For a budget gaming headset under £100/$100, Tech Advisor’s February 21, 2024 guide named the Razer BlackShark V2 its overall pick and the Astro A10 Gen 2 its best wired option. Those are historical editorial choices and review-period prices—not current buying recommendations or prices. The guide’s assessments were made by Tech Advisor; this article does not present new hands-on testing.
How to choose a cheap gaming headset
Start with the connection your headset and gaming device both support. A 3.5 mm wired headset is a straightforward choice when you want to avoid charging; wireless models can be more convenient, but support may vary by device and connection mode. Then weigh fit, microphone style, and any software features against how and where you play.
- Wired: Check whether your device has a compatible 3.5 mm audio jack. A model’s broad compatibility claim applies to its supported connection, not necessarily to every version of that product.
- Wireless: Check the supported wireless mode for your device. A headset may use a proprietary wireless connection and Bluetooth, with different device support for each.
- Microphone: A boom mic can be positioned near your mouth and flipped or muted on some models. Built-in beamforming microphones avoid a protruding boom, but may not sound as crisp.
- Fit and features: Consider weight, earcup style, and replaceable cushions alongside audio features. Spatial audio and companion software features can depend on the platform.
Tech Advisor set a £100/$100 budget ceiling for its 2024 guide. Its picks and quoted prices below reflect that guide’s February 2024 review period, not today’s market.
2024 picks and what each one offers
| Headset | Connection and compatibility | Microphone and fit | Features and price context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Razer BlackShark V2 | Tech Advisor’s guide discusses a USB sound card; verify the connection and platform requirements for the specific listing. | Not stated in the cited guide summary. | Tech Advisor’s overall pick, highlighting 50 mm drivers and THX spatial audio. It listed $99.99 when reviewed and warned some features are PC-only. [Tech Advisor, February 21, 2024] |
| Razer BlackShark V2 X | 3.5 mm wired. Razer lists PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and mobile compatibility for this connection. | HyperClear cardioid microphone; passive noise cancellation. | Razer describes TriForce 50 mm drivers. No price is established here. This is not the BlackShark V2 or the separate V2 X USB model. [Razer product page] [Razer console product page] |
| Logitech G435 | LIGHTSPEED and Bluetooth. Logitech lists LIGHTSPEED support for PC, Mac, PS4, and PS5; verify support for the intended device and mode. | Dual beamforming microphones; no boom mic. SoundGuys describes the headset as light and says its built-in mic is not as crisp as a boom mic. | SoundGuys listed a $79.99 MSRP in its 2025 roundup; that is not a verified current selling price. [Logitech G435] [SoundGuys roundup] |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 | SoundGuys describes a wired 3.5 mm jack and broad compatibility; check the exact variant and device. | SoundGuys notes a fixed microphone and build trade-offs. | Tech Advisor included the model family in its 2024 selection. SoundGuys listed a $49.99 MSRP in its 2025 roundup, not a confirmed current price. [Tech Advisor, February 21, 2024] [SoundGuys roundup] |
| Astro A10 Gen 2 | Tech Advisor’s guide selected it as a wired headset; confirm the connection and platform on the exact listing. | Tech Advisor described on-ear cups, a flip-to-mute boom mic, and replaceable earcups and headband foam. It listed the design at 240 g. | Tech Advisor’s best-wired selection, with a review-period price of $59.99. This is not a current price quote. [Tech Advisor, February 21, 2024] |
Which model fits your use?
For an all-rounder in the 2024 guide: Razer BlackShark V2
Tech Advisor’s pick is the closest match if you want the guide’s top overall recommendation and are interested in its highlighted 50 mm drivers, THX spatial audio, and USB sound card. The publication cautioned that some features are PC-only, so do not assume the complete feature set carries over to consoles.
#1 Best Overall
- [198g Featherlight Frame] Only 198g (6.9oz) weight VS mainstream 250g headsets, reduces head pressure by roughly 20%. No sore neck or scalp fatigue during all-night gaming, ultra-light for long-hour wear.
- [Glasses-Friendly Ergonomic Fit] Breathable fabric earcups keep your ears cool during long play sessions; The Adjustable and soft headband provides a comfortable gaming session, suitable for different head shapes and glasses-friendly.
- [Impressive Sound] With 40 mm neodymium drivers, the gaming headset delivers crisp, clear stereo sound, providing deeper gaming immersion and a more dynamic listening experience.
- [Superior Voice Quality] Omnidirectional microphone blocks surrounding distractions, keeps your voice clear and stable during team voice chat and streaming.
- [Multi-Platform Support] Standard 3.5mm plug-and-play connection works seamlessly with PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Stem Deck and Mac. One headset meets all audio demands of console gamers, PC gaming lovers and desktop office users without extra adapters.
For wired simplicity: Astro A10 Gen 2 or a 3.5 mm alternative
The Astro A10 Gen 2 was Tech Advisor’s wired pick, with a flip-to-mute boom mic and replaceable padding among its practical details. The BlackShark V2 X and Cloud Stinger 2 are other wired options in the evidence here, but confirm their exact variant and device connection before buying.
For wireless flexibility: Logitech G435
The G435 offers LIGHTSPEED and Bluetooth, giving it more than one wireless connection route. Its built-in dual beamforming microphones eliminate the boom, a convenience that comes with the SoundGuys-noted compromise in mic crispness compared with a boom mic. Check the support for the connection mode you plan to use.
Rank #2
- Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound: This gaming headset delivering stereo surround sound for realistic audio. Whether you're in a high-speed FPS battle or losing yourself RPG adventures, this Ps5 headset provides crisp treble, punchy bass, and precise directional cues, giving you a competitive edge
- Great Humanized Design: Comfortable and breathable permeability protein over-ear pads perfectly on your head, adjustable headband distributes pressure evenly, you’ll enjoy lasting comfort during hours of gaming and suitable for all gaming players of all ages
- Sensitivity Noise-Cancelling Microphone: 360° omnidirectionally rotatable sensitive microphone, premium noise cancellation, sound localisation, your voice comes through loud and natural, ensuring your teammates catch every callout, even in chaotic battle scenes.
- Universal Compatibility: This gaming headphone support for PC, Ps5, Ps4, Xbox one, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Laptop, Mobile Phone and other devices with 3.5mm jack.Note 1: When you use headset on your PC, be sure to connect the "1-to-2 3.5mm audio jack splitter cable" (Red-Mic, Green-audio). (Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter when connect with an old version Xbox One controller)
- Cool style gaming experience: Colorful RGB lights create a gorgeous gaming atmosphere, adding excitement to every match. Heightening immersion for FPS, MOBA, and action titles. These eye-catching lights give your setup a gamer-ready look while maintaining focus on performance. (*Note: The USB connector is for LED lighting only)
Check the exact model and platform before buying
Names in the same headset family can refer to meaningfully different hardware. Razer distinguishes the BlackShark V2, BlackShark V2 X, and BlackShark V2 X USB; do not treat their specs or connections as interchangeable. Razer’s V2 X product descriptions specify a 3.5 mm connection and list platform compatibility for that model, while the USB variant is separate. [Razer BlackShark V2 X] [Razer console product page]
Platform-targeted picks from Tech Advisor’s 2024 guide also illustrate why compatibility matters: it noted that Xbox Wireless Headset support is limited on PlayStation and Switch. Its other categories included the Roccat Elo 7.1 Air, Razer Nari Essential, Gioteck TX70, Sony Inzone H3, and Trust GTX 391 Thian. These were distinct wireless or platform-oriented choices, not direct substitutes for every wired pick. Tech Advisor also described the Gioteck TX70’s battery life as a middling 15 hours. [Tech Advisor, February 21, 2024]
Rank #3
- Enjoy expansive cinematic sound. Big 50 mm audio drivers deliver an incredible sound experience
- Hear Enemies From All Sides. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound(1) lets you hear enemies sneaking behind you, special ability cues, and immersive environments. It’s positional clarity that can make the difference between victory and defeat. Experience three-dimensional audio that goes beyond 7.1 channels to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. (1) DTS Headphone:X 2.0 requires Logitech G HUB Software.
- Be Heard Loud and Clear. The big 6 mm boom mic makes sure you’re heard by gaming partners and mutes when flipped up.
- Use One Headset For Most Game Platforms. Your headphones work with your PC or Mac via USB DAC or 3.5 mm cable, mobile devices with 3.5 mm cable or with gaming consoles including PlayStationⓇ 5 and PlayStationⓇ 4 (USB wireless stereo sound only), Nintendo Switch (wireless stereo sound when docked)
- Game for Hours in Comfort. Everything about these headphones is about comfort: The deluxe lightweight leatherette ear cups and headband are made to keep pressure off your ears. Ear cups rotate up to 90 degrees for convenience.
Prices and testing: what the 2024 labels mean
The listed $99.99 BlackShark V2 and $59.99 Astro A10 Gen 2 figures are prices Tech Advisor gave when it reviewed those models for its February 2024 guide. SoundGuys’ 2025 roundup lists MSRP—not verified live selling prices—of $79.99 for Logitech G435 and $49.99 for HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. Prices, stock, and regional product variants can change, so check the retailer listing for your location.
“Tested” in the original topic refers to the cited publications’ reviews, not new testing for this article. Tech Advisor’s dated guide supplies the historical overall and wired selections; SoundGuys provides later comparative notes on the G435 and Cloud Stinger 2. Manufacturer pages describe product specifications, not independent comparative test results.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Hi-Fi Stereo Sound: This gaming headset delivers professionally tuned sound—crisp in-game audio to pinpoint enemies, rich detailed music, and immersive movie soundscapes—ideal for gamers to elevate every audio moment.
- Clear Sound Transmission Mic: Featuring a cardioid (unidirectional) microphone, this gaming headset enables precise directional sound pickup—it filters side/rear ambient noise, locks front sound sources within a 120° pickup angle for controllable range, and delivers pure, clear sound transmission, perfect for in-game calls and voice chat.
- Ergonomic Key Layout: The mute button and volume wheel of this gaming headset boast an ergonomic layout—fitting hand movement naturally, easy to locate by touch, minimizing misoperations, comfortable to adjust, reducing fatigue in extended use, never disrupting your gaming or calls.
- Design Fit for Long Wear: Our over-ear gaming headset’s earcups last over 2 years—surpassing typical durability—with full ear coverage, memory foam padding, and breathable leather, ensuring all-day comfort free from pressure or sweat.
- Anti-Tangling Braided Cable: This gaming headphones feature a braided cable and 1.5m length—the braided cable resists stretching/wear and avoids tangling for durability; 1.5m enables free desk movement, fits devices well, no tripping—ideal for smooth, hassle-free gaming.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
