Gaming headsets have become almost essential gear for serious gamers looking to fully immerse themselves in both single player adventures and intense multiplayer battles. But gamers face a key decision when selecting a headset – whether to go wired or wireless.
While wireless gaming headsets provide more freedom of movement and cleaner aesthetics, wired headsets still offer significant advantages that should not be overlooked. From better audio quality to lower costs, wired headsets remain the preferred choice for many types of gamers.
In this buyer‘s guide, we will explore the top 7 reasons why buying a quality wired gaming headset is still an excellent choice in 2023. We‘ll also showcase some of the best wired gaming headsets across various budgets and feature sets that you can purchase today.
Why Gamers Still Love Wired Headsets
Before we dive into the specific benefits, let‘s first understand what exactly makes a headset a quality "gaming" headset in the first place. While you can use any wired headphones for gaming, a real gaming headset differs in a few key ways:
- Designed for comfort – Gaming sessions can last hours, so comfort is critical. Gaming headsets use thicker, plusher ear cups and headbands.
- Sound quality focused on gameplay – The sound profile emphasizes critical in-game sounds like enemy footsteps while deemphasizing detrimental ambient noises.
- High-quality boom microphone – Unlike standard headphones, gaming headsets include a microphone for coordinating with teammates during intense multiplayer matches.
Now let‘s explore why, even with those enhancements, wired gaming headsets remain extremely popular purchases in the gaming community.
1. Superior Audio Quality
The most compelling benefit of wired gaming headsets is quite simply better audio quality. By directly connecting the headset to the audio source via a 3.5mm wire, the headset enjoys less latency and signal degradation compared to wireless alternatives reliant on Bluetooth connectivity and batteries.
For competitive gamers where pinpointing an enemy location a split second faster can dramatically impact performance, this pristine audio quality is critical. Across the frequency range, wired headsets deliver accurate representations of a game‘s soundscape with no noticeable delay.
2. No Battery Life Worries
Another benefit stemming from the wired connection is that the headset doesn‘t require charging or batteries to operate. Wireless gaming headsets must be charged routinely or risk shutting off mid-gaming session. This forces you to keep an eye on battery levels instead of focusing on your gameplay.
Wired gaming headsets sidestep this issue entirely, enabling uninterrupted gaming sessions no matter how long you want to play. As long as your controller or console has power, so will your trusty wired headset.
3. Lower Costs
Going hand in hand with fewer electronic components contained within wired headsets is their lower prices compared to wireless alternatives. You simply pay less money for the wired version of a headset with nearly identical acoustic components.
Given many gamers purchase headsets on strict budgets, choosing an affordable yet high-performing wired headset instead of a pricier wireless equivalent represents better overall value. The cost savings enable spending on other worthwhile gaming accessories and titles.
4. Broad Platform Compatibility
Unlike wireless headsets requiring specific connectivity technologies like Bluetooth, wired headsets connect via universally-supported 3.5mm inputs. This means wired headsets work seamlessly across PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and even mobile devices like smartphones.
Gamers who play across multiple platforms need not worry about their headset‘s compatibility when choosing a wired option. As long as a 3.mm input is available, the headset will function. This flexibility causes many multi-platform gamers to favor wired headsets.
5. Virtually No Latency
Latency refers to any delay between an in-game sound effect occurring and when that sound reaches the gamer‘s ears through their headphones. While modern wireless connectivity has made huge strides, even small amounts of latency can degrade a headset‘s performance. Gamers might hear a rival sneak up on them a fraction of a second too late.
Wired headsets essentially eliminate latency, as the cable carries audio signals at near instant speeds. Competitive and high-skill gamers will appreciate this responsiveness, allowing them to react to in-game events ASAP.
6. Increased Durability
Another plus to the simpler internal design of wired gaming headsets is their impressive physical durability over years of use. With fewer delicate electronic components and no reliance on battery charge cycles, wired headsets tend to outlast wireless options exposed to the same amount of wear and tear.
While wireless headsets must budget for eventually replacing batteries or small circuit boards, wired variants often last through years of regular gaming thanks to their straightforward build.
7. Simple Plug-and-Play Setup
Finally, wired gaming headsets trump wireless designs when considering ease of use. To use a wireless headset, you must first pair it each time to your device, manage intermittent connectivity losses, and keep firmware up to date.
Wired gaming headsets utilize idiot-proof 3.5mm inputs, requiring no special drivers or updates to get running. Just plug the cable into your Xbox or PlayStation controller and you‘ll be blowing up enemies in stunning surround sound within seconds.
The Best Wired Gaming Headsets in 2023
Hopefully the reasons above have convinced you that wired gaming headsets deserve strong consideration for your next audio upgrade. But which specific headset should you buy in 2023? Here are 7 of our top recommendations spanning various budgets and gaming platforms.
Overall Best Wired Headset: Razer BlackShark V2
The Razer BlackShark V2 shines as the best all-around wired gaming headset available today thanks to its rich features, stunning sound, and widespread compatibility.
- Product: Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset
- Price: $91.99
- Features
- THX 7.1 surround sound capable
- Triforce Titanium 50mm high-end sound drivers
- Cooling gel-infused ear cushions
- Detachable Razer Hyperclear cardioid microphone
- Overview: With phenomenal THX-certified spatial audio, custom-tuned 50mm drivers, and cross-platform support, the Razer BlackShark V2 offers pristine sound and flexibility at a reasonable cost. Competitive PC and console gamers alike will gain an audio edge across their favorite titles spanning FPS shooters to cinematic adventures.
- Ideal Gamers: All gamer types across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and mobile
From its premium construction to high-end spatial sound, the Razer BlackShark V2 stands atop the wired gaming headset mountain based on capabilities and widespread acclaim. Only the most demanding audiophile gamers will be left wanting by this impressive wired headset.
Runner Up: HyperX Cloud II
Serving as an ultra-comfortable alternative perfect for marathon gaming sessions, the venerable HyperX Cloud II wired gaming headset remains a fan favorite thanks to its lush memory foam ear cups and flexible bass-heavy sound.
- Product: HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
- Price: $67.19
- Features
- Signature HyperX comfort
- 7.1 virtual surround sound
- Noise-cancelling microphone
- Overview: The HyperX Cloud II gaming headset stresses comfort as the foundation for its design, utilizing memory foam and premium leatherette materials that feel wonderful even after hours of continuous play. Backed by 7.1 virtual surround sound and a clear microphone, the Cloud II is a great wired choice for all player types craving excellent comfort.
- Ideal Gamers: Comfort seekers playing for extended periods across PC, consoles, and mobile
If you want a supremely cozy wired gaming headset above all else, the Cloud II should rank high on your buying checklist. Despite its age, HyperX‘s clever focus on comfort coupled with solid audio performance makes this a recommended wired pick for all gamers favoring longer gameplay sessions.
Best Premium Wired Headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro
The feature-packed SteelSeries Arctis Pro wired gaming headset deftly balances audiophile-grade sound with sleek aesthetics and deep compatibility across platforms.
- Product: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Gaming Headset
- Price: $179.99
- Features
- High-fidelity speaker drivers
- Dedicated DAC for Hi-Res audio
- premium steel alloy construction
- On-headset controls
- Overview: For gamers seeking a premium wired gaming headset combining positional audio, materials quality, and versatile device support, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro stands out. Competitive and solo gamers will delight in the Arctis Pro‘s stellar spatial soundscape as they immerse themselves across PC and console titles.
- Ideal Gamers: Audiophiles and competitive players supporting premium pricing
While expensive, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro demonstrates what next-level premium sound paired with flawless craftsmanship yields in a polished wired gaming headset. Discerning audiophile gamers should strongly consider this wired option regardless of their platform allegiance.
Best Budget Wired Headset: Turtle Beach Recon 50X
Boasting superb value at less than $50, the no-frills Turtle Beach Recon 50X wired gaming headset provides excellent sound fundamentals that outshine its entry-level price.
- Product: Turtle Beach Recon 50X
- Price: $39.95
- Features
- Large 40mm speakers
- Over-ear cushioned earcups
- Flip-to-mute microphone
- Overview: While simple in design and features, the Turtle Beach Recon 50X nails the basics with impressive 40mm audio drivers powering game sound combined with a convenient flip microphone. Xbox and PlayStation owners seeking a basic but great-sounding wired headset will be thrilled.
- Ideal Gamers: Budget gamers playing on Xbox Series and PlayStation 4/5 consoles
If your budget is tight but you still want quality wired sound for console gaming, the no-fuss Turtle Beach Recon 50X should be your top choice. It forgoes extra bells and whistles to deliver excellent audio fundamentals at an affordable sub-$50 price point.
Key Considerations When Buying a Wired Gaming Headset
Beyond deciding between going wired or wireless, keep these additional factors in mind when picking the ideal wired gaming headset for your personal needs and preferences:
Sound Quality: Make sure any headset you choose offers clear audio with emphasized mids/highs to highlight crucial in-game sound effects. Surround sound support throws in bonus immersion too.
Comfort: Over-ear memory foam cushions are vital for multi-hour gaming marathons. Seek leather or athletic fabric ear cups and padded headbands.
Compatibility: Ensure the headset fully supports your gaming platform connections. Most wired headsets use universally compatible 3.5mm jacks.
Microphone: For multiplayer team games, seek an adjustable boom mic capturing clean voice pick-up for coordinating with teammates.
Aesthetics: While not as critical as audio performance, obtaining a headset matching your gaming station style is preferable.
Wired Gaming is Still Going Strong
While wireless technology continues maturing and dropping in price annually, wired gaming headsets still deliver better overall value, sound, and reliability compared to their cordless siblings. As this buyer‘s guide covered, compelling reasons remain to choose a wired headset as your next audio upgrade.
We hope our top wired gaming headset recommendations help you narrow down the perfect model to enhance your immersive gaming adventures. Whatever your budget, preferred gaming ecosystem, or audio tastes might be, a wired gaming headset awaits to boost both your gameplay performance and sheer enjoyment. Game on!
){kind=link}