Looking for premium sound without the premium price? Whether you’re working remotely, gaming with friends, or joining Zoom meetings, you don’t have to spend a fortune for quality audio. This guide explores the best budget headsets of 2025 that offer great performance without hurting your wallet. We’ll also help you understand what to look for and recommend our top picks—all under $50.
What Makes the Best Affordable Headset Worth Buying?
Gone are the days when “cheap” meant poor quality. Today’s best affordable headsets offer impressive performance, sleek designs, and features once reserved for high-end models. Here’s what you should evaluate before making a choice:
Audio Quality
A headset is only as good as its audio. Even if you're shopping for the best inexpensive headset, you still want clean mids, defined treble, and solid bass. Some models even provide virtual surround sound, a bonus for gamers or immersive music lovers.
Microphone Clarity
Especially important for remote work, online classes, or gaming, a clear microphone can make a big difference. The best budget headset should come with noise-canceling or unidirectional mics to minimize background sounds.
Comfort & Durability
Don’t overlook comfort. Padded ear cups, adjustable headbands, and lightweight designs make long usage comfortable. Many of the best headsets under 50 are built with surprising durability.
Wired vs. Wireless
Wired headsets often deliver better audio fidelity and have zero latency, making them perfect for gaming or professional calls. Wireless headsets offer mobility and convenience. The best affordable headset balances both, depending on your needs.
Compatibility
Make sure your headset works across devices. The best budget headset should be compatible with PC, PS5, Xbox, smartphones, and tablets. Look for headsets with multiple connectivity options.
Warranty & Support
A solid warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind its product. Even the best inexpensive headset should come with a 1-year warranty or money-back guarantee.
Top Picks: Best Budget Headsets Under $50 for Every Use Case
Finding a best budget headset that balances audio quality, durability, and comfort without breaking the bank can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve handpicked five standout options—each under $50—that prove you don’t have to spend big to sound great. Whether you’re working remotely, gaming, or simply enjoying music, these best inexpensive headsets offer excellent value for every use case.
1. Mpow 071 USB Headset – Best for Remote Work
- Price: $25
- Connection: USB & 3.5mm
- Microphone: Noise-reducing, flexible boom
The Mpow 071 is widely considered one of the best affordable headsets for remote professionals. Designed with a dual connection interface—USB and 3.5mm—it offers unmatched versatility, making it compatible with both laptops and mobile devices. What makes it a best headset under 50 is its clear digital sound delivered via USB and its reliable microphone that cancels background noise during Zoom meetings or Skype calls.
Why It’s Great: Plug-and-play convenience meets surprisingly good audio quality, especially for virtual meetings.
Pros: Dual connectivity, comfortable ear cushions, lightweight design
Cons: Not ideal for music with heavy bass
Use Case: Ideal for work-from-home setups, online classes, and video conferencing
2. Koss KSC75 – Best for Music Lovers on a Budget
- Price: $20
- Connection: Wired
- Microphone: None
While it lacks a mic, the Koss KSC75 is a cult classic for a reason. With its open-back design and crystal-clear highs, this ultra-light pair is perfect for audiophiles seeking a best inexpensive headset for music. It shines in clarity, soundstage, and comfort—qualities rarely found in budget audio gear.
Why It’s Great: Detailed and immersive audio that rivals much higher-priced models
Pros: Excellent clarity, featherlight construction
Cons: No mic, no sound isolation
Use Case: Podcasts, music listening, casual audio enjoyment
It doesn’t fit the mold for a work headset, but for music, this is among the best headsets under 50.
3. Logitech H390 Wired Headset – Best for Call Centers
- Price: $35
- Connection: USB
- Microphone: Noise-canceling boom
If you're in a customer service or office role, the Logitech H390 is your go-to best affordable headset. With enhanced digital signal processing, it ensures your voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments. The rotating, padded boom mic and plush ear cushions make it ideal for long workdays.
Why It’s Great: Crisp speech clarity and comfort for extended wear
Pros: Rotating mic, plug-and-play USB, durable build
Cons: Wired only
Use Case: Call centers, office work, virtual interviews
Logitech has nailed the formula for a professional-grade best budget headset that doesn’t overcomplicate things.
4. JLab Go Work Wireless Headset – Best Wireless Budget Pick
- Price: $45
- Connection: Bluetooth & USB-C
- Microphone: Dual mic with noise cancellation
The JLab Go Work is one of the few best headsets under 50 offering reliable wireless performance. Designed for multi-device use, it easily pairs with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Long battery life, lightweight construction, and crystal-clear audio make it a top choice for mobile professionals.
Why It’s Great: Combines wireless freedom with productivity-driven features
Pros: Dual connectivity, Bluetooth multipoint pairing, good mic quality
Cons: Slight latency in fast-paced gaming
Use Case: Hybrid workers, mobile users, casual meetings
This is the best inexpensive headset for those who need flexibility on the go.
5. ONIKUMA K1-B Pro Gaming Headset – Best for Gamers
- Price: $28
- Connection: 3.5mm
- Microphone: Adjustable boom mic
Gamers looking for an immersive, budget-friendly experience will love the ONIKUMA K1-B Pro. Featuring bold RGB lighting and thumping bass, it offers a full sensory gaming session across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. The headset’s boom mic is surprisingly clear, especially for its price point.
Why It’s Great: Affordable access to gaming audio with RGB flair
Pros: Good bass, comfortable design, cross-platform support
Cons: Bulky on smaller heads
Use Case: Multiplayer gaming, Discord chats, streaming
Without a doubt, it’s a best budget headset that delivers a premium feel for less.
6. Sades SA708GT Gaming Headset – Budget Pick with Surround Sound
- Price: $25
- Connection: 3.5mm wired
- Microphone: Omni-directional
The Sades SA708GT is a lesser-known yet powerful contender in the best inexpensive headset category, especially for gamers. With simulated surround sound, it delivers a spatial awareness edge in multiplayer sessions—helping you detect footsteps or directional gunfire in FPS games. Its bold aesthetic and padded ear cups make it a pleasure to wear for long hours.
Why It’s Great: Affordable surround sound experience and eye-catching gamer design
Pros: Immersive spatial audio, soft and breathable padding
Cons: May feel loose on smaller heads
Use Case: Multiplayer online games, casual streaming
For gamers on a tight budget, this is one of the best budget headsets that doesn’t compromise on atmosphere.
7. Amazon Basics USB Headset – Best for Simplicity
- Price: $22
- Connection: USB
- Microphone: Boom mic with basic noise suppression
This model is perfect for those who want a no-frills solution. The Amazon Basics USB Headset keeps things simple—no flashy RGBs, no gaming claims—just reliable, functional audio. It’s often seen as the best affordable headset for students, freelancers, and casual users attending occasional online classes or video calls.
Why It’s Great: Plug-and-play setup with minimal configuration
Pros: Budget-friendly, universally compatible
Cons: Mic is not ideal for professional-quality calls
Use Case: Light online meetings, e-learning, remote customer check-ins
An ideal choice among the best headsets under 50 for people who value ease of use over advanced features.
8. Turtle Beach Recon 70 – Best Budget Console Headset
- Price: $40
- Connection: 3.5mm
- Microphone: Flip-up mute mic
Turtle Beach is a household name in console gaming, and the Recon 70 brings that pedigree to the budget segment. With a universally compatible 3.5mm connection and flip-up mic, it's tailored for PS5, Xbox, and Switch users. Its well-balanced audio and lightweight feel make it one of the best affordable headsets for serious console players.
Why It’s Great: Trusted brand with functional features for console play
Pros: Multi-platform support, responsive mic mute
Cons: Plastic materials feel slightly cheap
Use Case: Console multiplayer, group chats, casual esports
Gamers will appreciate this model’s presence on any best budget headset list thanks to its sound and reliability.
9. Cyber Acoustics AC-204 – Best Minimalist Design
- Price: $15
- Connection: 3.5mm
- Microphone: Noise-canceling boom mic
For anyone needing a super low-cost solution, the Cyber Acoustics AC-204 hits the mark. With a featherlight build and a basic mic, it’s best for simple tasks like training sessions, basic call center work, or school projects. Despite its no-frills approach, it has earned recognition as one of the best inexpensive headsets for budget-conscious users.
Why It’s Great: Ultra-light and priced for bulk use or one-off needs
Pros: Incredibly affordable, decent mic clarity for the price
Cons: Thin audio, not built for long-term durability
Use Case: Online lessons, onboarding, quick virtual meetings
For basic functionality, this is easily among the best headsets under 50 when cost is your top concern.
10. ZIUMIER Z66 Headset – Best for Style-Conscious Gamers
- Price: $48
- Connection: 3.5mm
- Microphone: Retractable, flexible mic
If you're seeking the best budget headset that combines form and function, the ZIUMIER Z66 is your answer. It offers immersive sound, vibrant LED accents, and a retractable microphone that keeps things clean and sleek. It’s especially favored by casual streamers or gamers who care about aesthetics as much as performance.
Why It’s Great: Style-forward design with rich audio output
Pros: Eye-catching lights, strong stereo separation
Cons: Slightly heavy for smaller heads
Use Case: Game streaming, content creation, casual gaming
At just under the price cap, the Z66 is a fashion-forward option in the best affordable headset space.
Wrapping Up
From minimalist models to stylish gaming gear, these entries round out a diverse collection of the best headsets under 50. Each option represents the sweet spot between affordability and usability. Whether you want crystal-clear calls, immersive soundscapes, or just a simple plug-and-play tool, there’s a best inexpensive headset here to meet your needs and your budget.
Quick Comparison: Best Inexpensive Headsets at a Glance
Headset | Price | Connection | Mic | Best For | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mpow 071 | $25 | USB/3.5mm | Yes | Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Koss KSC75 | $20 | Wired | No | Music Listening | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Logitech H390 | $35 | USB | Yes | Call Centers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
JLab Go Work | $45 | Bluetooth/USB-C | Yes | Office & Mobile | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
ONIKUMA K1-B Pro | $28 | 3.5mm | Yes | Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
FAQs: Choosing the Best Affordable Headset for Your Needs
What is the best affordable headset for gaming?
For gaming, the ONIKUMA K1-B Pro and Turtle Beach Recon 70 offer immersive sound and clear mics for under $50. Both are top-rated options in the best budget headset category.
Can I get a good headset for under $50?
Yes! Many of the best headsets under 50 deliver great sound, reliable microphones, and long-term comfort. Models like the Logitech H390 and JLab Go Work are excellent examples.
Are cheap headsets worth it for Zoom or Teams meetings?
Absolutely. Headsets like Mpow 071 and Amazon Basics USB offer clarity and comfort, ranking among the best inexpensive headsets for professional video calls.
What’s the difference between a budget and mid-range headset?
Budget headsets prioritize core functionality—decent sound and comfort—while mid-range options add premium features like ANC, surround sound, and wireless charging.
Get the Best Budget Headset for Your Needs
You don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. Whether you’re a gamer, remote worker, or casual listener, today’s best budget headsets are packed with value. From the best affordable headset for music to the best headsets under 50 for Zoom, this list helps you save smart. Choose what matches your lifestyle, and enjoy crisp audio without breaking the bank.