How Long Do Wireless Gaming Headsets Last?

Written by David Sacks in Peripherals
This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

So, you’ve told your friends you might be buying a wireless headset, and now they want to talk you out of it, no? I’ve used both wired and wireless for FPS, MOBA, and MMORPG games, and I can confidently say that wireless headsets have come far in their quality and reliability. So, how long do wireless gaming headsets last?

Wireless gaming headsets last between two to five years. The batteries used to power them last between one and a half and three years. The brand, price, technology, materials used to manufacture the headphones, the care given, and the frequency you charge it contributes to its overall lifespan.

If you’re interested in trying out a wireless gaming headset, you’ll want to know what you can expect and why so that you can get the best overall gaming experience.

How Long Do Wireless Gaming Headsets Last?

Most headphones are made from hardened plastics, and as I’m sure you already know, plastic only lasts as well as you treat it. Not all plastics were created equal, so those reinforced with metal parts like the HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless headset stand tall as one of the best wireless headsets available.

Because wireless gaming headsets work with batteries, they need to be charged as often as they are used. They usually take two to three hours to charge completely, and their battery life can last anywhere from sixteen to thirty hours, depending on the make, model, and brand.

Every time a wireless gaming headset is placed on charge at its charging station, the effects take away from its overall lifespan and that of the battery used to charge it. It is an inevitable part of wear and tear on technology; this is a wireless gaming headset’s “Achilles Heel” comparable to wires on a wired headset.

It may be a no-brainer, but how often you use your wireless gaming headset also contributes to how long it lasts. Someone who games for three hours a day may find that their headset lasts three years, whereas someone who plays twelve hours a day will have their headset live up to the ripe old age of a year and a half to two years.

The elements also have a part to play in the lifespan of your wireless gaming headset. Suppose the sun is beating down on your headset while you’re gaming because you’re near a window. In that case, the UV rays will deteriorate the plastic and wear out the components and longevity of your battery because they are going to overheat.

When you game for extended periods, it’s expected (and natural) to sweat. Moisture and electronics don’t necessarily mix, but it does affect the headset’s lifespan. Sleeping with your headset on should be avoided because you’re going to crush the crucial bits and put unnecessary straight on its joints.  

How Do You Prolong The Lifespan Of Your Wireless Headset?

Furthermore, avoid using chargers or charging stations that aren’t from your manufacturer. Your wireless gaming headset has been specifically designed to accept and discharge a certain amount of electrical charge. If the charging station is not calibrated correctly, it can damage the internal parts and wear the headset out quicker.

It’s important to mention that the level of care you give your headset will significantly impact its longevity; every knock, every fall, every bump, and every vibration, no matter the size, adds up. I know it’s tempting, but cranking your volume will cause the sound waves to create vibrations and shake loose its interior components. 

Regarding batteries, never fully discharge a battery (don’t let its power reach 0%) because the battery requires more energy to build up, so it wears out quicker. At the same time, continuously charging it will cause irreparable damage. It’s good practice to maintain between 20-90% battery life to prolong the battery.

Wireless Gaming Headset Issues And How To Fix Them: Part 1

My wireless gaming headset keeps disconnecting. This problem can be particularly annoying when you’re in the moment gaming, and you need to rely on sound cues. Would you believe that the issue could be one of your external hard drives causing interference between your wireless transmitter and your wireless headset?

USB 3.0 devices like hard drives emit radio frequencies, interfering with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmissions. The headphone’s transmitter is an antenna, and the USB 3.0 device near the wireless transmitter diminishes the strength and throughput of the transmitter. Thus, the wireless headset will occasionally disconnect.

To fix the issue, plug the wireless transmitter into another USB port that is farther away. Remember that plugging the wireless transmitter into a USB 2.0 port will cut your wireless headset range by half. The reason for this is that USB 3.0 can deliver 900mA (milli-amps), but USB 2.0 can only deliver 500mA.

Wireless Gaming Headset Issues And How To Fix Them: Part 2

Is your Xbox headset not muting, or does keeping the power button not power it up? You’re going to need a USB C-Charger; you should typically receive one with your wireless gaming headset purchase. In addition, get yourself a plug that can plug into a wall socket. You can use a PC for this process, but a wall socket is recommended.

Plug the USB C-Charger into your wireless gaming headset and connect it to the plug you’re going to plug into the wall socket. Make sure that the wall socket switch is off before you put the plug into the wall socket. Afterward, you can go ahead and put the plug into the wall socket.

Finally, hold in the mute and power button simultaneously, and flip the switch on the wall to give power to where you’ve inserted the plug connecting the wireless headset. It will give the headset a swift kick and allow it to power up, and permitting you to use the mute function again.

Conclusion

Although wireless gaming headsets are not concerned with wires, they have their own factors that wear them down. For example, constant recharging, being tempted to sleep with them on your head, having them fall off your head while you’re using them.

Sources

David Sacks

I have worked in the IT industry since 2011 and have been an avid gamer my whole life. My first consoles were the sega genesis and the Nintendo SNES. I play both console and PC games, I love both. I decided to become combine my passion for gaming with my passion for writing.

Recent Posts