Video game headsets are awesome, but getting a quality video game headset for less than $100 can be quite tough. Thanks to increased competition, you can now grab seriously decent headsets cheaper than ever before, and we've rounded up some of the best Xbox headsets under $100 that we've tested right here.
Impossible value
The Turtle Beach Elite Atlas feels premium in every sense of the word, with truly impressive audio tuning and quality, exceptional materials and construction, and supreme comfort. It's missing some of the higher-end features like 7.1 surround and voice monitoring, but I am still a little stunned that this headset is as inexpensive as it is.
New frontrunner
The Razer BlackShark V2 is a new frontrunner in the wireless headset space, with an esports-oriented design and truly incredible sound treatment. This headset also delivers some of the best mic quality around. The USB DAC sadly works only on PC, but even as a wired headset, this is a true leader in the space and price range.
Wireless option
Muscling into the space is the Xbox Wireless Headset from Microsoft, taking up the value proposition for wireless headsets with ease. This Bluetooth-capable headset can seamlessly mix sound from your Xbox and a connected phone, PC, or tablet, letting you take meetings and calls without interrupting your game. The value on offer here is crazy and well worth a look.
Hyper alternative
Honestly, the battle between the Hyper X Cloud II and the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas effectively comes down to aesthetics. Both headsets sport great sound, great construction, and excellent comfort, all with a similar price point. The Cloud II is an excellent piece of kit that won't disappoint.
Another Hyper alternative
If red isn't your bag, consider the legendary HyperX CloudX, one of the best-selling Xbox headsets of all time. This headset is renowned for its incredible build quality, lightweight construction, crisp, rich audio, and high satisfaction rates. Generally, when I want to recommend a headset for Xbox that I know literally everybody will like, I recommend the CloudX.
Great budget wired
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 might not have the greatest build quality or sound, but it ticks all the boxes for those looking for a no-nonsense wired sound solution for their console.
Budget choice
As far as cheaper alternatives go, the LucidSound LS10X is an excellent choice for those not wanting to break the bank. With rock-solid construction, decent audio, and a surprisingly capable microphone, the LS20 is one headset that won't disappoint in the cheaper price bracket.
Light 'em up
This is another option in the higher-end range, with a unique dual-chamber configuration for truly sensational audio. The HyperX Cloud Alpha comes with big red aesthetics, which may be your bag too (oh, and the Cloud Alpha also comes with a carrying bag, sweet.)
Go green
The Astro A10 is a cheap and cheerful alternative to the more expensive wireless A20, boasting some great gaming features like a flip-to-mute microphone and decent sound quality. Many people prefer Astro for its soft over-ear cups and rich sound tuning, and the A10 delivers these signature features on a budget.
Great headsets on a budget
If I had to recommend just one product from this list, it would be the impeccable Turtle Beach Elite Atlas, which has some of the best design and construction work across the entire industry right now, with sound quality to match. The large speakers are packed with airy memory foam, which stays quite cool on the ears and has a channel for glasses. The robust aluminum headband and generally all-around quality construction ensure longevity. This headset won't disappoint.
However, the HyperX range in this price tier is also incredibly robust and is often something I generally recommend across the board. The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the HyperX Cloud II are both incredible headsets, notable for their lightweight, high-quality construction and big sound. The HyperX headsets punch far above their weight when it comes to audio and come with a premium-feeling quality that defies the $50-$100 price bracket. This is a headset well worthy of your attention.
Finally, I would highly recommend the LucidSound LS10X as well. LucidSound is a company that never compromises audio quality, and the streamlined aesthetic may be more appealing to those who want something a little less "gamer"-looking. The LS10X offers a good sound profile with decent construction. I previously criticized the headset for feeling a little expensive, but LucidSound has since dropped the price to $50, which feels a lot fairer.
It's also worth noting that soon, Microsoft itself will be selling an official Xbox Wireless Headset for $99. This headset boasts some seriously impressive features, and if Microsoft delivers on its claims, we expect it to easily make this list in the near future. If you want to push your budget a bit further than $99, you could also take a look at our best Xbox Series X, Series S headsets and best Xbox One headset articles.
Jez Corden is a Senior Editor for Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by caffeine. Follow on Twitter @JezCorden and listen to his Xbox Two podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!
