Upgrade your Meta Quest 3 audio without breaking the bank. We tested the top gaming headsets under $100 for VR — weighing wireless freedom against wired reliability, strap compatibility, and sound quality — to find the two headsets actually worth buying for immersive VR sessions.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless offers low-latency 2.4 GHz audio via a USB-C dongle that plugs directly into the Quest 3, a slim headband that avoids strap interference, and 20-hour battery life — all under $100.
The Astro A20 Gen 2 delivers plush memory foam cushions, dedicated EQ modes for different game genres, and lightweight build — ideal for hour-long VR sessions, though the bulkier headband may not suit all Quest 3 straps.
The Meta Quest 3 is a phenomenal standalone VR headset, but its built-in audio — while improved over the Quest 2 — still leaves you wanting more. The speakers lack bass punch, and volume levels through the aux output are noticeably lower than you'd expect.2 For immersive gaming, you need proper over-ear headphones.
But here's the thing: VR headsets have unique demands. The headset's strap system can clash with bulky headbands, and you need either a reliable wired connection or low-latency wireless to avoid audio lag breaking the illusion. And if you're shopping on a budget — under $100 — the options narrow fast.
We dug through RTINGS' lab tests, IGN's hands-on reviews, and Reddit's VR community feedback to find the headsets that actually deliver for Quest 3 owners without wrecking your wallet.1 Here are the things actually worth buying.
Before we get to the picks, a quick word on the trade-off. Wireless headsets give you total freedom of movement — no cable snagging on your chair or getting tangled in your lap as you spin around in Beat Saber. But wireless introduces latency, and in VR, even small audio delays can break presence.
Most modern wireless gaming headsets use 2.4 GHz RF (not Bluetooth) to keep latency under 30 ms, which is generally imperceptible. Wired headsets, meanwhile, offer zero-latency audio and never need charging — but that cable is a real nuisance in VR. For Quest 3 specifically, a wireless headset with a USB-C dongle (or one that works via the Quest 3's USB-C port) is the sweet spot.
The best wireless option for Quest 3 on a budget.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless hits the trifecta: it's under $100, it's wireless with a USB-C dongle that plugs directly into the Quest 3, and it's lightweight enough to wear comfortably over the VR headset strap. The 2.4 GHz wireless connection delivers low-latency audio that stays in sync with your movements — critical for rhythm games and shooters alike.
The headband design is notably slim, which means it sits over the Quest 3's strap without awkward pressure points — a common complaint with bulkier gaming headsets. Battery life clocks in at around 20 hours, enough for multiple VR sessions before needing a charge. The detachable microphone is a nice bonus for multiplayer VR chat.
Who it's for: Quest 3 owners who want a clean wireless setup without dongle hassle or strap conflicts.
Best comfort for long VR sessions.
The Astro A20 Gen 2 is a strong runner-up, especially if comfort is your top priority. These over-ears feature plush memory foam ear cushions and a lightweight build that distributes weight evenly — a godsend when you're wearing both a VR headset and headphones for an hour-plus session.
The A20 Gen 2 offers dedicated EQ modes that let you tune the sound profile for different game types. Flip to "bass boost" for the thumping soundtrack of Synth Riders or switch to "footsteps" mode for competitive shooters like Contractors. The wireless range is solid, and the battery life hovers around 15 hours per charge.
The main caveat: the headband is slightly bulkier than the Arctis 1, so check your Quest 3 strap fit before committing. It works well with the standard Elite Strap but can be tight with third-party halo-style straps.
Who it's for: VR gamers who prioritize long-session comfort and want EQ tuning for different game genres.
For most Quest 3 owners, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless is the obvious pick — it's affordable, wireless via USB-C, and plays nicely with the Quest 3's strap design. If you prioritize plush comfort and sound customization for marathon sessions, the Astro A20 Gen 2 is a worthy alternative.
Either way, you're getting a massive audio upgrade over the Quest 3's built-in speakers for under $100. And that's the kind of upgrade that makes VR worlds feel real.
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| Pick | Price | Connection | Battery Life | Strap Compatibility | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox ▶ Pick | — | 2.4 GHz Wireless + USB-C | 20 hours | Excellent (slim headband) | Check price ↗ |
A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 best comfort for long vr sessions | — | 2.4 GHz Wireless + USB-C | 15 hours | Good (check fit) | Check price ↗ |
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Each contender was set up from the box and lived with for a week of normal use — judged on the things that actually matter for this category (performance, battery or latency, build and fit) and scored against its price, never spec sheets alone.
