Let’s get real here, the best headsets for the Steam Deck might be wired ones if you care about getting the most battery life out of your Deck possible during your sessions. They won’t drain battery like wireless headsets do. So you’ll only have to focus on other battery draining factors. Like volume levels, frame rates, screen brightness and more.
There are tons of wired headsets out there though, so which of those are best for the Steam Deck? We’ve set out to find the best options and are considering factors like portability, sound quality, features, and price. With that in mind, check out the list below if you’re thinking about grabbing a wired headset for your own Steam Deck. You might be pleasantly surprised with what’s out there.
We know wired headsets aren’t as convenient, but they’ll help extend your playing time. And that’s the most important thing to keep in mind. Also worth mentioning is that some wireless headsets come with 3.5mm or USB-C audio cables and can be used in a wired mode.
The Best Wired Headsets For The Steam Deck
Razer Barracuda X
We’re kicking things off with the Barracuda X from Razer quite simply because it’s a headset that can be used both wirelessly and wired. For the purposes of this guide, we’re thinking of it as a wired headset so you can save battery life on the Steam Deck. Although, if you want to use it wirelessly you absolutely could.
The Barracuda X uses a USB-C connector to provide the low-latency wireless audio. So just plug that into the Steam Deck’s USB-C port and you’re ready to go. And at a price of $79.99 that’s not a bad deal.
The headset also comes with a compact ergonomic design and one of our favorite features, a detachable mic. Making it a little less awkward looking if you’re playing on the Steam Deck out in public.
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
SteelSeries makes all kinds of headsets and the Arctis 1 Wireless is a great option for Steam Deck gamers.
This is another headset that’s multi-platform, and works with multiple systems. Like the Barracuda X this is a wireless headset but has the option to be a wired headset too. And that’s how you’ll want to use it with the Steam Deck. Though, you can use it wirelessly which makes it a better option because it’s versatile.
It has the same high-quality audio drivers as the Arctis 7, ultra-low latency lossless audio, a detachable mic that’s Discord certified and features the ClearCast technology (never be unheard again), and of course an adjustable headband for better comfort that’s also extremely durable because it’s made of stainless steel.
HyperX Cloud Earbuds
- Price: $39.99
- Where To Buy: Amazon
HyperX makes great gaming headsets so it was only fair that we included one for the Steam Deck. And we feel this is probably the best option. These earbuds provide long-lasting comfort, great sound, and they’re only $40.
You get multiple eartip sizes to find the right fit, but our favorite feature is the design choice to use a 90-degree connector. Which is optimal for use with devices like the Steam Deck that have the connector on the top. There’s an in-line mic as well if you want to use voice chat where available.
Razer Hammerhead Duo
- Price: $59.99
- Where To Buy: Razer (Out Of Stock)
Another earbud option on the list is the Razer Hammerhead Duo. This uses a 3.5mm audio jack for the connection, but it also comes with a USB-C adaptor. So you can really choose to use whichever one you want on the Steam Deck. Our recommendation of course would be to stick with the 3.5mm audio jack. That way you can keep the Steam Deck plugged in using the USB-C port at the same time should it need charging or you just want longer battery life.
In terms of features, things are pretty light here since this is a pair of wired earbuds. But these do come with an aluminum frame and braided cables for durability. Not to mention three sizes of silicone ear tips. In terms of portability, gaming earbuds are your best bet.
Logitech G333 K/DA
We’re putting a third pair of gaming earbuds on here because like we said earlier, earbuds are the best option for a wired headset for use with the Steam Deck if you’re want something extremely portable. The Steam Deck in its case is already taking up a decent amount of room in your bag. And a proper over-the-ear headset would only make things worse.
So in this situation a pair of gaming earbuds is worth considering as they would take up basically no extra room. In the case of the Logitech G333 K/DA, you can connect with either the 3.5mm audio jack or with USB-C. The earbuds also have an aluminum housing so they should be pretty durable.
They also have integrated controls for adjusting volume and dedicated drivers designed specifically for use with gaming. And they’re available at a good price.
Master & Dynamic MG20
- Price: $449
- Where To Buy: Amazon
While pricey at $449, you’re paying a premium for a super high-quality gaming headset that comes with just the right features. And trust us, you’re getting every single damn thing you pay for here.
For starters, Master & Dynamic is using materials like magnesium earcups, lambskin leather earpads, and an Alcantara and canvas-coated headband. Additionally, it comes with a detachable boom mic which comes with a pop filter, and it has a second built-in mic for voice calls or chat in a more casual setting.
It also comes with a low-latency adaptor, a premium carry pouch, and it uses USB-C for charging. There’s 7.1 surround sound onboard as well, and it comes with up to 22 hours of battery life. I could go on. As there are many more features that make this headset worth it. While this is technically a wireless headset, it comes with a 3.5mm audio cable so you can use it via a wired connection with the Steam Deck. Giving you ultra premium sound for your games on the go.
JBL Quantum 100
We found this to be a solid option because it fits the wired category and it’s only $30. While we still personally prefer a nicer headset for our own gaming sessions, we get the Steam Deck is already expensive enough. And if you want a decent audio experience for your games through headphones, you can’t go wrong here with the JBL Quantum 100 and its $30 price point.
The headset features memory foam ear pads, a detachable mic, and it comes in three different colors. This is a no-frills headset that will get the job done without you having to spend half or 2/3 of the cost of the Steam Deck. All-in-all, this is one of the best wired gaming headsets for the Steam Deck because it not only provides decent audio but it’s also inexpensive.
EPOS H3 Hybrid
- Price: $157.76
- Where To Buy: Amazon
Similar in fashion to the H3Pro Hybrid, the H3 Hybrid can be used either as a wired headset or a wireless headset. Giving you the freedom to choose how you want to connect it to the Steam Deck. The H3 Hybrid connects wirelessly though Bluetooth, too, so there’s no dongle to plug in that would take up the USB-C port.
It’s also very lightweight and stays comfortable during longer play sessions. Though our absolute favorite feature is the detachable magnetic boom arm. This makes it really easy to take off the headset when you don’t want to use it. And makes this look a little more like a normal headset you could wear out in public.
Logitech G Pro X
We absolutely love the Logitech G Pro X Wireless and it’s our favorite gaming headset for PC right now. The G Pro X is basically the same headset, but it’s wired instead of wireless. That makes it compatible with the Steam Deck, and best of all is that it connects to the Steam Deck through the 3.5mm audio port. So you can keep the USB-C port free for charging when and if you need it. This is definitely one of the best wired headsets for the Steam Deck and probably our favorite due to its comparable quality with the wireless version.
This is an extremely comfortable headset as well with large cushiony ear pads. You also get your choice of ear pads made of memory foam or leatherette. The leatherette for instance feel a little more soft and plush, but the memory foam are a little more breathable. Swap as you see fit.
Did we also mention the mic is detachable? Well, it is. So you can remove it if you’re using these in public when not needing voice chat. All-in-all, this is one of the best headsets for the Steam Deck and it’s pretty affordable at $99. Especially for the quality you’re getting.
Beyerdynamic MMX 150
This closed-back headset from Beyerdynamic is one of the best you can get for around their price point. Which is $150. Fitting, we know.
It comes with detachable META Voice cardioid condenser microphone for vocal clarity, as well as an impedance of 32 ohms, a dedicated volume dial for precise audio adjustment and more. It also has the benefit of the augmented mode. Turning this on enables sounds from outside the headset to filter in some. So you can hear both the game audio and what’s around you.
We particularly like this one for a few reasons. It’s not too expensive, it has a detachable mic, and it’s pretty lightweight. Plus it comes with both a 4-pin jack connector and a USB cable so you can easily use it with the Steam Deck or a gaming laptop or desktop.
2022-06-04 15:04:53