Top rated budget headsets for PS4 and PS4 Pro?

Question

Ive been using the same Turtle Beach ones for like four years now and they finally gave up the ghost today. Literally just snapped the plastic headband while I was putting them on for some Apex and now Im stuck with that tiny crappy earbud that comes with the console which is basically useless for hearing any kind of footsteps. I know my way around the audio settings and I've checked the output to headphones options a million times but the hardware is just toast this time.

Im kind of freaking out because I have a big ranked session with my squad this Friday night and I need a replacement like yesterday. I've got maybe $45 or $50 max to spend right now because my car insurance was just due and I really cant go over that budget. I am looking for something that wont break in two months and actually has decent mic clarity because my friends always complain about static if the connection is loose. I was looking at the HyperX Cloud Stinger or maybe some entry level SteelSeries ones but I keep seeing conflicting reviews about the volume levels being too low on the PS4 controller jack specifically.

Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a budget set that actually packs a punch? I need something that works with the Pro and my old standard model since I swap between rooms sometimes. Are the cheap off-brands on Amazon even worth it or should I just stick to a name brand even if its their entry level stuff? I really need to get these ordered tonight so they arrive in time...

Anya67Kn · Accepted Answer

Just saw this. In my experience over the years, most budget headsets fail because of the wiring or the plastic headband tension. If you want something that actually lasts and sounds decent on a PS4 controller, you should look for sets with larger drivers to compensate for that weak output.

Try the Razer BlackShark V2 X Multi-Platform Wired Esports Headset. I have used these and they have 50mm drivers which help a lot with the low volume issues on the DualShock 4. The mic is surprisingly clear for under fifty bucks and the passive noise cancellation is solid.

Another solid bet is the Logitech G332 Stereo Gaming Headset. They use larger drivers too and the flip-to-mute mic is very reliable compared to inline remotes that often get static over time. Quick tip: Stick to wired headsets with 50mm drivers to get the most volume out of that controller jack. Also, try to avoid twisting the cable too much or itll eventually fray right at the connection point.

Dizaynersk_psSt · Answer

Yo, that sucks about the headband snap... seen it happen a lot with older plastic builds. Honestly, the volume issue you mentioned is legit because the DualShock 4 jack has a pretty weak output stage. You gotta look at the sensitivity and impedance specs if you want decent volume or the audio will just feel thin. I'd go for the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wired 40mm Drivers. It has a 16 ohm impedance, which is low enough that the controller can actually drive the hardware without sounding quiet. The mic is surprisingly decent for the price too and wont pick up as much background hiss as the cheap stuff. Another solid pick is the <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= SteelSeries+Arctis+1+Wired+3.5mm+Console&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired 3.5mm Console. It uses the same drivers as their higher-end sets and the mic is noise-canceling. Tbh avoid those $20 Amazon specials, the drivers are usually super inconsistent and the mics leak game audio into the chat.

Stick to name brands for driver consistency.

Low impedance (16-32 ohms) is key for PS4 controllers. The Stingers are usually under $40 so you'll stay under budget for your insurance too. Good luck with the ranked grind!

DanielPar · Answer

Like someone mentioned, that volume issue is a total nightmare! Definitely dont buy those cheap Amazon knockoffs tho:

they have terrible sensitivity

bad shielding causes static Stick to names you trust!!