Buying Guide
The Best Wired Gaming Headsets and Headphones for PC
Six wired headsets and headphones compared on drivers, weight, connections and microphone, including two open-back options for quiet rooms.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A wired headset never needs charging and adds no wireless latency, which makes it the simplest choice for a desktop PC. The real decisions are the connection, USB or 3.5mm, and whether you want an open-back design for a wider sound.
We compared six wired headsets and headphones on the drivers, weight, connections and microphone details listed by each maker. We did not test them ourselves.
Open-back models sound more spacious but leak sound and block little noise, so they only suit a quiet room of your own.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall Wired
HyperX Cloud III Wired
Angled 53mm drivers with USB and 3.5mm connections.
Best for: Most PC gamers who want one wired headset for PC and console.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud III Wired (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Wired
Razer BlackShark V2 X
50mm drivers, a cardioid mic and a 240g frame at a low price.
Best for: Budget builds and players who want a light headset.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X (opens in a new tab)
Best for EQ Control
Logitech G PRO X Wired
A USB sound card that stores EQ profiles.
Best for: Players who like to tune sound per game.
Our take Check price for Logitech G PRO X Wired (opens in a new tab)
Lightest Build
Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back
The lightest weight here (199g).
Best for: Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour.
Our take Check price for Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back (opens in a new tab)
Best Open-Back Value
Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones
50mm open-back drivers at a lower price than open-back gaming headsets.
Best for: Quiet rooms and players who also listen to music.
Our take Check price for Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Best Classic Pick
HyperX Cloud II
53mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround and a detachable mic.
Best for: Players who want a proven design at a modest price.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud II (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angled 53mm drivers with USB and 3.5mm connections. | Most PC gamers who want one wired headset for PC and console. | Check price for HyperX Cloud III Wired (opens in a new tab) |
| 50mm drivers, a cardioid mic and a 240g frame at a low price. | Budget builds and players who want a light headset. | Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X (opens in a new tab) |
| A USB sound card that stores EQ profiles. | Players who like to tune sound per game. | Check price for Logitech G PRO X Wired (opens in a new tab) |
| The lightest weight here (199g). | Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour. | Check price for Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back (opens in a new tab) |
| 50mm open-back drivers at a lower price than open-back gaming headsets. | Quiet rooms and players who also listen to music. | Check price for Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones (opens in a new tab) |
| 53mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround and a detachable mic. | Players who want a proven design at a modest price. | Check price for HyperX Cloud II (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Overall Wired1 of 6
HyperX Cloud III Wired on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud III is the easiest recommendation: angled 53mm drivers, an upgraded microphone and both USB and 3.5mm connections, so it moves between a PC and a controller.
Best for
- Most PC gamers who want one wired headset for PC and console.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the BlackShark V2 X cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
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. It shares a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection with the Cloud II; the INZONE H6 Air goes with a wired connection. It is the only pick here with a upgraded microphone; the INZONE H6 Air has an included microphone instead.
USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. When we checked, only the Cloud II and cheaper picks cost less, and the G PRO X cost more. If you want a confirmed weight, look to the INZONE H6 Air instead: it weighs 199g, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: Wired (USB and 3.5mm)
- Microphone: Upgraded
Pros
- 53mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Angled 53mm drivers
- Upgraded microphone
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
Best Budget Wired2 of 6
Razer BlackShark V2 X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V2 X gets the essentials right at a low price: 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, a HyperClear cardioid mic and passive noise cancellation.
Best for
- Budget builds and players who want a light headset.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud III (53mm is a problem.
Why we like it
At 240g it is one of the lighter closed-back headsets here. It matches the G PRO X and the SHP9500 on driver size (50mm). It is the only pick here with a wired 3.5mm connection; the Cloud III has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection instead.
You get a HyperClear cardioid microphone here, which sets it apart from the G PRO X and its a detachable with Blue VO!CE microphone. It also offers breathable foam ear cushions. 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.
It undercut the Cloud II and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud III (53mm). If that matters, the Cloud III comes in at 53mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 240g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: HyperClear cardioid
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Light 240g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Passive noise cancellation
Cons
- Driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud III (53mm)
Best for EQ Control3 of 6
Logitech G PRO X Wired on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G PRO X wired is for players who tune their sound: its USB external sound card stores EQ profiles, and the detachable mic supports Blue VO!CE processing.
Best for
- Players who like to tune sound per game.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the BlackShark V2 X cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
An aluminum fork and steel headband make it one of the sturdier builds here. Its USB sound card stores pro-tuned EQ profiles on board, and you can choose leatherette or velour ear pads. It matches the BlackShark V2 X and the SHP9500 on driver size (50mm).
A detachable with Blue VO!CE microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the INZONE H6 Air uses an included microphone. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. Its price falls between the Cloud III and the SHP9500, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the INZONE H6 Air, which weighs 199g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired (USB sound card and 3.5mm)
- Microphone: Detachable with Blue VO!CE
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- USB external sound card with EQ profile storage
- Aluminum fork and steel headband
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
Lightest Build4 of 6
Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The INZONE H6 Air is the lightest headset here at 199g and the only open-back gaming headset in the group.
Best for
- Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour.
Skip if
- Pass on it if open-back leaks sound both way rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Sony adapted its drivers from studio monitor headphones and adds a custom equalizer for RPG and adventure games. Its 40mm driver size is the smallest in this group; the Cloud III leads at 53mm. No other pick in this guide offers a wired connection; compare the BlackShark V2 X, which has a wired 3.5mm connection.
An included microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the BlackShark V2 X uses a HyperClear cardioid microphone. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the SHP9500.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 199g
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Open-back
- Microphone: Included
Pros
- Light 199g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Drivers adapted from studio monitor headphones
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- Driver size trails the Cloud III (53mm)
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
Best Open-Back Value5 of 6
Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SHP9500 is a hi-fi headphone rather than a headset: open-back 50mm drivers and a breathable headband give a wide, natural sound.
Best for
- Quiet rooms and players who also listen to music.
Skip if
- Pass on it if open-back leaks sound both way rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
There is no microphone, so pair it with a desk or clip-on mic. It matches the BlackShark V2 X and the G PRO X on driver size (50mm). It also comes with a double-layered, breathable headband cushion.
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. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. Its price falls between the G PRO X and the INZONE H6 Air, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the INZONE H6 Air, which weighs 199g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm, 1.5m cable
- Design: Open-back
- Microphone: None
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Double-layered, breathable headband cushion
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
Best Classic Pick6 of 6
HyperX Cloud II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud II remains a sensible pick: 53mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround and a detachable noise-cancelling mic in an aluminum frame.
Best for
- Players who want a proven design at a modest price.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the BlackShark V2 X, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over USB or 3.5mm. On driver size it ties with the Cloud III at 53mm. It shares a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection with the Cloud III; the INZONE H6 Air goes with a wired connection.
It also offers memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It also brings no charging or pairing needed.
It was priced above the BlackShark V2 X and below the Cloud III at the time of writing. There is no published weight figure, whereas the INZONE H6 Air weighs 199g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: Wired (USB and 3.5mm)
- Microphone: Detachable, noise-cancelling
Pros
- 53mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- 7.1 virtual surround
- Memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
How We Chose These Wired Gaming Headsets
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
What to Look for in a Wired Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
Console versions are not always interchangeable
Some wireless headsets come in PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions with different dongles. An Xbox-specific model may not connect wirelessly to a PlayStation.
Buy the version that matches every system you plan to use.
Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
How to Choose a Wired Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most PC gamers who want one wired headset for PC and console | Cloud III | Angled 53mm drivers with USB and 3.5mm connections |
| Budget builds and players who want a light headset | BlackShark V2 X | 50mm drivers, a cardioid mic and a 240g frame at a low price |
| Players who like to tune sound per game | G PRO X | A USB sound card that stores EQ profiles |
| Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour | INZONE H6 Air | The lightest weight here (199g) |
| Quiet rooms and players who also listen to music | SHP9500 | 50mm open-back drivers at a lower price than open-back gaming headsets |
| Players who want a proven design at a modest price | Cloud II | 53mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround and a detachable mic |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Driver size | Weight | Connection | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud III | 53mm | Not listed | Wired (USB and 3.5mm) | Not listed |
| BlackShark V2 X | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | Not listed |
| G PRO X | 50mm | Not listed | Wired (USB sound card and 3.5mm) | Not listed |
| INZONE H6 Air | 40mm | 199g | Wired | Open-back |
| SHP9500 | 50mm | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm, 1.5m cable | Open-back |
| Cloud II | 53mm | Not listed | Wired (USB and 3.5mm) | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | BlackShark V2 X, Cloud II |
| About $50 to $100 | Cloud III, G PRO X, SHP9500 |
| About $150 to $250 | INZONE H6 Air |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn on virtual surround?
Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Can I use one headset on PC and console?
Many can, but check the connection for each system. Xbox-specific wireless headsets often need a matching adapter or Bluetooth on PC.
Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming?
For casual games it is fine, but 2.4GHz dongles have noticeably lower latency. Use the dongle for competitive play.
Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?
Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.
Do I need a separate microphone?
Only if your headphones do not include one or you stream. Most gaming headsets include a usable microphone.
Bottom Line
The HyperX Cloud III is the best all-round wired headset, with angled 53mm drivers and both USB and 3.5mm connections. The Razer BlackShark V2 X is the budget pick, and the Logitech G PRO X suits players who want EQ profiles stored on a USB sound card.
For a quiet room, the Sony INZONE H6 Air is the lightest open-back gaming headset here, while the Philips SHP9500 offers open-back sound for less if you add your own microphone. The HyperX Cloud II is a proven fallback.