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Best Xbox Headset 2024: Enjoy high-quality audio with these picks
In This Article
If you want to make your gaming sessions even more immersive, then purchasing a reliable gaming headset is the best place to start.
But picking a good headset can be overly complicated. Companies throw out impressive-sounding specs and features for them, but it can be hard to wade through all the numbers and find out what and how it will benefit your setup.
Thankfully, we know exactly how to help. Our expert team has plenty of experience with gaming headsets, with new models coming in for testing almost every week. We pay attention to audio quality, how well the microphone works and how comfortable they are to wear over extended periods of time.
We’ve rounded up all the best Xbox headsets we’ve tested, so you can figure out which option is best for you. We’ve made sure to include a wide variety on this list at different price points, features and specifications.
Since this is a round-up focused on Xbox, every headset on this list is compatible with the current generationXbox Series X/Series Sconsole as well as the olderXbox Onevia a wired or wireless connection. We also keep an eye out for premium features likeActive Noise Cancellation,3D Spatial AudioandHaptic Feedback, for those who want an immersive experience.
Don’t worry if you can’t find anything that’s sparking your interest right now. Just make sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly, as we will be updating this list whenever we test another fantastic headset.
If you game on multiple platforms, make sure you look at ourBest PS5 Headsetroundup. And if you want an even broader look at what’s on the market, check ourBest Gaming Headsetlist for the cream of the crop.
Best Xbox Headsets at a glance
How we test
We use every headset we test for at least a week. During that time, we’ll check it for ease of use and put it through its paces by using it in a variety of games, as well as playing music in order to get the full experience.We also check each headset’s software (if applicable) to see how easy it is to customise and set up.
Xbox Wireless Headset
Pros
Cons
Microsoft’s ownXbox Wireless Headsetis a fantastic option for those after a great value gaming headset to use with their Xbox.
This comes especially thanks to the superb audio we found while testing, especially when fiddling with the equalise to dial back the intensity of the bass – without it, the speakers can sound a little muddy. The addition ofDolby Atmoswidened the soundstage and increased immersion to no end, offering a much better sense of spacing. We also found the microphone to be good for in-game comms.
Connectivity to theXbox Series Xproved to be seamless and easy to set up, and we also had no trouble with the multi-device pairing that the Xbox Wireless Headset features. This allowed us to play Grounded on Xbox Series X with the in-game audio while chatting with friends on Discord, courtesy of an Android smartphone, and the ability to mix the balance between chat and game audio also proved to be especially handy.
We also thought this headset looked great with a clean and simple Xbox-inspired aesthetic that offers some welcome minimalism in a world where gaming headsets are increasingly tacky with sharp edges and oodles of RGB lighting. In addition, while its 312g weight doesn’t make this the lightest headset we’ve ever tested, it was still accommodating and wonderfully comfortable for lengthy gaming sessions.
Reviewer:Esat DedezadeFull review:Xbox Wireless Headset review
Astro A30 Wireless
Pros
Cons
TheAstro A30 Wirelessis one of the few headsets that offer wireless support for basically every device you could ask for. Thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth pairing, an audio jack and a USB-A adaptor, this headset is compatible with every console on the market, including theXbox Series X. The only stipulation here is that you do need to pick which adaptor you prefer at checkout – be that Sony or Microsoft – but you can always buy the second adapter separately if you’re lucky enough to own both consoles.
Other than the ability to jump between platforms without any hiccups, one of the best things about the A30 Wireless is its premium design. It comes in two colourways, including navy and white, with the option to customise with swappable speaker tags that have different designs etched into them.
Our reviewer noted that the A30 Wireless offered some of the best passive noise isolation they’ve ever experienced. This is aided by the tight seal made by the earcups and a rubberised headband that keeps the headset in place while gaming.
The audio performance was also very impressive. It provided a well-rounded experience with a good amount of energy across the frequency range. Voices and mid-range notes performed exceptionally well with fantastic clarity. Titles likeCounter-Strike: Global Offensivehad a wonderful booming quality, with gunfire sounding heavy and impactful.
Logitech claims that this headset can last up to 27 hours, which we felt was accurate. While headsets like theSony Inzone H9can last upwards of 30 hours, the A30 Wireless is consistent enough that you won’t need to worry about the battery suddenly dying halfway through your game.
Overall, the Astro A30 Wireless is the perfect headset for anyone wanting to move away from the standard gamer aesthetic and try out something with a more egalitarian and modern lifestyle-type look. Its versatility in terms of platforms is a massive bonus, making it a headset that will work in pretty much every eventuality.
Reviewer:Reece BithreyFull review:Astro A30 Wireless review
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a no-frills Xbox headset at an affordable price, then the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 could be the headset for you. The £44.99/$49.99 price won’t break the bank – and is a lot more digestible than the above £150/$150Razer Kaira Pro Halo Infinite Editionheadset – and it comes with all the key features you need to have a great gaming session.
These cans come with memory foam along the adjustable headband and earcups, which are enveloped in a leatherette material. Our reviewer noted that this headset melts into your head and allows for an almost instantaneous mental shift into work or play. There is no mistaking them for anything but a gaming peripheral; the design is minimal but very in line with the HyperX branding, with a permanently attached microphone on the earcup.
The 3.5mm audio jack is a little outdated but does allow it to be paired up with the latestXbox Series X/S, as well as thePS5,Nintendo Switchand PC, making it a very versatile device. There is a wireless version of the Cloud Stinger 2, if you’re looking for a wire-free experience, but it will cost you an extra £40.
On the audio front, the Cloud Stinger 2 was vital during our reviewer’s playthrough of Arkane; smaller and proximate sound cues came through clearly and allowed for a sneaky and stealthy run. Spatial audio allowed for the tracking of rival players inFortniteand the microphone was clear and crisp, although it did need to be positioned relatively close to our reviewer’s mouth for the best results.
There is no doubt that the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 offers fantastic performance for the price and could be the perfect pick for anyone investing in their first gaming headset. For a swankier experience, theCorsair HS75 XBmay be the better option, but the Cloud Stinger 2 is a reliable option for Xbox gamers who care more about affordability than features.
Reviewer:Imogen DonovanFull Review:HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a great-sounding pair of wireless headphones for Xbox and your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the likes of the Astro A30 Wireless, theSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wirelessis a great alternative that doesn’t just work with Xbox (despite the ‘X’ branding) but PS5, PC and other consoles too, thanks to its combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3.5mm connectivity.
The Arctis Nova 5X Wireless sports a more modern look compared to older Arctis headsets, with a rounder profile that looks great. You don’t get the same high-end design flair as with the Nova 7, but the smooth plastics used feel sturdy, and it also means it’s pretty lightweight at 265g. Combined with SteelSeries’ AirWeave material on the cups to help breathability and an adjustable headband, these are comfortable enough to wear over long gaming sessions without complaint.
Being a wireless headset, battery life is important, so it’s good news that the Nova 5X can last a whopping 60 hours when using Bluetooth and a respectable 50 hours when using Wi-Fi, and it recharges via USB-C when not in use.
When it comes to the all-important audio experience, we felt that the Nova 5X delivered refined and smooth audio with ‘solid levels of detail in the mids and top end’ that are versatile for a range of styles of game, as well as music playback. That’s further improved by the companion app for smartphones, allowing access to SteelSeries EQs for over 100 games to really get the most out of the cans, working across consoles, PC and anything else you game on.
It’s not the highest-end headset around, but it offers wide platform support, a genuinely handy companion app for audio tweaking and solid audio performance, making it well worth considering.
Reviewer:Reece BithreyFull Review:SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
Razer Kaira Pro Halo Infinite Edition
Pros
Cons
Halo has been one of Microsoft’s longest-standing exclusives for the Xbox run of consoles, and theRazer Kaira Pro Halo Infinite Editiongaming headset pays homage to it.
Of course the key difference between this version and the standard Kaira is itsHaloInfinite-inspireddesign which comes in Master Chief Green and emblazoned with battle damage and USNC logos. It is divisive styling, but we quite liked it, adding more personality compared to the standard design.
During testing, the audio here proved to be natural with an impressively wide soundstage and convincing clarity across a range of games and music. The mic is also solid, with Razer’s HyperCardioid technology, although doesn’t represent as much of an upgrade as the ‘Pro’ moniker would suggest from the standard Kaira.
The Kaira Pro brings with it the powers of haptic feedback, or in other words, vibrations that attempt to match the headset’s low-end audio to provide more immersion. It’s a fun feature, although not one we find ourselves using too often.
Reviewer:Tom ReganFull review:Razer Kaira Pro Halo Infinite Edition review
B&O BeoPlay Portal
Pros
Cons
One of the issues levied against dedicated gaming headsets is that they tend not to be great choices when it comes to playback on devices other than your console. As if to answer this very problem, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay Portal are an easy recommendation.
Known first and foremost for its stylish aesthetic and high-quality audio, Bang and Olufsen is one of the leading brands when it comes to thebest headphoneson the market, so it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the company has tried to bring over as much of its identity as possible to the Xbox-compatible Beoplay Portal.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Beoplay Portal didn’t have any gaming chops to speak of – they look, in almost every way, like a sleek pair of headphones. There’s no unsightly mic protruding from the headset either as the Portal uses a ‘virtual boom-arm microphone’ to pick up your voice during online chat. Admittedly, you’ll find better quality mic audio elsewhere, but it more than gets the job done.
After the initial pairing process, the Beoplay Portal can immediately connect to your Xbox with a simple button push, getting you straight into the action. They’re also Dolby Atmos compatible, so you’ll be getting the fullest version of a game’s soundtrack. As great as the Beoplay are for gaming though, they really come into their own when used for music and podcasts.
In typical B&O style, the Beoplay Portal have outstanding audio quality with the ability to give every instrument and layer its due. To sweeten the deal even further, you can customise the audio levels in the accompanying B&O app, so if you’d rather have heavy bass for hip hop or an emphasis on vocals for your favourite podcasts then you can do just that.
This is all before mentioning the fact that the Beoplay Portal can run music playback for up to 24 hours, although that’s cut down to a 12-hour ceiling for when you’re connected to your Xbox, which is worth bearing in mind if you tend to go in for fairly lengthy gaming sessions.
Reviewer:Esat DedezadeFull review:Bang and Olufsen Beoplay Portal review
We also considered…
A solid wireless headset for any Xbox Series X / S owner
We’ve reviewed
FAQs
No. In order to use a gaming headset wirelessly on Xbox, it will need to support Xbox Wireless instead.
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Comparison specs
After graduating with an MA in History from University College London and cutting his teeth for several years as a journalist in the film and TV industries, Tom joined the Trusted Reviews team as a Co…
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
