If the Xbox One is your primary console, you know how hard it can be to find a headset with native mic support for this console compared to the PS4. This challenge slightly limits the gaming headset selection for Xbox; however, some good options come in an Xbox variant or work well with both consoles.
We've tested over 775 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best gaming headsets for Xbox One you can buy. Check out our picks for the best gaming headsets, the best Xbox Series X/S headsets, and the best gaming headsets under $100.
The best Xbox One headset we've tested is the Audeze Maxwell Wireless. These wireless headphones come in separate Xbox and PlayStation variants, so be sure to get the Xbox version. They're very well-built and have a well-balanced default sound profile that accurately reproduces sound effects like footsteps as well as instruments and vocals. Their planar magnetic drivers create a more extended bass response and a wider passive soundstage than headphones that use dynamic drivers, like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which can help make game audio seem more immersive.
These headphones have companion software with a few EQ presets for sound customization, and they support Dolby Atmos, a virtual surround sound feature that helps create a more immersive listening experience. The battery lasts for around 77 hours of continuous use, and they have an auto-off timer to conserve power when you're not using them. 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. They offer low latency over non-Bluetooth wireless, which prevents lip-syncing issues while gaming.
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 connect via wired USB or analog. If you want to swap from Xbox to PC seamlessly without grabbing the dongle to plug it in elsewhere, try the Astro A50 X Wireless, and with the press of a button, you can switch from your Xbox to your PC. Their base uses HDMI 2.1, which, in addition to allowing 4k @ 120Hz passthrough, enables you to get Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and 24-bit audio. These also weigh significantly less and feel more comfortable, owing to their soft, fabric-covered ear pads. However, compared to the Audeze, they barely isolate you from environmental noise, and the mic is hardwired.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox doesn't have wireless connectivity like the Audeze Maxwell Wireless, but if you don't mind a wired design, it's the best Xbox headset in the upper mid-range we've tested. Their GameDAC Gen 2 provides a low-latency USB connection with Xbox and puts controls like EQ settings and channel mixing within easy reach. They're comfortable enough for most people to wear for hours 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 also present and clear but 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.
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 prefer a more casual look. However, they aren't as comfortable for long gaming marathons since the headphones are stiff.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless are solid mid-range headphones that don't compromise performance for price. They come with a USB dongle that provides a low latency connection with Xbox consoles, and unlike the previous pick, they also support Bluetooth, so you can mix game audio from your console and chat or music from your phone. Their boom mic's performance is weaker overall than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro's, so your voice is still clear but sounds unnatural during multi-player games. Otherwise, they have a similarly comfortable, well-built design.
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 by plugging the analog cable into your Xbox controller.
The best wireless Xbox One headset in the lower mid-range we've tested is the Razer Kaira Pro Wireless. Their battery life is shorter than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless', and their default sound profile isn't as neutral, but they're worth checking out if you want to spend less. They offer low latency via Xbox Wireless, and you can pair them with one Bluetooth device and your console, allowing you to stream chat audio or music from your phone or computer while gaming.
Their detachable boom mic makes your voice sound very natural and clear. Out of the box, 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. They 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 more comfortable headphones, it's worth checking out the HyperX Cloud Alpha S instead. These headphones aren't explicitly designed for Xbox and have a wired design, which can be a big drawback for people who enjoy the freedom only a wireless design can provide. However, they come with two 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 Xbox headset, try the Logitech G432. Like most headphones at this price point, they're wired and have a cheaper-feeling, more plasticky build than pricier options like the Razer Kaira Pro Wireless. 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 will have less rumble and punch. However, instruments and vocals are clear and detailed. They have a companion app with sound customization features, but since the manufacturer designed them 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 a lot, 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/EPOS PC38X is the best headset for the Xbox One we've tested with an open-back design. Unlike all the other headphones listed here, their designs allow your game audio to escape the ear cups and interact with your environment. This creates a soundstage that feels more spacious and out of head than closed-back headphones, creating more immersive gameplay. Unfortunately, it also means they don't isolate you from much background noise and leak a lot of audio, so they're best suited for people who 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.
If you prioritize soundstage performance, the Corsair VIRTUOSO PRO are open-back gaming headphones that do a better job of creating an out-of-head soundstage. This means sound seems to come from speakers around you rather than from inside your head, which can help immerse you in the game, but they have a less neutral sound profile. Mixes can sound slightly muddy compared to the Drop + Sennheiser headphones. They're also not as comfortable, although they have a sturdier build. Unfortunately, neither pair comes with sound customization features like an EQ.
Mar 15, 2024: This article has been checked and updated to include the Astro A50 X Wireless as an alternative to the Audeze Maxwell Wireless and very minor text edits.
Feb 14, 2024: We've made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are available.
Jan 16, 2024: We've made minor edits to the text to bring it up to date.
Dec 20, 2023: We've updated the text to ensure all products are still in stock.
Nov 23, 2023: Added the Corsair VIRTUOSO PRO as an alternative to the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X since they offer a better passive soundstage performance.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best Xbox One headsets for most people to buy in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for headsets, sorted by Xbox One compatibility. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection, especially if you don't care about having a microphone or wireless features.