Having better peripherals doesn’t directly make you a better gamer. It can, however, improve your overall experience, therefore, making you play your best for longer. Headsets are becoming more critical every day, especially in the competitive gaming space, so today’s question is, are wireless headsets good for gaming?
While using good wireless headsets, you should not notice any difference between using a wired or a wireless headset. Professional gamers tend to use both, and if a wireless headset is good for them, it should be suitable for most gamers. Manufacturers have significantly cut the latency when using wireless peripherals.
This article aims to discuss using wireless headsets across different platforms such as PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and even Nintendo switch. We’re also going to discuss a few of our favorite wireless gaming headsets just before finishing off with a few pros and cons, so let’s jump into it.
Do Wireless Gaming Headsets Have Lag?
The answer to this question is yes, wireless gaming headsets do have lag, and there is no way of getting around this, at least not for now. However, we need to ask whether or not that lag is perceivable. So, let’s take a look at how much lag you can expect when using a wireless gaming headset.
For a dedicated wireless gaming headset that comes with its own receiver, the lag is not perceivable. In recent times, companies like Turtle Beach, Logitech, HyperX, and Razer have optimized how the headset interacts with their receiver so that the lag can be less than 15 milliseconds.
Obviously, cheaper headsets will have more lag in some cases than premium headsets. Also, it would we need to discuss Bluetooth headsets. With a Bluetooth connection, the lag is more perceivable, but it is still very low.
Using wireless gaming headsets from Logitec and the PS4 wireless gold headset, I have never perceived lag in battlefield 4, Warzone, FIFA, or even fast-paced games like Rocket League. However, I can perceive lag sometimes while using my earbuds with my phone while watching series on Netflix.
Wireless Headsets vs. Wired Gaming Headsets: Which is Best?
Now that we have established that a wireless headset is generally good for gaming, I feel it is necessary to discuss which is best between a wireless gaming headset and a wired one. So, let’s jump into it.
A wired headset will give you stability. However, there is a misconception that wired headsets do not have lag. The truth is, although it is marginally smaller than the amount of lag you could get on a wireless headset, it still exists.
For me, the only difference is that wireless headsets tend to last longer because they don’t have a cable. They also give you more freedom when moving around, so in my experience, a wireless headset for gaming is better. I do understand that some people may have a different opinion, though, and that is OK.
Are Wireless Headsets Good for PS4/PS5?
I spend most of my time on my PC simply because I enjoy playing Elder Scrolls Online and New World. That said, I spent a large chunk of the last generation on my PS4, and here’s what I found when it comes to wireless headsets.
You can use third-party wireless headsets on Playstation. However, I found that the PlayStation first-party headsets or better because of their functionality. Regardless, all wireless headsets, as long as they are dedicated gaming ones, are perfect for PS4 and PS5.
When I used third-party wireless headsets on the PS4, there was no perceivable lag even while playing competitive Battlefield 4 or games like Warzone, Rocket League, and even a little bit of ESO; the experience was great.
Can You Use Wireless Headsets On Xbox Series X/S?
You might notice that the title of this section has been altered a little bit, and instead of asking whether or not wireless headsets are good on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, we are questioning whether or not you can use them because when it comes to Xbox, things are not so clear cut.
There are very few select wireless headsets that work on Xbox One and Xbox series X/S. Turtle Beach has a great lineup, and they have been licensed to use Xbox Wireless technology. If your wireless headset has a dedicated receiver, you will have to make sure that Xbox supports it because, in most cases, it does not. Here is a list of wireless headsets that work with Xbox:
Xbox has also released its own first-party wireless headset. The problem is getting hold of it because, much like with consoles, they’re being sold out quickly. The headsets mentioned above work with Xbox wireless technology, which means they don’t come with a receiver. Instead, you pair them with your Xbox as you would a controller.
If you are using Bluetooth headsets such as your airpods, you need to use a workaround as they will not work by themselves.
How To Use Bluetooth Headsets on Xbox
If you want to use Bluetooth headsets on your Xbox, unfortunately, you will need a third-party device to act as a medium between your controller and your headset. Finding a suitable device can be tricky; however, we recommend the: XBone V2.
Once you have the device, you plug it into the 3.5mm Jack found on your Xbox One or Xbox Series controller. Then you need to pair your headset with the Bluetooth device. There is a catch.
When you connect your Bluetooth headphones to this device connected to your controller, the microphone on your headset won’t work, at least for now. However, the receiver has a built-in microphone.
Are Wireless Headsets Good for FPS Games?
I fully understand this question because up until recently, most gamers who play first-person shooters would usually stay away from any wireless device. Even if the lag is only increased by 5ms, some people will take every advantage they get.
However, the latency is not perceivable to 99.9% of people. I would say the only time we should be skeptical is if you are a pro gamer, but I recommend that you carry on reading because we will discuss what headsets pro gamers use, and you might be shocked.
The truth is you will hear the in-game footsteps at relatively the same time you would if you were using a wired headset. If you use a premium wireless headset, you will probably have an advantage over someone using a mid-range wired one.
What Games Are Best For Wireless Headsets?
I don’t blame you for being skeptical when it comes to first-person shooter games. However, when it comes to most other types of games, you have nothing to worry about if you are using a wireless headset. That said, here is a list of games that you can play with a wireless headset and have no disadvantage.
- Any MMO like WoW, ESO, New World, FF14, and Black Desert Online.
- No Mans Sky.
- Racing games
- Story-driven games
- Indy Games
- Looters like Destiny 2 and The Division.
- Survival
That list covers most types of games. Look, in my experience, most of my wireless headsets have been better than my wired ones in both first-person shooter games and the ones on that list.
Do Pro Gamers Use Wireless Headsets?
Look, if you like to compare yourself to professional gamers, that is OK; you are entitled to. After all, some people play to have fun, and some play to have fun while also trying to be as good as possible. It would be best if you didn’t let anyone tell you otherwise. For now, let’s discuss whether or not pro gamers use wireless headsets.
Pro gamers do use wireless headsets. Most notably, they use the Kingston HyperX Cloud II. For a pro gamer, the most important thing is the latency from the input devices such as their mouse and keyboard and the monitor’s refresh rate and response time.
The headset does not play as significant a role as it used to when it comes to wired versus wireless. So, if you like to do what the professionals do, as I said, that is great, but don’t cut yourself short thinking you need to get a wired headset when in reality, pro gamers also use wireless.
Do Streamers use Wireless Headsets?
Streamers have a very different setup to what your typical console or PC Gamer has. Most of us use the built-in mic that comes with our headsets, and yes, some of us opt for premium versions of those headsets, so the mic is usually clear.
However, streamers use a separate mic, so they don’t necessarily need a gaming headset. They can get away with pretty much any headset such as Bose. Typically though, you see streamers using Razer headsets. It could be that the brand is symbolic, or it could be that streamers like the way the sound is when it comes to Razer.
4 Best Wireless Gaming Headsets: Our Top Picks
SteelSeries Arctis 7 lossless wireless headset
SteelSeries makes some of the best gaming peripherals. Their headsets have some of the best sound accuracy and quality, while their MICs do a great job of portraying your voice.
Here are some features of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 lossless wireless headset:
- The Arctis 7 has DTS 7.1 Surround Sound.
- More than 24 hours of battery life for long gaming sessions.
- It runs on the 2.4Ghz frequency for minimal lag.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset
Hyper X is one of the most renowned manufacturers of gaming headsets. Their products are often used by competitive gamers who want and need the best. Not only do their drivers produce some of the best gaming sounds, but their microphones are also precise with just the right amount of base.
Here are some features of the HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless headset:
- 20-meter range
- 30-hour battery life
- Works on PC, Switch (when docked), and PS4
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
The black shark V2 is one of the most recent additions to Razer’s incredible lineup of peripherals. The headset gives you THX quality 7.1 surround sound that can truly immerse you in any game you are playing, whether single-player or multiplayer.
- THX 7.1 surround sound
- 50mm titanium drivers
- Detachable mic
- Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo switch and has a 3.5mm jack for Xbox One and Series X/S
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless Gaming Headset
Look, Corsair is one of my favorite brands, and I have to mention that for obvious reasons. However, I found the quality to be some of the best from their keyboard, mouse, headset, and hardware. Corsair delivers on every product I’ve owned, and yes, I like looking at my RGB ram and controlling it with the ICUE software.
Here are some features of the BlackShark V2 Wireless headset:
- ultra-low latency audio
- 7.1 surround sound
- 60ft range
- 20-hour battery
- Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, and Xbox via a 3.5mm jack
- Dual-zone RGB that can be controlled via Corsair software
Wireless Gaming Headset: Pros and Cons
For a quick recap, let’s go over some of the pros and cons of wireless headsets.
| Pros | Cons |
| Freedom, no cables. | Higher cost |
| Works on PC, PlayStation, and switch | Needs to be charged |
| Plug and play across most platforms | Small amount of latency (not perceivable) |
| Wireless receiver has its own drivers |
Final Thoughts
Gaming is fun, but the peripherals we use can change our experience for the better and, in some cases, could make them worse. I hope that this article has helped eliminate the misconception that wireless gaming headsets are bad. In my experience, they are better, and I don’t see myself going back to using wired headsets unless I have to.