Best Gaming Headphones under $100: Top Picks for 2025
Gaming gear prices keep climbing, but you don’t have to spend hundreds to get clean, immersive sound. In this roundup, we’ve tested and compared some of the best gaming headphones under $100. Wired and Bluetooth models that deliver solid performance for the money.
Whether you’re grinding ranked in Valorant, exploring Starfield, or binging story games, these budget headphones prove that good sound doesn’t have to break the bank.
How We Test Headphones
Our process mirrors how we test every headset at Pofari Gaming:
Audio Accuracy – We run frequency-response and imaging tests using in-game audio scenes (footsteps, ambient effects, music).
Comfort & Build – Minimum of 4 hours continuous wear per test session to measure clamping pressure and ear fatigue.
Mic Quality – Voice-chat clarity on Discord and in-game team comps.
Platform Support – PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Value – Retail price vs. real-world performance.
We also compare community impressions from r/headphones and Head-Fi to ensure our picks align with long-term user feedback.
Best Overall Gaming Headphones
Logitech G Pro X
Price: ~$50 | Connection: Wired | Mic: Detachable | Rating: 4.7★
Pros
Excellent audio balance for FPS titles
Blue VO!CE mic tuning for clean chat
Premium build and memory-foam pads
Cons
Slightly heavy for marathon sessions
No wireless version below $100
The Logitech G Pro X SE delivers reference-grade clarity rare in this price range. Footsteps pop in Valorant or CS2, and gunfire sounds precise without distortion. The detachable mic uses the same Blue VO!CE software found in pro streaming setups, giving your voice broadcast-level clarity.
For gamers wanting tournament-quality sound without exceeding $100, this is the benchmark.
Best Value Pick
JBL Quantum 100
Price: ~$40 | Connection: Wired 3.5 mm | Mic: Detachable boom | Rating: 4.3★
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Pros
Lightweight and super comfortable
Clean mids, surprisingly full bass
Works on all platforms
Cons
Plastic build
No surround-sound software
The Quantum 100 is the definition of cheap and cheerful. It nails the basics: clear directional audio and a detachable mic that doesn’t sound like a tin can. Perfect for console or laptop players who just need reliable sound without fancy gimmicks.
Best Mid-Range Wireless Headphones
Corsair HS55 Wireless Core
Price: ~$99 | Connection: Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz USB | Battery: Up to 24 h | Rating: 4.4★
Check on Amazon
Pros
Dual wireless + Bluetooth modes
Solid 24-hour battery life
Crisp, punchy audio with 50 mm drivers
Cons
Mic quality average
Slight latency over Bluetooth
For gamers who hate cables, the HS55 Wireless Core gives you lag-free 2.4 GHz gaming and Bluetooth for daily listening. It’s one of the few Bluetooth headphones under $100 that can switch from gaming PC to phone seamlessly.
Best for Console Players
Turtle Beach Recon 70
Price: ~$35 | Connection: 3.5 mm | Mic: Flip-to-mute | Rating: 4.2★
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Pros
Plug-and-play for Xbox, PS5, Switch
Lightweight and comfortable
Great vocal clarity for team chat
Cons
Plastic hinges feel fragile
Narrow soundstage
Budget console gamers love the Recon 70 because it just works. No software, no setup, plug in and play. Audio is punchy, dialogue is clear, and the flip-to-mute mic is still one of the most convenient designs around.
Best for Competitive Shooters
HyperX Cloud II
Price: ~$80 | Connection: USB / 3.5 mm | Mic: Detachable | Rating: 4.8★
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Pros
Virtual 7.1 surround for positional cues
Exceptional comfort
Long-lasting aluminum frame
Cons
Bass slightly boosted
USB dongle adds desk clutter
The Cloud II remains one of the best gaming headphones for competitive play. With 7.1 virtual surround, you can pinpoint enemies in Valorant or Apex Legends instantly. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and practically a legend among e-sports circles.
Best for Everyday Use
Sony INZONE H3
Price: ~$50 | Connection: Wired USB | Rating: 4.5★
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Pros
Neutral, studio-style tuning
Works for both gaming and music
Excellent mic clarity
Cons
Non-detachable cable
Bulky design
Sony’s INZONE H3 bridges the gap between studio and gaming headphones. The balanced sound profile makes it ideal for gamers who also produce content or listen to music critically, tying perfectly into our pillar post on studio headphones.
Which One Should You Buy?
Best overall performance: Logitech G Pro X
Best for console plug-and-play: Turtle Beach Recon 70
Best wireless flexibility: Corsair HS55 Wireless Core
Best comfort for long hours: HyperX Cloud II
Best hybrid music + gaming: Sony INZONE H3
Tightest budget: JBL Quantum 100
If your budget caps at $100, these are all safe, proven options. For more refined audio (and longer gear lifespan), step up later to studio headphones paired with a dedicated mic, see our full guide Are Studio Headphones for Gaming Actually Good?.