Serious players know that the best equipment makes a difference. Nowadays, that includes killer gaming headphones. They are absolutely necessary when you need to communicate with your team or beat a tricky boss. If you play on that Xbox One or a new one Xbox Series X.You can simply plug standard headphones with a microphone into the 3.5 mm jack on your controller. A special "gaming" headset, however, ensures an optimized gaming experience. Additionally, investing in a wireless gaming headset can prevent you from getting caught in a cable and losing a match.
Plus, with a decent microphone, others can hear you clearly if you're in the middle of a long gaming session - even if there's a lot of background noise. Many of us are stuck at home, which means extra noise in the house. A noise-isolating headset and microphone monitoring can mean the difference between a successful attack and an embarrassing defeat.
stay tuned
Subscribe to CNET's TV, Streaming and Audio Newsletter to get the most out of our home entertainment coverage.
Many people with an Xbox One or Xbox One X opt for a wired headset simply because it can be plugged into the already wireless controller. It's also worth noting that many, if not most, Xbox wired headsets work well with the too Playstation 4, Windows PCs, Macs and the Nintendo Switch.
However, if you want to remove the cable from the controller to your headphones, there are numerous options for wireless headsets. The nice thing about the Xbox wireless headset options is that most don't need a USB dongle to connect wirelessly (most PS4 wireless headsets to do). Microsoft's Xbox Wireless technology is a quick way to pair with your Xbox without Dongle. (Wireless models that require dongles are specifically listed below.)
In making this selection, we mainly focused on a few key variables including design (build quality), comfort and sound quality, plus additional features and price. We also considered microphone quality as this is especially important if your gaming session requires group coordination. If you can't be heard, you can't develop a strategy!
As far as we know, all of the Xbox One wireless headsets listed here will work with the upcoming ones too Xbox Series X. and Xbox Series S..
With these basics, let's talk about the best Xbox headset. These are the results of our own home testing, updated regularly, and include some options suggested in GameSpot's list of the best gaming headsets.
Continue reading: The best gaming headset for PS5 (so far)
David Carnoy / CNET
Turtle Beach has upgraded its popular Stealth 700 headset, improving both its performance and comfort. The build quality is solid and I liked the "cooling gel infused" memory foam ear cushions that fit my head really well and play well with glasses. The headband is also robust and well padded.
According to Turtle Beach, this Gen 2 model has upgraded improved 50mm Nanoclear drivers (the sound is more detailed and "precise", the metal-reinforced headband and a larger, highly sensitive flip-to-mute microphone have been redesigned. Engineers have set it to give consistent results. "More detailed and accurate sound." I found it sounded pretty good, and the headset is paired with your phone and is also great for listening to music and taking calls while playing games (there is a " brand new "Turtle Beach Hub" app for iOS and Android that lets you tweak the audio and remap buttons. (The app feels a little beta and should be updated in the coming months.)
This headset works with both current Xbox One consoles and next-generation Series X consoles. The battery life is now up to 20 hours - the headset is charged via USB-C - and thanks to Xbox wireless technology, you can connect to the Xbox wirelessly without using a dongle, as you do with the PS4.
If you look at that compared to the stripped-down Stealth 600 Gen 2 that retails for $ 100, this model is good too, but the Stealth 700 Gen definitely has a better feel. It's a really solid headset for $ 150.
David Carnoy / CNET
The Razer Nari Ultimate for Xbox is a true wireless headset, at least in terms of size. That said, it's not difficult, and its auto-adjustable headband makes it one of the most comfortable gaming headsets you can buy. Just notice that the ear cups really stick out of your head. The ear cushions have cooling gel-infused cushions and the Razer logo lights up.
In addition to the excellent sound quality and the excellent comfort, the integrated haptic HyperSense feedback technology is the most important signature function with which you can feel the game during the game. You could call it a gimmick, but it adds another dimension to the gaming experience. The only downside is that it will affect the battery life when you turn it on. With HyperSense switched on it is 6 hours and with HyperSense switched off 20 hours.
It's worth noting that it is an open-back headset that while helping to open up the soundstage and give the audio a more airy quality. However, the sound is coming out of the headphones, which could disturb other people around you. I found the microphone performance to be good, but not outstanding.
This will also create a wireless connection to a PC with an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows.
David Carnoy / CNET
If you can't afford Turtle Beach's new Stealth 700 Gen 2, the new $ 100 Stealth 600 Gen 2 is a great alternative. While the Stealth 700 doesn't offer the higher quality build quality, it is a very comfortable headset with good sound and good performance. The audio quality has been slightly improved and, like the Stealth 700, is equipped with a larger, highly sensitive flip-to-mute microphone that fits seamlessly into the headset when it is retracted (muted).
An audio preset button on the left ear cup lets you quickly customize your audio. Xbox wireless technology makes it easy to connect to your Xbox (yes, this is compatible with the new Xbox Series X too). The battery life is 15 hours and the headset is charged via USB-C.
The headset is shown in white, but is more easily available in black. The PS4 version includes a dongle for wireless connection with PS4 and PS5.
David Carnoy / CNET
The Quantum 100 is the entry-level model in JBL's new line of Quantum gaming headsets, which cost between $ 40 and $ 300. This model is nothing special, but it's pretty light and comfortable with nicely padded ear cups and a detachable boom microphone. On the left auricle there is a volume control and a microphone mute button. It works with other game consoles as well and is pretty decent for music, although it's a bit bright.
While some of JBL's high-end models have wireless connectivity and even noise cancellation, the Quantum 100 is just a simple gaming headphone that appeals to casual gamers on a budget. Continue reading.
