Much to the despair of speakers and soundbars, headsets are increasingly popular choices for enjoying the riveting sounds of explosions while gaming. Gaming headsets also include microphones that allow for clear communication with teammates during multiplayer matches. Many headsets offer passive or active noise cancellation, which isolates listeners from background noise in a way that speakers can not. However, with more of these peripherals on the market now than ever before, deciding on which gaming headset to buy is no simple proposition.
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Along with the available budget, the first decision most gamers shopping for a headset need to make is whether to go wireless or wired. In a heated debate that extends to other PC peripherals like keyboards and mice, heading down either path introduces different advantages and disadvantages. Wireless gaming headsets tend to be more expensive but provide the freedom of cord-free gaming. Meanwhile, wired headsets with the best sound quality are more affordable but can aggravate already problematic cable management issues. The following comparisons pit wireless headsets vs. wired alternatives and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both types of devices.
Sound Quality
Regarding sound quality, wired headsets versus wireless alternatives are much closer than they were just a couple of years ago. Wired headsets always provide a more consistent sound with less connection interference, but when it comes to the overall enjoyment of listening to the headsets, it is hard to split hairs between a wireless and wired headset.
For the most part, gaming headsets will not be near the same caliber as dedicated headphones, so the high-fidelity argument for wired headsets does not come as much into play. Plus, with advancements in wireless codecs offering higher audio quality like LDAC and SBC, wireless headsets are not far behind as long as they have a stable wireless connection. At this point, the better sound quality comes down to the specific headset models themselves, rather than whether they are wired or wireless.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
Best Headset for Sound Quality
$213 $250 Save $37
- Microphone
- Retractable, Noise-Cancelling
- Brand
- SteelSeries
- Surround Sound
- Spatial 7.1
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes
- Powerful and balanced sound
- Best-in-class noise cancelling technology
- Long-lasting comfort
- Lacks optical audio input
- App is limited
While there are many wired gaming headsets with superior sound quality, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a standout selection. The included GameDac Gen 2 not only has 2 USB-C connections for PCs and consoles but also removes distortion and produces 96KHz/24-bit Hi-res audio. Premium High-Fidelity Drivers produce plenty of volume, while 360-degree spatial audio gives gamers advanced warning when enemies are approaching. The performance of the noise-canceling mic is equally impressive, and the AI technology in SteelSeries Sonar Software effectively silences pounding keyboards and other background noise.
It is important to note that some wireless headsets, like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, are incredibly well-made and capable of producing similar sound quality, even with a wireless connection. Unfortunately, players will have to pay a premium to get their hands on these types of devices.
Battery Life
- Advantage: Wired Headsets
A wireless headset vs wired opponent has a clear-cut winner in this category. Wired headsets carry the advantage when it comes to battery life and eliminate charging woes as they directly connect to whatever port they’re plugged into. This keeps things simple and cuts out the need for an external power source. Wired headsets don’t need batteries or internal charging components like their wireless counterparts. Players who don’t like the idea of dealing with batteries or remembering to charge their devices will likely feel less stressed by using a wired headset.
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Best Battery Life Wireless Headset
$180 $200 Save $20
- Microphone
- Detachable Boom Mic
- What’s Included
- USB Charging Cable (1.6 ft / 0.5 m), Pop Filter, Detachable mic, USB wireless adapter
- Brand
- HyperX
- 300 hour battery life
- Sturdy and comfortable
- Boom mic performs well
- Can’t be connected wired
- PC required for some functionality
On the other hand, there is one wireless gaming headset that might make users forget they need to recharge it at all. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless offers an astounding 300 hours of battery life, made possible by a beefy 5.5Wh battery. Most competitors will only last 15–40 hours before running out of steam. In addition, the Cloud Alpha benefits from internal chips and a Bluetooth receiver that draws much lower power than other headsets. The simple feature set of the wireless headset also helps, with no RGB lighting, to impact battery life. However, buyers should know that there is no way to connect the Cloud Alpha to sources with a cord, and its USB wireless dongle is sadly not compatible with Xbox Consoles.
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Cable Management
- Advantage: Wireless Headsets
Although wired gaming headsets can provide superior performance at a lower price when it comes to sound quality, there’s no denying that cable management is a bit of a nuisance for some players. Not only are some wired headset cables too short, but they’re prone to tangling easily, especially for those who move around a lot when playing or find themselves getting up often to move around, leaving their headsets behind.
Although this problem is usually solved by being more cognizant of where the wires are at all times on a wired headset, wireless headsets don’t suffer from these issues. They are completely untethered from any type of cord, and those that don’t connect via Bluetooth often have a transmitter that stays connected to the PC, giving the user freedom to move without the need to be attached to the PC or controller itself. Those who hate the frustration of wires hanging all over their setup will likely gravitate to wireless headsets, thanks to their freedom.
Logitech G Astro A30 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Headset for Wire Management
$220 $230 Save $10
- Microphone
- Detachable boom or built-in mic
- Brand
- Logitech
- Surround Sound
- Dolby Atmos
- Weight
- 12 ounces
- Battery Life
- 27 Hours
- Compatibility
- PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch
- 27 hour battery life
- Compatible with nearly every device
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Ineffective noise cancellation
Among the best gaming headsets that minimize wires, the Logitech G Astro A30 not only includes a wireless USB dongle to connect to PCs and consoles, but it also offers Bluetooth connectivity. Bluetooth connections to mobile devices and media players typically don’t provide support for spatial audio features but are the most convenient way to travel with a headset. When using the wireless adapter, the Astro A30 really shines, thanks to its ultra-low-latency LIGHTSPEED 2.4 GHz wireless protocol. The 27-hour battery life of the Astro A30 pales in comparison to the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless but still ranks above the industry average.
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Price Point
- Advantage: Wired Headsets
Wireless headsets are very appealing, thanks to their often sleek design and freedom from wires. Unfortunately, those luxuries come at a higher price point. Players who want to get the best out of their wireless gaming headsets are going to have to shell out a premium for higher-quality devices. Those who don’t want to spend the extra money will likely end up disappointed by the sound quality, battery life, or durability of lower-priced wireless headsets. There is a price discrepancy in the world of wireless devices, with cheaper alternatives usually not being “up to par” with the more expensive variants.
Thankfully, this price hike doesn’t seem to apply to wired headsets. Quality wired devices are usually much cheaper, even when it comes to the “best of the best.” Players who are looking to save a bit of money, or those who are on a fixed budget when it comes to buying a gaming headset, will certainly find it easier to get a wired device for a fair price. If a gamer is looking for a reasonably priced headset with excellent sound quality, the winner of the wired headset vs wireless battle is obvious.
Razer Kraken V3 X Gaming Headset
Best Budget Gaming Headset
- Microphone
- HyperClear Cardioid Mic
- Brand
- Razer
- Outstanding value
- Comfortable hybrid fabric and memory foam ear cushions
- 2 year warranty
- Replacing earcups can be difficult
- Sound quality not as good as higher-end models
The Razer Kraken V3 X demonstrates how much value a budget-friendly wired gaming headset can offer without compromising on features. This headset is powered by the same TriForce 40 mm drivers that more expensive Razer headsets like the Kraken V3 have for powerful mid, low, and high tones. The Kraken V3 also doesn’t lack style, supporting Razer’s popular Chroma lighting ecosystem. Despite the low price tag, the headset also sports comfortable memory foam earcups and a 2-year warranty. Supporting 7.1 surround sound, the Kraken V3 X is compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5, but Xbox consoles lack the USB connectivity to work properly with the Kraken V3 X.
Durability
Durability is a huge selling point when it comes to gaming headsets. Those who spend a lot of time gaming will want a headset that lasts a long time and is well-made. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument.
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The materials that these headsets use vary depending on the company, so it’s entirely possible to find both wired and wireless models that are made from quality flexible plastics and can survive accidental drops and bends. Past that, the two biggest issues that plague each device are wire quality and battery life, respectively. Wired headsets that have a poor cable or poor connection are prone to fraying, cracking, or outright breaking over time. Braided cables can help prevent these types of issues, but players still need to be aware of their cables to ensure they don’t bend them awkwardly.
Conversely, although wireless headsets eliminate pesky cables, they’re prone to weakening batteries. Some higher-dollar headsets have removable batteries, allowing players to simply replace the battery to remedy the issue, but other headsets don’t feature a removable power source. For these devices, players will be forced to purchase an entirely new headset when the battery eventually begins to lose capacity.
Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset
Most Durable Gaming Headset
$100 $130 Save $30
- Microphone
- Detachable, Unidirectional/Cardioid, 20Hz – 20kHz
- Brand
- Logitech
- Surround Sound
- 7.1 Surround Sound
- Noise Cancellation
- Sound Isolation, No Active Noise Cancellation
- Weight
- 338 grams
- Extremely durable
- Excellent sound quality
- Very comfortable earcups
- Not wireless
- Ear cups don’t swivel
One of the most durable gaming headsets is the Logitech G Pro X. Constructed with a steel headband, this wired headset is a popular choice among Esports competitors who game full-time. Most of the headset consists of metal, except for some plastic surrounding the ear cups. Audio cables that degrade over time are also not a concern since the Logitech G Pro X’s main cord is replaceable without spending a lot of money. The headset also feels luxurious when pressed against the ears, with thick memory foam cushions. Pro-G 50 mm audio drivers output a powerful sound with plenty of bass tones as well.
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Ease Of Use
- Advantage: Wired Headsets
When it comes to ease of use, it’s hard to deny how simplistic and user-friendly most wired headsets are. After all, these devices simply plug into any device with a suitable aux port, making it very easy for players to purchase a new device, connect the headset, and start playing. Many wired headsets even come with additional adapters and plugs that allow players to use a wide array of aux ports and connection types, making them universal across many devices.
Corsair HS35
Easiest Gaming Headset to Use
- Microphone
- Detachable
- What’s Included
- Headset, Charging Cable, Manual
- Brand
- Corsair
- Simple to connect to PC and consoles
- Comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Budget price
- Cord is hard-wired
- Not ideal for larger ears
When it comes to simplicity, a wired device like the Corsair HS35 is as straightforward to use as any gaming headset. Not only do users not have to worry about wireless USB dongle compatibility, but the Corsair HS35 connects to PCs and most consoles with a traditional analog audio cable. With consoles like the Xbox Series X/S and PS5, controllers include a headphone jack making it simple to connect the HS35. This headset won’t blow listeners away with a rich and balanced soundscape and microphone clarity is not top-tier. Still, for any gamer looking for a no-fuss headset to use with almost any device, the Corsair HS35 is a perfect choice.
Wireless headsets aren’t as user-friendly, but that shouldn’t scare players away. Most wireless devices are incredibly simple to set up, featuring Bluetooth connections or wireless transmitters that plug into USB or other applicable ports. Unfortunately, players will have to dive a bit deeper into their settings to pair these devices, and there is the added hassle of having to re-pair them or change settings should they become disconnected for some reason. If you are looking for a wireless headset that has a very easy setup, Logitech has some excellent quality headsets, and their setup process is painless most of the time.
Conclusion
- Overall Advantage: Wired Headsets
Although wireless gaming headsets are beautifully designed, feature greater freedom, and give players more control over their devices, they can be a bit more difficult to use overall. For one, players must have either a special transmitter or a Bluetooth-compatible device. On top of that, they’ll need to be sure they have a steady supply of batteries or be sure they are constantly charging their device to keep it full and operating at peak performance. Those who want to get the most out of their wireless device from a sound-quality standpoint will likely have to shell out more cash upfront to get a better device that has better connectivity and sound drivers.
Razer BlackShark V2
Best Overall Gaming Headset
- Brand
- Razer
- Microphone
- Noise cancelling, Detachable
- Detachable class-leading boom microphone
- Comfortable fit and durable construction
- THX Spatial Audio with 7.1 channel surround sound
- Not as portable as wireless gaming headsets
- USB sound card not compatible with all consoles
If a buyer decides to go the wired route, a gaming headset with good sound quality, durable construction, and the ability to connect to a wide range of sources is essential. The Razer BlackShark V2 manages to check all of these boxes with a USB connection available for PCs and an analog audio cable to connect to the controllers of most popular consoles. TriForce 50mm drivers output a perfectly calibrated mix of treble and bass with ample volume. The BlackShark V2 is also extremely comfortable to wear with plush memory foam ear cushions and weighs just 240 grams. The cushions also form tight seals with ears, leading to the headset’s effective passive noise cancelation.
Wired headsets don’t rely on often frustrating wireless protocols and are simply plug-and-play. They’re often cheaper than their wireless counterparts and offer superior sound quality for a much lower price. They’re easier to use overall, and many come with packaged adapters that let players use them on various specialized devices and controllers. Unfortunately, wired headsets don’t offer the same freedom, can feel restrictive, and are prone to wire breaks and cracks. They are still the superior option for most gamers, especially those who play games casually and don’t necessarily care so much about the perks of wireless headsets.
That said, this doesn’t mean wireless headsets are bad. In fact, they offer some great pros, and many of them feel luxury in comparison to their wired counterparts. Those who can spend the extra money will find some wireless options that are just as good, if not better, than their wired counterparts at a higher premium.
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FAQ
Q: What are better, wired or wireless headsets?
Depending on the quality of the individual headset, one may be better than the other. However, most of the time, the difference between a wireless and wired headset is indistinguishable. While the answer may have been wired over wireless in the past, technology has improved in the last several years, making wireless and wired more comparable in the modern gaming scene.
Q: How do I choose the right gaming headset?
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right gaming headset. First, think about the type of games you’ll be playing and what kind of audio quality you’ll need. For example, if you’re playing competitive online games, you might want a headset with 7.1 surround sound or a noise-canceling microphone. You should also consider the comfort of the headset, as you’ll likely be wearing it for long periods of time. Finally, consider the compatibility of the headset with your gaming setup and any other devices you might use it with.
Q: How much does a gaming headset cost?
Prices vary when it comes to headsets, but generally, the range is anywhere from $50 to well over $200. The price of a headset usually changes due to the materials used to create it, not necessarily the number of features that a headset has. This means that even if you want to save a little money, even most cheaper headsets have all the features you’re going to need. The higher price bracket you pay makes the headset available in more premium products like steel or leather, or adds extra accessibility features, like noise cancelation or surround sound.
