Best overall
Razer Kraken Pro V2
While it's not technically budget-friendly, though that depends on what type of gamer you are, for $79.99 the Razer Kraken Pro V2 is a great little headset. Not only does it sport a retractable mic but also 50mm drivers, 16.8 million colors for lighting, as well as optional USB for enhanced sound and 7.1 surround emulation.
Bottom line: It's a solid headset that's comfortable to use, has great sound and looks great.
One more thing: You will need to turn up the microphone because it's seriously quiet.
Why Razer Kraken Pro V2 is the best budget gaming headset
The Kraken Pro V2 by Razer is the best affordable gaming headset you can buy.
The Pro V2 is a workhorse of a headset. It's competitively priced and has a bunch of features that make the price tag well worth the investment. Version 2 introduced two fantastic 50mm drivers to improve the overall audio experience, and they certainly do so.
Many people think Razer headsets are too heavy on the bass, and I generally agree. Luckily, you can customize just how much is being thrown into your ears, for those times when you aren't blasting enemies or listening to trap music. When you have the sound just as you like, you'll be able to game for hours with the Kraken — it really does offer a comfortable experience.
Then there's the fully-retractable digital microphone. Better yet, the Kraken Pro V2 looks the part. The headset utilizes a 3.5mm jack, which means you'll be able to take this out and plug it into your smartphone when you're not gaming. Overall, I just couldn't put the Kraken Pro V2 down during long, enduring gaming sessions.
Premium
HyperX Cloud II
Coming in at $96.99, the HyperX Cloud II may be out of range for many gamers who would rather spend their bucks on new titles. But should you want to enjoy an even higher quality experience in-game, the Cloud II is worth a look.
Bottom line: It's more expensive than Razer's Kraken Pro V2 but has its own highlights.
One more thing: The 53mm drivers are well matched with the USB connector and onboard sound card.
Comfort
SteelSeries Siberia 200
SteelSeries has gone all-out with the Siberia 200 headset, which sports not only impressive 50mm drivers but also a suspension-based headband for optimal comfort. Take advantage of years worth of development, in-line volume, and mute controls, and support for the company's own software suite for personalization. It's a solid headset for $48.32.
Bottom line: The headset not only _looks_good but also performs admirably.
One more thing: You may have an issue wearing the Siberia 200 with glasses.
Smart
Turtle Beach Ear Force PX24
The Ear Force PX24 from Turtle Beach is an affordable headset that offers 50mm drivers for playback that will make one smile when hitting the stars in No Man's Sky or taking on a heist in Grand Theft Auto Online with friends. There's also support for virtual surround with the battery-powered amplifier, and while you'll not be able to reproduce audio at the same level of more expensive options, for general use and gaming you'll be absolutely fine.
Bottom line: It's affordable, at $53.71, and has good build quality and adequate sound playback.
One more thing: It automatically adjusts voice input and chat playback levels.
Budget
Logitech G430
The G430 is an excellent headset for the price at $38.99. Logitech managed to pack in a bunch of features, and you'll not be required to part with too much in order to strap it to your head. We've got Dolby 7.1 surround sound, and comfortable ear cups for long gaming sessions that can swivel up to 90 degrees for a more personalized fit.
Bottom line: Logitech packed a lot of functionality into the G430, which is available at a good price.
One more thing: USB and 3.5mm jack support are included, depending on what you're connecting to.
Best overall
Razer Kraken Pro V2
While it's not technically budget-friendly, though that depends on what type of gamer you are, for $79.99 the Razer Kraken Pro V2 is a great little headset. Not only does it sport a retractable mic but also 50mm drivers, 16.8 million colors for lighting, as well as optional USB for enhanced sound and 7.1 surround emulation.
Bottom line: It's a solid headset that's comfortable to use, has great sound and looks great.
One more thing: You will need to turn up the microphone because it's seriously quiet.
Updated July 17, 2017: We replaced the Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22 with the newer PX24.