Wired or Wireless? How to Pick the Right Gaming Headset From $18 to $58.29

Wired or wireless? That's the first fork in the road when you're adding a gaming headset to your setup. The four listings here span from a $18 used Razer Kraken X to a $58.29 new Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3, with a roughly $40 spread between the lowest and highest listed prices. One comes with a detachable mic and PC/Switch support, one is wired with a 3.5mm jack, one is sealed with active noise cancellation, and one is an open-box PC headset with an upgraded mic. The right pick comes down to whether you want wireless freedom, a fresh sealed unit, or the lowest listed price.

Quick Take

If you want a new wireless headset with a detachable mic and HyperSpeed connectivity, the Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed splits the difference. The Razer Kraken X is the lowest-listed wired option if you don't mind used condition. The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 is the new sealed wireless pick with active noise cancellation. And if you want a PC-specific wired headset with an upgraded Blue microphone, the Astro A40 TR Gen 2 is the open-box option near the top of the price range.

Listed Price Comparison

Decision Matrix

Product Notes

Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Gaming Headset

The BlackShark V3 X is the only headset in this list with both wireless connectivity and a detachable HyperClear cardioid mic. Its features include Gen-2 TriForce 50mm drivers tuned for clarity and positional audio, a 2.4GHz HyperSpeed wireless connection, and a USB-C connection type. It's listed as new, black, with compatibility for PC and Nintendo Switch 2, and it includes a charger. The main limitation to keep in mind is that it's not the lowest-priced listing in this group, so you'll pay more than the wired Kraken X for the wireless freedom and detachable mic.

Razer Kraken X Wired Over the Ear Gaming Headset (RZ04-0289) - Black/Blue

If the goal is to spend as little as possible, this used Razer Kraken X is the lowest-priced option here. It connects through a 3.5mm jack and has a built-in microphone, plus features like volume control, a mute button, an adjustable headband, and extra bass. It is described as being in great condition with little to no signs of wear, though it won't come in the original box. The obvious limitation is the condition and wired format: it's used, it's not wireless, and the 1.3m cable keeps you fairly close to your device.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 Wireless Gaming Headset Xbox PlayStation PC NEW

The Stealth 600 Gen 3 is the only headset in this group that's both factory sealed and wireless with Bluetooth. It is described as brand new and 100% original, with active noise cancellation, a built-in microphone, an adjustable headband, and a rechargeable battery. The product name indicates Xbox, PlayStation, and PC support, and it includes a charger. The trade-off is the price: this is the highest listed amount in the group, so you're paying for a new sealed unit and the full wireless feature set.

Astro A40 TR Gen 2 Gaming Headset PC Gray White - Upgraded Blue Microphone

The Astro A40 TR Gen 2 is the PC-focused wired pick in this group, and it's the only one with an upgraded Blue microphone in the title. It's listed as open box, with a gray-white color and an over-the-ear headband form factor. It is described as lightweight with long-lasting comfort and clear sound, with model number A40 TR GEN 2 and part number A40BlueMic GR-A. The limitations are the open-box condition and the wired-only connection: you won't get wireless freedom, and the listed price sits near the top of this group's range.

Final Recommendation by Use Case

• Lowest listed price, used wired okay: Razer Kraken X.
• New wireless headset for PC or Nintendo Switch 2: Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed.
• New, sealed wireless headset with Bluetooth and active noise cancellation: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3.
• Open-box wired PC headset with upgraded Blue microphone: Astro A40 TR Gen 2.