You are having a lot of fun with your Xbox console . On the other hand, the ecosystem set up by Microsoft is able to guarantee long and fun gaming sessions. The only aspect you would like to improve is the audio one, as you would like to disconnect from the TV speakers, which are not the best, and you would like to use headphones to immerse yourself more in your gaming sessions. You don’t know, however, which headset to choose.
If that’s the case, don’t worry – I’m here to help! In today’s tutorial, in fact, I will show you in detail which are the best headsets for Xbox focusing on all the solutions that I consider most valid, obviously dividing them by price range; but first there will be a way to also analyze what are the criteria to be used to make a careful choice.
What do you say? Are you ready to delve into the world of headsets dedicated to Xbox consoles? In my opinion you are looking forward to improving your gaming experience in this regard, as well as having a proper dialogue with your friends via microphone. Come on then, below you will find all the information of the case. There is nothing left for me to do, except wish you a good reading and a good purchase!
Index
- How to choose Xbox headphones
- Connection type
- Audio channels
- Design and comfort
- Microphone and controls
- Technical parameters
- Best Xbox headphones
- Best cheap Xbox headphones (max 50 euros)
- Best mid-range Xbox headphones (50-100 euros)
- Best high-end Xbox headphones (over $ 100)
How to choose Xbox headphones
Before providing you with my list of the best headsets for Xbox , I think you may be interested in deepening the subject, analyzing the main features offered by this type of product.
Connection type
The first important difference between the various Xbox headsets on the market is that relating to the type of connection : wired or wireless.
In fact, there are headphones with a 3.5 mm jack cable , which generally cost little and are the most popular, and wireless headsets . Don’t be fooled by the wording wireless though: on Xbox you can’t use Bluetooth to connect external accessories, but you have to go through a charging base / receiver or choose some specific Microsoft-approved headphones that can connect without a dongle. In summary, the possible methods of connecting headphones are as listed below.
- Audio Jack: There is a slot on the bottom of the Xbox controller to connect the 3.5mm jack. This is the convenient solution and compatible headphones are able to make the microphone work this way as well. However, keep in mind that there is a loss in quality, as the audio is sent wirelessly from the controller to the console. For the rest, you might be interested in taking a look at the length of the cable;
- USB port: This solution is typically used by wireless headphones, which pass through a charging cradle connected to the console’s USB port. The base acts as a receiver for the headset, which can therefore be used wirelessly. This solution is convenient due to the absence of the cable, but often the charging bases have important dimensions and there is always a loss of quality on the audio side;
- Xbox Wireless: there are some specific models of headphones, usually high-end, that can connect directly to the console without wires, without going through any dongle. The technology used is the same as the official controller. Put simply, Microsoft approves some specific headphones to work this way. This is a very convenient solution, but the models that support it are few and generally not cheap.
In case you were wondering, I tried using gaming headphones by plugging them directly into the console’s USB port and couldn’t get them to work . Therefore, it seems to be impossible to use this connection method, except for specific models of which I am not aware.
In any case, you can learn more through my tutorial on how to connect headphones to the Xbox .
Audio channels
The world of video games is made up of isolated lands, fairy lands and so on and so forth. In this context, it is of fundamental importance that the player “immerse” himself in the atmosphere of the production. Audio can certainly play a leading role in this regard and, in this regard, it is good to know that there are headphones that can provide a more enveloping sound experience than others, based on the audio channels supported .
The main differences must be made between classic stereo headphones and those with 7.1 audio . Let’s take a practical example: do the enemies move to your right? With a 7.1 surround headset you will be able to hear the movements at their best and catch them by surprise, an operation that you may struggle to perform with common stereo headphones.
It must be said that Xbox does not have an optical output , so almost all headsets simulate surround sound through software, although the result is often not the same. In any case, there are some very interesting solutions. In fact, Microsoft has implemented Windows Sonic for headphones directly at the system level , which offers free “spatial” audio with all headsets.
This option is enabled by default when you connect headphones to the console, as you can see by going to Settings> General> Audio output and volume and pressing the Headphone Format option .
This option is capable of providing a basic “spatiality” to the audio, but to aim higher it is clearly necessary to purchase a headset designed for this use. As previously mentioned, there are 7.1 solutions that can guarantee excellent satisfaction, despite the absence of an optical output.
Furthermore, support for Dolby Atmos should not be forgotten , a technology capable of providing enveloping and immersive audio. Certainly an interesting solution, but more expensive than the others. Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are the first consoles to support both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
In fact, to take advantage of these technologies it is necessary to have compatible devices , download the Dolby Access application on the console, pay 17.99 euros (there is a 7 day free trial) and choose a compatible game . Some headphones have vouchers for using Dolby Atmos directly in the box. For all the details of the case, I recommend that you consult the official Dolby portal (in English).
Coming to the age-old “surround yes or surround no?” Question, the answer is that it depends on your needs . The possibilities I have illustrated are certainly interesting, but it must be said that many users prefer to focus on a headset with good audio quality in general rather than on mediocre headphones with surround.
In general, from my point of view it is good to buy a surround headset only if you have the budget necessary to get high-end headphones, perhaps with Dolby Atmos certification and voucher for the latter included in the package; otherwise better mid-range stereo headphones but of good quality.
Design and comfort
An aspect as important as it is subjective is that relating to design and comfort . In fact, each of us has our preferences in this regard, but don’t worry: the market is able to satisfy almost anyone.
In fact, there are closed headphones and open or semi-open headphones . The former isolate more from the outside, but some users find them uncomfortable. Open or semi-open headphones are instead indicated because of their greater comfort and the fact that the ears can “breathe”.
We must not forget the distinction between on-ear headphones , or with the pads that rest directly on the ears, and over-ear , or that completely envelop the latter. The on-ears are generally more comfortable, but the over-ears are able to immerse the user more in the gaming sessions.
For the rest, since it is a gaming headset, you might be interested in taking a look at the presence of LEDs : I know how much gamers appreciate this type of solution.
Microphone and controls
The online features of video games have expanded dramatically over the years, so much so that there are now titles that base their popularity mainly on modes to be played in multiplayer.
If you have followed my tutorial on how to speak on Fortnite for Xbox you know it well: having headphones with integrated microphone is now essential nowadays. Either way, you don’t have to worry much about this, as essentially all Xbox dedicated gaming headsets have this capability.
The aspect you are interested in is the quality of the microphone. For example, some headphones have background noise cancellation technology , which can make your voice hear much clearer when using voice chat capabilities.
You may also be interested in the type of microphone. There are in fact some headsets that have a removable microphone , while others have it fixed or removable from the body of the headphones. Personally I prefer the latter solution, but obviously it’s a matter of taste.
For the rest, before buying Xbox headsets, you might find it useful to check that they have physical controls . These are usually located along the cable or on the back of the earpads and allow you to quickly manage, for example, the volume and microphone activation . The presence of these buttons can be useful for managing audio on the fly during gaming sessions.
Technical parameters
After analyzing the basic features useful for choosing your adventure companion headset, I think it is interesting to dwell for a moment also on those technical parameters that are all too often underestimated by players.
Do not worry, I will not go into the details of numbers and graphics, but I would simply like to provide you with a general smattering of the subject, so that you are aware of what the indications that manufacturers often insert when presenting headphones mean .
- Frequency Response: This is the range of frequencies that the headphones can cover. It is measured in Hz: keep in mind that the higher it is, the more faithful the audio is. Typically these are frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Usually a good headset has this frequency response or higher;
- Sensitivity: this is the acoustic pressure expressed by the headphones in relation to the applied voltage. It is measured in dB and, in practical terms, a headset with high sensitivity is able to deliver a higher maximum volume without distorting the audio;
- Impedance: measured in ohms, this is the degree of resistance exerted by the headset on the audio signal. The higher the impedance, the higher the sound quality, but this may come at the expense of maximum volume. For the best experience, headphones should have a similar impedance to the audio source;
- Driver size: expressed in mm, this value is important for understanding the audio quality of the headphones. In fact, the size of the transducers that convert the electrical signal into sound waves affect the final audio experience. To give you a concrete example, usually a large driver is able to offer more satisfactions in terms of bass.
Best Xbox headphones
Now that you know the criteria that allow you to make a careful choice, I would say that the time has come to analyze what I believe to be the most valid solutions on the market.
Best cheap Xbox headphones (max 50 euros)
If you are not a very demanding player and want to spend little, the economic range is the one for you. These are headsets that can offer a basic audio experience, guaranteeing the bare minimum to disconnect from the TV speakers. Obviously, these headphones are also the cheapest “entrance ticket” to have a microphone and use the voice chat functionality.
HORI Gaming Headset Pro
The HORI Gaming Headset Pro is, despite the name, a budget product that is aimed at those who want to start using the headset on Xbox. It is an over-ear headset with a 3.5 mm jack cable, removable microphone and integrated controls directly on the back of the left ear cup, where the button to enable / disable the microphone and the wheel to manage the volume are located. The neodymium drivers are 40mm and it is a product released essentially in conjunction with the Xbox Series X and Series S. Given the official Microsoft certification, difficult to find in this price range, there are not a few who consider them the best Xbox headphones One economic .
Trust GXT 322C
Appreciated by those looking for a different design than usual, the Trust GXT 322C have a camouflage color that certainly stands out in the myriad of products on the market. A strong point of these headphones is versatility, since they can be used, via a 3.5 mm jack cable, on all platforms. They have the button to activate / deactivate the microphone and the volume wheel directly on the left ear cup, while the microphone is adjustable but cannot be detached or inserted inside the body of the headset.
Turtle Beach Recon 70X
The Turtle Beach Recon 70X is a budget headset that features the iconic Flip-Up microphone that the company has been accustomed to its buyers for a long time now. The Black / Green color is perfect for those who have chosen to enter the Microsoft ecosystem, while the synthetic leather pads guarantee a certain comfort. Compatibility is cross-platform via the 3.5mm jack cable and the headphones are optimized for Microsoft’s Windows Sonic surround sound. 40mm drivers complete the offering of this over-ear headset.
Logitech G332
If you are looking for headphones with 50mm drivers and cross compatibility, the Logitech G332 might be for you. This headset connects to various devices via 3.5mm audio jack and features leatherette earpads designed for longer gaming sessions. On the back of the left pavilion there is a wheel to quickly manage the volume, which allows not to pause even a second.
Best mid-range Xbox headphones (50-100 euros)
If you care about audio quality and comfort, the mid-range of the market is the one that generally does not disappoint. In fact, most gamers are looking for good audio quality and comfort, without considering high-end features essential. In short, these are balanced solutions, suitable for many people.
Razer Kraken
Some have called them the best headphones for Xbox One because of their practicality: you connect the Razer Kraken to the controller via a jack cable, you take out the microphone and everything is already configured. There are also controls along the cable, which allow you to manage the volume and to activate / deactivate the microphone. The green color that goes well with the Xbox, the 50mm drivers and the unidirectional retractable microphone complete the proposal. Small gem: there are grooves for the temples, which also allow the wearer of glasses not to have too much pressure on the head.
AmazonBasics gaming headsets
Yes, the iconic AmazonBasics brand has also made gaming headsets . If you are a gamer of a certain type, you are probably wondering why you should choose this solution over the one proposed by a brand related to the world of video games. The answer is simple: Amazon has done it all in its own way, putting a desk mixer into the equation that can come in handy on certain occasions. The connection is made via a 3.5 mm jack cable and the microphone is omnidirectional.
Razer BlackShark V2 X
Described by the same manufacturer as eSport headphones, so for pro players, the Razer BlackShark V2 X features 50mm drivers and a cardioid noise-canceling microphone, able to make your voice heard in a crystal clear way to the interlocutors. The pads are soft and breathable, to ensure a certain comfort even in long-lasting contexts such as an eSport tournament. It connects via 3.5mm jack.
ASTRO Gaming A10
Lightness and strength are the keywords for ASTRO Gaming A10 , a headset compatible with various platforms thanks to the use of the 3.5 mm jack cable. These headphones feature a unidirectional microphone with flip-to-mute functionality. The manufacturer worked closely with developers and pro players to try to create a comfortable and effective solution.
Best high-end Xbox headphones (over $ 100)
If you are a demanding user in terms of audio quality and comfort, you can only go to the higher end of the market. Here you will find headsets that open to interesting possibilities such as direct connection to the console via wireless, as well as high-quality surround sound supported by technologies such as Dolby Atmos.
ASTRO Gaming A50
According to some, they are the best gaming headsets for Xbox One : the ASTRO Gaming A50 represent a wireless headset that connects to the console via a special charging base, which also acts as a signal receiver. The green coloring fits in well with the Xbox world and there’s Dolby Surround 7.1 sound. Low latency is ensured by using a 5 GHz frequency, while the estimated battery life is over 15 hours. A high-end headset that can make the gaming experience much more comfortable.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700X
Defined by some as the best wireless Xbox One headphones , the Turtle Beach Stealth 700X are among the few headsets that, thanks to Microsoft’s approval, can connect to the Xbox wirelessly without even having to go through a dongle. This in itself is a big point in favor of the headphones, but other interesting aspects are the presence of 50mm drivers, as well as Aerofit cooling gel pads. There is also a convenient removable microphone and there are various controls, positioned on the back of the left pavilion. The estimated autonomy is 20 hours.
Corsair HS75 XB
According to some, the Corsair HS75 XB are the best headphones for Xbox Series X , suitable for “embracing” the ninth generation of consoles. The reason is mainly to be found in full support for Dolby Atmos, as well as in support for Xbox Wireless technology, which allows the headphones to connect directly to the console without using a dongle. The estimated autonomy is 20 hours and there is no shortage of controls and adjustable microphone.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X
The SteelSeries Actis 9X are high-end headphones that take advantage of Xbox Wireless technology, so they can be connected to the console without using a receiver. The estimated autonomy of 20 hours is able to guarantee enough time even to complete some games, while the retractable microphone can be very comfortable and useful during gaming sessions. If you are a lover of the Microsoft ecosystem, you will also appreciate the customization on the design side, which introduces green lines on a black “background” in the headband.
