Investing in a good headset for your Xbox Series X is a great way to make the most of the console’s advanced audio capabilities. Now that the system is well into its third year on the market, plenty of brands have begun offering their own competitive audio products.
There are loads of different options to choose from, so to simplify the buying process, we’ve created this handy list of the very best Xbox Series X headsets that take into account a wide range of budgets and preferences.
We have extensively tested all of the models featured and, as a result, know that they are among the highest-quality headsets available for the console. And due to cross-platform compatibility, there'll be some crossover here with the best PC gaming headsets, too.
The Quick List
Best overall
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X headset is our pick for the best overall Xbox Series X headset thanks to comfortable design, fair price, and impressive performance.
Best budget
The Nacon RIG 300 Pro HX is a superb headset for such a low price. It features a comfy design and sound quality that punches well above its weight.
Best premium
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro ticks all the right boxes for a luxury headset. It features excellent sound quality, a brilliant microphone and an eye-catching premium aesthetic.
Best official
Great price meets great performance. The official Xbox Wireless Headset is a fantastic starting point for those looking for a new headset to use with their console.
Best multiplatform
Offering genuine wireless connectivity across all platforms as well as Xbox, in addition to first-class audio, a brilliant companion app, and SteelSeries features and pedigree, it's the best multiplatform Xbox headset money can buy right now.
Best wired
There are a handful of reasons to considered a wired headset, including no longer needing to worry about charging. If you want a wired option, the Fnatic React Plus is a great choice.
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Best earbuds
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are the full package when it comes to excellent gaming earbuds for Xbox Series X and offer brilliant gaming audio, a wonderful feature set including wireless charging for the case, superb battery life, and a brilliant companion app.
Gaming headsets are the gaming peripherals that I've tested the most and for the longest. The first gaming hardware review I wrote and published was a headset, and I've not looked back since, now having tested dozens and dozens - of them. As a result, I know what makes a good one, a great one, or a disappointing one. I've been testing them with the Series X since 2021 now too so am fully aware of what makes a top Xbox Series X headset. I currently use the SteelSeries Nova 5X Wireless but have depended on many brands before such as Audeze and Razer.
Best Xbox Series X headsets in 2024
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The best overall Xbox Series X headset
✅ You value comfort: The soft fabric of the memory foam ear cups is extremely comfortable, offering a pleasant experience over longer gaming sessions.
✅ You use multiple platforms: In addition to Xbox, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is compatible with PC, PlayStation, mobile, and Nintendo Switch making it perfect for those who like to game across multiple systems.
❌ You don't have access to a PC: You need a compatible PC to change the settings of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, which might prove frustrating if you don't have one on hand. If you want a headset to alter on the fly via your mobile then the Astro A30 could be a good hit.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is our number-one pick for the best Xbox Series X headset on the market right now. It's a fantastic all-round performer, offering clear audio that's perfect for the majority of games and even holds its own when it comes multimedia consumption. The design of the headset is pleasingly robust, featuring a headband constructed with a durable combination of plastic, metal, and soft rubberized material. Add on the fact that the memory foam ear cups are comfortable to wear and it's a package that's very hard to beat.
This headset uses a flexible and retractable microphone, which features a prominent LED mute indicator that lets you easily see when the sound is off. It also features no shortage of on-board controls, with a volume dial, a ChatMix Dial, a mic mute button, a Bluetooth connection button, and, of course, the power button. It connects to your Xbox through a USB-C dongle (a USB-A to USB-C converter is included in the box) but it also supports a wide range of other systems including PlayStation and PC.
Switching between them is as easy as removing the dongle and slotting it into your machine, making this headset one of the most versatile choices on this list.
- Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X review
The best budget Xbox Series X headset
✅ You’re on a strict budget: The solid materials of this design mean that the RIG 300 Pro HX comes highly recommended within its price range.
✅ You like longer gaming sessions: With the comfortable plush earcups, the headset won’t irritate during longer sessions.
❌ You’re after something with more features: The RIG 300 Pro HX is still quite basic and lacks many of the features provided by pricier headsets. Upping the budget to something like the Arctis Nova 7X on this guide will bag you way more features.
The cheapest of the RIG series, Nacon's RIG 300 Pro HX packs plenty of bang for your buck. You're getting a surprisingly comfortable and solid build. The chunky, early 2000s aesthetic that won't be for everyone, but does admittedly help it stand out from the pack.
The ultra-low price point of $29.90 / £29.99 (around AU$44.89) is incredibly appealing and the headset manages to offer plenty at such a low price. Expect solid, but occasionally muddy audio, and a solid, but not exceptional, microphone. This is perfect as a backup headset for use by friends or as a primary one if you're working with a very strict budget.
The only thing that we would consider actively poor is the short length of its cable which, as a wired only headset, is a little disappointing.
- Read more: Nacon RIG 300 Pro HX review
The best premium Xbox Series X headset
✅ You want a premium-sounding and feeling headset: The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro sounds excellent and feels absolutely incredible to wear. This is one super comfortable design.
✅ You play on different consoles and PC : If you’re someone who enjoys gaming on PS5 and PC in addition to your Xbox Series X, then you’ll certainly appreciate its cross-platform compatibility.
❌ You’re on a budget: There’s no getting around the fact that $329.99 / £279.99 / AU$599.95 is a steep price to pay for a gaming headset, even at the top-end of the market. Try the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max for something more affordable but still offering the brand's excellent quality.
There's very little we can fault the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro on in terms of design and performance even compared to the other best Xbox Series X headsets. Armed with excellent hand-tuned 50mm audio drivers, brilliant active noise canceling, and a truly premium design, this really is the be-all and end-all when it comes to top-end models on the platform.
Priced at $329.99 / £279.99 / AU$599.95, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is a seriously expensive option for the Xbox Series X. It really is a case of you get what you pay for with this one, though, as no other console-focused offering feels or sounds quite this good. The stellar sound quality is even further elevated by the Dolby Atmos support and, overall, you're getting sound that few can rival even in 2024.
Something else particularly special about the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is the level of customization avaliable. You're able to tweak absolutely everything about the sound through the Turtle Beach Audio Hub app. Like the The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless, this model supports 'SuperHuman hearing' giving you the competitive edge in some of the best FPS games.
- Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review
The best official Xbox Series X headset
✅ You’re ready to go wireless: The Xbox Wireless Headset is a cheap and cheerful way to finally cut the cord and game without wires getting in the way.
✅ You love bass: These headphones are all about that bass and deliver rich, powerful sound that is free from distortion.
❌ You want better mic monitoring: The Xbox Wireless Headset's poor mic monitoring is by far its biggest weakness. Try the Corsair HS80 instead for this specific feature (though it does cost more).
Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Headset is easily up there as one of the best Xbox Series X headsets. Not only is this model officially licensed, ensuring complete compatibility, but because it boasts absolutely incredible sound quality. It is also very easy to pair with the system and includes a handful of great quality-of-life inclusions for the price.
The Xbox Wireless Headset comes in at just $99 / £89 / AU$149 making it one of the very best options when it comes to pure value for money. Of course, competitive pricing wouldn't mean much if it didn't sound the part, and fortunately, these headphones excel across the board. We were blown away by the prominent bass and the balanced sound profile in our testing, which helps it deliver strong performance in the low-end and mids, too.
Although its perfect for shooters, there are six customized EQ settings ready to go straight out of the box tailored to a wide variety of different genres. The Xbox Series X headset also features Dolby Atmos support for better music listening and a truly immersive audio performance in supported games.
- Read more: Xbox Wireless Headset review
The best multiplatform Xbox Series X headset
✅ You want a single Xbox Series X headset for all your audio needs: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless' multiplatform connectivity makes it exceptional for anyone looking for a one-and-done headset - and a headset that does it in style.
✅ You want a wireless headset that offers more in terms of features and specs: SteelSeries has crammed a bunch of features into the Nova 5. It punches hard for its weight with all of its qualities, especially with that companion app, so if you're looking to maximize the headset for your money, then this is the perfect option.
❌ You want utter simplicity from your headset: While the Arctis Nova 5 can be used simply, you get the most out of it by tinkering with audio presets and EQs on the companion app. If this doesn't appeal then there may be a better fit for you elsewhere on this list.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 has become my go-to Xbox Series X headset - the 5X model is the Xbox-focused variant of the line - but, in truth, it's just become one of my go-to headsets for anything. That's because it offers true multiplatform wireless connectivity - but it offers far more than just that and is basically as close to the full package as you can get for a quality wireless Xbox Series X headset.
Sporting all the hallmarks and design flourishes from SteelSeries' new Arctis Nova range, it's robust, well-built, and comfortable as heck. It also features those excellent SteelSeries 40mm Neodymium drivers that give you superb gaming audio straight out of the box. Controls are intuitive and easy to interact with, while you're also getting dual connectivity so you can connect to a phone simultaneously, as well as a 60-hour battery life.
The game audio is belting by default - no surprises there - but where the Nova 5 starts to stand out further from the crowd is with its Companion App. Available for iOS and Android this App offers over 100 audio and game presets designed by esports pros, game devs, and audio experts. Combine this with its overall excellence, and its wireless multi-platform compatibility and you've got one of the best feature sets in a gaming headset.
In the price category it's targeting, it offers exceptionally good value for money too: for a little over the three-figure mark, you get so much headset greatness and it's further accentuated by that companion app. Truly excellent.
- Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 review
The best wired Xbox Series X headset
✅ You love esports: The Fnatic React Plus is perfect for upgrading your performance in competitive online games - you should be able to hear footsteps clearer, for example.
✅ You want to chat as you play: The boom microphone on the Fnatic React Plus is top-notch, and is perfect for talking with friends even in the middle of an intense gunfight.
❌ You also want to listen to music: Fnatic React Plus sounds underwhelming when listening to music - its focus is on competitive gaming. The Turtle Beach Recon 500 is a great wired headset that does music very well.
When it comes to well-priced, fully-featured options for competitive gaming, the Fnatic React Plus is a superb contender. This wired gaming headset features Dolby Atmos support for simulated surround sound and we are also huge fans of the unique black-on-orange aesthetic.
With a price point of $74.99 / £84.99 / AU$140, the Fnatic React Plus is one of the more affordable gaming headsets available - especially from a such big-name brand. Most gamers will also recognize the Fnatic name, as one the most popular and long-running eSports organizations. It's safe to say that they clearly know a thing or two about how to develop audio solutions for competition, but the performance is noticeably less impressive when listening to music.
We also like the microphone on the Fnatic React Plus. With other headsets, it can sometimes be challenging to stay heard during intense firefights, potentially leading to vital callouts being missed. That's not the case with the detachable mic found here, however, which features a cardioid pattern and pop filter that do an excellent job of ensuring that you are heard at all times without issue.
Given everything that this headset offers, we think they are ideal for those into big multiplayer titles like Halo Infinite and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.
- Read more: Fnatic React Plus review
The best earbuds for Xbox Series X
✅ You want your gaming earbuds to offer a ton of features and extras: The GameBuds offer excellence far beyond that brilliant audio. If you want quality battery life, extra charging options, ANC, the ability to play across platforms, and lots of customization in a robust companion app, then these are the Xbox buds for you.
✅ You need some top-quality gaming audio from your buds: Not only do the GameBuds offer the most complete package in terms of design, features, specs, and characteristics that we've seen for gaming buds in a long while, but they also sound absolutely superb. The SteelSeries audio quality shines through these buds.
❌ You prefer buds that have touch controls: There's not much to complain about with the GameBuds, but one tiny chink in the armor is that the touchpad-like button to press does require a little pressure to actuate, meaning you will be leaning them into your ear ever so slightly - not quite as easy compared to touch controls.
If you're on the hunt for the best earbuds for Xbox as opposed to a traditional headset, then let me heartily recommend the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. These are our favorite gaming earbuds right now and hit the sweet spot for a number of reasons.
First and most importantly, the audio is sublime. In our testing, no matter the game (or wider media, to be honest) the GameBuds provided a wonderful soundstage with beautifully detailed and enjoyable audio. They even have great bass for their tiny 6mm drivers. The pedigree of SteelSeries shines through in these buds and the audio is first-class.
Elsewhere, however, the proposition gets even better. The design is slick, there are superb battery life and charging features - including a case that can be charged wirelessly, excellent flexibility via the Arctis Companion App, and the Xbox variants are compatible across all major gaming platforms and mobile which is a wonderful characteristic.
Coming at $159.99 / £159.99, the GameBuds are premium buds, but they still undercut a bunch of the top-end competition and still offer a more complete package. All in all, these Xbox earbuds will give almost any of the headsets in our list a run for their money given the nearly complete package that they offer. A class act and the best pick for anyone looking for gaming earbuds for their Xbox Series X.
- Read more: SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review
How to choose the best Xbox Series X headset
The gaming headset market is one of the most filled-to-the-brim of all the peripherals markets so navigating it and finding the best Xbox Series X headset for you may be tricky when there are just so many to consider. However, concentrating on a few key characteristics or features could help you whittle down your options in a flash.
Wired vs wireless
I can't imagine using a wired headset anymore, personally. However, some folks will always prefer the flexibility that a wired USB or aux cable offers. Thus, it's a good place to start when trying to whittle down your options. Thinking about compatibility will help - do you want to definitely use the headset on other platforms? Then wired headsets could be the group to explore. Have you got a healthy budget? Then you might be able to consider more wireless sets as those are traditionally more expensive.
Budget
We like to recommend folks always have an ideal budget in mind when approaching new gear - but then have a little bit of stretch room should you find something just over that 'ideal' amount. Remember, there's always a sales event not too far around the corner either, with the likes of Prime Day, Black Friday, and Memorial Day all offering sales where you can save money and stretch that budget.
Battery life and solutions
If you choose a wireless headset, then you'll be met with a range of battery solutions and lifetimes. Thinking about how much you really need could save you some cash with those with extensive lives often costing more.
Features
Beyond those three, you might find looking more at headsets on a more granular level as to what they offer might be the best kind of tool to narrow your search down. Here, you can think about, and perhaps prioritize, the quality of the microphone, the accompanying software, design factors, EQ settings (either onboard or via software), connection type, and more. Really think about the specific features you need.
Our gaming headset vs gaming earbuds page and wired vs wireless gaming headset article might also be of some assistance here.
How we test Xbox Series X headsets
We test Xbox headsets in a variety of ways. Audio quality is typically the first port of call and we put each headset through its paces testing them with a variety of games and media to ensure we get an idea as to their strengths and weaknesses. We also consider battery life by testing wireless headsets out for many hours to drain their life, then also see how fast they charge up. We interrogate their connectivity to know which other platforms the headset can be used on, and we simultaneously test their ease of use - are the buttons where you'd expect and easy to interact with? Is it easy to adjust on the fly? We also live with them for a while using them every day to mimic how you would live with them - this gives us an overall picture as well as any insight into build quality and durability and whether the design is robust or not. The best Xbox headsets will strike a strong balance in all areas, or provide a seriously high-quality experience in one or two areas.
We make sure to test the best Xbox Series X headsets thoroughly before considering whether or not to place them on this list. There are plenty of headset brands available on the console, including Turtle Beach, Fnatic, SteelSeries, and Xbox's own-brand headsets. With so many options, it's important to highlight the ones that are really worth your time and money.
Our best headsets guide is updated regularly. As new products are released all the time, we endeavor to remain ahead of the curve when it comes to recommending the best headsets.
Best Xbox Series X headsets - FAQs
Will my Xbox One headset connect to Xbox Series X?
Yes, most headsets designed for Xbox One will work on Xbox Series X thanks to Microsoft's focus on cross-compatibility. Still, we think it's worth looking at options designed specifically with Xbox Series X in mind as you may find additional features exclusive to that current-gen system.
Is it best to have a wired or wireless headset for Xbox Series X?
Whether you should have a wired or wireless headset depends largely on your personal preference. While wired headsets mean that you don’t have to worry about battery life during long sessions, having a wireless headset will prevent additional clutter. As the Xbox series X supports both a 3.5mm jack and 2.4GHz wireless Bluetooth, there’s nothing stopping you from trying both to see what suits you best.
Do I need a headset for the Xbox Series X?
Headsets aren’t essential to gaming with an Xbox Series X, but they can improve your experience. A headset will provide a better sense of immersion and can even allow you to experience sounds that would have been missed without one. So, while you don’t need one to enjoy the best Xbox Series X games, it’s worth considering if you spend a lot of time gaming.
What headsets do pro Xbox players use?
This is an interesting question and, maybe unhelpfully, but still intriguingly, covers a lot of different headset types. Pro players, regardless of platform, have a wide-ranging taste that spans all brands and types. For example, many prefer to use wired headsets to remove latency, or the risk of it, totally from the equation, but some pros are adopting wireless sets now. What seems to be a trend, however, is using gaming headsets from well-known, recognized brands such as Corsair, HyperX, and SteelSeries.
Will headsets work with both Series X and Series S?
The beauty of modern Xbox headsets is that they absolutely will work on both the Series X and Series S consoles. The process for pairing and using them will be exactly the same, and both machines have exactly the same required ports and buttons too, so regardless of which one you have, one of the best Xbox Series X headsets will serve you perfectly.
Do you need a specific gaming headset for Xbox Series X?
While you don't have to have a specific headset per se, there are some specific requirements that your headset will need to meet - the first of which is to make sure that the headset is compatible with the Series X and Series S.
This is the key thing in terms of specificity and after this requirement has been met, you can approach such headsets with more focus on what you want to get out of it and what you want and need.
Are gaming earbuds good for Xbox Series X?
Gaming earbuds for Xbox Series X have become much more of a realistic concept in the past few years, especially with the likes of Razer releasing an Xbox-friendly Hammerhead Hyperspeed buds and in 2024, SteelSeries releasing their brilliant Arctis Gamebuds. Both perform brilliantly on the platform and offer a viable, tiny alternative for those folks looking to keep their audio givers small.
They often boast some truly brilliant sound quality too; quality that could rival those in the best over-ear headsets, pound for pound. But beyond that, they can also offer great features such as working with companion apps to offer more EQ presets, or offering great mobile performance for pairing with your phone when on the commute too.
