Going with the speakers on your TV might be the most convenient option for your Xbox Series X or S console, but you can get so much more out of your games with a proper gaming headset. The finer details in game audio truly come to surface, especially with a headset built and tuned to give you high-end sound quality and accurate imaging for positional audio. Cinematic experiences like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have amazing soundtracks that deserve to be heard in all their detail, and you'll benefit greatly in competitive games like Call of Duty Warzone if you can anticipate enemy activity through hearing their sound cues. You're not going to get that from a pair of normal earbuds or TV speakers.
So, what do you go with when there are so many gaming headsets to choose from? How do you know which ones are best suited for Xbox console? Well, I'm here for you! I've tested and reviewed gaming headsets for several years at this point, and I can tell you first-hand which ones are worth your money. I have first-hand experience with everything I'm recommending here, and I've also accounted for different price ranges, because if there's something I learned in reviewing all these headsets for this long is that you don't always have to break the bank to get a banging headset.
TL;DR: These Are Our Picks for the Best Xbox Series X/S Headsets:
There are easy choices like the official Xbox headset, which brings out solid sound quality and rocks a sleek, simple design at a reasonable price. But if you want something with high-end features, you might want to spend a little more to get the brand-new Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, especially if you're a competitive-minded gamer. And if you just need something cheap that still packs a punch, the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 remains one of my favorite budget picks. If you swear by earbuds and want versatility for music on your phone when you're out and about, I'll take any chance to recommend the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. Those are already some of my favorites for gaming audio (as you can see linked above as well), but I have much more detail about what makes them special in this guide so you can see what's a good fit for you.
Regardless of what option you go with, make sure you purchase the model specifically for Xbox. As you may know, Xbox consoles have a proprietary wireless technology for connecting devices, including headsets. If the headset isn't made for Xbox, it will not connect wirelessly. Many headsets I'm recommending are multiplatform, but all links in this guide go to the proper Xbox model you're looking for.
This article contains contributions from writers Danielle Abraham, Michelle Rae Uy, and Georgie Peru.
Best Audiophile Xbox Headset
Best High-End Xbox Headset
Best Competitive Xbox Headset
Best All-Around Xbox Headset
Best Budget Xbox Headset
Best Wired Headset for Xbox
Best Earbuds for Xbox
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.
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.
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