The 6 Best Xbox One Headsets - Spring 2023 Reviews

The best Xbox One headset that we've tested is the Audeze Maxwell Wireless. These wireless headphones come in separate Xbox and PlayStation variants, so you need to be sure to get the right one for the best performance on Xbox One. They're very well-built and have a neutral default sound profile that accurately reproduces sound effects like footsteps as well as instruments and vocals in your audio. Thanks to their planar magnetic drivers, they create a more extended bass response and a wider passive soundstage than headphones that use dynamic drivers, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.

Their companion app also features a few EQ presets for sound customization, and they support Dolby Atmos, which is meant to help create a more immersive listening experience. They offer low latency over non-Bluetooth wireless, so you won't notice lip-sync issues while gaming. The battery lasts for around 77 hours of continuous use, and they have an auto-off timer to help conserve power when not in use. 

The detachable boom mic also has an excellent overall performance, so your voice is clear and understandable to teammates, even with noise in the background. You can also use the app to toggle sidetone on and off and adjust the level. The headphones support Bluetooth and multi-device pairing, so you can hear audio from your phone or computer and your Xbox simultaneously, as long as you're connected via wired USB or analog. Unfortunately, these headphones are on backorder, so it can be challenging to get a pair. 

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox don't have wireless connectivity like the Audeze Maxwell Wireless, but they offer a solid performance for Xbox gamers at a lower price. They come with a GameDAC Gen 2, which provides a low-latency USB connection with Xbox and puts controls like EQ settings and channel mixing at your fingertips while you play. They're comfortable enough to wear for hours for most people and have a great overall mic performance, so you'll sound clear during online games, even with some noise in the background.

Their sound profile adds some boom to your audio, which can help bring out sound effects like footsteps. Voices are present and clear but can lack detail or sound harsh. If you prefer a different sound, they work with companion software that includes a parametric EQ and presets for sound customization. The app also has a virtual surround sound feature with a slider for adjusting the soundstage size, which can help make your audio seem more immersive.

However, the boom mic is retractable but not detachable. If you don't plan on using it, you might prefer the Astro A30 Wireless. They have a detachable mic and an integrated mic, which is nice if you want a more casual look sometimes. You can't apply settings like EQ presets or mic adjustment when you're connected to an Xbox, so they aren't as customizable for Xbox One gamers.

The best Xbox One headset we've tested for a mid-range price is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless. This headset's mic performance is weaker, so your voice sounds clear but not as natural during multi-player games. They also leak more audio than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which might be a concern if you play in a shared space. Otherwise, they have a similarly comfortable, well-built design. Their USB dongle provides a low latency connection with Xbox consoles - since they come in console-locked variants, be sure to get the '7X' version for Xbox.

Unlike the previous pick, they support Bluetooth so that you can mix game audio from your console and chat or music from your phone. Out of the box, they have a bass-rich sound profile, and while you might appreciate the extra boom during action-packed games, voices in dialogue sound veiled and lack detail. Fortunately, you can adjust it with a parametric EQ and presets in the companion software. The headphones have roughly 30 hours of continuous battery life for long gaming sessions. Their auto-off timer helps save power, and in a pinch, you can always use them passively via an analog connection.

The best wireless Xbox One headset with a lower mid-range price we've tested is the Razer Kaira Pro Wireless for Xbox. Their battery life is shorter than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, and they have a less neutral sound profile, but they're worth checking out if you want to spend less. They have low latency via Xbox Wireless, and you can pair them with one Bluetooth device and your console, allowing you to stream audio from your phone while gaming. Their detachable boom microphone makes your voice sound very natural and clear. However, their warm sound profile can muddy dialogue and instruments. They're also prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, so it's important to take the time to ensure they fit your head well. Luckily, their companion software offers a five-band graphic EQ and presets so you can adjust them to your liking.

These over-ears have a comfortable fit suitable for long gaming sessions, a good build quality, and around 19 hours of continuous battery life. However, if you're looking for even more comfortable headphones, it's worth checking out the HyperX Cloud Alpha S instead. They're wired headphones, which can be a big drawback for people who enjoy the mobility only a wireless design can provide. However, they come with two different sets of ear cup padding to help you get the best fit, and you can game while wearing them for long periods without experiencing too much fatigue.

For a budget-friendly pair of headphones for Xbox, try the Logitech G432. Like most headphones at this price point, they have a wired design and have a cheaper-feeling, more plasticky build than more expensive options like the Razer Kaira Pro Wireless for Xbox. Still, even though they don't feel very durable, they offer a comfortable fit for most people and a solid performance for gaming. You can plug them into a controller for a latency-free connection with Xbox One.

Unlike most headsets listed here, their sound lacks some bass, so your audio won't have as much rumble and punch. However, instruments and vocals are clear and detailed. They have a companion app with sound customization features, but since they were designed for PC, you can't apply any customizations when playing on Xbox. Their boom mic makes your voice bright and clear, even with some noise in the background. If you plan to use the mic often, you might prefer the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. Their mic makes your voice sound more natural, and they have a sturdier design. However, they have a boomier default sound profile with less detailed vocals and instruments. They're also more prone to inconsistent audio delivery.

The Drop + Sennheiser PC38X are the best Xbox headset we've tested with an open-back design. Unlike other picks, these headphones allow your game audio to escape the ear cups and interact with your environment. It creates a soundstage that feels more spacious and out-of-head than closed-back headphones, creating more immersive gameplay. Unfortunately, they don't isolate you from much background noise and leak a lot of game audio, but this may not be much of an issue if you play in a dedicated room or live alone.

These headphones are comfortable for long gaming sessions and have a great mic, so you'll sound clear and present over team chat. Out of the box, they have a very warm sound profile. While they don't have as much thumpy low-bass due to their open-back design, they still deliver boom, which helps emphasize sound effects in your game. Dialogue and soundtracks also sound clear and present, but these headphones lack EQ adjustments, so you can't fine-tune the sound to your liking.