Wired vs Wireless Gaming Headset – Which Is Best For Gaming? 2022

Are you considering switching from a wired to a wireless headset? If so, you’re probably wondering how wireless headsets compare.

When it comes to gaming specifically, wired headsets offer better value for those who play games exclusively at their desk.

However, those who prefer consoles or connect their PC to a TV will appreciate the flexibility of wireless headsets.

In wireless headsets, there is hardly any discernible difference in sound quality with the most recent technology, and inferior drivers usually produce dull sound.

Cables are slowly becoming obsolete in our world. A growing number of products are getting rid of ports and wires in favor of a wireless approach that is more convenient.

The same is true of gaming peripherals, including headphones and headsets.

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Is this a good thing? Along with the cable and the analog connector, what are wireless gaming headsets sacrificing?

Let’s find out.

Wireless Connection Types

Wireless headsets are not all created equal. Of course, there’s the quality of the headset itself, but let’s not forget one crucial factor: there are different wireless technologies behind them.  Modern wireless headsets can either use Bluetooth or 2.4GHz radio signals. Both of these technologies have advantages and disadvantages.

Bluetooth

Wireless

Using Bluetooth headsets with multiple devices is a great idea. The older versions of Bluetooth suffer from poor audio quality due to compression – after all, they weren’t designed for audio streaming in the first place – but the newer versions of Bluetooth do not lack much in this regard.

On the other hand, if you plan on only using the headset on your PC and, potentially, on another computer, then choosing wireless will ensure that you get the best sound quality.

Keep in mind that to use your headset on different devices, they must both have a USB port for the dongle and support the headset.

Wired vs Wireless

Now, let’s dive into the main question.

Wired headsets or wireless headsets? Let’s start with the most important aspect:

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Sound Quality

The first thing that comes to mind when you consider making the switch from wired to wireless is the sound quality.

First of all, the sound quality of a headset depends on more factors than just the connection, mainly on the quality of the drivers. Nevertheless, a $300 wireless headset is bound to sound better than a $100 wired one.

The best way to measure sound quality is to look at bitrates. A wired connection supports much higher bitrates than a wireless connection. The question is, are such high bitrates necessary?

No, most of the time. Generally, digital audio doesn’t reach bitrates that can’t be handled by a quality wireless connection, so a wired connection is only necessary for listening to lossless digital audio or analog records, such as vinyl. When it comes to MP3 files and in-game audio, you won’t even notice the difference.

Wireless signal compression today is minimal, and the technology will only get better as time goes by. In addition, current wireless tech is fully capable of handling most of the digital audio that you can throw at it.

Freedom of Movement vs Battery Life

Wired headsets can be a hassle to manage: tangled cables, limited range of movement, etc. You don’t have to worry about their batteries at least!

Unlike wired headsets, wireless ones allow you to move freely, but they are still partially dependent on those pesky cables to charge. Obviously, the battery life of a wireless headset will differ from model to model and will depend on how much you use it.

Wireless headsets usually need to be charged daily or every couple of days. You will have to decide whether the freedom of movement they provide is worth the regular recharging of the batteries.

Price

We should also consider pricing. Wireless technologies are more expensive than normal wires and connectors, and wireless headsets will be more expensive than their wired counterparts.

Therefore, wired headsets generally offer better quality at a lower cost. As such, if you’re on a budget and want to get the most value for your money, a wired headset might be the best choice for you.

Conclusion

Which one is better? Objectively, neither is superior to the other, and it all depends on your needs and preferences.

In general, wired headphones vs. wireless headphones is a broad topic, however, when it comes to gaming, you should stick with wired headsets if you only play games at your desk. 

Conversely, if you prefer to connect your PC to a TV or use a console for gaming, wireless might be a better option.

We have already compiled a list of the best gaming headsets you can get in 2021, so take a look if you’re in the market!