While wired headsets can work on most hardware, wireless headsets are limited to devices with a USB port.
USB headsets also have software to control the equalizer settings and can offer simulated 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. By sitting outside the PC, USB sound cards help eliminate some of the background noise associated with the 3.5-millimeter jack, and they offer more adjustability options. The benefit of USB sound cards is that they transmit the audio data digitally compared to the analog signal offered by the 3.5-millimeter jack. Some higher-end gaming headsets use a USB sound card to connect to the PC instead of a 3.5-millimeter jack. The downside is these adapters are sometimes sold separately and add a few more dollars to the overall cost of the headset. Instead of connecting directly to the phone, the headsets connect using an adapter. Mobile phones without a 3.5-millimeter jack can still use wired headsets, though. The 3.5-millimeter jack is the universal audio connection type used on devices including PCs, monitors, tablets, consoles, and other devices. Wired headsets are compatible with a wide range of devices, excluding some mobile phones. While wired headsets still have the edge for audiophiles, casual users might not notice much of a difference between the two connection types.
But quality wireless headsets like the Logitech G Pro X Wireless, SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, and Razer Blackshark V2 Pro narrowed the gap.
Wired headsets traditionally have a reputation for better sound quality than wireless alternatives. This process can result in a loss of sound quality and higher latency depending on the quality of the headset. Wireless headsets encode the audio data and transmit it wirelessly. Wired headsets receive the audio signal directly from the device through the cable with minimal chance of data loss or signal interference. The main reason wired headsets are often favored over wireless alternatives is the outstanding sound quality. Although wired headsets keep the price down by using older technology, the sound quality matches and even exceeds some wireless sets. These types of headsets are generally cheaper than their wired counterparts. Wired headsets are plug-and-play on any PC, thanks to 3.5-millimeter and USB connections. Many gamers prefer wired headsets because of their simplicity and affordable pricing. Since the Siberia’s release, wired headsets have remained the standard for most gamers because they allow players to hear in-game sounds clearly and communicate effectively with their teammates at the same time. In 2004, SteelSeries dropped the world’s first gaming headset with the Siberia.