Best Headsets for Xbox Series X in 2024

The Xbox Series X heralds a new era of console gaming, offering unprecedented performance and immersion. Choosing the right headset is a necessity for gamers seeking to fully experience this technological marvel. The world of headsets is vast and varied, with options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end, each catering to different preferences and needs. This guide explores the best headsets for Xbox Series X, ensuring that every player finds their perfect audio companion – whether for competitive play, immersive single-player experiences, or simply enjoying crystal-clear chat with friends.

Updated on June 10, 2024 by Megan Miranda Reyes: This guide has been updated with a few new entries, including a more affordable top choice from SteelSeries and a more affordable budget option. There have also been a few changes to the recommended audience for many of the best headsets.

Game Rant’s Best Headsets for Xbox Series X in 2024

The best gaming headset for the Xbox Series X is comfortable for hours at a time, delivers superior audio, easily connects to the console, lasts through years of use, and has an affordable price for most users. Out of all the options, SteelSeries’ Arctis 1 wireless headset stands out as the best choice for Xbox gamers.

Featuring 40mm drivers in each ear, the audio quality of the Arctis 1 is much higher than you’d expect, largely thanks to SteelSeries’ incredible soundscape, which emphasizes subtle sounds while also delivering deep bass when needed. You can adjust the settings of the headset using the impressive Sonar software. The detachable mic uses ClearCast bidirectional technology to capture crystal-clear audio and cancel out background noise while you speak. Plus, the headset lasts up to 20 hours at a time.

Overall, the Arctis 1 is a pared-down version of SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Pro, one of the best gaming headsets money can buy, meaning that Xbox players can have a high-end experience for less than $100 with the Arctis 1 gaming headset.

Wired headsets are almost always the most affordable option, with some models as cheap as $25, albeit with some pretty serious caveats on quality. The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is the best budget Xbox headset, not because it’s the absolute cheapest model, but because it is available for less than $50 and offers features found on much more expensive models.

Turtle Beach has long been a fan favorite among Xbox players, with their headsets being some of the first to implement premium materials and utilize designs that enhanced passive noise cancellation. Even now, the Recon 70 has thickly padded earcups that are very comfortable to wear for hours and also provide a surprising amount of noise cancellation. The adjustable headband makes the headset even more comfortable, though people who wear glasses aren’t likely to enjoy the experience, as the Recon 70 doesn’t really have anything in its design that allows for an extra piece of plastic or metal.

As far as audio quality, this headset comes with dual 40mm drivers, which is competitive with most other gaming headsets. The flip-to-mute mic is a bit fragile but otherwise works well to transmit your voice clearly and accurately. Overall, the Recon 70 is a highly capable and versatile headset. The 3.5mm cord allows you to use it with most devices, including the Nintendo Switch, PC, and smartphones. Plus, it comes in 11 different colors, so you can perfectly match your aesthetic while gaming.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset stands as the pinnacle of audio excellence, earning its title as the best high-end headset for Xbox Series X. Its high-fidelity drivers belie their 40mm size, pairing with 360-degree spatial audio create an unrivaled soundscape, perfect for gamers who crave total immersion. Active noise-cancellation and a four-mic hybrid system ensure crystal-clear communication, making it an ideal choice for both competitive and casual gamers. The headset’s compatibility with various platforms, including Xbox Series X, PS5, and Bluetooth devices, adds to its versatility, making it a fantastic all-rounder.

With a battery life exceeding 38 hours, the convenience of swappable batteries may seem like overkill, but it allows you to remove the batteries for up to 8 seconds without losing connection. Not only does the Arctis Nova Pro offer incredible audio fidelity, but the headset itself is made with premium materials, such as velour earcups and a steel-reinforced adjustable headband. The price and complexity might not be ideal for everyone, but with the long list of high-end features, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset completely justifies its high price.

The Drop + EPOS PC38X gaming headset is an open-back style headset that stands out from the competition. There are primarily two types of headsets or headphones: open-back and closed-back. With open-back style headphones or headsets, the sound stage is much wider when compared to closed-back designs. However, the open-back design suffers from sound bleed while the closed-back ones are more isolating. In the gaming space, there aren’t too many open-back options, but the Drop + EPOS PC38X stands as the best gaming headset for Xbox Series X when it comes to a wide sound stage and a built-in mic.

While these cans don’t look as futuristic as some of the other options, the simple all-black design makes them suitable for all gaming setups. They are comfortable to wear over long gaming sessions, thanks to the 253-gram weight and microfiber ear pads. The company ships these headsets with velour padding in the box to replace the microfiber ear pads. The mic – which can be folded out of the way but is not retractable or detachable – does a great job of picking up the user’s voice.

The Drop + EPOS PC38X is a wired gaming headset which means it never runs out of battery and the cable is detachable. Furthermore, there are volume controls on the right earcup for quick and easy audio adjustment.

The Razer Kaira Pro for Xbox stands as a top-tier choice for Xbox Series X enthusiasts, earning its position as the best entry-level headset. It’s renowned for its Razer TriForce 50mm drivers that deliver a profoundly rich audio experience, perfect for immersing gamers in their favorite worlds. The comfort is equally impressive, thanks to the memory foam ear cushions and padded headband, ensuring gamers can enjoy long sessions without discomfort. The multi-platform compatibility further adds to its appeal, making it a versatile choice for gamers with multiple systems.

Besides its technical prowess, the Razer Kaira Pro distinguishes itself with its Bluetooth connectivity and noise-canceling, detachable microphone, ideal for both in-game communication and everyday use. While the headset is meant for Xbox and Bluetooth devices, many users have noted issues when trying to connect to PCs without Razer’s wireless dongle, which isn’t included with the headset. Additionally, there are precious few settings to mess with on the headset, which is ideal for new players and disappointing for veterans. The Razer Kaira Pro for Xbox rightly earns its place as the best entry-level headset for the Xbox Series X, thanks to its very affordable price and decent blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. Make sure to read Game Rant’s full Razer Kaira Pro review to learn more.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset stands out as the best mid-range headset for the Xbox Series X largely thanks to its battery life, which caters to the demanding needs of competitive gamers. Its industry-leading 300-hour battery life means players can engage in long gaming marathons without the hassle of frequent charging. The headset’s DTS Headphone:X spatial audio delivers an exceptionally immersive 3D sound stage, crucial for pinpointing in-game sounds and gaining a competitive edge. The sturdy aluminum frame and plush memory foam earcups offer both durability and comfort, making this headset a reliable choice for intense gaming sessions.

However, it’s not without its limitations. Some users have reported connectivity issues, which could be a concern in high-stakes gaming scenarios. While the audio quality is generally praised, opinions on the microphone’s performance vary, suggesting that it might not meet the expectations of all users. Despite these points, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset’s solid performance, comfort, and compatibility with multiple platforms make it a top pick for esports enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.

Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 redefines what gamers expect from a high-end headset. Perfect for the Xbox Series X, these headphones provide a deeply immersive audio experience with their groundbreaking 11-level active noise cancellation, making them an ideal choice for gamers who demand top-tier sound quality. Combining a long-lasting 20-hour battery life and advanced features like Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C charging add to the appeal, ensuring gamers stay connected and immersed in their gameplay. The headset’s compatibility with voice assistants further enhances its functionality, offering a seamless gaming experience.

While these noise-cancelling headphones stand out in the realm of high-end audio, they are not without their nuances. Some have expressed varying opinions about its ease of use, and while the sound isolation and hear-through feature are widely appreciated, some concerns about the headset’s battery longevity persist. However, the overall performance and sound quality of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have earned them their status as the best noise-cancelling headset for Xbox Series X gamers.

The Razer Kraken V3 X Gaming Headset stands out as the best wired headset for Xbox Series X gamers, offering a fine balance of quality audio and reliable connectivity. It’s equipped with Razer’s proprietary TriForce 40mm drivers, delivering a rich audio experience across high, mid, and low tones. This headset enhances gaming audio and ensures crystal-clear voice communication through its HyperClear Cardioid Mic. Its lightweight design and plush cushioning make it an ideal choice for extended gaming sessions, ensuring comfort without sacrificing sound quality.

What makes the Razer Kraken V3 X especially appealing to fans of the Xbox Series X is its broad compatibility, functioning seamlessly with both console and PC. However, it’s important to note some of its limitations, such as the lack of noise cancellation and poor voice capture reported by users. Its overall performance and comfort offset these minor drawbacks, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking a quality wired headset. For a more in-depth look, check out GameRant’s Razer Kraken V3 X headset review.

Selecting the Best Headset for Xbox Series X

Choosing the ideal headset for Xbox Series X involves more than just picking a popular brand. First, make sure that the gaming needs and preferences are understood. Next, let’s dive into the key features that can help users pick the best option.

Audio Quality

Exceptional audio quality is extremely important for Xbox Series X headsets. It enhances the gaming experience by providing immersive soundscapes and pinpoint accuracy in competitive games. Players should look for headsets with clear, balanced sound profiles and advanced features like surround sound capabilities. The best audio quality will come at a price, but it should be noted that not all games require the highest fidelity in audio quality. FPS games and other competitive titles will require accurate and low latency sound output from the headsets, but casual games do not demand such high quality.

Comfort and Build

The importance of comfort and build quality in a headset cannot be overstated. For those marathon gaming sessions, a headset with a comfortable fit, breathable materials, and adjustable features is a must. Durability also plays a key role, ensuring the headset withstands regular use over time. Typically, lightweight headsets are more comfortable, but they sometimes have to leave out some features to cut weight or are made using cheap materials that do not withstand the test of time. Some headsets, like the Razer Kaira Pro and the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset, strike the perfect balance between build quality, comfort, and value.

Compatibility and Connectivity

Seamless compatibility and reliable connectivity are crucial for Xbox Series X headsets. Players should prioritize headsets that offer easy integration with the console, whether through direct wireless connections or versatile wired options. This ensures a hassle-free, plug-and-play experience. Most headsets that work with Xbox consoles also work with PCs and ones that have Bluetooth connectivity will also work with various mobile devices. The Xbox Series X controller comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom, allowing users to connect to wired headsets, but those with two separate cables for the headphone and mic will need a converter that ends in a 3.5mm jack.

Customization & Software

Being able to customize your headset is a nice touch on a quality device. Some headsets come with vibrant RGB lighting that can be adjusted in color, brightness, and display method to best match either your existing light setups or your personal style. Other customizations may include balancing the EQ settings to better pick up quiet sounds, such as footsteps and lock picking, or louder sounds, such as explosions in movies, and adjusting the game chat mixer. Even on Xbox, these settings can be changed using console apps, with some headsets allowing you to customize through a PC or mobile app and then save the settings to the headset’s on-board memory.

FAQ

Q: Can Xbox Series X headsets also work with other devices?

Yes, many Xbox Series X headsets are compatible with PCs, smartphones, and other consoles, offering versatile usage.

Q: Are there any wireless headsets for the Xbox Series X?

Absolutely, there are several wireless headset options for the Xbox Series X, offering freedom from cables without compromising on audio quality.

Q: Can I find a quality Xbox Series X headset on a budget?

Yes, there are high-quality headsets available for Xbox Series X at various price points, including budget-friendly options.