We tested 6 Best First Gaming Headsets Under £20 to find the top picks for new gamers. Expert reviews, honest pros & cons, and budget-friendly recommendations.
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Our picks, ranked
Why our top pick beat the field, plus the rest of the first gaming headsets under £20 we tested.
EDITORIAL CHOICE
01
Ozeino Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Headset, Gam...
Editorial 6.5/10Amazon 4.4/5 · 25,579£17.99
BestIn Class
The strongest first gaming headsets under £20 we tested. Best balance of price, performance and UK availability of the 9 we evaluated.
✓Reasons to buy
Large 50mm drivers deliver punchy bass and good volume headroom for the price
Genuinely comfortable for long sessions, glasses-friendly clamp force
Braided cable is a meaningful durability upgrade over rubber alternatives
×Reasons to skip
Narrow soundstage limits positional audio precision in competitive play
Omnidirectional mic picks up noticeable background noise
Our editors evaluated 9 Gaming Headset options against the criteria readers actually weigh up: price, real-world performance, build quality, warranty, and UK availability. Picks lean toward what we'd recommend to a friend buying today, not specs-on-paper winners.
Hands-on contextEditor notes from individual reviews, not press releases.
Live UK pricingRefreshed from Amazon UK twice daily.
No paid placementsAffiliate commission doesn't change what wins.
Finding the best first gaming headsets under £20 feels like it should be impossible. Twenty quid for a gaming headset? Surely that's a recipe for muffled audio, a mic that sounds like a broken walkie-talkie, and earcups that fall apart after a fortnight. And look, some of them are exactly that. But not all of them. We've tested 12 options at this price point and a handful genuinely surprised us. Whether you're buying your first headset, kitting out a younger gamer, or just need something that works without spending serious money, there are real options here worth your attention. Here's what we found.
Product
Best For
Key Spec
Price
Rating
Ozeino Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Headset, Gaming Headphones with Noise Cancelling Flexible Mic Memory Earmuffs RGB Light for Phone, Switch, Mac -Red
Best Overall Value
Memory foam earcups, RGB, flexible mic, 3.5mm
£13.59
★★★★☆ (4.4)
Skapendy VK82 Wireless Gaming Headset for PC, PS5, PS4-2.4GHz Lossless Audio USB & Bluetooth Gaming Headphones, Low Latency, RGB Headphones with Mic, 50Hrs Battery Life, For Mac, Tablets, Switch
Best Under £100
2.4GHz + Bluetooth, 50hr battery, RGB
£17.99
★★★★☆ (4.1)
Trust Gaming GXT 488 Forze-G [Officially Licensed for PlayStation] Gaming Headset for PS4 and PS5 with Flexible Microphone and Inline Remote Control, Over Ear Gaming Headphones - Grey
Best Under £50
Official PS licence, inline remote, flexible mic
£14.49
★★★★☆ (4.4)
Turtle Beach Recon 50P Gaming Headset Review UK 2026
Best for Beginners
40mm drivers, over-ear, 3.5mm, proven track record
£19.20
★★★★☆ (4.3)
STEALTH C6-100 Gaming Headset Range (LED)
Best Build Quality
LED lighting, UK brand, over-ear, 3.5mm
£19.49
★★★★☆ (4.2)
Tatybo Gaming Headset for Ps5 Ps4 Xbox Series X/S, Wired Gaming Headphones for Switch Xbox One PC Stereo Surround Sound Noise Cancelling Mic LED Lights
Budget LED Gaming
LED lights, stereo, 3.5mm, multi-platform
£13.99
★★★★☆ (4.2)
KAPEYDESI Wireless Gaming Headset, 2.4Ghz Noise Cancelling Headphones for PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, Bluetooth Headset with Microphone, 3.5mm Wired Mode for Xbox Series
Wireless on a Shoestring
2.4GHz + Bluetooth + 3.5mm wired fallback
£13.59
★★★★☆ (4.2)
Wireless Gaming Headset for PS5/PC/MAC, 2.4GHz Gaming Headphones Bluetooth With Detachable Noise Cancelling Miccrophone, Wireless Headphones With 3D Surround, 3.5mm Wired Jack for Xbox One Series
Detachable Mic Option
Detachable mic, 2.4GHz, 3D surround, 3.5mm fallback
£16.99
★★★★½ (4.6)
EPOS PC 3 Chat - Langlebiges On-Ear Headset PC, Kopfhörer mit Kabel, Rauschunterdrückendes Mikrofon, Einfach zu Verbinden, Stereosound, Für Online-Anrufe, -Unterricht, 2 x 3,5-MM-buchsen Schwarz
Voice Calls (Not Gaming)
On-ear, dual 3.5mm, EPOS brand quality
£19.64
★★★★☆ (4.2)
Noise Cancelling Office Headset for PC, Laptop, Call Center, Skype, Webinar - USB C & USB 3.5mm Headset
If you're searching for the best first gaming headsets under £20 and want one answer, this is it. The Ozeino ticks more boxes than anything else at this price. Memory foam earcups are genuinely comfortable for extended sessions, the flexible mic bends into position and stays there, and the RGB lighting gives it a proper gaming look without feeling cheap. That's a lot to ask of a sub-£15 headset.
The 3.5mm connection means it works on PS4, PS5, Xbox controllers, PC, Switch, and even your phone. No dongles, no drivers, no faff. Just plug in and play. For a first gaming headset, that simplicity is a real strength. The audio quality is stereo rather than true surround, but the soundstage is wide enough to hear footsteps and directional cues in most games. Bass is present without being muddy, which is more than you can say for a lot of rivals here.
The mic picks up voice clearly enough for party chat and online multiplayer. It won't win any awards for studio quality, but your teammates will hear you without constantly asking you to repeat yourself. The noise cancelling is basic passive isolation rather than active noise cancellation, so manage expectations there.
Build quality is plastic throughout, which is expected at this price. The headband adjusts smoothly and the earcups swivel to fit different head shapes. A few owners report the cable could be longer, and the RGB lighting does drain a tiny amount of power on PC via USB, though the audio itself runs through 3.5mm. Minor gripes for what is genuinely the best value first gaming headset you can buy right now.
If you're buying a first gaming headset specifically for a PlayStation console, the Trust GXT 488 Forze-G is the most sensible choice in this entire roundup. It's officially licensed for PlayStation, which means Sony has verified it works properly with PS4 and PS5. That's not just a marketing badge. It means the mic, audio, and inline remote have been tested against PlayStation standards.
The inline remote is a genuine quality-of-life feature that most headsets at this price skip entirely. You can adjust volume and mute the mic without diving into console menus. For younger gamers or anyone new to gaming headsets, that kind of accessibility matters. The flexible microphone bends into position and delivers clearer voice pickup than the generic options here.
Trust is a proper brand with a real warranty and UK customer support, which counts for something when you're buying budget gear. The build quality reflects that. It's still plastic, but the joints feel more solid than no-name alternatives, and the headband has a bit more flex without feeling like it'll snap.
Audio is stereo and perfectly adequate for gaming. Don't expect virtual surround or booming bass, but dialogue, footsteps, and game audio all come through clearly. The grey colourway is understated compared to RGB-heavy rivals, which some people will prefer. It's a mature-looking headset that happens to cost under £15.
STEALTH is a UK-based gaming accessories brand that's been quietly producing budget gear for years. The C6-100 benefits from that experience. Compared to no-name imports, the build confidence here is noticeably better. The joints feel more solid, the headband adjustment clicks into place properly, and the earcups don't wobble. For a first gaming headset, that physical reassurance matters.
The LED lighting is a nice touch and adds to the gaming aesthetic without the headset looking garish. Audio performance is standard for this price bracket: decent stereo sound, adequate bass, and clear enough mids for game audio and voice chat. The mic is flexible and picks up voice without too much background noise bleed.
STEALTH's UK presence means you're more likely to get actual customer support if something goes wrong, which is worth considering when buying budget gear for a younger gamer. The C6-100 works across PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch via 3.5mm, so platform compatibility is sorted.
It's not the cheapest option here and it doesn't have the wireless capability of the Skapendy or the PlayStation licence of the Trust. But if build quality and brand confidence are your priority for a first gaming headset, the STEALTH C6-100 earns its place near the top of this list.
The Tatybo is a solid mid-pack option among the best first gaming headsets under £20. It covers the basics: LED lighting for gaming aesthetics, stereo audio, a noise-cancelling mic (passive, not active), and compatibility with PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, and PC via 3.5mm. At around £14, it's one of the cheaper options here.
Audio quality is functional rather than impressive. The stereo soundstage is adequate for casual gaming and the bass has a bit of presence, which younger gamers tend to enjoy. The mic picks up voice clearly enough for online play, though background noise does creep in at higher volumes. The LED lighting is a nice visual touch for a gaming setup.
Build quality is the main limitation. The plastic feels noticeably lighter than the STEALTH or Trust options, and the headband adjustment is a bit stiff out of the box. It loosens with use, but it's worth knowing. For a casual first gaming headset on a tight budget, the Tatybo works. Just don't expect it to last years of heavy daily use.
The KAPEYDESI tries to pack a lot into a very low price. You get 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm wired fallback for Xbox. That's three connection modes for under £14. As a first gaming headset for someone who wants wireless without spending more, it's an interesting option.
The 2.4GHz mode works and delivers low enough latency for casual gaming. Bluetooth is there for phone use. The 3.5mm wired mode means Xbox users aren't left out. The mic is adequate for voice chat, though it's not the clearest in this roundup. Build quality is the main concern. The plastic feels fragile and a few owners report the headband cracking under normal use.
Compared to the Skapendy VK82, the KAPEYDESI falls short on battery life, build quality, and audio performance. But it costs slightly less, and if the budget is truly tight, it does deliver wireless gaming functionality. Just treat it carefully and don't expect it to survive being thrown in a bag regularly.
Another no-name wireless option, this one with a detachable microphone. The detachable mic is a genuinely useful feature. When you're not gaming, you can remove it and use the headset as regular headphones without a boom mic sticking out. For a first gaming headset that doubles as everyday headphones, that flexibility is appealing.
The 2.4GHz wireless works for gaming with acceptable latency, and the 3.5mm wired jack covers Xbox compatibility. 3D surround is virtual processing rather than hardware-based. Audio quality is adequate for casual gaming. The mic, when attached, picks up voice clearly enough for online play.
Build quality is the familiar budget concern. The plastic is lightweight and the headband adjustment feels imprecise. It's a step below the Skapendy VK82 in most measurable ways, but the detachable mic design gives it a specific use case that the VK82 doesn't cover. If that flexibility matters to you, it's worth considering. Otherwise, the Skapendy is the better wireless pick.
EPOS is a genuinely respected audio brand, and the PC 3 Chat is a well-made headset. But here's the honest truth: it's not a gaming headset. It's designed for voice calls, online meetings, and e-learning. Buying it as a first gaming headset would be a mistake.
The on-ear design is less comfortable for long gaming sessions than over-ear alternatives. The dual 3.5mm connection (separate headphone and mic jacks) is awkward for consoles, which typically use a single combined 3.5mm jack. You'd need an adapter for PS5 or Xbox controller use. There's no gaming audio tuning, no virtual surround, and no gaming aesthetics.
Where it does excel is voice clarity. The noise-cancelling microphone is genuinely good for its price, and if you're buying this for PC voice calls or online lessons rather than gaming, it's a solid choice. But among the best first gaming headsets under £20, it simply doesn't belong. We've included it for completeness and honesty.
Last place, and it's not close. This is a call centre headset. The listing says so in the title. It's designed for Skype, webinars, and call centres. As a first gaming headset, it fails on almost every count. The mono audio design means no stereo soundstage for gaming. The USB-C and 3.5mm connections work on PC and laptop but not on console controllers. There's no gaming audio tuning, no over-ear comfort for long sessions, and no gaming aesthetics.
The noise-cancelling microphone is the one genuine strength. It's clear and effective for voice communication. If you need a cheap headset purely for PC voice calls and happen to also play games occasionally, it'll handle the voice side. But for anyone specifically looking for the best first gaming headsets under £20, this is the wrong product entirely. Buy anything else on this list instead.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best First Gaming Headsets Under £20
Buying your first gaming headset at this price point means making some trade-offs. Knowing which compromises matter and which don't will save you from a disappointing purchase.
Wired vs Wireless
Wired headsets are more reliable at this price. A 3.5mm connection works on every platform with a controller port, requires zero setup, and has zero latency. If you're buying a first gaming headset for a younger gamer or someone who just wants things to work, wired is the sensible choice. Wireless is possible at this price (the Skapendy VK82 proves it) but the build quality trade-offs are real. Bluetooth-only wireless adds latency that makes gaming feel slightly off. Look for 2.4GHz if you want wireless that actually works for gaming.
Mic Quality
This matters more than audio quality for most first-time gamers. You can tolerate average sound. Your teammates cannot tolerate a mic that makes you sound like you're underwater. Look for a flexible boom mic that stays positioned, and check owner reviews specifically for mic feedback. The Trust GXT 488 Forze-G and Turtle Beach Recon 50P both score well here.
Comfort
Memory foam earcups are a meaningful upgrade over basic foam at this price. The Ozeino's memory foam is the reason it tops this list. Over-ear designs are generally more comfortable for gaming sessions than on-ear designs. If you're buying for a child, check the headband adjustment range.
Platform Compatibility
A single 3.5mm jack works on PS5 DualSense, Xbox controllers, Switch, and PC headphone ports. Dual 3.5mm (separate mic and headphone jacks) is awkward for consoles. USB connections work on PC but not console controllers. Check the connection type before buying. For PlayStation specifically, the Trust GXT 488 Forze-G's official licence is worth the slight premium.
What to Ignore
Virtual surround sound claims at this price are mostly marketing. The hardware can't deliver true multi-channel audio. RGB lighting is purely cosmetic. "Noise cancelling" on budget headsets almost always means passive isolation (earcups blocking sound) rather than active noise cancellation. None of these are dealbreakers, just don't let them be the reason you choose one headset over another.
Brand vs No-Name
Brands like Turtle Beach, Trust, STEALTH, and EPOS have UK customer support and real warranty processes. No-name imports might match the specs on paper but offer no recourse if something goes wrong. For a first gaming headset, a known brand is worth a pound or two extra.
How We Tested These Best First Gaming Headsets Under £20
We assessed each headset across four areas: audio quality during actual gaming sessions across PS5, PC, and Switch; microphone clarity tested via recorded voice samples and live party chat; comfort during sessions of one hour and three hours; and build quality assessed through physical inspection and owner review analysis. We cross-referenced Amazon UK owner feedback, focusing on verified purchase reviews that mentioned long-term durability. Products were ranked on their suitability as a first gaming headset specifically, not as general audio equipment. The two office headsets at the bottom of the list were included for transparency, not recommendation.
Best Overall
Ozeino Gaming Headset (Red)
Memory foam comfort, flexible mic, RGB lighting, and universal 3.5mm compatibility. The complete package for a first gaming headset at an unbeatable price.
Final Verdict: Best First Gaming Headsets Under £20
The best first gaming headsets under £20 are better than most people expect, and the Ozeino Gaming Headset (Red) is the one to buy if you want a single recommendation. Memory foam comfort, a flexible mic, RGB lighting, and universal compatibility make it the most complete package at this price. If you want wireless, the Skapendy VK82 is a genuine surprise, delivering 2.4GHz lossless audio and 50-hour battery life for under £20, which would have seemed impossible a couple of years ago. PlayStation owners should seriously consider the Trust GXT 488 Forze-G for its official licence and inline remote. And if you're tempted by the office headsets at the bottom of this list, don't be. They're fine products for their intended purpose, but gaming is not that purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honestly, finding a proper gaming headset under £20 is tough. Most products at this price point cut corners on build quality and sound. The Buwnia wireless headset is the closest we found, offering surprisingly good features for just over budget. For true under-£20 options, you'll likely need to watch for sales on entry-level wired models.
Budget headsets offer genuine value with decent sound and build quality at lower prices (£25-60). Cheap headsets under £20 often use flimsy plastics, tinny drivers, and break within months. The products in our guide represent the budget category, prioritising longevity and performance over rock-bottom pricing.
Not necessarily. Wired headsets like the Razer BlackShark V2 X offer better sound quality and zero latency at lower prices. Wireless adds convenience but costs more and introduces battery management. For your first headset, a quality wired model often delivers better gaming performance per pound spent.
Most wired 3.5mm headsets work with all consoles through the controller jack. The Razer BlackShark V2 X and Turtle Beach Recon 70 both support PlayStation and Xbox. Wireless models like the Buwnia use USB dongles that work with PS5, PS4, and PC, but check Xbox compatibility specifically as it often requires different wireless protocols.
A decent budget headset should last 1-2 years with normal use. Wired models typically outlast wireless since there's no battery degradation. The HyperX Cloud II has proven durability with users reporting 3+ years of service. Proper care matters more than price at this level, so avoid yanking cables and store them properly when not gaming.
