Sure, you can get by with the speakers on your gaming TV when you’re in a pinch, but the best gaming headsets will amplify your experience, immersing you in your favorite Xbox Series X/S games. Solid audio could even be a matter of life or death thanks to sound cues. That’s why our experts have spent countless hours reviewing and researching all the top gaming headsets, narrowing down the best ones to pair with the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles.
We’ve got on-ear experience with many gaming headsets, and even if our team didn’t get to test them firsthand, you can rest assured that we’ve thoroughly vetted each and every one of our picks with careful consideration. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to their listening experience, so the 11 Xbox Series X/S gaming headsets we’ve chosen reflect that. And of course, each one offers a simple wired or wireless connection to the console.
TL;DR: These Are Our Picks for the Best Xbox Series X/S Headsets:
- Turtle Beach Stealth 500 - Best overall
- Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 - Best wireless
- Corsair HS35 - Best budget
- HyperX CloudX Stinger Core - Best budget wireless
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 - Best ultra cheap
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X - Most comfortable
- Razer Kaira Pro - Best Bluetooth
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - Best noise-cancelling
- Audeze Maxwell - Best audiophile
- Bang-Olufsen Beoplay Portal - Best premium
- Logitech G Astro A50 X - Best multiplatform
No matter what Xbox Series X/S gaming headset you’re after, a few basics need to be taken into account, like sound quality and comfort. Nothing will take you out of the action quicker than a tight, heavy headset with tinny, indiscernible audio. On the flip side, a great mic on board is also important if you don’t want to shell out extra cash for a streaming microphone to keep a clear line of communication between you and your teammates. After that, features like surround sound, noise canceling, and customizable EQ settings can deliver a more personalized experience, and that’s just the start of what some headsets can do.
So, from the budget-friendly yet capable Corsair HS35 to the high-end and versatile Logitech G Astro A50 X, and just about everything in between, our experts have found a headset to suit your needs. Once you rest one of our picks on your ears, you’ll see why a headset is one of the best Xbox Series X/S accessories to invest in. And be sure to check back, as we’ll continue to update this guide with newly reviewed and trending Xbox Series X/S gaming headsets – and click here to see them in the UK.
1. Turtle Beach Stealth 500
The Best Xbox Headset You Can Buy
We tested and reviewed the Turtle Beach Stealth 500, and thanks to its reasonable price tag, balanced sound, and simple connectivity to the Xbox Series X/S, the headset claims the top spot on this guide. Sure, the design isn’t revolutionary, but we found the unibody build easy to contort to fit our head while remaining lightweight and durable. Unfortunately, the ear cups aren’t adjustable and the headband can’t extend. Still, the stretchable strap inside the band makes for a secure fit and the plush padding on the earcups kept the headset comfortable on our reviewer's head for hours.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 500’s fantastic sound quality is the main reason to grab this headset. It outperforms many other budget headsets, delivering a well-rounded audio performance with a clean bass and decent mids and highs – as long as the volume isn’t too loud. Even in action-packed games with tons of sound effects, we found the headset handled everything with ease, and positional audio, like footsteps and helicopters overhead, was discernible for a leg up in competitive shooters.
Should there be a need to change the sound profile of the the headset, Turtle Beach’s Swarm II app makes it easy to swap between a few audio presets, and the desktop version takes the customizations further. Given you’ll be playing on Xbox, a button is available on the earcup for simple switching between four audio presets. We found the Signature Sound was the best preset for well-balanced and bold audio in most games.
If you’re after a wired headset, look at some of our other picks, as this one is exclusively wireless. Luckily, connecting to the Xbox Series X/S is made simple thanks to a low-latency 2.4GHz dongle. But the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 offers more versatility with Bluetooth 5.2 support, allowing you to listen on a PC, Nintendo Switch, a smartphone, and more. There’s even a button on the earcup for quick swapping between wireless modes. Plus, up to 40 hours of listening time with each charge will last through even the longest gaming marathons.
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
Best Wireless Xbox Headset
Slightly heavier than the Gen 2 version we reviewed, our hands-on testing of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 proves you can get a premium headset at a reasonable price. You can easily access all of the headset’s controls on the left earcup, with some offering multiple functions. Once you get used to the placement and what each button does, it becomes a breeze to navigate through the settings.
With its 50mm Nanoclear drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz - 20KHz, you can expect clear, crisp audio with plenty of punchy bass. If you’re familiar with Turtle Beach headsets, you’ll be familiar with the SuperHuman Hearing feature which boosts certain game sounds, making it an ideal pick for FPS games.
For those who like to customize their audio, the Swarm II app offers enough settings including microphone sensitivity, audio presents, and so on. The added bonus being the two 10-band equalizers, allowing you to adjust game audio and microphone sound separately. And at under $100, this headset is a steal if you value good audio, ease of use, and durability.
3. Corsair HS35
Best Budget Xbox Headset
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality headset for your Xbox, and our hands-on review of the Corsair HS35 headset is proof of just that. For under $50, you get a great-looking, light headset with a build quality that punches high above its weight. Its plush, memory phone earcups house impressive 50mm drivers and several easy-to-reach controls. You are limited to only a wired connection using a 3.5mm jack, but that makes it a simple plug-and-play option.
This budget gaming headset offers a decent sound performance akin to most headsets in this price bracket. Some may find the bass a bit heavy and muddy, drowning out higher frequencies. But when you turn down the volume a bit, the audio shortcomings are less distracting. However, the microphone, which is Discord-certified, is surprisingly crisp, ensuring clear communication between you and your teammates.
4. HyperX CloudX Stinger Core
Best Budget Wireless Xbox Headset
Wireless Xbox Series X headsets usually come at a heavy premium, costing a couple hundred bucks just to have freedom from wires. Luckily, HyperX has made a name for itself over the last few years, creating some of the best budget headsets around. In our hands-on review of the similar HyperX CloudX Stinger Core + 7.1, we noted how it takes the success that's made the Cloud Stinger one of the best gaming headsets on the market, strips back all the unnecessary features in order to deliver an affordable wireless gaming headset for the masses.
Sure, it doesn't support virtual surround sound or a Bluetooth connection, but does that matter when you can usually find this wireless gaming headset for under a hundred bucks? We've used dozens of HyperX gaming headsets over the years and can tell you the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core is perfect if you want a no-frills gaming headset that just works.
5. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
Best Ultra Cheap Xbox Headset
When we reviewed the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1, we found that while it may be on the cheap side, it’s still packing everything you need for an immersive, enjoyable gaming experience. With the same drivers as the Arctis Nova 7, this headset’s sound quality is surprisingly great. There’s even support for Microsoft’s Spatial Audio to make the most of sound cues in games, while EQ settings can be adjusted using the SteelSeries GG app on PC.
SteelSeries didn’t forget comfort in the design of the Arctis Nova 1, so you’ll find the headset has a lightweight, height-adjustable build and plush, breathable earcups. Dropping wireless connectivity also helps keep the weight and price lower. That means the only way to connect to your devices is via the 3.5mm jack, making for a simple plug-and-play connection to your Xbox.
6. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X
Most Comfortable Xbox Headset
With most headsets, you start to feel fatigued after a few hours of wear, but thanks to SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X’s design, you should last almost as long as its impressive 38-hour battery life. Similar to its predecessor, the Arctis 7X that we actually reviewed, this headset offers an adjustable ski-band headband and soft, breathable fabric memory foam earcups for cool, comfortable gameplay.
The Arctis Nova 7X packs more than just all-day comfort, as your favorite games sound great thanks to the Sonar software, which allows you to tune EQ settings and take advantage of spatial audio. Communication between teammates is also sharp and precise when using the retractable, noise-cancelling microphone. Also on offer is multi-device connectivity via a 2.4GHz dongle, while Bluetooth is available for pairing a plethora of other devices, and you can even use both simultaneously.
7. Razer Kaira Pro
Best Bluetooth Xbox Headset
Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to pair a whole host of devices with a headset, and our testing and review Razer Kaira Pro confirms that it offers some of the most solid Bluetooth 5.0 support. Therefore, in addition to its use of Xbox Wireless for a seamless connection to your Xbox Series X/S, you can easily connect to your smartphone, tablet, or gaming laptop over Bluetooth. And you can do both simultaneously, so while listening to the action of your favorite shooter through Xbox, you can also jam out to music over your phone connected with Bluetooth.
The Razer Kaira Pro comes loaded with other fun features, like RGB lighting on the earcup to amp up your playing experience, and the headset still manages to last up to 15 hours with RGB turned on. The earcups also offer controls for everything from adjusting the headset's sound settings to switching between devices, which may be overwhelming to figure out at first. You even get two mics, a removable wired mic and one built-in.
8. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Best Noise-Cancelling Xbox Headset
After testing a lot of gaming headsets, it's no small feat that our review of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a perfect 10 out of 10. Noise distractions are unavoidable, especially if you live with roommates or in a bustling metropolis, so grabbing a headset with powerful noise cancellation like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is vital. On offer is a hybrid noise-canceling system with four mics that adjust based on what you’re listening to and what it picks up in your environment. Improved earcups also help with sound isolation, and a simple button press activates a transparency mode to reveal what's happening around you.
With SteelSeries latest, we see the biggest design shift since the start of the Arctis lineup with now telescoping arms on its adjustable headband to better accommodates larger head sizes. The earcups are also slimmer and sleeker, giving off less of a gaming headset vibe and more of wireless headphones look. And one of our favorite features remains intact with a few upgrades, the hot-swappable rechargeable battery system.
SteelSeries recently announced a new white edition of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, adding a bit more comfort and slightly better ANC while keeping everything else we love about the headset the same.
9. Audeze Maxwell
Best Audiophile Xbox Headset
Audiophiles will rejoice when they hear the soundstage of the high-fidelity Audeze Maxwell. Everything from the in-game sound to music mix comes across clearly, while the sound cues remain easily discernable. Unlike the Audeze Penrose X we reviewed that previously held this spot, the Xbox version of this headset offers Dolby Atmos support for immersive spatial audio delivered through the 90mm planar magnetic drivers with Fluxor magnet arrays and Fazor Waveguides.
As for connectivity, the Maxwell has you covered with a USB-C wired option or wireless dongle to enjoy high-res sound up to 24-bit/96kHz. While Bluetooth 5.3 lets you connect to multiple devices, even supporting the LDAC codec and the low latency LC3plus and LC3 codecs. Beyond audio greatness, this headset offers a suspension headband and contoured earpads for all-day comfort, and we mean all day for several days, with its wild 80-hour battery life.
10. Bang-Olufsen Beoplay Portal
Best Premium Xbox Headset
B&O’s Beoplay Portal offers a high-end gaming headset that looks good, sounds good, and feels good. Once you move past the cost, you can enjoy the comfortable, lightweight design that steps away from the look of traditional gaming headsets. With superb audio quality, they’re perfect for everything from listening to your favorite album or basking in the roar of Dolby Atmos enabled game audio pipped from the Xbox Series X/S.
In a world full of distractions, it’s sometimes hard to stay focused on your game, so active noise cancellation should come in handy. Another convenient feature is Xbox Wireless for seamless pairing with your console, while Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio jack are available for all your other devices. Unfortunately, you can’t use Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth simultaneously like other headsets on this list, and you’ll also find the 12-hour battery could be better.
11. Logitech G Astro A50 X
Best Multiplatform Xbox Headset
If you have the budget to splash out on the Logitech G Astro A50 X headset we reviewed, you will not be disappointed. This bad boy works across Xbox, PS5, and PC, so you can connect to all platforms seamlessly, and at once! Simply tap between them using the on-ear controls. But, aside from its features, this Xbox Series X headset is going to win users over with its large 40mm drivers, offering clear audio and a wide soundstage.
While the audio is of course the highlight here, you’ll want others to hear you sound as good as you can hear them. Thanks to the broadcast-quality mic, your voice will come across clear and crisp, thanks to Logitech’s 48kHz full-bandwidth Lightspeed mic uplink. Enjoy up to 24 hours of gaming, then simply click the headset back into its docking station to charge.
Where to Get the Best Xbox Headset in the UK
How to Pick the Best Xbox Series X/S Headset
Choosing the best headset for your Xbox Series X/S can enhance your gaming experience tenfold, offering you immersive sound quality, clear communication, and comfortable wear during those epic gaming sessions.
But, before you decide what you want in a gaming headset, you’ll need to determine your budget as this can vastly change the landscape of what’s on offer. Next up, comfort is paramount when it comes to gaming headsets, especially if you’re planning on indulging in marathon gaming sessions. Look for headsets with plush ear cushions, an adjustable headband, and lightweight design to ensure maximum comfort, even during those long hours of gaming.
To create an immersive experience, your chosen headset should offer great sound quality. A headset with clear, crisp audio and robust bass will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the gaming world, picking up subtle sound cues like footsteps or distant gunfire with ease. Some headsets even offer advanced features like spatial audio and surround sound, which can provide a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.
Depending on whether you have multiple devices of consoles, you might want to consider connectivity options. For example, a headset with Bluetooth will be more versatile.
If you spend a lot of time gaming with your friends, you shouldn’t forget about microphone quality. A headset with a high-quality microphone and noise-canceling technology will allow you to communicate clearly with your teammates and coordinate strategies effectively during multiplayer games.
For those with a larger budget, you can weigh up the need for additional features or accessories that come with the headset, such as customizable EQ settings, programmable buttons, and software support.
Xbox Series X/S FAQ
Do you need specific headphones for the Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X and Series S are compatible with a range of different headsets. Wireless and wired headsets will both work, as well as those connected via Bluetooth.
Does the Xbox Series X have a headphone jack?
No, the Xbox Series X doesn’t have a headphone jack, but you can plug a headset with a 3.5mm jack into an Xbox controller, like the Xbox Wireless Controller, that is paired to the console.
Can I use AirPods with an Xbox?
You can’t connect your AirPods directly to your Xbox console, but there are workarounds. For example, you can connect your AirPods to your TV via Bluetooth, or using the Xbox app on your phone.
When do Xbox headsets go on sale?
Typically, the best times to buy Xbox headsets align with the best times to buy an Xbox console. This is either during Amazon Prime Day sales in July or Black Friday sales in November. Both of these major shopping events are the time of year to purchase a gaming headset at a significant discount as well as various other Xbox accessories.
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram @antsu_illustrations.
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