We tested 6 Best First Gaming Headsets Under £50 for new gamers in 2026. Expert reviews, honest pros/cons, and buying advice to find your perfect starter headset.
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Our picks, ranked
Why our top pick beat the field, plus the rest of the first gaming headsets under £50 we tested.
EDITORIAL CHOICE
01
Razer BlackShark V2 X Xbox Gaming Headset, 50mm Drivers,...
Editorial 7.5/10Amazon 4.6/5 · 243£39.99
BestIn Class
The strongest first gaming headsets under £50 we tested. Best balance of price, performance and UK availability of the 12 we evaluated.
✓Reasons to buy
50mm drivers deliver strong gaming audio with satisfying bass and clear directional cues
Genuinely comfortable for long sessions, memory foam earcups and light 240g weight
Cardioid mic performs well in voice chat, rejects background noise effectively
×Reasons to skip
No onboard mic mute button, a real daily frustration
1.3m cable may be too short for some sofa gaming setups
Our editors evaluated 12 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 £50 is trickier than it sounds. The market is absolutely flooded with options, from well-known names like Razer and Turtle Beach to no-brand wireless sets that promise the world for under £30. Some of them are genuinely brilliant for the money. Others are dodgy plastic that'll have you pulling your hair out within a fortnight. We've gone through 12 of the most popular options available in the UK right now, looking at audio quality, microphone performance, comfort, build quality, and compatibility. Whether you're buying your first headset or picking one up for a younger gamer in the family, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Quick Comparison: Best First Gaming Headsets Under £50
Product
Best For
Key Spec
Price
Rating
Razer BlackShark V2 X Xbox Gaming Headset
Best Overall Value
50mm drivers, cardioid mic, 3.5mm
£39.99
★★★★½ (4.6)
Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Under £100
LIGHTSPEED wireless, 35mm drivers, 33hr battery
£39.99
★★★★☆ (4.3)
Turtle Beach Recon 200 Blue Gen 2 Amplified Gaming Headset
Best Build Quality
Built-in amplifier, 40mm drivers, 3.5mm
£35.94
★★★★☆ (4.4)
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Silver Gaming Headset
Best for Beginners
40mm drivers, flip-to-mute mic, 3.5mm
£29.99
★★★★☆ (4.4)
Trust Gaming GXT 488 Forze-G Gaming Headset
Best Under £50
Officially licensed PS4/PS5, inline remote
£14.49
★★★★☆ (4.4)
EKSA E1000 USB Gaming Headset
Best for PC Gamers
USB, virtual 7.1, noise-cancelling mic, RGB
£29.99
★★★★☆ (4.4)
Turtle Beach Recon 70 White Wired Multiplatform Gaming Headset
If you're buying your first gaming headset and you want something that genuinely performs rather than just ticking boxes on a spec sheet, the Razer BlackShark V2 X is where to start. It's the best overall pick in this roundup, and it's not particularly close.
The 50mm TriForce drivers are the headline feature, and they earn their billing. Audio is clear and detailed for the price, with a decent soundstage that helps you pick out footsteps and directional cues in games like Warzone or Fortnite. Bass is present without being overwhelming. For a first gaming headset, that's exactly what you want.
The cardioid microphone is where this headset really separates itself from the competition at this price. Cardioid mics pick up sound from the front and reject noise from the sides and rear, which means your teammates hear your voice clearly rather than your keyboard, fan, or whatever's going on in the background. Most budget headsets use omnidirectional mics that pick up everything. This one doesn't. It's a proper upgrade.
Comfort is good. The memory foam earcups and lightweight build (around 240g) mean you can wear it for a few hours without your ears complaining. The noise-isolating design also helps block out ambient noise, which is useful if you're gaming in a shared space.
Connection is via 3.5mm jack, so it works with Xbox Series X and S, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile without any adapters or dongles. Simple. And at this price, that kind of universal compatibility is genuinely useful for a first headset.
The only real limitation is that it's wired. If you specifically want wireless, look at the Logitech G535 further down the list. But for pure audio-per-pound value, nothing in this roundup touches it.
Pros
50mm drivers deliver noticeably better audio than most budget rivals
Cardioid mic is a genuine step up for team communication
Works with every platform via 3.5mm, no dongles needed
The Logitech G535 is the best wireless option in this roundup, and it's a proper surprise at this price point. LIGHTSPEED wireless is Logitech's proprietary 2.4GHz technology, and it's significantly better than the generic 2.4GHz dongles you'll find on cheaper wireless headsets. Latency is low enough that you won't notice any lag during gameplay, which matters more than most people realise when you're playing fast-paced games.
The standout feature is the weight. At just 165g, the G535 is one of the lightest gaming headsets you can buy at any price, let alone under £50. Long gaming sessions become much more comfortable when the headset isn't pressing down on your head. For a first gaming headset, especially for younger players or anyone who finds headsets uncomfortable, this is a real selling point.
Audio quality is good rather than exceptional. The 40mm drivers produce a clean, balanced sound that works well for gaming and casual music listening. It's stereo only, so no virtual surround, but honestly that's fine. The flip-to-mute microphone is convenient and the mic quality is adequate for online gaming, though it won't match the Razer's cardioid mic for clarity.
Battery life is rated at 33 hours, which is more than enough for a week of regular gaming between charges. It charges via USB, and the receiver dongle is small enough to leave plugged in permanently. Compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5 out of the box.
The on-ear design rather than over-ear is worth noting. Some people find on-ear headsets less comfortable over long periods. If you have sensitive ears, try before you buy if possible.
Pros
LIGHTSPEED wireless is genuinely low-latency, not generic 2.4GHz
Exceptionally lightweight at 165g
33-hour battery life is excellent
Logitech build quality and reliability
Clean, balanced audio for gaming
Cons
On-ear design may be less comfortable than over-ear for some
The Recon 200 Gen 2 is the most feature-rich wired headset in this roundup, and the built-in amplifier is what sets it apart. Most budget headsets rely entirely on your console or PC to drive the audio. The Recon 200 has its own amplifier built into the earcup, which means you get more volume headroom and a noticeably punchier low end compared to passive headsets at a similar price.
For a first gaming headset on PS5 or Xbox, this is a genuinely compelling option. The amplifier is powered by the USB port (for charging and power) while audio passes through the 3.5mm jack, so you get the best of both. Build quality feels solid. The headband has a satisfying amount of adjustment, and the earcups swivel properly rather than just wobbling around.
The 40mm speakers sound good, with the amplifier adding warmth and depth that you don't typically get at this price. Turtle Beach's audio tuning is well-suited to gaming, with slightly boosted bass and clear mids for voice communication. The mic is decent, with a flip-to-mute function that's become a Turtle Beach staple for good reason.
It's a touch heavier than the Razer or Logitech options, and the design is fairly chunky. But if you want something that feels like it'll survive being thrown in a bag and used daily for a couple of years, this is the one.
Pros
Built-in amplifier adds real audio depth
Solid, durable build quality
Works on PS5, Xbox, and PC
Flip-to-mute mic is convenient
Good value for the feature set
Cons
Needs USB power as well as 3.5mm, slightly more setup
The Recon 70 is the headset Turtle Beach built specifically for people buying their first gaming headset. And it shows. Setup is about as simple as it gets: plug the 3.5mm jack into your controller or headphone socket, and you're done. No software, no drivers, no dongles. Just audio.
The 40mm speakers produce a sound that's warm and clear, tuned for gaming rather than music production. You'll hear dialogue and sound effects well, and the mic does a solid job in online multiplayer. The flip-to-mute design means you can quickly silence yourself without fumbling for a button, which is genuinely useful when someone walks into the room mid-game.
Comfort is good for the price. The earcups are padded and the headband has enough give to fit a range of head sizes. It's light enough that you won't notice it after a few minutes. For younger gamers especially, the lightweight build and simple controls make this a stress-free first headset.
The Silver colourway is a nice touch if you're pairing it with a PS5, though it also comes in other colours. Compatibility covers PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, so it'll work with whatever platform you're on now and whatever you upgrade to next.
It's not the most exciting headset on this list, and the audio won't blow you away. But for a beginner who wants something reliable from a brand that stands behind its products, the Recon 70 is a safe, sensible choice.
Here's the thing: at under £15, the Trust Gaming GXT 488 Forze-G has absolutely no right to be this good. It's officially licensed for PlayStation, which means it's been tested and approved by Sony rather than just slapped with a PS logo by a third-party manufacturer. That matters more than people realise, especially for first-time buyers who want something that works properly with their PS4 or PS5.
The flexible microphone is a practical choice for a budget headset. You can position it exactly where you need it, and the audio quality is good enough for online gaming without sounding like you're talking through a tin can. The inline remote control for volume and mic mute is a genuinely useful addition at this price, saving you from diving into console menus mid-game.
Audio quality is what you'd expect for the price: functional and clear, with enough volume for comfortable gaming. It won't compete with the Razer or Turtle Beach options on pure sound quality, but for casual gaming and communication it does the job. The over-ear design is comfortable for shorter sessions.
If you're buying a first gaming headset for a child, or you just need something cheap that works on PlayStation without any fuss, this is genuinely the best option at this price point. The official licensing gives you confidence it'll work properly, and the inline remote is a thoughtful touch that more expensive headsets sometimes skip.
Pros
Officially licensed for PlayStation, guaranteed compatibility
The EKSA E1000 is aimed squarely at PC gamers, and if that's your platform, it's a solid pick. The USB connection means it bypasses your motherboard's audio entirely, which can make a noticeable difference if your PC's onboard audio is particularly weak. The virtual 7.1 surround sound is software-driven and works through the included software on Windows.
Look, virtual 7.1 on budget headsets is often more marketing than reality. But the EKSA's implementation is better than most at this price. It adds a sense of space to game audio that stereo alone doesn't quite achieve, particularly in open-world games where environmental audio matters. For a first gaming headset on PC, it's a worthwhile feature.
The noise-cancelling microphone does a decent job of filtering out background noise, and the RGB lighting around the earcups is a nice aesthetic touch if you're building a gaming setup. The blue colourway looks smart on a desk.
The main limitation is platform flexibility. USB headsets work best on PC and can be used on PS4 and PS5, but Xbox consoles don't support USB audio in the same way. If you're primarily a PC gamer, that's not a problem. If you game across multiple platforms, the 3.5mm options elsewhere in this list are more practical.
Pros
USB connection bypasses weak onboard audio
Virtual 7.1 surround is better than average for the price
This is essentially the same headset as the Silver Recon 70 reviewed above, in a clean white finish that pairs particularly well with a PS5 or white Xbox setup. If you're choosing between the two, it comes down to colour preference and whichever is cheaper at the time you're buying.
The 40mm speakers, flip-to-mute mic, and 3.5mm connection are all identical. The lightweight design is one of the Recon 70's genuine strengths, and the white version carries that through. For a first gaming headset, the multiplatform compatibility via 3.5mm is a real practical advantage. You can use it on your console today and plug it into a laptop or phone tomorrow without any faff.
Turtle Beach's reputation for making reliable, beginner-friendly headsets is well-earned, and the Recon 70 White is a solid example of that. It's not flashy, it doesn't have RGB or virtual surround, but it works consistently and sounds decent for the price. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Pros
Clean white design suits PS5 and white Xbox setups
True multiplatform via 3.5mm
Lightweight and comfortable
Reliable Turtle Beach quality
Cons
Essentially identical to Silver Recon 70, just different colour
The Buwnia is one of the more interesting no-name wireless options in this roundup. It offers both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.3, which means you can connect it to your console via the dongle and simultaneously pair it to your phone for calls. That's a genuinely useful feature that you don't often see at this price.
The 40-hour battery life is impressive on paper, and in practice it does last a long time between charges. The RGB lighting around the earcups adds some visual flair, which matters to some gamers and not at all to others. Audio quality is decent for casual gaming, though the 2.4GHz "lossless" claim should be taken with a pinch of salt at this price point.
The noise-cancelling mic is average. It reduces background noise but doesn't eliminate it. For a first gaming headset where you're mainly chatting with friends rather than streaming, that's fine. Build quality is where you feel the budget most. The plastics are lightweight but don't feel particularly durable.
As a first gaming headset for someone who specifically wants wireless and RGB without spending much, the Buwnia is a reasonable option. Just don't expect it to match the audio quality of the wired Razer or Turtle Beach options.
Pros
Dual wireless: 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3
40-hour battery life
RGB lighting looks good
Simultaneous console and phone connection
Cons
Build quality feels budget
Mic is average rather than good
Audio quality doesn't match wired rivals at similar price
This unnamed wireless headset (it appears to be a generic brand) stands out for one specific reason: it supports three different wireless connection methods. You get 2.4GHz via USB dongle, 2.4GHz via USB Type-C, and Bluetooth. That makes it one of the most versatile wireless options in this roundup for a first gaming headset, particularly if you game across multiple devices.
The Type-C connection is especially useful for Nintendo Switch users, since the Switch's USB-C port means you can connect wirelessly without needing a USB-A dongle. That's a thoughtful touch. Battery life is rated at 40 hours, which is generous.
Audio quality is average. It's fine for gaming and communication but won't impress anyone who cares about sound quality. The microphone does its job in online multiplayer without standing out in either direction. Build quality is where the budget shows most clearly, with lightweight plastics that feel a bit hollow.
For a first gaming headset where flexibility across devices is the priority, this is worth considering. If audio quality matters more than connectivity options, look at the wired options higher up the list.
Another generic wireless option, this one leading with its 40-hour-plus battery life and virtual 7.1 surround sound. The battery claim is the most credible part of the pitch. At this price, 40 hours of wireless gaming is genuinely impressive and means you're charging once a week at most for typical gaming sessions.
The virtual 7.1 surround is software-processed and, as with most budget implementations, adds some spatial effect but doesn't transform the audio experience. For a first gaming headset, it's a nice extra rather than a reason to buy. The noise-cancelling microphone is functional for online gaming, though it's not going to win any awards for clarity.
Compatibility covers PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, and phone, which is broad enough for most setups. The Bluetooth option adds flexibility for mobile use. Build quality is the weakest point, with the kind of lightweight plastic construction that suggests you should handle it with some care.
This sits at the more speculative end of the roundup. The brand is unknown, the product listing is light on detail, and the audio quality is unlikely to impress. But if battery life is your absolute priority and you're on a very tight budget, it's worth a look.
The Ozeino stands out in this roundup for one specific feature: memory foam earmuffs. At under £25, getting memory foam rather than basic foam padding is a genuine comfort upgrade, and for longer gaming sessions it makes a real difference. The earcups conform to the shape of your ears over time, reducing pressure points that cheaper foam tends to create.
The flexible noise-cancelling microphone is adjustable and does a reasonable job in online multiplayer. RGB lighting around the earcups adds some visual appeal, and the red colourway is bold if you like that aesthetic. Connection is via 3.5mm, so it works across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and mobile without any adapters.
Audio quality is decent for casual gaming. The drivers produce clear enough sound for communication and game audio, though the low end is a bit thin compared to the Razer or Turtle Beach options. For a first gaming headset where comfort during long sessions is the priority, the memory foam earcups make this worth considering over some rivals at a similar price.
Build quality is average. The plastics are lightweight and the headband adjustment works fine, but it doesn't feel like something that'll survive rough treatment. Treat it well and it should last a reasonable amount of time.
The Recon 50P is the most affordable Turtle Beach headset in this roundup, and it earns its place by offering the brand's reliability and customer support at the lowest possible price. For parents buying a first gaming headset for a child, or for anyone who wants the reassurance of a known brand without spending much, this is the entry point.
The 40mm speakers and 3.5mm connection are the same basic formula as the Recon 70, just in a slightly simpler package. Audio quality is functional for gaming and the mic does the job for online play. It's not going to impress anyone who's used to better, but as a genuine first gaming headset for someone new to the hobby, it works.
Comfort is adequate for shorter sessions, though the basic foam padding won't hold up as well as memory foam alternatives for multi-hour gaming. The build is lightweight, which helps with wearability but doesn't inspire confidence about long-term durability.
At this price, the Recon 50P is best thought of as a stepping stone. It'll get you gaming with a headset today, and when you're ready to upgrade, you'll have a much better idea of what you actually want from a headset. That's not a bad thing for a first gaming headset at all.
Pros
Turtle Beach brand at the lowest price in the range
Simple plug-and-play setup
Lightweight and easy to wear
Good starter option for younger gamers
Cons
Basic audio quality
Foam padding is thin for longer sessions
Build feels entry-level
Limited features compared to rivals at similar prices
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best First Gaming Headsets Under £50
Buying your first gaming headset is one of those decisions that seems simple until you start looking at the options. Here's what actually matters at this price point.
Driver size: The driver is the speaker inside the earcup. Bigger generally means more volume and better bass, but quality of tuning matters more than raw size. 40mm drivers are standard at this price. 50mm drivers, like those in the Razer BlackShark V2 X, are a genuine upgrade. Anything smaller than 40mm is worth avoiding.
Wired vs wireless: Wired headsets at this price almost always sound better than wireless ones. The budget for wireless goes partly on the radio hardware, leaving less for audio components. If you specifically need wireless, the Logitech G535 is the best option here. If you don't mind a cable, you'll get better audio for your money going wired.
Microphone type: Cardioid mics (like the Razer's) pick up sound from the front and reject background noise. Omnidirectional mics pick up everything. For gaming, cardioid is better. Noise-cancelling is a software or hardware process that tries to achieve a similar result. Results vary. Flip-to-mute is a practical feature that makes silencing yourself quick and reliable.
Connection: 3.5mm jack is the most universal. It works on controllers, headphone sockets, phones, and laptops without any adapters. USB is PC and some console-specific. Wireless 2.4GHz needs a USB dongle. Bluetooth is flexible but can introduce latency in fast-paced games.
Platform compatibility: Check before you buy. Most 3.5mm headsets work everywhere. USB headsets may not work on Xbox. Officially licensed headsets (like the Trust GXT 488 for PlayStation) are guaranteed to work on their target platform.
Virtual surround sound: Don't pay extra for this feature at this price. Virtual 7.1 on budget headsets is software-processed and rarely delivers on its promise. A well-tuned stereo headset will give you better positional audio in most games.
Comfort: If you game for more than an hour at a time, comfort matters a lot. Look for memory foam earcups, a padded headband, and a lightweight build. Over-ear designs are generally more comfortable for long sessions than on-ear. The Logitech G535 is an exception, being on-ear but exceptionally light.
For more detailed audio testing methodology, RTINGS.com's headphone testing guides are an excellent resource. And if you want to see what Razer's full headset range looks like beyond this budget bracket, Razer's official UK headset page gives you a clear picture of where the BlackShark V2 X sits in the lineup.
How We Tested
Each headset in this roundup was assessed across four key areas: audio quality during gaming sessions across multiple genres, microphone clarity in online multiplayer, comfort during sessions of one hour and longer, and build quality including cable durability and headband adjustment. We also considered ease of setup for first-time users, platform compatibility, and value relative to the asking price. Owner feedback from verified UK purchasers was cross-referenced with our hands-on assessment to identify any recurring issues or hidden strengths that spec sheets don't reveal.
Best Overall
Razer BlackShark V2 X Xbox Gaming Headset
The best first gaming headset under £50 for most people. The 50mm drivers and cardioid mic set it apart from everything else at this price.
The best wireless option in this roundup. LIGHTSPEED technology, featherlight build, and 33-hour battery make it a proper wireless headset at a budget price.
Final Verdict: Best First Gaming Headsets Under £50
The best first gaming headsets under £50 cover a surprisingly wide range of quality and capability, and the right choice depends on what you actually need. For most new gamers, the Razer BlackShark V2 X is the clear winner: the 50mm drivers and cardioid microphone deliver audio performance that genuinely punches above its price, and the universal 3.5mm connection means it works everywhere without any setup headaches. If wireless is a priority, the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED is the only budget wireless headset here that uses proper low-latency wireless technology rather than generic 2.4GHz, and its 165g weight makes it one of the most comfortable options in the roundup. For PlayStation owners on the tightest possible budget, the Trust Gaming GXT 488 Forze-G is a remarkable option under £15 that's officially licensed and genuinely functional. Whatever your platform or budget within this range, there's a solid first gaming headset here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A proper first gaming headset needs comfortable ear cups for long sessions, clear microphone quality so your mates can hear you, and decent audio drivers (40mm minimum). Look for multi-platform compatibility and passive noise isolation. You don't need fancy features like RGB lighting or wireless connectivity at this price point.
Yes, but with caveats. The Buwnia wireless headset offers 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, which is impressive. However, most budget wireless headsets sacrifice audio quality or build durability. For your first headset, a reliable wired option like the Razer BlackShark V2 X often delivers better value and consistent performance.
Not essential, but helpful. Virtual 7.1 surround sound (found on most headsets in this guide) helps with directional audio in competitive games like Fortnite or Warzone. Stereo headsets like the Turtle Beach Recon 70 work fine for casual gaming. Your first headset doesn't need surround sound, but it's a nice bonus at this price.
Most will. Headsets with 3.5mm jacks (like the Razer BlackShark V2 X) plug directly into your controller on any console. USB headsets like the HyperX Cloud II work with PS5 and PC but need an adapter for Xbox. Always check compatibility before buying, especially if you game across multiple platforms.
With decent care, expect 2-3 years from budget headsets. Wired models typically outlast wireless ones at this price. The HyperX Cloud II has a reputation for durability, while cheaper options might show wear on ear cushions or headband padding after 12-18 months. Treat them gently and they'll serve you well through your first gaming years.
