Gaming headset FAQs
Kevin Webb / Insider
Are wired or wireless gaming headsets better?
The choice between a wired or wireless gaming headset mostly comes down to personal preference. In the past, wired headsets were preferred among competitive gamers because of potential delay with wireless headsets, but most modern headsets with 2.4GHz wireless support don’t have perceivable lag.
Wired headsets are generally cheaper though, and the ability to plug them directly into an Xbox or PlayStation controller with a 3.5mm cable makes the range advantage of wireless headsets less noticeable. That said, we generally prefer wireless headsets for their comfort and ease of use, and the best gaming headsets have enough battery life to last multiple play sessions.
Check out our full wired vs. wireless gaming headsets comparison for a detailed look at how they stack up.
What’s the difference between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless?
Most regular wireless headphones and earbuds connect via Bluetooth, but the best gaming headsets typically make use of a 2.4GHz wireless signal to reduce latency or delay. In direct comparison, 2.4GHz wireless generally provides more range and better sound quality than Bluetooth audio.
However, Bluetooth is compatible with more devices, so some gaming headsets include multi-source wireless so you can use both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously. Headsets with a 2.4GHz wireless signal typically require a USB dongle to connect to a device, but the USB dongle provides a faster polling rate than Bluetooth, which doesn’t require a dongle but has greater latency.
Xbox uses its own proprietary 2.4GHz wireless signal, so gaming headsets licensed specifically for Xbox can sometimes connect without a dongle. The PS5 allows gamers to connect a headset through a 2.4GHz wireless connection via USB dongle.
What makes a gaming headset different from a regular headset?
The best gaming headsets make use of more powerful audio drivers and typically have better microphones than standard Bluetooth headsets. They also usually support 2.4GHz wireless connections, which offer better range with less delay.
In terms of sound quality, the best gaming headsets typically provide extra bass for a booming, cinematic sound while playing, whereas standard headphones will generally offer a more balanced sound profile for listening to music and non-gaming tasks. Gaming headsets also tend to use larger boom microphones for chat, while typical headphones for music listening have integrated mics for phone calls.
Some gaming headsets also implement surround sound drivers, though more brands are opting to build their headsets for virtual surround sound software, rather than building surround sound channels directly into devices.
How do gaming headsets handle surround sound?
In the past gaming headsets used multiple hardware drivers to create surround sound, but now surround sound is mostly a function of audio software. That means that nearly every type of headset can utilize some form of surround sound, so long as your console or computer supports the technology.
Spatial audio software automatically separates sound generated in-game into separate channels, creating a 3D soundscape around the player. You’ll be able to hear sounds coming from every direction, including above and below.
Popular surround sound technology includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Microsoft’s Windows Sonic, Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio, and Apple’s Spatial Audio. Tempest 3D audio is exclusive to PlayStation 5 but works with any wired or wireless headphones. Windows Sonic and DTS:X are available on Xbox consoles as well as Windows PCs. Dolby Atmos is available on both Xbox and PlayStation, as well as PC.
Do all gaming headsets support every console?
Compatibility for the best gaming headsets depends on a few factors. Wired headsets have the most options — 3.5mm wired headsets can plug into Xbox and PlayStation controllers, and directly into the Nintendo Switch. Wired USB headsets are usually intended for PC gamers but most are compatible with PlayStation and Switch as well; Xbox consoles do not support USB headsets.
For wireless headsets, Xbox and PlayStation have different requirements, while PlayStation and Switch headsets remain cross-compatible. Xbox wireless devices must be licensed by Microsoft and are marked with a special seal that says “Designed for Xbox.”
This usually results in Xbox wireless headsets being slightly more expensive than their PlayStation counterparts, even if they’re otherwise the same model. Some premium headsets include a wireless transmitter that is compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation, with an option to swap between either mode.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Nintendo Switch is the only current-generation console that supports Bluetooth audio connections. The PlayStation 4 and PS3 supported Bluetooth headsets, but PlayStation 5 does not, perhaps due to its new spatial audio features and the potential for audio delay.