Choosing the best wired gaming headset under $100 for PS5 and PC can feel overwhelming because the market is filled with options that promise “pro-level audio” at budget prices. What most gamers want is simple: great sound, a clear mic, real comfort, and plug-and-play compatibility with both systems—without draining their wallet.
The good news? You absolutely can get all of that below $100. In fact, the sub-$100 category might offer the best price-to-performance ratio in gaming audio today. Wired headsets in this range have matured so much that many outperform wireless models that cost far more.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The top wired gaming headsets under $100 for PS5 and PC
- What makes each one a strong buy
- Pros, cons, and ideal use cases
- A practical buying guide
- Setup tips for both PS5 and PC
- Which model suits your gaming style
Let’s dive into the most reliable, comfortable, and feature-packed wired headsets worth buying right now.
Why Choose a Wired Gaming Headset?
Before jumping into recommendations, it’s useful to understand why so many gamers—especially competitive and console players—still prefer wired headsets.
1. Zero latency
There’s no delay between game audio and what you hear. This matters in fast-paced titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Valorant, where every sound cue can be the difference between a win and a surprise elimination.
2. Universal compatibility
Wired 3.5mm or USB headsets work almost everywhere—PS5, PC, Xbox, Switch, laptops, mobile devices, and even tablets (with adapters). No charging, no firmware issues, no pairing problems.
3. Better sound per dollar
Manufacturers spend money on drivers and build quality, not on batteries and wireless tech. This means $100 wired headsets often sound comparable to wireless models costing $150–$200.
4. Perfect for long play sessions
Many wired headsets have lightweight frames, replaceable cables, and simpler designs that last for years. You never have to worry about a mid-match battery death.
What to Look for in a Sub-$100 Wired Headset
Not all gaming headsets are created equal. When you’re buying one under $100, you want to focus on the features that actually affect your gameplay.
1. Sound signature
Look for:
- Balanced tuning for single-player immersion
- Boosted mids and highs for competitive shooters
- Strong bass response for action, explosions, and open-world games
If you want an all-rounder, pick a headset with clear mids and controlled bass—not one that drowns out footsteps with muddy low frequencies.
2. Microphone clarity
A good mic doesn’t need to be professional studio quality, but it should deliver:
- Clear vocal tones
- Minimal background noise
- Stable volume
- Detachable or foldable design
If you play online multiplayer or join Discord often, the mic quality will make or break your experience.
3. Comfort and build
Comfort is often overlooked, but it’s crucial.
Choose headsets with:
- Memory foam cushions
- Breathable fabric or leatherette
- Adjustable headbands
- Lightweight frames
- Deep ear cups
If you wear glasses, look for soft padding that reduces clamping pressure.
4. Connectivity
The best headsets under $100 usually connect through:
- 3.5mm TRRS (universal for PS5 + PC)
- USB-A / USB-C (great for PC features like virtual surround)
Having both is a bonus.
5. Bonus features
Under $100, some models include:
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound
- Detachable cables
- Sound card or EQ tuning
- Volume/mute in-line controls
- Replaceable ear cushions
While not essential, these extras improve convenience and longevity.
Best Wired Gaming Headsets Under $100 for PS5 and PC
Below are the best models you can confidently buy right now. Each one offers excellent value, great audio, comfort, and reliable compatibility with both PS5 and PC.
HyperX Cloud Alpha – Best Overall Wired Gaming Headset Under $100
The HyperX Cloud Alpha has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable and best-sounding wired gaming headsets ever produced. Even years after release, it continues to dominate the sub-$100 category—often outperforming newer competitors.
Key Features
- Dual-chamber 50mm drivers for clean and powerful sound
- Exceptionally comfortable memory foam ear cushions
- Detachable noise-canceling boom microphone
- Durable aluminum frame
- Universal 3.5mm compatibility
Why It’s Great
The Cloud Alpha delivers crisp mids, detailed highs, and tight bass that never overwhelms. Its dual-chamber design separates bass from mids, creating clearer audio separation than many headsets twice the price.
The comfort level is outstanding, making it perfect for long gaming marathons. If you’re switching frequently between PS5 and PC, the Cloud Alpha handles both smoothly.
Best For
Gamers who want the most balanced and comfortable headset under $100.
Razer BlackShark V2 X – Best for Competitive Gaming and Esports
If you play shooters or fast-paced multiplayer titles, the Razer BlackShark V2 X should be one of your top considerations. It’s lightweight, crystal clear, and perfectly tuned for positional audio.
Key Features
- Ultralight 240g design
- 50mm drivers with excellent mid-range clarity
- Bendable cardioid mic
- Multi-platform 3.5mm connection
- Signature esports-focused audio tuning
Why It’s Great
The BlackShark V2 X is designed for competitive advantage. You can hear footsteps, reloads, and directional cues with surprising precision. Its comfort and low weight help reduce fatigue during long sessions.
Best For
Competitive FPS players who rely on sharp positional audio and clear in-game communication.
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired – Best Budget All-Rounder
If you need versatility, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is a fantastic choice. It works with nearly any device, delivers reliable sound, and features a detachable mic—making it great for gaming, music, and travel.
Key Features
- Steel-reinforced headband
- Detachable ClearCast microphone
- Comfortable fabric ear cushions
- Flat, portable design
- Works on PS5, PC, Switch, phones, and laptops
Why It’s Great
The Arctis 1 provides clean and warm sound quality across the spectrum. While it doesn’t boast the audio depth of the Cloud Alpha, it still performs remarkably well—especially at its budget-friendly price.
The detachable mic makes it perfect for hybrid use, such as taking it outdoors or using it for work calls.
Best For
Gamers who want a lightweight, versatile, and affordable headset that works everywhere.
HyperX Cloud II Wired – Best Feature-Packed Gaming Headset
The HyperX Cloud II has long been one of the best-selling midrange gaming headsets—and for good reason. It blends comfort, sound quality, and additional features like USB audio control.
Key Features
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound on PC
- USB sound card with audio controls
- Comfortable memory foam cushions
- Detachable microphone
- Strong 3.5mm and USB compatibility
Why It’s Great
If you play on PC frequently, the Cloud II’s USB sound card gives you a remarkable level of audio depth. The surround effects make open-world or story-driven games feel more immersive, and dialogue clarity is excellent.
On PS5, you can simply use the 3.5mm connection through the DualSense controller.
Best For
Players who split time between PS5 and PC and want virtual surround sound and a premium feel.
FIFINE Wired USB Gaming Headset – Best New Budget USB Pick
FIFINE has become known for its high-value microphones, and their wired USB gaming headset continues that tradition. It offers impressive sound quality and a standout microphone at a price well below many competitors.
Key Features
- USB connection for clean digital audio
- Surprisingly high-quality microphone clarity
- RGB lighting accents (varies by model)
- Comfortable padding with durable headband
- Works on PC, PS5 USB port, and laptops
Why It’s Great
FIFINE delivers a unique value proposition in the budget market: excellent mic performance. If you stream, record clips, or simply want your voice to sound clearer than typical gaming mics allow, this is a fantastic option.
The USB connection ensures consistent audio quality and removes the need for splitters or adapters. PS5 users can plug it directly into the console’s USB port and start using it immediately.
Best For
Gamers who prioritize microphone clarity and want a USB-powered headset below $100.
Turtle Beach Wired Models – Great for PS5-Focused Gamers
Turtle Beach has been a favorite among console gamers for years. Their wired models in the under-$100 range (such as the Recon and other PS5-ready variants) offer strong microphone sensitivity and comfortable padding.
Why They’re Great
They shine in voice clarity and strong mid-range tuning, making them ideal for casual and competitive console players.
Best For
Gamers who want PS5-tuned audio and reliable plug-and-play performance.
Quick Comparison Table
| Headset | Ideal For | Connection | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| HyperX Cloud Alpha | All-around excellence | 3.5mm | Best sound + comfort combo |
| Razer BlackShark V2 X | Esports, FPS | 3.5mm | Lightweight & positional accuracy |
| SteelSeries Arctis 1 | Budget + portability | 3.5mm | Detachable mic; versatile |
| HyperX Cloud II | Feature hunters, PC users | 3.5mm + USB | Virtual surround sound |
| FIFINE Wired USB Headset | Streaming + mic clarity | USB | One of the best mics under $100 |
| Turtle Beach Wired Models | Console-first gamers | 3.5mm | Great voice clarity |
How to Choose the Right Headset for YOUR Style
Below is a simple guide to help you select a headset based on how you game.
If you mostly play competitive shooters
Choose:
Razer BlackShark V2 X
You’ll get sharp mids, lightweight comfort, and excellent directional accuracy.
If you want comfort for long gaming sessions
Choose:
HyperX Cloud Alpha or HyperX Cloud II
HyperX is unmatched in long-session comfort.
If you want premium features under $100
Choose:
HyperX Cloud II
USB sound card, customizable audio, and broad compatibility.
If you want the best microphone quality
Choose:
FIFINE Wired USB Gaming Headset
Perfect for gamers who use voice chat, Discord, or record gameplay.
If you need something affordable and versatile
Choose:
SteelSeries Arctis 1
Ideal for gamers switching between PS5, PC, mobile, and Switch.
How to Set Up a Wired Headset on PS5
Many gamers assume you need a special headset for the PS5. In reality, almost all wired headsets under $100 work perfectly using either the 3.5mm jack or USB.
3.5mm Setup (Most Common)
- Plug the headset’s 3.5mm connector into the DualSense controller.
- Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone to adjust mic volume.
- Go to Sound > Audio Output and activate 3D Audio if you want immersive effects.
- Adjust side tone so you can hear your own voice at a comfortable level.
USB Setup (For FIFINE or Cloud II USB Box)
- Plug the USB connector into the PS5 front or back USB port.
- The PS5 will automatically switch to USB headset mode.
- Adjust microphone sensitivity and EQ in settings.
Pro Tip
You can enable Tempest 3D Audio even on simple stereo headsets. This is one of the biggest advantages of gaming on PS5.
How to Set Up a Wired Headset on PC
PC audio gives you more control, which is great for gamers who want to tweak EQ or personalize their setup.
3.5mm Jack Setup
- Plug the headset into your PC’s headphone/mic port (combined) or use a splitter.
- Open Sound Settings and select the headset as the default input/output.
- Adjust the microphone gain to avoid distortion.
- Use software EQ (Windows, third-party apps, or headset software) to customize audio.
USB Headset Setup
- Plug in the USB headset or sound card.
- Select it as your primary audio device.
- Install any optional software for surround sound or EQ tuning.
- Run a mic test before joining voice chat.
Tips to Improve Your Audio Experience
1. Use 3D audio or virtual surround wisely
For competitive shooters, pure stereo often reveals footsteps more accurately.
For single-player experiences, surround sound enhances immersion.
2. Adjust your EQ
Small adjustments like reducing muddy bass or boosting mid-range frequencies can dramatically improve clarity.
3. Keep your headset clean
Wipe pads with a microfiber cloth, and let foam breathe after long sessions to extend lifespan.
4. Don’t ignore comfort features
A good headset feels invisible after a few minutes. Comfort should matter as much as sound.
Which One Is the Best Overall?
If you want the simple answer:
The HyperX Cloud Alpha remains the best wired gaming headset under $100 for most PS5 and PC players.
It hits the perfect balance of comfort, sound quality, build, and value.
But the best headset depends on your preference:
- For competitive advantage → Razer BlackShark V2 X
- For budget versatility → SteelSeries Arctis 1
- For feature lovers → HyperX Cloud II
- For mic-focused setups → FIFINE Wired USB Headset
- For console-first gamers → Turtle Beach wired models
Final Thoughts
The sub-$100 wired gaming headset category has never been stronger. Whether you want immersive single-player audio, competitive shooter clarity, or a comfortable headset for long weekend sessions, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great performance.
Each headset on this list brings something different to the table, and all of them work beautifully on both PS5 and PC. Your ideal choice depends on your gaming preferences, comfort needs, and desired features.
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