Best Budget Gaming Headsets for PS5 Under $50

You don't need to drop $150 on a headset to get immersive audio out of your PlayStation 5. The PS5's Tempest 3D AudioTech works with any wired headset connected through the DualSense controller's 3.5mm jack or via USB, which means the door is wide open for budget options that punch well above their weight1.

After evaluating the sub-$50 field, we focused on models with proven PS5 compatibility, clear microphones for party chat, and comfort that holds up over multi-hour sessions. Wired headsets dominate this price bracket — and for good reason. They sidestep battery anxiety and latency issues entirely, leaving more of your budget for sound quality and build.

Here are the things actually worth buying if you want great PS5 audio without breaking the bank.

1. Razer BlackShark V2 — Best Overall

The pick for sound quality. The BlackShark V2 features Razer's Triforce titanium 50 mm drivers, which separate highs, mids, and lows into three tuned chambers for cleaner audio than you'd expect at this price1. It's a wired headset, so you get zero latency and full 3D audio support through the DualSense 3.5mm jack. The aviation-style design is notably lightweight, making it comfortable for extended play sessions.

The detachable cardioid mic does a solid job isolating your voice from background noise during party chat. If sound quality is your top priority and you want a headset that feels like it costs twice as much, this is the one.

Specs at a glance:

2. Logitech Astro A10 — Best Durability

The tank of budget headsets. The Astro A10 has been a go-to PS5 budget pick for years, and for good reason. Its build is rugged — Logitech designed it to survive the kind of abuse that kills cheaper headsets2. The flip-to-mute microphone is a practical touch: flip it up to mute, flip it down to talk. No fumbling for a button.

Sound is tuned for gaming with emphasized mids that keep footsteps and dialogue clear, though it won't match the BlackShark V2's refinement. At its typical $40–$50 street price, the A10 delivers dependable performance and a build that lasts2.

Specs at a glance:

3. Razer Kraken — Best for Comfort

Built for marathon sessions. The Kraken's standout feature is its cooling gel-infused ear cushions, which actively reduce heat buildup during long gaming sessions3. If you've ever peeled off a sweaty headset after a four-hour raid, you know why that matters. The headset also delivers 7.1 surround sound via USB on PC (note: the PS5 uses its own 3D audio engine over 3.5mm, so you'll get Tempest audio rather than Razer's 7.1).

The retractable microphone slides neatly into the ear cup when not in use — cleaner than a flip-up arm and less likely to snag. The Kraken typically hovers near the $50 mark, making it a strong comfort-focused alternative3.

Specs at a glance:

4. HyperX Cloud Earbuds — Best Portable Alternative

For players who can't stand over-ear headsets. Not everyone wants a bulky headset clamped to their head. The HyperX Cloud Earbuds offer a lightweight, in-ear alternative that plugs directly into the DualSense 3.5mm jack for zero-latency audio4. The in-line microphone handles party chat adequately, and the tangle-free cable is a nice quality-of-life touch.

You won't get the soundstage of a full over-ear headset, and the in-line mic won't match a boom arm for noise isolation. But if portability and discretion matter — say you game in a shared space or travel with your PS5 — these are a smart pick that often lands under $504.

Specs at a glance:

5. SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless — Best Wireless Value

The rare sub-$50 wireless option. Wireless headsets under $50 are scarce, and the Arctis 1 Wireless is the one that makes the cut — with a caveat. It typically retails slightly above $50, but it drops under that threshold during sales frequently enough to earn a spot here5. It connects via a USB-C dongle that plugs directly into the PS5, giving you cable-free freedom without the latency of Bluetooth.

The detachable ClearCast microphone is one of the better mics in this price range, and the headset's lightweight design borrows from SteelSeries's higher-end Arctis line. If you can catch it on sale and wireless freedom is a priority, this is your pick5.

Specs at a glance:

How We Compared

All five headsets were evaluated on the dimensions that matter most for PS5 gaming on a budget:

• Sound quality — Does the headset deliver clear, immersive audio that takes advantage of the PS5's 3D Tempest engine?
• Mic clarity — Can your party chat teammates actually hear you without background noise drowning you out?
• Comfort — Will you want to take it off after 30 minutes, or can you wear it for a full evening session?
• Connection type — Wired headsets offer better value and zero latency under $50; wireless is a bonus if you can find it on sale.
• Build durability — Budget headsets take a lot of abuse. We favored models with a track record of surviving daily use.

The bottom line: if you want the best sound, go BlackShark V2. If you want something indestructible, go Astro A10. If comfort is king, the Kraken's cooling gel cushions win. And if you want wireless without spending a fortune, the Arctis 1 Wireless is worth waiting for a sale.

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