The best cheap gamer headsets in the UK 2023

Whether you play on a PC or a console, the gamer headset is just as essential as the joystick or the keyboard. Indeed, it allows you to communicate with other gamers or play late at night without waking up the rest of the house. But when it comes to gaming headsets, quality comes at a price. Fortunately, the wired Corsair HS60 PRO Surround is a budget-friendly headset with a microphone and 7.1 surround sound.

Corsair HS60 PRO Surround 1
9/10

Best value for money

Corsair HS60 PRO Surround

Best cheap gamer headset in 2021

The Corsair HS60 PRO Surround offers 7.1 surround sound. Its adjustable memory pads allow you to wear them for hours without feeling discomfort or sweating. And its wired design prevents latency and discharge.

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The Corsair HS60 PRO Surround is just as comfortable as its predecessor, the Corsair HS60. The padding in the adjustable memory ear cups seems thicker, offering more comfort. On the other hand, the gamer headset will feel slightly tighter on the head, though it doesn't really bother. Overall, it's not too distracting. This headset also benefits from excellent build quality, with its metal frame.

The real difference from its predecessor is the ability to listen to 7.1 surround sound. The sound profile of the Corsair HS60 PRO is rich in bass, so that explosions and gunshots are faithfully reproduced, but footsteps are not so much. However, the low price is strongly felt in the sound isolation, which is not very successful. However, it should be noted that sounds in the low range (the sound of a bus or train engine) are almost not blocked and high-pitched sounds (fans, air conditioners, etc.) are not transmitted.

Beexcellent GM-3 2
7/10

Best value for money

Beexcellent GM-3

Best entry-level cheap gamer headset

The Beexcellent GM-3 wired gamer headset allows you to communicate with other gamers online without breaking the bank. It is primarily aimed at gamers with small budgets and those who do not have too many requirements for noise reduction.

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The Beexcellent GM-3 offers an acceptable, but not really exceptional sound quality. The good thing is that the bass is powerful and deep, thanks mainly to the in-house Neodymium driver. In the absence of 7.1 surround sound, we'll settle for that. In fact, the sound is still surround sound, but with 2 channels. For many games, users who do not have a musical ear will not notice the difference.

The speakers have a diameter of 40 mm. This is perfectly average. The microphone of the Beexcellent GM-3 does not offer any noise reduction function. However, it is unidirectional and sits in front of the mouth, thus blocking out most of the background noise.

Cheap gamer headset - SteelSeries Arctis 7 3
8/10

Best value for money

Cheap gamer headset - SteelSeries Arctis 7

Best high-end cheap gamer headset

The SteelSeries Arctis series is a benchmark in wireless PC and console gaming headsets. If you have 200 euros and are looking for a functional, versatile and practical Bluetooth gamer headset, the Arctis 7 is what you need.

136 £ on Rakuten

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a comfortable wireless gamer headset. Priced at 170 euros less than the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, it has well-padded, skin-friendly and breathable cushions, which ensure good air circulation and limit sweating. The Arctis 7 also benefits from an excellent, flexible and robust metal headband. The boom microphone remains flexible and retractable. The whole thing should survive a few drops or impacts without a problem.

The right earpiece houses the power button and the volume slider. On the left earpiece, there is a micro USB port for charging and a proprietary port that can connect to a 3.5mm audio jack for a wired configuration. The Arctis 7 offers great gaming features, including stereo and DTS 7.1 surround sound, as well as a plethora of equalization options. In fact, the SteelSeries Engine 3 software lets you play around with the surround sound and EQ settings, then create profiles and link them to specific games.

HyperX Cloud Flight 4
8/10

Bluetooth stereo headset 2.0

HyperX Cloud Flight

Excellent wireless 2.0 stereo headset

If the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is still beyond your means, buy the HyperX Cloud Flight. The second cheap wireless gamer headset in our ranking offers decent performance, with a well-balanced sound profile.

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The HyperX Cloud Flight is a comfortable headset, but it doesn't have as much cushioning as some of the higher-end wireless models. Given the price, we can live with that. On the other hand, the HyperX Cloud Flight is a bit lighter than gamer headsets priced over 200 euros, as there is a lot of plastic in its structure. We like the comfortable headband and the spacious ear cups. On the other hand, the ear pads breathe rather badly.

As for the sound, this cheap gamer headset is satisfied with a 2.0 stereo sound, no surround sound on the program. But it remains quite well balanced, especially the atmospheres and sounds of the game. Note that the microphone and controls located on the headphones are not available when using the wired connection. Finally, the battery life of this headset reaches 30 hours, good to know if you play for hours.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best cheap gamer headset

Any specific needs?

Best cheap gamer headset in 2021

Best entry-level cheap gamer headset

Best high-end cheap gamer headset

Excellent wireless 2.0 stereo headset

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best cheap gamer headsets

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Corsair HS60 PRO Surround 5
9/10
Beexcellent GM-3 6
7/10
Cheap gamer headset - SteelSeries Arctis 7 7
8/10
HyperX Cloud Flight 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Corsair HS60 PRO Surround
Beexcellent GM-3
Cheap gamer headset - SteelSeries Arctis 7
HyperX Cloud Flight
The Corsair HS60 PRO Surround offers 7.1 surround sound. Its adjustable memory pads allow you to wear them for hours without feeling discomfort or sweating. And its wired design prevents latency and discharge.
The Beexcellent GM-3 wired gamer headset allows you to communicate with other gamers online without breaking the bank. It is primarily aimed at gamers with small budgets and those who do not have too many requirements for noise reduction.
The SteelSeries Arctis series is a benchmark in wireless PC and console gaming headsets. If you have 200 euros and are looking for a functional, versatile and practical Bluetooth gamer headset, the Arctis 7 is what you need.
If the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is still beyond your means, buy the HyperX Cloud Flight. The second cheap wireless gamer headset in our ranking offers decent performance, with a well-balanced sound profile.
Excellent value for money
Unidirectional microphone
Renowned brand of wireless gamer headsets
30 hrs of battery life
Companion software with graphic equalizer
Lightweight and comfortable design
Unique, comfortable headband design
High impact bass
7.1 surround sound performance
Multi-platform compatibility
Stunning noise management
Great overall sound quality for gaming

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Buying guide - cheap gamer headset

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How to choose your cheap gamer headset

Not everyone can afford to spend over £200 on a top brand wireless headset. Once you've bought the game, the new graphics card or the new gamer processor, there's not much left for the headset. Luckily, there are some great deals out there. Here's what you need to know to find them.

#1 - Compatibility

The first thing to consider when researching is the platform you are using. If you are primarily a PC gamer, make sure the headset is compatible with your PC. Similarly, if you're mostly a console gamer, make sure the gamer headset works with your PS4, Nintendo Switch or Xbox One. Mac users will have a hard time finding a cheap gamer headset that is compatible with the Apple environment. And the efforts of manufacturers are not especially in this direction although there are gamer headsets that work on all platforms. However, it would be a lie to say that they are cheap!

#2 - Wired or wireless?

Other than the platform, you will also have to consider the type of connection you plan to use. Otherwise, you'll simply end up with a headset that is incompatible with your machine and your needs. There are several connection types, including standard 3.5mm jack, wired USB and Bluetooth, so for PS4 gamers, there won't be any connectivity issues. However, if you're primarily a PC gamer, you'll need to look into this further. Gamer headsets on PC require additional drivers or software to be installed. Otherwise, you won't be able to access advanced features such as equalizer or surround sound. If you're looking for a USB headset on PS4, make sure that this compatibility is explicitly stated on the headset's specifications. As for wireless headphones, budget at least 120 euros if you're looking for sound with faithful sound and a latency-free connection.

#3 - Wearing comfort

This criterion is the key to staying focused and efficient. The best gamer headsets are comfortable and non-intrusive. The lower the price, the less comfortable the headset will be. On the other hand, the less expensive the headset, the less oppressive it is when worn. Of course, the cheap gamer headset uses a huge amount of plastic. For aesthetics, you will have to review your budget. The materials used in the headband and earpieces are the most important. Leather earpieces are said to be the most comfortable, not to mention really stylish. However, they make your ears prone to sweat. Spongier headphones allow for better airflow.

#4 - Sound quality

All

gamers agree that quality sound can make a difference during a gaming session. The main purpose of headphones is to allow you to hear explosions, gunshots, enemy footsteps and take your game to the next level. On YouTube, listening to a podcast or streaming a series on Netflix, compromising on audio quality is also out of the question. Dolby Headphone sound is considered the most advanced technology in modern gaming headsets. It offers virtual 7.1 surround sound, which gives you a competitive edge not only in multiplayer FPS but in all other gaming genres. Good news, 7.1 sound is available on some gamer headsets for under $100.

#5 - The headset microphone

Any gamer headset worth its salt must have a microphone. After all, how can you communicate clearly with your teammates during a multiplayer game with a failing mic or no mic at all? So make sure the headset you plan to buy has a noise-cancelling feature. This will make your voice more audible to others. You should also look at whether the mic is omnidirectional or unidirectional. Omnidirectional mics pick up sounds from all directions. To put it another way, if you have to choose between a headset with an omnidirectional mic and one with a unidirectional mic, choose the latter.

How does a gamer headset reproduce sound?

With a cheap gamer headset, it's important that you feel like you're inside the game and in the middle of the game, but how do you know without trying the headset first? Well, by paying attention to the sound reproduction technology. For audio headsets, gamer headsets in particular, there are generally three types of sound reproduction: stereo, virtual surround sound and three-dimensional sound.

A stereo headset distributes sound over only two channels. It usually has a 3.5 mm jack connection and almost all games can be set to stereo headphones. A gamer headset with 5.1 or 7.1 virtual surround sound uses software and algorithms to simulate 5 or 7 channels of sound. This means you hear where the sound is coming from and where it's going much more accurately.

In addition to stereo and virtual surround sound, there is also three-dimensional sound reproduction. This technology is represented in particular by Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic, which use, among other things, volume and frequency to define the exact location of the sound.

Cheap gamer headset or separate headset and microphone?

Cheap gamer headset

If we summarize in a very simple way, a gamer headset is a standard headset with a microphone attached to it. It is a headset specifically dedicated to video games. And as such, it will strive to allow clear communication, provide noise isolation, immersive sound, enhanced comfort, and will often employ colorful sound designs to provide an enjoyable gaming experience.

Gamer headsets are great for multiplayer games that require interaction with other players. A two-in-one device offers convenience and allows you to stay focused on the game. They are also easier to carry around than a headset with a separate microphone.

Headset and separate microphone

A headset and mic combination means that you need to get a headset only and an external mic that could be attached to the headset to get a better gaming experience. Unlike a gamer headset, with a disassociated headset and mic, you have to buy both a good headset and a good mic.

Headsets with separate microphones generally have better sound quality than gamer headsets. The sound requirements are not the same. While gamer headsets are designed to improve the fidelity and depth of the audio output, traditional headsets with external microphones are designed more for music and bringing out the bass and treble.

Verdict

In short, in terms of sound quality, standard headsets fare better. But that means you need to invest in a separate microphone if you intend to use it for multiplayer games. Gamer headsets, on the other hand, are perfect for competitive gamers. The audio quality may not be as rewarding, but you can improve it by using the game's surround sound settings.

Tips

Pay attention to the level of sound insulation

The quality of a headset's isolation greatly affects the quality of the sound. Poor isolation can really change what you hear, and this is especially important for gamer headsets and games that use very light directional audio signals like footsteps, gunfire, etc.

The quality of manufacture is also important

Most gamer headsets are plastic, often cheap plastic. It is important to find a solid model. If you can find a gamer headset with a metal or wire frame, that's ideal. If you have no choice but plastic, find a model with enough range of motion to accommodate your head shape.

Be careful with your cable

Paying

attention to the cable will extend the life of a gamer headset. Wrapping the cable around a few fingers so that it follows its natural rotation prevents damage to the internal cable, among other things. The padding on a cable will likely create creases and breakage points over time, even if the outside of the cord appears intact.

Never compromise on comfort

Think about

how much time you spend playing video games, because that's how long you'll be wearing your cheap gamer headset. For this reason alone, you need to find the most comfortable model for you. If you make the wrong choice, you will not only experience severe physical discomfort that can affect your gaming efficiency, but you may also develop more serious health problems in the long run.

Always choose surround sound

Surround sound has become a common feature on many forms of entertainment, as this technology offers exceptional audio quality. Using a cheap gamer headset with this technology will make you feel like you have many speakers around you. You'll hear sounds from all directions. Opting for a headset with surround sound not only enhances your gaming experience, but will also give you a serious advantage in winning a game, especially on multiplayer FPS.

FAQ

What is the best cheap gamer headset?

The best cheap gamer headset depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find the best products out there.

Why should I invest in a cheap gamer headset?

The best cheap gamer headsets are designed from the start with one goal in mind: to give you the high-quality sound you need to react quickly and accurately in the game and communicate clearly with your teammates. If you're a gamer who plays online a lot, you need a gamer headset. It's simply a must-have.

Why should I choose headphones that support surround sound?

If you're a fan of FPS and plan to mainly use your cheap PC gamer headset with games like Call of Duty, PUBG or Overwatch, a headset that can support full 7.1 surround is a must-have.

What type of cheap gamer headset should I avoid?

Needless to say, if you are going to invest in a gamer headset, you want one that will last. This mainly comes down to avoiding the cheapest headsets on the market, as they are the most likely to suffer from poor build quality and very fragile materials.

Unidirectional or omnidirectional microphone?

Unidirectional microphones are much better at isolating your voice from outside sounds than omnidirectional designs. Some headsets incorporate a bi-directional design, which makes noise cancellation circuits possible.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , materiel.net
  3. , rakuten.com
  4. , boulanger.com
  5. , pcgamer.com
  6. , techradar.com
  7. , ign.com
  8. , pcmag.com
  9. , tomshardware.com
  10. , techadvisor.fr
  11. , topachat.com
  12. , gameover.fr
  13. , best-comparatif.fr
  14. , auchan.fr
  15. , fnac.com
  16. , darty.com
  17. , config-gamer.fr
  18. , boutiqueaz.com
  19. , grosbill.com
  20. , lesnumeriques.com
  21. , cybertek.fr
  22. , univers-gamer.fr
  23. , casque-gamer.fr
  24. , ldlc.com
  25. , topachat.com
  26. , m.youtube.com
  27. , best-comparatif.fr
  28. , futura-sciences.com
  29. , casquegamer.com
  30. , lesnumeriques.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Corsair HS60 PRO Surround 9
Corsair HS60 PRO Surround
Beexcellent GM-3 10
Beexcellent GM-3
Cheap gamer headset - SteelSeries Arctis 7 11
Cheap gamer headset - SteelSeries Arctis 7
HyperX Cloud Flight 12
HyperX Cloud Flight

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