When deciding between a wired gaming headset and a wireless one, consider key factors. These aspects are crucial for making the right choice.
In the past, wired headsets were top for audio quality. However, wireless options are now more affordable. The differences between them are shrinking, making choosing between them harder.
We’re here to help. With years of headset testing experience, we understand what each type offers. We also know the key factors to consider when buying a headset. Whether it’s for PS5, PC, or Xbox Series X, we’ll guide you through the connectivity decision. Let’s dive in.
Design and Features
| Aspect | Wired Gaming Headset | Wireless Gaming Headset |
|---|---|---|
| Form and Design | Similar: Two earcups, soft material, headband | Similar: Two earcups, soft material, headband |
| Additional Features | Increasing with price: Detachable mic, controls, | Increasing with price: Detachable mic, controls, |
| drivers, brand-specific features | drivers, brand-specific features | |
| Companion Apps | Common: Mobile or PC apps available | Common: Mobile or PC apps available |
Both wired and wireless gaming headsets offer similar designs with earcups, soft materials, and headbands. However, as prices rise, additional features like detachable microphones and onboard controls become more prevalent. Companion apps for mobile or PC are also common, providing additional customization options. Consider your budget and prioritize essential features when making your choice.
Performance and Use Cases
| Aspect | Wired Headset | Wireless Headset |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Similar in 2024: Acceptable across games, robust audio quality | Similar in 2024: Acceptable across games, robust audio quality |
| Cheaper models often share tech with premium ones | Cheaper models often share tech with premium ones | |
| Latency Concerns | Wired offers minimal latency for competitive play | Wireless with proprietary connections reduce latency |
| Power & Battery Life | No charging required | Long battery life, some with swappable batteries |
| Use Cases &Compatibility | More versatile: Easily switch between platforms | Less versatile: Fewer multiplatform options, often premium models |
In 2024, both wired and wireless headsets offer similar performance, with acceptable audio quality across games. Cheaper models often share features with premium ones. Wired headsets excel in minimal latency for competitive play, while wireless sets use proprietary connections to reduce delay. Wired headsets don’t require charging, but wireless ones boast long battery life, some with swappable batteries. Wired headsets are more versatile for multiplatform use, while wireless options are catching up, albeit often at a premium price.
Price and Value
| Aspect | Wired Gaming Headset | Wireless Gaming Headset |
|---|---|---|
| Price Divide | Traditionally, wireless sets cost more | Extra tech for wireless increases production costs |
| Still somewhat present | Helps guide purchasing decisions | |
| Premium Headsets | Wireless connectivity offers more features | Examples: Astro A50 X, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
| Often over $300 / £300 | Some genuinely multi-platform | |
| Budget Headsets | The trend seen with Turtle Beach’s Stealth 600 and 700 Gen 2 | Examples: Turtle Beach Recon 70s, Razer Kaira X |
| Around or under $50 / £50 | ||
| Mid-range Options | Progress in mid-range wireless headsets | Examples: Sony’s PS5 Pulse 3D, Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless |
| Often less than $100 / £100 | The trend was seen with Turtle Beach’s Stealth 600 and 700 Gen 2 | |
| Value for Money | Premium headsets offer world-beating features | Features like noise cancellation, DAC, EQs, companion software |
| Expensive wired sets may lack some features | Still offer simple, robust sets with good audio |
In terms of price and value, wireless gaming headsets typically cost more due to the extra technology required, while wired sets tend to be cheaper. Premium wireless headsets offer advanced features but come at a higher price, often exceeding $300 / £300. Budget options like the Turtle Beach Recon 70s are available for around $50 / £50. However, affordable wireless options are under $100 / £100, such as Sony’s PS5 Pulse 3D headset. Premium headsets offer features like noise cancellation and customizable EQs, while simpler wired sets provide good audio without such extras.
Conclusion
| Aspect | Wired Gaming Headset | Wireless Gaming Headset |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Both options are great | Connectivity and latency issues are less common now |
| Personal Preference | A wired connection offers better audio quality | Great-value wireless options are available |
| Personally prefer wireless for a tidier setup | ||
| Wired Headset Benefits | Suitable for smaller budgets | Multiplatform compatibility |
| Wired connection offers better audio quality | ||
| Wireless Headset Benefits | Higher price point | Ideal for single-platform gamers, convenient for multiplatform |
| Easier cable management | ||
| Greater variety of top-quality options |
Overall, both gaming headsets and gaming earbuds“>earbuds are excellent choices. While wireless options are becoming more popular, wired connections still have their place in 2024. I prefer wireless for its convenience and the abundance of high-quality options available. However, wired headsets are great for those on a budget and offer unmatched multiplatform compatibility. Consider your preferences and needs when deciding between wired and wireless.