’s remarkably comfortable and features audio fidelity that’s typically reserved for headsets that cost twice as much. The 53mm drivers deliver sound that is both punchy and balanced, much like those found in the wireless version we reviewed in 2020, and there’s a virtual 7.1 surround sound mode for added effect. The headset also features a detachable, noise-canceling mic, as well as inline remote for adjusting the volume of both the mic and audio playback.

It may not be as capable as its wireless sibling, but the HyperX Cloud II remains an excellent option that’s compatible with all contemporary consoles and mobile devices as long as you have a USB-C adapter.

HyperX Cloud II

The wired HyperX Cloud II touts many of the same features as the wireless version. This includes a comfortable design and virtual 7.1 surround when using a USB connection with your PC thanks to an inline DAC (digital audio converter).

Razer Kraken

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X / S, Nintendo Switch

An absolute unit of a headset, the Razer Kraken is currently on sale in select colorways at Amazon for $39.99 and Best Buy for $42.99, roughly $40 off its standard retail price. The massive headset is certainly one of the larger models in Razer’s arsenal, yet it remains a solid choice for anyone who wants powerful sound while gaming on their PC or console.

The Kraken uses an integrated digital-analog converter (DAC), which provides 7.1 virtual surround without the need for additional accessories. However, this feature is only available when connected to PCs running Razer’s THX Spatial Audio software. Additionally, the headset features thick, leatherette ear cups with cooling foam — which are perfect for extended play sessions — as well as a flexible boom mic that retracts into the left earcup when not in use. And, thanks to its 3.5mm audio connection, it’s compatible with both consoles and mobile devices, as well as PC.

Razer Kraken

The Razer Kraken is a large, wired headset that features 7.1 virtual surround sound for PCs and consoles. Its retractable boom mic also comes equipped with active noise cancellation.

Steelseries Arctis 3

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X / S, Nintendo Switch

The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is an excellent, budget-friendly wired headset. Normally $69.99, the headset is currently available in white at GameStop and Amazon for $49.99, matching one of its better prices in recent months. If white isn’t your color, the black colorway is also discounted to around $54 at Best Buy and Amazon.

Like all the models in the Arctis line of headsets, the Arctis 3 uses a less conventional design, opting for a ski-goggle headband instead of a padded leatherette. You can secure the headband with velcro and adjust it to provide a better fit, but you can also replace it with a variety of other Steelseries headbands if you want different accents. The slimness of the headband also makes it uniquely suited for use with VR headsets.

The earcups, which rotate to lay flat are covered with a breathable textile cushion, can also be removed and replaced with either imitation leather or velour cushions (both sold separately). Additionally, the left earcup is equipped with sliders to fine-tune volume and mic pickup, and the boom mic can be muted by retracting it into the earcup housing.

As for connectivity, the Arctis 3 relies on a 3.5mm audio jack to provide connectivity to your platform of choice, and just like other wired headsets, this gives it a broad spectrum of compatibility, with mobile devices without headphone jacks being the lone exception.

SteelSeries Arctis 3

The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is the most humble model in the current Arctis lineup, but retains the same excellent build quality shared by its more expensive counterparts and is compatible with all current gaming platforms.