Products at a Glance
How we selected the best headset for Xbox Series X
Selecting the best headset for the Xbox Series X involves comprehensively evaluating various factors, weighing up user reviews, and tapping into our in-depth knowledge of gaming peripherals. The first factor we considered was the sound quality: the selected headsets should deliver clear, immersive, and high-quality audio. This includes support for spatial audio, surround sound, and audio certification standards so you can get the best audio experience possible when gaming.
However, there are many features to consider alongside audio quality. Battery life, comfort, and ergonomics for extended gaming sessions are essential elements of any decent gaming headset and shouldn’t be brushed aside. Furthermore, to engage with friends and teammates across Xbox network, having a a good quality integrated microphone in your headphones is a must. At PC Guide, upgrading your Xbox experience is a task we don’t take lightly. Read on here about our guides to the best monitor for the Xbox Series X and also the best gaming TV‘s for those using their Xbox console for gaming and streaming.
Product Reviews
- Good mic recording quality
- Lightweight body
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Weaker bass
- Stiff padding
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 USB wireless gaming headset is at the top of the list, officially licensed by Microsoft for Xbox. One of its standout features is the proprietary lag-free 2.4GHz wireless connection, ensuring you stay connected with zero interruptions. Say goodbye to constant recharging, as the upgraded 24+ hour battery life keeps you zoned in on the game longer. When it’s time to recharge, the quick-charging feature with the supplied USB-C cable gets you back in the game in no time.
Lose yourself in the action with powerful 50mm speakers tuned for surround sound, with every detail brought to life with spatial audio, providing a truly immersive gaming experience. The Turtle Beach Exclusive Superhuman Hearing feature lets you pinpoint even the faintest sounds, giving you plenty of competitive edge.
Designed for comfort, the headset has glasses-friendly ear cushions, making those marathon gaming sessions a breeze for all audiences. Furthermore, its strengthened headband and hinge design ensure durability, showing you that this is a future-proof headset built to last. All things considered, it definitely stands as one of the best Xbox series X headsets currently available.
- It can work with Xbox One without a wire
- Good quality microphone
- 28-hour battery life
- Bad button layout
- Lacks customization options
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X wireless gaming headset is the ultimate gaming audio solution designed with Xbox gamers in mind.
With integrated Xbox Wireless connectivity, you can connect directly to your Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One, like a wireless controller. Say goodbye to cables and dongles and dive into your favorite games in seconds, as the Arctis 9X makes a perfect Xbox wireless headset.
It excels in gaming, and the Arctis 9X also offers versatile Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, allowing you to mix in music or take calls while gaming. And when you’re on the move, enjoy wireless freedom with your mobile device. Communication is crystal clear, thanks to the clearcast microphone, designed with bidirectional noise cancellation technology used by aircraft carrier deck crews.
Experience award-winning soundscapes emphasizing critical in-game audio cues, giving you a competitive edge. Plus, you can game for extended periods without interruptions with a 20+ hour battery life and optimized power consumption. Compatible with Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Gaming Headset is the ultimate choice for gamers who demand the best audio quality, comfort, and convenience.
- Excellent microphone
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Affordable price range
- Cable is hardwired
For those looking for a headset in the lower price range, the Razer BlackShark is one to consider. At its core, the BlackShark V2 X boasts advanced passive noise cancellation. Its sturdy closed earcups fully envelop your ears, preventing any external noise from intruding into your world. The memory foam cushioning ensures a snug, comfortable fit while enhancing sound isolation, allowing you to focus on the game with minimal interruptions.
The Razer BlackShark V2 also boasts Triforce Titanium 50mm high-end sound drivers with titanium-coated diaphragms. They divide the audio spectrum into highs, mids, and lows, resulting in astonishingly clear sound, rich highs, and powerful lows. Despite its powerful audio capabilities, the BlackShark V2 X remains incredibly lightweight. Its breathable foam ear cushions ensure long gaming sessions are a breeze, providing maximum comfort even during the most intense battles. With its premium build and excellent sound quality, this is up there as one of the best Xbox headsets in its price range. However, you can find more budget-friendly headsets here in our guide to the best cheap headphones for gaming.
Stay connected and coordinate with your team seamlessly using the hyper-clear cardioid mic, which minimizes background noise for crystal-clear voice communication. This headset is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, thanks to its versatile 3.5mm audio jack. Available in a variety of different colors, this headset will pair up perfectly with other Razer peripherals in your gaming rig.
- Powerful EQ options
- Convenient on-ear controls
- Decent microphone noise-canceling
- Low battery life of only 15 hours
- Tight fit
Up there in the competition for the best Xbox headset is the ASTRO Gaming A20 wireless headset. This headset has a sleek design with white and green color, making it a great addition to any setup.
The A20 Gen 2 boasts up to 15 meters (50 feet) of wireless range coverage through a robust 2.4 GHz wireless signal. For those who crave audio precision, the on-device audio balancing feature allows you to fine-tune the mix between voice chat and in-game audio seamlessly on both Xbox and PC, ensuring you never miss a beat or a critical piece of communication.
Moreover, it has a console-specific USB transmitter that adds a layer of convenience, ensuring cross-platform across Xbox, Playstation, and PC with ease. Battery life is another strong suit of this headset. With over 15 hours of uninterrupted gaming on a single charge, battery woes won’t interrupt you. It also lets you control your audio with the flip-to-mute microphone, which offers quick and effortless muting when needed.
Finally, the A20 Gen 2 also helps tailor your audio experience to your liking with three different EQ presets. Choose the one that suits your gaming style best and immerse yourself in the rich soundscape of your virtual worlds.
- Clear audio sound
- Good Surround Sound with the THX Spatial Audio
- Built-in cooling properties
- Does not have support for Bluetooth
The last product on this list of the best headsets for Xbox Series X is the Razer Kraken tournament edition. It features THX 7.1 Surround Sound technology that goes beyond traditional 7.1 setups. It delivers precise spatial audio cues, allowing you to pinpoint your enemies’ exact locations with remarkable accuracy.
The manufacturers have also taken care of the comfort. It has an over-ear design with cushions that infuse cooling gel. This helps keep you cool and comfortable for comfortable gaming sessions.
Factors and considerations
When it comes to picking the best headset to pair with your Xbox series X, there is usually no single outright winner as the right choice will depend on what each individual user is looking for. However, there are a few general factors to consider to make sure you’re investing in a headset that’s a decent quality, and will take you through a solid few years of gaming.
Audio quality
Making sure your headset has decent audio quality is essential, as clearer audio makes for better immersion into the soundscape of the game. On the whole, you’re looking for a crisp sound that provides a good mix of the highs and the bass. Some headphones will have a wider frequency response, or range of sounds it can produce, than others. Additionally, some higher-end headsets will make use of Windows Sonic Surround Sound, the native 3D spatial audio included on Xbox Series X|S. If you’re interested in further exploring the sound world of your gaming, check out our picks of some of the best sound cards in 2023.
Microphone quality
On the whole, good microphone quality is equal to good communication, especially in the competitive gaming department. A microphone is an integral part of the gaming headset, so you’ll want to look out for high quality microphones that might feature a bi-directional design to pick up your voice clearly but cancel out background sound.
Comfort
Ultimately, one thing that is unmissable in a gaming headset is comfort. A good headset has been designed to be worn for long hours at a time, with soft and breathable earpads: some even include a built-in cooling gel for maximum comfort. The adjustability of the headset is also important, as its not a given it will fit you straight out of the box, so you will need to tailor it to fit your head.
Our Verdict
Best headset for Xbox Series X – final verdict
With a ClearCast microphone and 4.1 Bluetooth support, SteelSeries Arctis 9X is our top choice. Moreover, it also has an extended battery life of close to 30 hours, and benefits from a premium build quality expected from a headset of its price range.
However, choosing the best headset for your Xbox Series X ultimately depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and desired features. The options listed here encompass a range of price points and features, ensuring a headset for everyone. Whichever headset you choose, it’s essential to consider factors like sound quality, comfort, connectivity, and compatibility with the Xbox Series X to enhance your gaming experience to the fullest.