We're refreshing our picks
Prices for gaming headsets in this category have moved above £20 since our last review. We track the market daily and will restore the under-£20 recommendations the moment products come back into bracket.
In the meantime, here are the nearest brackets with current picks:
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.
