The 6 Best Xbox One Headsets - Spring 2024 Reviews

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 Astro A30 Wireless, 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. Their 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 Astro A30 Wireless is our upper mid-range pick for the best Xbox headset. The headphones' boom microphone might not sound as natural as the Audeze Maxwell Wireless, but they weigh less and have a more stable fit than the Audeze. Their sound profile reproduces explosions in games with an immersive amount of rumble and boom without overwhelming the trebly frequencies. As a result, you'll hear footsteps and voices well. Plus, there's an equalizer to adjust the sound to your taste alongside Dolby Atmos compatibility. However, you'll want to take your time when placing the headset on, as thick hair, glasses, or carelessly popping the cans on can impact the frequency response consistency. The headphones have nice padding and fit fairly comfortably, but they can feel stiff to adjust.

Their 40-hour battery life is impressive. You can connect to your Xbox One using the USB dongle for low-latency audio or the analog cable to your controller in a pinch. They also have Bluetooth connectivity, and the boom mic is detachable, so you can use them to listen to music or connect to your PC. The majority of controls you'll need are accessible on the headphones via buttons and a joystick, but it can be difficult to tell if the mute is on or not by touch alone, and it's easy to accidentally knock the joystick. However, if you're mindful of the controls, they address most of your needs, including game-specific functions like chat mix with good audible feedback.

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 is permanently attached unlike the Astro A30 Wireless, but the boom mic's performance is better overall than the Astro's.

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. Otherwise, they have a comfortable, well-built design.

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 Xbox headset 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.