Wi-fi gaming headset FAQs
Kevin Webb / Insider
Do wi-fi gaming headsets have disadvantages in comparison with wired headsets?
The very best wi-fi gaming headsets are usually extra handy to make use of than wired headsets, however some aggressive avid gamers could choose a wired headset to keep away from connection issues or audio delay. For many gamers, any potential audio delay attributable to the wi-fi connection is troublesome to detect with out testing.
Wired headsets additionally technically have the potential to supply higher audio efficiency when taking part in sound from high-quality sources, however 2.4GHz wi-fi indicators ship sufficient bandwidth to play most codecs with out further compression. Â
If you happen to’re a PlayStation or Xbox gamer, you’ll be able to at all times choose to attach a wired headset to a wi-fi controller, which may present the same expertise to a wi-fi headset at a decrease price, although we nonetheless advocate investing in a correct gaming headset slightly than customary headphones.
You may take a look at our full wired vs. wi-fi headset comparability for extra info on the subject, and you’ll find our high wired headset advice in our information to the greatest gaming headsets.
Is Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wi-fi higher for gaming?
Most wi-fi gaming headsets use a 2.4GHz wi-fi sign as a substitute of the extra widespread Bluetooth sign utilized by different wi-fi units. Utilizing 2.4GHz wi-fi normally requires a USB dongle, however it improves sound high quality, audio delay, and wi-fi vary in comparison with Bluetooth.
Bluetooth continues to be appropriate with extra units, although, so most of the greatest wi-fi gaming headsets have included multi-source wi-fi capabilities that allow you to use 2.4GHz and Bluetooth on the similar time.
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Sequence X/S consoles do not help Bluetooth audio connections, so 2.4GHz wi-fi is the one choice for these platforms. Xbox has its personal particular sort of two.4GHz wi-fi sign that have to be licensed to be used, whereas the Nintendo Change helps Bluetooth headphones in addition to PlayStation-compatible headsets.
Do wi-fi gaming headsets work with all consoles and PCs?
Xbox and PlayStation have completely different necessities for wi-fi headsets, however PlayStation and Change headsets are usually cross-compatible. Xbox wi-fi units have to be licensed by Microsoft and are marked with a particular seal that claims “Designed for Xbox.”
Wi-fi headsets will usually work on any laptop, together with Apple units, however some associated software program could also be unavailable for macOS.
For headset suggestions geared towards particular techniques, take a look at our guides to the greatest Xbox headsets and the greatest PS5 headsets.
How do wi-fi headsets deal with encompass sound?
Whereas older gaming headsets used a number of drivers to create encompass sound results, the commonest types of encompass sound right now at the moment are dealt with by audio software program as a substitute of the headset’s {hardware}.
Spatial audio software program separates sport sound into distinct audio objects so the listener will get a 3D impact, whether or not the sound is coming from the PS5’s Tempest 3D audio, Microsoft’s Home windows Sonic, or Apple’s Spatial Audio. Some spatial audio software program have to be licensed by the consumer, like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, however sure headsets additionally embody a license.
