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Technology is constantly evolving, and new technology means advancements in our chosen field: gaming hardware. However, new technology isn't always suitable for everyone. Just as the latest technology isn't necessarily better than the old. Take the evolution of keyboards, for example. These days, there are touchscreen keyboards, but few, if any, of us would be willing to replace the tactile sensation of mechanical keys when typing on cold glass for our daily work.

Headphones are also a clear area where the latest technology is being abandoned in favor of slightly older, more mature technologies. In this article, we'll discuss choosing between wired, wireless, and Bluetooth headphones, the differences between them, and, most importantly, which one is best for you.

Wired headsets

The HyperX Cloud III Gaming Headset

Wired headsets are proven to be effective. There's an old tech adage that the fewer moving parts, the less likely something is to break down over time. Sometimes, simpler is more reliable and easier to use. Being able to plug directly into a 3.5mm audio jack or USB port, no matter what device you're gaming on, and immediately enjoy exceptional sound clarity is a definite plus. A wired headset like the HyperX Cloud III (compatible with PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Switch) makes for extremely easy use. The flexible, all-metal frame is durable enough to withstand travel, twists, and crashes. Memory foam in the headband and earcups ensures consistent comfort no matter where you play.

Another area where wired headphones generally hold an advantage over wireless headphones is their frequency response range. To ensure data transmission is as fast as possible and reduce audio lag, the sound is sometimes compressed, and frequencies at the extremes may be eliminated. Wired headphones can generally reproduce a wider range of bass and treble sounds.

The Cloud Alpha S headphones can output sound at frequencies between 13 Hz and 27 kHz, and the Cloud Flight will hit you with 15 Hz to 23 kHz when wired. That range jumps to 20 Hz to 20 kHz on a 2.4 GHz frequency when wireless. For most people, these frequency ranges still provide exceptional sound, but if you're so keen-eyed that you can hear a pin drop and recognize the metal it's made of, you'll probably want to exercise your highly developed senses with a fully wired experience.

The biggest drawback of wired headsets is, of course, their cables. You're tethered to whatever device you're using. The ability to plug in wireless controllers or a mobile gaming device means you feel less restricted in your movements. But for some, the lack of risk of tripping over a cable makes up for the drawbacks of these wireless options.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S gaming headset

Wireless headphones

Most of the most popular wireless headsets on the market today transmit audio via radio frequency (RF) using the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This frequency band is ideal for gaming, as it guarantees fairly fast data transmission speeds and a good transmission range. Furthermore, the 2.4 GHz band ensures a good connection, as this frequency band is low enough to penetrate solid objects. This allows you to go downstairs to get a drink and stretch your legs, while discussing your strategies and choices in the lobby of Overwatch 2. You may need to feed your cat, but not so much that you get distracted and take a nasty fall in Apex or Fortnite.

What the HyperX Cloud Flight 2.4GHz wireless headset and others offer you is freedom. There is a slight delay in transmission time, however, because radio waves travel slower through the air than electrical impulses through a cable, but the standard 1ms latency of 2.4GHz ensures transmission is almost identical to wired transmission, with a tiny reduction in frequency response.

The HyperX Cloud Flight Gaming Headset

While this wireless technology is reliable and robust, it does require the use of a transceiver. The Cloud Flight, for example, uses a USB transceiver, which limits its wireless compatibility to any device that supports a USB wireless audio dongle. Whether you're playing on PC, PS4, or PS4 Pro, everything is compatible. If you want to use your Cloud Flight on something else, like a Nintendo Switch or Xbox One, for example, you'll need to plug the included 3.5mm audio cable into a standard headphone jack. The final drawback of any wireless headset is obvious: batteries. You have to find a way to power the headset, and if it's not via a cable, it's within the device itself. Fortunately, the Cloud Flight has an exceptional battery life of 30 hours*, which somewhat mitigates this drawback.

So, if you prefer to play freely or like to move around while gaming, maybe it's better to choose a wireless headset.

Bluetooth headsets

The last category we'll cover today is Bluetooth headphones, which fall under the umbrella of wireless headsets, but with their own pros and cons. There are still no cables, which allows you complete freedom of movement, but the broadcast range for Bluetooth isn't as wide as 2.4 GHz wireless. This isn't a problem if you're just listening to your phone in your pocket on the way home and you're not going too far from your audio source. The main advantage of Bluetooth is that Bluetooth devices all work together, without the need for a dongle. Once paired, Bluetooth devices are compatible with each other, without the risk of losing the dongle or being tied down by a cable.

Now for the downsides. With advances in audio codecs and apps, wireless transmission lag has dropped dramatically; however, Bluetooth still lags behind 2.4 GHz wireless, and that tiny bit of extra lag can throw off your Bluetooth experience a bit. The versatile HyperX Cloud MIX headset  Cloud MIX solves this problem by integrating a cable that you can connect if you want to play with Hi-Res Audio clarity. If you want to listen to music or go out, you can detach the cable and microphone and use Bluetooth® wireless connectivity. With cable for gaming and with Bluetooth for everyday use. Weighing 260g alone, the Cloud MIX headset is ideal for gaming and on the go.

The HyperX Cloud MIX gaming headset

The other major drawback of Bluetooth headsets can also be an advantage. Bluetooth devices connect easily to each other wirelessly, but without an additional workaround, they ONLY connect to each other. So, while all modern versions of Android or iPhone will connect, as will your latest tablet or laptop, smart speaker, or virtual assistant, you may run into problems connecting to certain consoles without additional hardware.

That's it for our comparison of the advantages of wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth headphones. We hope we've answered some of your questions and that you're feeling more confident about finding the best headset for you.

*Tested at 50% headphone volume with LEDs off.

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Article previously published on 05/30/2023 on the All Gamers blog accessible here .

About HyperX
For 19 years, HyperX has been dedicated to creating gaming products for all types of gamers. The award-winning HyperX brand is known for consistently delivering superior comfort, style, performance, and reliability. Designed by passionate gamers, HyperX headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are trusted by everyday gamers, celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, techies, and overclockers worldwide due to our sophisticated and demanding specifications and the cutting-edge components built into our products. More information is available at www.hyperx.com .

About HP
HP Inc. develops technology to improve lives for everyone, everywhere. We design inspiring experiences through our product and service offerings, including personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions. More information about HP Inc. can be found at https://www.hp.com.

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