Does Gaming Headsets Work with Phones in 2024

Gaming headsets are specifically designed for gaming, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used with phones as well. As mobile gaming continues to grow in popularity, more and more gamers are looking for headsets that work seamlessly across PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. In 2024, using a gaming headset with your phone will be easier than ever.

Compatibility of Gaming Headsets with Phones

The main factors that determine whether a gaming headset will work with a phone are connectivity method and compatibility.

Connectivity

Most gaming headsets connect via USB or 3.5mm audio jack.

• USB Headsets: These headsets plug directly into a USB port for both power and audio transmission. They will not work directly with phones, since phones don’t have full-size USB ports. You would need to use a USB-C to USB adapter or dongle to connect them to your phone.
• 3.5mm Headsets: These headsets use a standard 3.5mm audio jack to connect. Since most phones have a 3.5mm port, these headsets are generally compatible with phones. All you need is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable.

Compatibility

Beyond physical connectivity, the headset also needs to be compatible with your phone’s operating system.

• Most gaming headsets are designed primarily for use with PCs and gaming consoles. They often come with software and drivers tailored to those platforms.
• To work seamlessly with a mobile phone, the headset needs to be specifically designed for universal compatibility. Mobile-friendly headsets don’t require any special software or drivers.

So in summary, a USB gaming headset can work with phones using an adapter, while 3.5mm gaming headsets with universal cross-platform compatibility will have native support for phones.

Will Any Gaming Headset Work with Phones in 2024?

Given the connectivity and compatibility considerations, not every gaming headset on the market today will necessarily work with phones out of the box. However, there are a few trends that suggest using gaming headsets with phones will become much easier by 2024:

1. Rise of Cross-Platform Gaming Headsets

• More headset manufacturers are making products specifically designed for use across PC, console, and mobile.
• These headsets aim for wide compatibility, using 3.5mm connections and avoiding the need for platform-specific software.

2. Growth of Mobile Gaming

• As mobile gaming becomes more popular, there will be greater demand for mobile headsets and cross-platform options.
• Headset makers will cater more products directly to mobile gamers.

3. Advancements in Bluetooth Audio

• Bluetooth audio quality and latency have improved significantly in recent years. This makes wireless Bluetooth headsets more viable for mobile gaming.
• Gaming brands are releasing wireless and Bluetooth-compatible headsets at affordable prices.

4. USB-C Replacing 3.5mm Jacks

• Many phones are ditching the 3.5mm audio jack in favor of USB-C.
• Gaming headset makers are releasing USB-C versions that will plug directly into phones, without any adapter required.

Best Gaming Headsets to Use with Phones

Based on their universal compatibility and mobile-friendly designs, here are some of the best gaming headset options for use with phones in 2024:

3.5mm Wired Headsets

• Razer Barracuda X: Ultra-lightweight with a detachable mic, and universal 3.5mm compatibility.
• HyperX Cloud Core: Affordable option with great sound, 3.5mm connector, and cross-platform support.
• SteelSeries Arctis 1: Designed for Switch and mobile, durable build with retractable mic.
• Logitech G333: Budget pick with a sleek design, foldable earcups, and 3.5mm connectivity.

Wireless Bluetooth Headsets

• Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max: Premium wireless headset with Bluetooth connectivity and 60+ hour battery life.
• Corsair HS80 RGB: Feature-packed wireless headset with Bluetooth and Slipstream wireless for low latency on phones.
• HyperX Cloud Flight: Affordable wireless option with 30+ hour battery life and detachable mic.
• Razer Barracuda Pro: Advanced wireless performance with Multi-point connectivity to sync with multiple devices.

USB-C Headsets

• Logitech G435: Lightweight and comfortable with seamless USB-C connectivity for phones and Nintendo Switch.
• Asus ROG Delta S: High-end USB-C headset with Hi-Res audio, RGB lighting, and surround sound.
• Audeze Penrose: Audiophile headset with planar drivers, broadcast quality mic, and USB-C dongle.
• EPOS H3: Closed acoustic gaming headset with noise cancellation mic and USB-C connectivity.

How to Connect a Gaming Headset to Your Phone

Using a compatible gaming headset with your phone is simple. Here are the steps:

For 3.5mm Gaming Headsets

1. Make sure your phone has a 3.5mm audio jack. If not, you will need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
2. Connect the 3.5mm plug from the headset to the phone’s headphone jack.
3. Adjust volume and mic settings as needed through your phone’s OS.
4. Open your game and select the headset as the audio output device.

For USB-C Gaming Headsets

1. Plug the USB-C connector directly into your phone’s charging port.
2. The headset may begin charging from your phone’s battery when connected.
3. Adjust any settings in the headset’s companion app if available.
4. Launch your game and the headset will be automatically detected.

For Wireless Gaming Headsets

1. Power on the headset and enable Bluetooth pairing mode.
2. Open Bluetooth settings on your phone and select the headset from the available devices list.
3. Some headsets will connect directly using low-latency wireless instead of Bluetooth for gaming. Simply power on and connect.
4. Open your game and select the wireless headset as the audio output device.

Optimizing Mobile Gaming Settings With a Headset

To get the best gaming experience on your phone while using a headset, adjust these audio settings:

• Enable surround sound: Get positional audio for immersive in-game sound. Turn on 7.1 surround if available.
• Use voice chat: For multiplayer games, enable the mic on the headset to communicate with teammates.
• Avoid Bluetooth if possible: For wireless headsets, choose low-latency wireless instead of Bluetooth where available.
• Tweak EQ presets: Pick headset EQ presets suited for gaming to enhance audio cues in your games.
• Turn off battery saver: Having battery saver enabled may negatively impact audio performance during gaming.
• Lower in-game music: Lower in-game music volume so sound effects are more pronounced when using your headset.

The Future of Mobile Gaming Headsets

As mobile gaming keeps advancing in 2024 and beyond, gaming headsets designed specifically with mobile use cases in mind will become more ubiquitous. Here are some likely developments:

• Dedicated mobile apps for gaming headsets to control EQ, mic monitoring, surround sound, and other features through your phone screen instead of hardware buttons.
• More affordable high-quality wireless and USB-C headsets tailored to mobile gamers instead of just PC and console.
• Integration of headset audio into mobile games for spatial sound effects you can only experience with headphones on.
• Lightweight and portable headset designs are made to easily pair with phones on the go, instead of bulky desk-bound models.
• Growth of cross-platform multiplayer mobile titles where in-game voice chat with a headset gives a competitive edge.
• Reduced latency wireless protocols for stutter-free wireless gaming audio comparable to wired headsets.

In summary, the convergence of mobile and console/PC gaming will drive gaming headset manufacturers to focus more on mobile compatibility and overall cross-platform support. This means shortly, virtually any quality gaming headset you buy should work seamlessly with phones and other devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gaming headsets work with Xbox?

Most major gaming headsets work with Xbox consoles, either wirelessly through Xbox Wireless or by plugging the 3.5mm headphone jack directly into the Xbox controller. Some officially licensed Xbox headsets include the Razer Kaira Pro, LucidSound LS50X, and Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX.

Can you use Bluetooth headphones on Nintendo Switch?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch supports wireless Bluetooth audio so you can directly pair Bluetooth headphones or headsets to the console without a dongle. Make sure the headset is set to pairing mode, then pair it through the Switch’s system settings.

Do noise-cancelling headphones work for gaming?

While not inherently designed for gaming, noise-canceling headphones and headsets can still work well and provide the benefit of blocking out external distractions. Just be aware that noise-cancellation can sometimes introduce a slight audio delay which may not be ideal for competitive online multiplayer games. Turning noise-cancellation off will reduce any delay.

What is the best PS5 headset?

Some top headsets designed for use with the PS5 include the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless, EPOS H3 hybrid, Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless, and Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset. They connect directly to the console via a USB wireless adapter or 3.5mm audio jack.

Can you connect AirPods to a PS5?

Yes, you can connect Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro to a PS5 console by pairing them through Bluetooth. Navigate to the PS5 system settings, accessories, audio devices, and enable Bluetooth. Set your AirPods to pairing mode and connect them to your PS5. This allows you to get audio wirelessly through the AirPods while gaming.

Conclusion

The compatibility and quality of gaming headsets on phones improve each year thanks to cross-platform support and mobile-focused features. By 2024, most gaming headsets will connect seamlessly to phones using wired 3.5mm, wireless Bluetooth, or direct USB-C with little friction involved. As long as you choose a headset designed with mobile use in mind, it will serve double duty by providing exceptional audio for both your PC and phone gaming needs. With console-quality audio and crystal-clear chat on the go, gaming headsets help elevate the mobile gaming experience.