In this review, we’ll explore the best budget headphones for gaming available on Amazon Australia, ensuring you get the best value for your money. In the world of gaming, sound quality can make or break your experience. While professional gamers may invest in high-end equipment, budget-conscious gamers also deserve top-notch sound without breaking the bank. Thankfully, there are several budget gaming headphones that provide excellent sound, comfort, and microphone quality at a fraction of the price.
1. SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired Gaming Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is one of the most recommended budget gaming headsets. It provides an incredible balance between sound quality, comfort, and price.
Features:
- ClearCast Noise-Cancelling Microphone: The microphone is Discord-certified, ensuring crystal-clear voice communication. The detachable feature also makes it easy to use as regular headphones.
- Comfortable Design: The adjustable headband ensures comfort during long gaming sessions. The memory foam ear cushions provide a snug fit.
- Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
Sound Quality: The SteelSeries Arctis 1 delivers clear and balanced audio, making it ideal for both casual and competitive gaming. The sound is rich, with clear mids and crisp highs, perfect for detecting in-game sound cues like footsteps.
Pros:
- Detachable microphone
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Strong compatibility across platforms
Cons:
- Lacks surround sound support
- Non-braided cable
For its price, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is an excellent choice for any gamer seeking a reliable and comfortable budget headset.
2. Razer Kraken X Gaming Headset
Razer is a brand well-known for its premium gaming peripherals. The Razer Kraken X delivers impressive performance at an affordable price, making it a strong contender in the budget gaming headset category.
Features:
- 7.1 Surround Sound: Available for PC, this feature provides an immersive experience, allowing you to pinpoint enemy locations with precision.
- Comfortable Build: The headset weighs only 250 grams, making it incredibly light and comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
- Cardioid Microphone: The bendable cardioid microphone reduces background noise, making your voice clearer during multiplayer games.
Sound Quality: The 7.1 surround sound feature is a highlight for PC gamers, offering a distinct advantage in FPS games where positional audio is critical. For console gamers, the stereo sound is still solid, providing a decent mix of bass and treble.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- 7.1 surround sound for PC
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Surround sound is PC only
- Non-detachable microphone
Overall, the Razer Kraken X offers premium features at a budget-friendly price, especially for PC gamers looking for immersive surround sound.
3. HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Gaming Headset
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core is another fantastic option for gamers on a budget. Known for their comfort and sound quality, HyperX has managed to produce a great headset at a low price point with the Cloud Stinger Core.
Features:
- Lightweight Frame: Weighing only 215 grams, the Cloud Stinger Core is designed for comfort.
- Steel Sliders: Durable and adjustable steel sliders ensure a perfect fit.
- Immersive Sound: The headset features powerful drivers that offer clear and immersive sound.
Sound Quality: While lacking virtual surround sound, the stereo audio on the Cloud Stinger Core is more than adequate for most gaming needs. The sound is balanced, and the bass is deep enough to make explosions and gunfire in games sound impactful.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Durable steel sliders
- Good mic quality
Cons:
- No surround sound
- Basic design
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core is perfect for gamers who prioritize comfort and solid audio performance without spending too much.
4. Corsair HS35 Stereo Gaming Headset
The Corsair HS35 is a solid budget option with a focus on comfort and versatility. This headset provides great sound quality for both gaming and media consumption.
Features:
- Memory Foam Ear Pads: Designed for long gaming sessions, the memory foam ear pads provide excellent comfort.
- Detachable Microphone: The microphone can be removed when not in use, adding flexibility to the headset.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: The HS35 works with PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Sound Quality: The Corsair HS35 delivers decent stereo sound, with a good balance between lows, mids, and highs. It’s not as bass-heavy as some competitors, but for gaming, this clarity can help you hear footsteps and environmental audio cues clearly.
Pros:
- Comfortable ear pads
- Detachable microphone
- Works across multiple platforms
Cons:
- Lacks surround sound
- Mic quality is average
For gamers seeking a comfortable and versatile headset, the Corsair HS35 is a solid choice, especially for those who game on multiple platforms.
5. Logitech G432 7.1 Wired Gaming Headset
Logitech is known for producing high-quality peripherals, and the G432 is no exception. Despite being a budget headset, it offers some impressive features, including 7.1 surround sound.
Features:
- DTS Headphone
2.0 Surround Sound: This feature offers precise positional audio, giving you an edge in competitive gaming.
- Rotating Ear Cups: The ear cups rotate for a more comfortable fit during long gaming sessions.
- 6mm Flip-to-Mute Mic: The large microphone ensures clear communication with teammates, and it can be easily muted by flipping it up.
Sound Quality: The G432 shines with its surround sound capabilities. The DTS 2.0 allows for accurate sound placement, which is crucial for competitive gamers who rely on audio cues.
Pros:
- 7.1 surround sound
- Flip-to-mute microphone
- Comfortable ear cups
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Plastic build
If you’re looking for an affordable headset that doesn’t skimp on features, the Logitech G432 is an excellent option, especially if you play competitive games where surround sound is essential.
6. Turtle Beach Recon 70 Gaming Headset
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is another fantastic budget headset with a strong reputation. Known for its comfort and sound quality, it’s one of the most affordable options on this list.
Features:
- 40mm Over-Ear Speakers: These large speakers deliver high-quality sound for immersive gaming experiences.
- Flip-to-Mute Mic: Like other Turtle Beach models, the Recon 70 features a convenient flip-to-mute microphone.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Sound Quality: The sound quality is solid for the price. While it lacks advanced surround sound features, the stereo audio is clear, and the bass is punchy enough for most gaming scenarios.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Flip-to-mute microphone
- Great value for money
Cons:
- No surround sound
- Basic plastic build
For budget-conscious gamers who want a reliable and comfortable headset, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is hard to beat.
EKSA may not be as well-known as some of the other brands on this list, but the E900 delivers impressive performance at a budget price.
Features:
- 50mm Drivers: The large drivers provide powerful and immersive sound, making in-game audio come to life.
- Detachable Noise-Cancelling Microphone: The microphone is detachable and features noise cancellation for clearer communication.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: The E900 works with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Sound Quality: The EKSA E900 stands out for its powerful bass and clear sound, which can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you’re listening for footsteps or enjoying an intense battle scene, the E900 delivers impressive audio for the price.
Pros:
- Powerful sound with deep bass
- Detachable microphone
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Build quality feels a bit cheap
- No surround sound
For gamers who want strong audio performance without spending a fortune, the EKSA E900 is a great option to consider.
Beexcellent may not be a household name, but their gaming headsets are gaining popularity for offering decent performance at a budget-friendly price.
Features:
- 50mm Magnetic Neodymium Drivers: These large drivers ensure a wide frequency range, providing powerful bass and clear mids.
- Noise-Cancelling Mic: The microphone cancels out background noise to ensure clear communication with teammates.
- LED Lights: The headset features stylish LED lights, giving it a more premium gaming look.
Sound Quality: With 50mm drivers, the Beexcellent headset delivers immersive sound with strong bass. It’s not as refined as higher-end models, but for casual gaming, it’s more than adequate.
Pros:
- Stylish design with LED lights
- Strong bass and clear sound
- Noise-cancelling microphone
Cons:
- Average build quality
- No surround sound
The Beexcellent gaming headset is perfect for gamers who want good sound and a stylish design without spending too much.
9. SADES SA902 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
The SADES SA902 is a budget headset that delivers 7.1 virtual surround sound, a feature rarely found at this price point.
Features:
- 7.1 Surround Sound: Virtual surround sound helps with positional audio, making it easier to detect where enemies are located in games.
- USB Connection: The USB connection ensures quick and reliable setup for PC gamers.
- Noise-Cancelling Microphone: The microphone cancels background noise for clearer in-game communication.
Sound Quality: The surround sound feature is a highlight for competitive gamers. While the sound quality isn’t as rich as high-end headsets, it’s impressive for the price and perfect for those who need budget-friendly surround sound.
Pros:
- 7.1 surround sound
- USB connection
- Comfortable design
Cons:
- Limited to PC
- Bulky design
For PC gamers on a tight budget who still want surround sound, the SADES SA902 is an excellent choice.
The Nubwo N7 offers solid performance for a fraction of the price of more well-known brands. It’s an affordable headset that doesn’t compromise too much on features.
Features:
- Noise-Cancelling Mic: The mic filters out background noise, ensuring clear communication with your teammates.
- Memory Foam Earcups: These earcups provide a comfortable fit, even during long gaming sessions.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: The N7 works with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Sound Quality: The N7 delivers decent stereo sound with good bass response. It’s not groundbreaking, but for the price, it offers clear and immersive audio suitable for most games.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Comfortable memory foam earcups
- Noise-cancelling mic
Cons:
- No surround sound
- Basic design
For gamers looking for an affordable, no-frills headset, the Nubwo N7 is a solid option that gets the job done.
Conclusion
Choosing the right budget gaming headset can drastically enhance your gaming experience without emptying your wallet. From the immersive 7.1 surround sound of the Logitech G432 and SADES SA902 to the comfort and versatility of the SteelSeries Arctis 1, there are plenty of options available on Amazon Australia. Each headset offers unique features tailored to different gaming needs, whether you prioritize comfort, sound quality, or price.