The Best Wired Gaming Headset

It connects over USB or 3.5mm. It matches the Cloud III on driver size (53mm). Like the Cloud III, it has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection, while the CM7002 uses a wired connection.

It also comes with memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. Worth noting too: no charging or pairing needed.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Vliveaudax at the time of writing. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper IMYB A36 and the pricier Cloud III, at the time of writing.

HyperX offers support for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Its aluminium frame is flexible and resists knocks. The wired connection needs no charging and works with PC, consoles and phones through a 3.5mm or USB cable.

Its comfort-first design targets long matches, with memory-foam cushions and a padded headband. A upgraded microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the CM7002 uses an ENC noise-cancelling boom microphone. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Cloud II.

It is the lowest-priced USB headset here. Its noise-cancelling mic and ear-cup volume control are plug-and-play over USB-A or USB-C. On driver size it ties with the CM7002 and the IMYB A36 at 50mm.

You get a wired USB sound card connection here, which sets it apart from the IMYB A36 and its a wired 3.5mm connection. Like the IMYB A36, it has a boom mic microphone, while the Cloud III uses a upgraded microphone. It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC.

It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the CM7002 the next step up. What it gives up: driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm); by contrast, the Cloud II comes in at 53mm.

Noise cancelling on the mic helps in a loud room. Its 50mm drivers and soft over-ear cushions aim at long competitive sessions, and an ENC mic reduces background noise. The wired link avoids battery worries.

On driver size it ties with the Vliveaudax and the IMYB A36 at 50mm. You get a wired connection here, which sets it apart from the IMYB A36 and its a wired 3.5mm connection. No other pick in this guide offers an ENC noise-cancelling boom microphone; compare the Cloud III, which has a upgraded microphone. It was priced above the Vliveaudax and below the IMYB A36 at the time of writing.

The headband adjusts for fit. Its 50mm drivers and 3.5mm connection work with PCs, PlayStation, Xbox (older pads need an adapter) and Switch. The mic handles basic voice chat.

It matches the Vliveaudax and the CM7002 on driver size (50mm). No other pick in this guide offers a wired 3.5mm connection; compare the Vliveaudax, which has a wired USB sound card connection. It shares a boom mic microphone with the Vliveaudax; the CM7002 goes with an ENC noise-cancelling boom microphone.

A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Its price falls between the CM7002 and the Cloud II, based on our last check. If driver size is your priority, the Cloud II (53mm) is the stronger choice.