With game audio being better than ever, and so key to our experiences, upgrading to one of the best Xbox One headsets is an ironclad way to further immerse yourself in your favorite worlds, stories, and in-game moments. Specially engineered to work wirelessly with the console, it provides a near-perfect connection, combined with a rich audio experience, and impressive battery life. While the headset comes with 40mm drivers, which are smaller than many similarly priced competitors, they’re well-tuned and deliver audio that punches well above its weight while retaining a nice clarity and richness. The trademark SteelSeries ‘headband’ design offers good comfort levels too, meaning you can play for hours without really noticing that you’re wearing the headset, which clocks in at a respectable 13oz / 368g. The Stealth 700 Gen 2 has gotten a design upgrade from the original headset, with a slightly toned-down look (no more bright green on the Xbox version) and a flip-to-mute mic that folds neatly into the earcup. Turn on Superhuman Hearing mode to get the upperhand in online shooters, or enable the bass boost for some serious rumble during a heart-pumping campaign mission.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is a great headset for the price point – and will have you covered for new-gen gaming on the XBox Series X|S too. The first big wallop of excellence comes in the unavoidably good-value price tag: at just $99/£89, it is way cheaper than rival headsets that are of the same weight category, quality-wise. Razer Nari Ultimate for Xbox One Feature packed and with excellent wireless audio Specifications Acoustic design: Open Back Cable length: Wireless Drivers: 50mm Weight: 15 oz Compatibility: Xbox One, PC TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Razer Reasons to buy + Haptic feedback feels good + Superior audio quality + Very solid wireless Reasons to avoid – Mic isn’t the best In addition to bringing excellent surround sound, the headset also offers haptic feedback, which means this vibrates in time with the audio so you can literally feel the big noises (usually explosions). Elsewhere it’s worth noting that the Nari Ultimate is wireless, and that the battery life is surprisingly good considering this has haptic feedback as well as the usual audio features. In fact, the only real issue is the mic, which doesn’t offer the same premium sound quality as the rest of the features of the headset.
Note that you can buy this Xbox One specific Nari Ultimate headset which is very focussed for the console and gaming, but will then require the Microsoft Wireless Adapter to use it with your PC as it does not include a 3.5mm connection option. Turtle Beach Recon 500 A refresh for the model ends in great quality and value for XSX Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back, over ear Drivers: 60mm Eclipse Weight: c.600g Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart Reasons to buy + THAT excellent sound + No ‘gamer aesthetic’ flare or design quirks + Zero distortion Reasons to avoid – Nothing special about its construction materials
You won’t find lavish gamer-y design flairs or the most premium construction materials on the Recon 500, then, since Turtle Beach’s latest in the long-running line costs less than $100/£100. Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 A great mid-range wireless Xbox One headset Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back, over ear Drivers: 50mm Battery life: 15 hours Weight: 580g Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 100 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Solid battery life + Comfortable for glasses wearers + Excellent audio and microphone accuracy + Next-gen compatible Reasons to avoid – Plastic across headband feels cheap – Ear cups started to hurt after long-term wear
This is certainly a great choice for gaming on a budget, as the sound quality is top-tier and the microphone sensitivity is ideal for those who want to communicate without shouting. The 50mm drivers deliver a clear, loud 5.1 sound that easily matches the quality found in headsets that cost way more than the Tournament Edition.
It’s one of the best headsets for online play, helping you pick out enemy movements and distant gunfire at a decent range and with great accuracy. Elsewhere, the Kraken TE is light, comfortable (thanks to cooling tech in the ear-cushions), and sturdy – three things you really need in a mid-priced Xbox One headset.
Our previous champion was the Razer Kraken Pro V2, but the TE now offers superior value and audio for roughly the same price (in some cases, you can even find it cheaper), so it replaces the older model.
Corsair HS75 XB Wireless Perfect for multiplayer with great positional audio mic Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back Drivers: 50mm Weight: 13.2oz (374g) Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at CORSAIR Reasons to buy + Excellent mic + Great audio with booming bass + Comes with premium Dolby Atmos app Reasons to avoid – Quite big – A bit dear The build and design quality also help to further justify the price of admission, with the brushed metal earcup yokes feeling like they’ll protect the headset from any drops – on their sides at least – while looking good too. Razer Kaira Pro Razer’s latest plays nice with Xbox One too Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back / over ear Battery life: up to 15 hours Drivers: 50mm Weight: 0.73lbs (330g) Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Razer View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Fantastic surround sound + Adjustable profiles + Game/chat balancer Reasons to avoid – Mic doesn’t impress as much as it should
Audeze Penrose X A seriously premium Xbox One headset Specifications Acoustic design: Over-ear, closed-circumaural Cable length: Wireless (c.50″ / 127cm aux cable) Drivers: 100mm Planar Magnetic Weight: 11.3oz / 320g Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One , PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Adorama Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Rich and detailed sound + Comfortable for long sessions + Easy to use and tweak game audio and chat volume in the mix Reasons to avoid – Expensive – Microphone can be a bit awkward If you have a healthy budget and want some of the most specialised, exquisite audio you can get from an Xbox One wireless headset, then the Audeze Penrose X is a great set to consider.
Plus, and although the price of admission is considerable,m you’re also getting one of the top wireless Xbox Series X headsets too so this will have you covered for two whole generations (and on PC if you want further flexibility). You’re getting a practically unrivaled audio experience out of the Penrose X; deep bass, incredible clarity, and a real depth and detail to the sound that helps to immerse you into your favorite virtual worlds and give you better insight into the action unfolding around you in multiplayer arenas.
As we say, the Penrose X is expensive, but it’s also an investment for the future: it’s a premium headphone offering from Audeze that delivers a quality, depth, and density in its sound that few of its peers are able to match. This is the official Xbox One headset produced by Microsoft, and despite its modest price it still delivers a full range of rich stereo audio. Its low weight, combined with the breathable fabric ear cups, meaning you can happily wear it for long gaming sessions without getting too fatigued. This is a thoughtfully designed piece of kit, available in Xbox green obviously, with a sturdy yet comfortable build and some impressive audio qualities. Thanks to memory foam ear-cups and a comfy headband, the Corsair HS35 is still snug without being uncomfortable after several hours of play, and it’s tough enough to withstand being pulled on and off your head without too much care. Sure, the bass levels aren’t quite a good as other top-end headsets, but that makes the biggest difference when you try to use it for other media like movies and music.
But that doesn’t compromise build quality – the Elite Pro 2 mixes metal and sturdy, white plastic to great effect, offering an Xbox One headset that’s both stylish and durable. Note: This is a slightly older model of Xbox One headset now so you might see stock fluctuating, prices change, and maybe even a lack of availability.
The 7 Best Xbox One Headsets – Fall 2021 Reviews
These very comfortable over-ears have a well-balanced sound profile that you can customize to your liking using their companion software’s graphic EQ and presets. Their passive soundstage also sounds open and natural, which can help immerse you in your game, although it still seems a bit trapped inside your head.
Best Xbox One headsets: the top Xbox One gaming headsets
There’s never been a better time to buy, either, as Black Friday deals have already begun, with the sales event officially taking place on November 26. It means we’re bound to see several headsets on our list have their price points slashed, so if you’ve been waiting to pick up a new set of cans, now’s the time. Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 An affordable gaming headset that’s made for Xbox consoles TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Dell 100 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Pairs directly with Xbox consoles + Microphone monitoring + Windows Sonic spatial audio Reasons to avoid – Occasionally spotty connection – A little too tight From an audio standpoint, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 delivers vibrant spatial sound (the headset worked well with Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos for Headphones) with a decent amount of depth.
Additionally, a quick press of the power button will enable Superhuman Hearing mode, which amplifies subtle sounds like footsteps and reloading weapons in order to give players a tactical advantage. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, though – we experienced a spotty connection on a couple of instances during online matches in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, with dotted sound resembling Morse Code coming through.
It’s also worth noting that the headset a somewhat cheap plastic feel, and it sits fairly tight on the head and around the ears, leading to some discomfort during long gaming sessions. Turtle Beach is the longest established specialist gaming headset manufacturer, with a fanatical following among pro-gamers – and when you unbox its top-of-the-range Elite Pro, you can see why. It simply oozes no-expense-spared design, and sports all manner of neat touches born from decades of pro-gaming experience.
Comfort-wise, it’s exemplary, with big, thick earpads that eliminate all ambient noise, and can be easily adjusted to fit all head-sizes.
On an Xbox One, we’d recommend teaming it up with piece of kit called the Tactical Audio Adapter, which clips into the Xbox One controller and operates as an amplifier, adding some of the extra sound-control features which come in a separate graphic equaliser-style box called the Tactical Audio Controller (which is pricey but adds Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound). Those features include Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing, which enhances the sound of incoming players’ footsteps and is great for hardcore first-person shooter fans, and Dynamic Chat Boost, which keeps chat-levels audible even when background noise rises.
Razer’s designed a strong pair of headphones, with a very out-there feature, making the Nari Ultimate one of the best Xbox One headsets, when it comes to wireless models, on the market. That’s meant historically it was difficult to get the higher end Arctis models from Steelseries to play ball here, but with the 9x the pain all goes away. Being essentially the same shell, that means the ski goggle headband is just as comfortable as it is on other models, and the layout of the controls is still just about perfect.
It’s lively and detailed, like affordable audiophile gear – it just doesn’t smother on the bass like many PC gaming manufacturers feel compelled to.
Since the earliest days of Xbox One, the two have gone hand-in-hand like lovelorn teenagers, skipping off together into aspiration purchase territory for those of us who don’t feel completely fine with dropping $250+ on a headset.
The best Xbox headsets in 2021
These headsets are compatible with both current- and previous-gen members of the Xbox family, so you don’t need to worry about replacing them anytime soon. Black Friday deals are fully up and running now, and we’re seeing big savings on all kinds of gaming gear, including some of the best Xbox headsets. We’re tracking all of the latest sales in our Black Friday Xbox Series X deals hub, so bookmark it now to make sure you don’t miss out.
SteelSeries Arctis 7X The best Xbox headset overall Specifications Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Wireless: Yes Battery life: 24 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Solid connection + High sound quality in games + Comfortable fit Reasons to avoid – Music doesn’t sound as good as games – Hard to find stock
While a little pricier than many rivals, few other headsets can claim to match the Arctis 7X’s blend of lasting comfort, excellent wireless reliability and impactful sound quality. It’s at its best when gaming — the black and green color scheme shows it was built for the Xbox specifically — but it’s nice to have such flexibility. That means you get the same comfortable fit, the same full set of onboard controls, the same game-ready performance and the same mature styling, which lets you detach the mic and wear the headset as a pair of headphones without embarrassment. Razer Kaira Pro The best Razer headset for Xbox Specifications Drivers: 50mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Wireless: Yes Battery Life: 20 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Razer View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Extremely comfortable + Good sound + Ideal for Xbox consoles Reasons to avoid – Bluetooth inconveniences – Few customization options
Another compelling mid-range Xbox headset option, the Razer Kaira Pro’s party trick is Bluetooth connectivity. But the versatility is there, and thanks to the comfortable, breathable design and powerful sound output, the Kaira Pro is an excellent Xbox headset when it comes to the essentials, too. HyperX Cloud Stinger The best cheap Xbox headset Specifications Drivers: 50mm Frequency response: 18 Hz – 23 kHz Wireless: No Battery life: N/A TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart 620 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Very comfortable design + Handy controls + Low price Reasons to avoid – Sound gets blown out at higher ranges The HyperX Cloud Stinger is your best bet if you’re not concerned about using a wired connection, and just want good-quality sound in a comfortable package.
As long as you don’t push it to the very highest volumes, the Cloud Stinger’s audio quality is high enough for even the most twitchy competitive shooters, and the microphone isn’t quite as basic as they come. Xbox Wireless Headset The official Xbox headset is also one of the best Specifications Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Wireless: Yes Battery Life: 12 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS Recommended View at Microsoft US View at Adorama Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + High sound quality + Comfy fit + Smartly designed Reasons to avoid – Limited customization – Mic isn’t fully retractable or removable
Post-release updates have improved previously lacking aspects, like the mic monitoring level and what used to be some overly loud notification sounds. Razer Kraken X The best Xbox headset for comfort Specifications Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 28 kHz Wireless: No Battery life: N/A TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart 15 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Sleek design + Comfortable fit + Good in-game sound Reasons to avoid – Can’t hide mic – Subpar music performance
Although the Razer Kraken X is far from alone in offering a sub-$50 price tag, few other cheap Xbox headsets can produce such great gaming sound. Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 Astro’s best headset for Xbox consoles Specifications Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Wireless: Yes Battery life: 15 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Staples Reasons to buy + Good sound + Comfortable earcups + Clear microphone Reasons to avoid – Frustrating pairing process HyperX Cloud Alpha A wired Xbox headset that’s great all round Specifications Drivers: 50mm Dual Chamber Frequency Response: 13 Hz – 27 kHz Wireless: No Battery life: N/A TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 568 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Sleek, premium design + Comfortable + High sound quality Reasons to avoid – Earcups can feel snug – Microphone picks up background noise The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a wired headset, which might not sound so enticing when you can get a good wireless model for a similar amount of money.
The Cloud Alpha is extremely comfortable, as we’ve come to expect from HyperX headsets, and its Dual Chamber Driver tech helps reproduce the full frequency range with a clarity to rival the best headphones. It’s also very comfortable — adjusting the earcups to find a perfect fit can be tricky, but once they’re in place you can easily wear the BlackShark V2 for hours. Astro A10 Another great, cheap Xbox Series X headset Specifications Drivers: 40mm Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Wireless: No Battery life: N/A TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy 5 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Good design despite low price + Impressive audio performance + Clear microphone Reasons to avoid – Tight fit on large ears Logitech G333 The best gaming earbuds for Xbox Specifications Drivers: 5.8 mm + 9.2 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Wireless: No Battery Life: N/A TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Highly portable + Works with both consoles and phones + Good sound quality Reasons to avoid – Fit could be better – Limited customization
Functionally, it’s not that different to a a wired, over-ear headset, as you still plug it inot your Xbox controller and can use the inline microphone for in-game voice communication. As such it’s worth considering if the HyperX Cloud Stinger or Astro A10 don’t take your fancy, and you can always use it as an everyday pair of earbuds too; the 3.5mm plug and included USB-C adapter help it seamlessly work with phones, tablets and laptops. That said, most wireless headsets can go for several days’ worth of regular play before running out of charge, so don’t worry too much about battery life if you want to keep your gaming space wire-free. We’ll play a variety of Xbox games across different genres, which helps us comprehensively judge each headset’s audio quality.
The best gaming headsets in 2021
Even if you already own a good pair of speakers, a gaming headset can prove its worth by letting you play late at night without waking up the whole household. The ones that make our best gaming headsets list all offer good sound and a comfy fits, but they also tend to go a step beyond their competitors. This wireless model features an incredibly comfortable elastic headband, as well as easy connectivity with every platform on the market, from PS5 to Xbox Series X to Android phones.
However, if you prefer to use an older device with a headphone jack, you can simply plug the Arctis 7P/7X in via 3.5 mm cable.
The $149 SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X is the complete package and best gaming headset overall, offering great sound, consistent wireless performance and a comfy, attractive design at a reasonable price. Even better: Thanks to its USB-C dongle and USB-A adapter, you can enjoy wireless performance with any system, from a PS5, to a Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, to an Android phone.
With a stylish, subdued look and variants in both black and white, the Arctis 7P/7X is the rare gaming headset you’ll actually want to use as your daily headphones. The famous film audio company has lent its expertise to make the Blackshark V2’s surround sound realistic and nuanced — especially for a handful of games like Apex Legends and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which have their own optimized profiles. Unlike some of Razer’s bulkier headsets, the Blackshark V2 is extremely sleek and comfortable, making it easy to transport to esports tournaments. The headset’s distinguished black design sets itself apart from the competition, in no small part thanks to its flexible headband and supremely comfortable foam and leatherette earcup options.
It’s also the first gaming headset to sport a built-in Blue microphone, allowing for extra-crisp voice chat whether you’re practicing with your Apex Legends squad or streaming to your online fans. SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Audiophile sound for gamers Specifications Compatibility: PS4, PC (with GameDAC), Xbox One, Switch, mobile (analog) Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz Wireless: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Dell Low Stock View at Walmart 144 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Superb design and comfort + Hi-Res audio support + Great overall sound quality Reasons to avoid – Expensive – Made for the desk, not the couch
If you’re willing to pay a premium for high-res sound support and a ton of features, the Arctis Pro + GameDAC is one of the best gaming headset combos available. The Stinger’s sturdy, feather-light frame and soft, faux-leather earcups make for one of the best gaming headsets on a budget we’ve worn yet, and its handy on ear controls and solid microphone certainly don’t hurt either. Finding a comfortable fit is arguably the most important thing you can look for in a gaming headset, and the Cloud Stinger doesn’t disappoint on that front. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT The best gaming headset with Bluetooth Specifications Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch (handheld), mobile Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz Wireless: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Comfortable to wear + Bluetooth, USB and 3.5 mm connectivity Reasons to avoid – High price – Lackluster battery life
It works wirelessly with PCs and PlayStation consoles via USB, as well as mobile devices, streaming players and smart TVS via Bluetooth. Still, first and foremost, a gaming headset should be easy to wear and provide great sound, and the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT succeeds on both counts.
Not only that: the Xbox Wireless Headset supports Bluetooth as well, meaning that you can listen to music or take calls on your phone while you game. Unlike some of its competitors, the Xbox Wireless Headset won’t work with a PS5 or a Switch at all, which means it’s not a great choice for gamers who own multiple consoles. Debuting alongside the Xbox Series X, the Razer Kaira Pro is arguably one of the best gaming headsets for Microsoft’s next-gen console.
The Bluetooth pairing process is admittedly not as seamless as it could be, and the Kaira Pro has relatively few ways to alter the sound profile — especially compared to Razer’s more PC-centric headphones. The headset sports the same sleek, understated design as the standard Arctis 1 complete with a removable mic, making it perfect for playing some Switch games on the go. It also features the same powerful drivers and crisp ClearCast microphone as SteelSeries’ higher-end headsets, allowing you to get immersed and play competitively with confidence.
Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero This is wireless greatness Specifications Compatibility: PC, PS4 (Wireless); Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile (Wired) Drivers: 50mm Nanoclear Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 20K Hz Wireless: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Microsoft US Prime Low Stock View at Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Comfortable fit + Fantastic gaming and music sound + Compatible with many systems Reasons to avoid – Crowded controls – Could use a few more presets This premium headset packs an incredibly comfortable pair of gel-infused ear cushions, which are also designed to play well with glasses.
You can remap the headset’s on ear controls, activate immersive 3D audio, and tweak a ton of EQ settings to find the perfect balance for your favorite game.
Factor in a long 30-hour battery for PC and PS4 and an included 3.5mm cable for use on any other device you own, and the Aero is one of the most versatile wireless gaming headsets out there. HyperX Cloud Alpha Superior style, sound and value Specifications Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, mobile Drivers: 50mm Dual Chamber Frequency Response: 13 Hz – 27 kHz Wireless: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 568 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Sleek, premium design + soft and cushy ear cups + Impressive audio quality Reasons to avoid – Earcups can feel snug – Microphone picks up some noise This headset’s premium design belies its sub-$100 price, thanks to a sturdy metal frame, a slick red-and-black paint job, and some of the most comfortable leatherette earcups since the HyperX Cloud II Wireless. The Alpha’s proprietary Dual Chamber drivers deliver big on sound, offering thick bass, sharp treble and strong directionality. With its world-class comfort, impressive audio and a suite of cables for use on just about any platform, the Alpha truly lives up to its name by offering the best gaming headset value under $100. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Console-centric wireless sound with Bluetooth Specifications Compatibility: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, mobile Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz Wireless: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 237 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Good sound quality + Two kinds of wireless connectivity + Great mic Reasons to avoid – Tight fit – Inconsistent volume levels
Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 Wireless headset for both PS5 and Xbox Series X Specifications Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile Drivers: 40 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Weight: 11.2 ounces TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Staples Reasons to buy + Excellent wireless connectivity + Compatibility with almost everything + Decent sound for gaming and music Reasons to avoid – No elastic headband – No iOS compatibility
Thanks to its small USB-C dongle, it can connect wirelessly o the Switch in handheld mode — a rarity among gaming headsets. Wireless models are almost always more expensive, but the convenience of living without wires may well be worth the cost, depending on whether you’re playing from the couch or one of the best gaming chairs.
The best wireless Xbox One headsets of 2021
Microsoft has enforced something of a closed ecosystem for its peripherals, so wireless Xbox One gaming headsets won’t work on other consoles like the Playstation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Surround sound is also supported through Windows Sonic Spatial Audio, so you should be able to hear the direction of enemies trying to sneak up on you in Fortnite just fine.
The Razer Nari Ultimate for Xbox One is a wireless gaming headset with big comfortable headphone pads and a suspension-style band.
A built-in retractable microphone sits in the left ear cup, and it’s flexible, so you can set it in whatever position you need.
While connected wirelessly to your Xbox One, the Nari Ultimate also supports Microsoft Sonic surround sound, so you won’t miss directional cues in games like Fortnite. Additionally, this headset even offers haptic feedback, creating a rumbling vibration on your ears in moments of intense bass. Basically, the Razer Nari Ultimate brings gaming headset mainstays like a built-in mic, surround sound, and big booming bass, and combines it with added conveniences like Xbox Wireless and game-chat audio balancing controls—with borderline gratuitous features like haptic feedback and nearly 20-hour battery life sprinkled on top. RF signals are notoriously kind to battery life, and you don’t have to go through the process of pair the headset—just plug it in and play.
The HyperX CloudX Flight offers up to 30 hours of playback time on a single charge, better than almost every gaming headset on the market. The headset’s microphone is also detachable, so you don’t need it have it sticking in your face if voice chat isn’t your bag. To top it all off, the CloudX Flight comes with HyperX’s assurance that it will be compatible with the upcoming Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s next-generation console. The headset also features a dual-foam ear cushion design meant to cut down on the pressure of wearing glasses while gaming.
Plus, the Kaira Pro also doubles as a pair of Bluetooth headphones, which is great for listening to music or watching movies on a mobile device. The Kaira Pro takes a page from the low-profile design of Razer’s newest headsets, opting for a a sleek matte black exterior with neon-green accents. Its memory foam ear cups are layered with mesh fabric, delivering a comfortable gaming experience whilst creating a decent seal. Fans of electronic music and other bass-heavy content will appreciate the headset’s emphasis on lower frequencies, while listeners who gravitate towards more acoustic tracks will notice a significant treble de-emphasis for sounds like guitars, cymbals, and hi-hats. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: Microphone quality is very good, and wireless performance is solid but not compatible with Xbox One. The Arctis 1 features a USB-C RF dongle, supports 3.5mm connections (which you’ll need for the Xbox One), has a 25 hour battery life, and a pleasant sound profile that will suit most, if not all gamers. The gaming headset space, much like many other parts of the audio industry, is rife with exaggerated language and gimmicky features that often don’t add much of anything to your experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy lights and promises of immersive audio and bass so intense it’ll rupture your eardrums (in a good way, somehow), but most of that stuff flat out doesn’t matter.
Best Xbox One gaming headsets in 2021
Editor’s note: This list was updated on June 24, 2021 to include the Turtle Beach Recon 500 in the notable mentions. Surround sound is also supported through Windows Sonic Spatial Audio, so you should be able to hear the direction of enemies trying to sneak up on you in Fortnite just fine.
Older Xbox One controllers don’t have headphone jacks built in, so you’ll need to buy an additional adapter if this is the route you decide to take. Xbox Wireless is Microsoft’s proprietary device protocol that allows you to connect your gaming headset to the console, without the use of wires. While mid-frequency sounds like vocals and acoustic instruments are reproduced accurately, a bump in the low-end adds a slight emphasis to kick drums and bass lines. As a cherry on top, this headset offers the same great active noise cancellation found on the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, for a truly uninterrupted gaming experience.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset can connect to a PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and the Nintendo Switch, via USB or a 3.5mm cable. When you’re not gaming, this headset acts like a normal pair of Bluetooth headphones, with support for SBC and AAC streaming codecs. Each ear cup has bass reflex vents, which are easily revealed or concealed with a simple sliding mechanism. The cardioid boom microphone is forgiving when it comes to placement and hones in on your voice while simultaneously filtering out extraneous background noise. The Custom Game headset includes interchangeable ear cup plates to non-verbally convey your style. If you’re not a fan of the all-black aesthetic, Beyerdynamic also has a bunch of customization options, as well as velour pads for people who wear glasses on their raids.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core is the prolific gaming peripheral maker’s entry level Xbox One headset. For people who want an immersive gaming experience, the Kaira Pro also supports Windows Sonic surround sound. While this good news for Apple device owners, Android users are out of luck since the headset doesn’t support any platform-friendly high-quality streaming codecs, such as aptX. The extra bass emphasis may appeal to electronic and hip-hop fans who like to feel the oomph in their kick drums, however this sound profile tends to mask higher frequency noise—such as high-pitched vocals, strings, and high-octave synths.
If you’re a die-hard Xbox fan who needs a gaming headset and a pair of Bluetooth headphones, and aren’t a stickler when it comes to sound quality, the Razer Kaira Pro may be worth considering. The BlackShark V2 sports a clean design, soft memory foam ear cups, a very accurate sound signature, and great isolation—all for less than $100. The gaming headset space, much like many other parts of the audio industry, is rife with exaggerated language and gimmicky features that often don’t add much of anything to your experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy lights and promises of immersive audio and bass so intense it’ll rupture your eardrums (in a good way, somehow), but most of that stuff flat out doesn’t matter.
The 5 Best Xbox One Headsets To Buy in 2021 ~ (Updated) Buyers Guide
To find the best Xbox One Headset, first we purchased and then tested the top 25 models in live online play sessions so we could tell you which one was the best for a variety of different needs (including yelling into the mic). During our testing, we measured comfort, sound, heat dissipation, audio optimization, mic quality, and many other factors. We then played all our favorite games for at least 5 hours apiece with each of the headphones on our list so we could pick up on the nuanced audio and comfort features. Multi-game compatible Check Price Best Headset for Competitive Gaming Turtle Beach Elite Pro Pro Gaming Microphone Check Price Most Durable Xbox Headset Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Premium Pros Cons √ Wireless surround sound ⊗ On the pricey side √ High quality sound transfer ⊗ The charging dock is cool, but hard to use √ Lightweight and very comfortable ⊗ Solid but not exactly durable √ Comes with alternate earcup material ⊗ Wireless connection occasionally spotty √ Reliable battery life ⊗ Mic performance is good but not great
Bottom Line: If you can afford it, the newest A50 model is easily one of the best headsets for gaming, especially on the console. The A50 gaming headsets (like the Astro A40 before it) has incredible sound quality compared to its competitors and is nearly effortless to wear with large but lightweight ear cups.
Pros Cons √ Excellent wireless surround sound + bass ⊗ External noise is too noticeable √ Comfortable headband and pleather pads ⊗ Headphone adjustment is a little annoying √ Flexible plugin mic ⊗ Somewhat heavy √ Very simple wireless setup √ Mic monitoring for clarity Bottom Line: Lucidsound’s L35X is an excellent headset, and its mid-range pricing may make this model very attractive to buyers that want to save a little money.
The plugin flexible mix, while soft in volume, was very easy to use and includes mic monitoring as a bonus. Sale Our #3 Pick is the Turtle Beach Elite Pro The audio controller really bumps this headset from a good choice to one of the best around for those who spend a lot of time on a single competitive game.
Pros Cons √ Durable and high-quality, extra-large ear cups ⊗ Surround sound only with audio controller √ Extensive audio controller for quick adjustments ⊗ Particularly heavy earcups √ Great flexible mic setup ⊗ Audio controller may take time to master √ Good passive noise cancellation ⊗ Mic can sometimes get tugged out of socket √ Great for more professional playing Our #4 Pick is the Turtle Beach Stealth 420X+ This compact headset offers plenty of durability and a welcome wireless experience on Xbox, with a price that’s easier to handle than most. Pros Cons √ Extra-durable design for rough conditions ⊗ Small buttons may take time to learn √ Lightweight earcups ⊗ Takes up two USB ports on consoles √ Flexible boom mic √ Wireless sound √ Windows Sonic Surround Sound
Bottom Line: Turtle Beach is excellent at making durable console-focused headsets, and this is a prime example. Pros Cons √ World-class ClearCast mic ⊗ Might be too tight for some √ 20-hour battery life ⊗ Only works with Xbox One (no PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, etc.) A new entry into the Xbox One gaming headset world, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X doesn’t leave a lot to be desired.
This HyperX Cloud model is a budget gaming headset (like the Corsair HS35) and is half the price point of the HyperX Cloud II headset which has comfortable build quality with signature memory foam, a noise-cancellation mic, and 50-millimeter directional drivers for game audio precision. The Razer Nari Ultimate for Xbox One is a wireless headset that comes equipped with Razer Hypersense Haptic Feedback and Windows Sonic 7.1 surround sound for wireless audio realism that gives you intense in-game immersion, as well as positional accuracy.
Depending on the features you need on an Xbox One gaming headset, and the price point you’re comfortable with, these are some of the other options you might want to consider. The advanced mic settings will clear up any distortion while allowing you to communicate with your teammates more easily than ever. Note on adjustments: Many Xbox One headsets are designed to work on multiple platforms at the same time: compatibility is an important issue! You should also take time to look at your mic, volume and audio source settings and make sure they are aligned with the headset you are currently using.
Bottom line: If the headset doesn’t function properly the first time you try it, don’t panic! This includes weight, how it sits on the head, how the headband works, and what notable features it has, such as swiveling earcups or the increasingly popular dualband design for more comfortable head-rest.
Surround sound is obviously an important feature for the best headsets, but we also like to see a few different modes or EQ settings. When mics and cables can be plucked out of the headset, that prevents any permanent damage that may be caused by yanking, sitting, aggressive pulling, or any other “accidents” that can happen around other people.
Unless you have something like the A50 mod kit where you can choose which material you prefer, it’s best to buy based on your gaming habits. Weave works best if your room gets hot and your head gets sweaty – it allows a lot more air to pass through and will keep the headset cooler.
However, there’s a cost: weave may not be as comfortable as other options, and you’ll need to wash it regularly, so look for detachable earcup materials. Pleathers and leathers work best if you are primarily concerned with comfort, or if you really don’t like shedding hair and getting it stuck in your earcups later (nearby pet or S.O.
Many brands have started coming out with Xbox specific versions of their models just to make this a little easier.
The bottom line is that it rarely matters with today’s compatibility efforts, but if you have trouble with interference it’s nice to know some details. Think about these questions: they will help you decide what sort of headset to get, if you need a charging dock, how many USB ports you will have free, and other important considerations. It’s easy to recommend both the Astro A50 (for those willing to pay a bit more) or the LucidSound LS40 (for those who want to save money) for top-notch surround sound.
If durability is high on your list of concerns or you want extra audio customization, both the A50 and the Turtle Beach Elite Pro are very solid choices.
Best wired and wireless Xbox headsets for 2021
Whether you want it for single-player story-driven experiences, or to give you the edge in multiplayer matches, you’re going to notice a big difference when moving to a headset – unless, of course, you’ve got an astonishingly good home theatre setup. We’ve exhaustively tested a wide range of headsets with our Xbox consoles, putting them through their paces and determining which you should consider for your own gaming setup.
SteelSeries takes the top spot on our list because it nails the combination of convenience and quality that we’re looking for when it comes to a console headset. It’s a genius revision of the manufacturer’s top headset, adding in the Xbox Wireless standard to make for superb connectivity.
Plus, the headphones are really nicely constructed and extremely comfortable to wear and, more than that, have easily the most subtle design we encountered in our testing (only Logitech’s effort comes close). You’ll gain a real advantage in reaction-based multiplayer games, and be fully immersed in single-player adventures.
Xbox recently debuted its own official headset and it’s a really excellent bargain, priced very sensibly but delivering premium sound. The comfort is superb, and the headset is actually extremely similar to the 9X with a few slightly lighter and less solid design elements being the only real clue. Firstly, it’s wireless with superb battery life, but it also has Bluetooth connectivity and can be paired with two devices at once and play audio from both at the same time as well.
Secondly, it sports decent drivers and faux-leather noise-blocking ear cups with a comfortable memory foam cushioning/liquid cooling gel mix that makes them a joy to wear. That’s paired with massively impressive sound that manages really solid bass and clear highs to make for a really well-rounded experience. We understand that the Xbox headsets listed above may not be to everyone’s taste and budget, but we also only want to provide insight and recommend the very top options to consider.
In order to provide some context to our decision making and testing, as well as give you more suggestions to explore, below are the devices that haven’t quite made it into our top picks. A big question with headsets at the moment is whether you want to be untethered by cables – all of our top picks are wireless, for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you have to go with one of them. How much a headset weighs might not be the most glamourous stat, but it plays a huge role in determining how comfortable it is to wear for long periods.
If comfort is key for you, it’ll be worth your time to compare weights so that you’re not caught out if your headset ends up feeling like a chunky monkey. For Xbox gaming headsets, that means using it for an extended period of time – not just for single-player titles, but also multiplayer sessions. As we point out in all of our buyer’s guides, it’s impossible to deliver a set of picks that works for every type of user, but we take on board the above and the opinions of the experts on the Pocket-lint team in order to determine a select crop of Xbox headsets to recommend.
What we always tend to avoid when compiling these picks are in-depth spec comparisons and marketing jargon; we just want to provide an easy to understand summary that gives you an idea of what each headset is like to use.
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