The Great Debate: Wired or Wireless for Gamers?

As they say, milliseconds matter when it comes to gaming. Sometimes, it comes down to an animation cancel, a flick shot, or timing the perfect combo—latency can affect your performance. For many gamers out there, the question is: Is switching over to wireless safe now? 

Wired as the golden standard

It all started out as wired, which is why there is a stigma that wired is the superior choice when it comes to reduced latency. This is true to a degree—an Ethernet cable or wired controller connection minimizes the distance between your device and the action. This can ensure a steady, reliable link that’s less likely to suffer from interference for competitive gaming.

A wired setup eliminates the slight input lag in wireless connections. But, for most gamers, this difference is often measured in a handful of milliseconds—typically less than 5ms for most high-end wireless devices. Unless you’re an esports pro or have razor-sharp reflexes, this tiny delay is NOT noticeable. 

From RETROFIEND Official GIPHY

From a modern perspective, wireless technology has come a long way. Many high-end gaming devices now come equipped with low-latency Bluetooth or their own respective “protocols” that can match wired connections in terms of responsiveness. Gamers who value a tidy setup (or just dislike tangled cords)—I know I do—have more reliable wireless options than ever.

When latency matters… and when it doesn’t

Let’s be real—if you’re casually exploring an open-world game, solving puzzles, or playing a role-playing game, latency is unlikely to impact your experience much. You’re more likely to appreciate the freedom to sit back without a web of cables than obsess over a few milliseconds of delay.

From Gameforge Official GIPHY

But if you’re in the tippy top tier of competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts, or you’re aiming for ultra-precise moves, then yes—wired may give you a slight edge. For most players, though, the difference will go unnoticed. Today’s wireless advancements have bridged the latency gap well enough that it's not something to worry about for all but the most discerning players. Trust. 

In the end, your choice should come down to preference. While wired still has the edge in competitive scenes, the advancements in wireless tech have made it a solid alternative for nearly everyone else. The same thing applies to headphones! Having the freedom to move around and stand up is a step up, so if you are also keen on upgrading your headphones, you can check out the JBL Tune 720BT, now available at the Next Upgrade Shop.