Xbox’s newest consoles, both the Series X and the Series S, not only deliver stunning visuals in high resolution (4K in the case of the Series X), they also round out your gaming experience with support for the best spatial audio and surround sound technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X, and Windows Sonic. Getting the most immersive gaming experience with one of these consoles, therefore, doesn’t just require the right monitor or gaming TV; it also demands the right gaming headset.
If your headset has a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB connector or a USB wireless transmitter, you shouldn’t have a problem enjoying Series X/S gaming with it. However, taking full advantage of these consoles’ next-level audio experience requires proper hardware, which brings us to the best Xbox Series X/S headsets. These are our top picks.
TL;DR – These are our picks for the Best Xbox Series X/S Headsets:
1. Xbox Wireless Headset
Best Xbox Headset
The Xbox Wireless Headset is an accessible gaming headset designed specifically to enhance every gamer’s Xbox Series X/S gaming immersion. It connects wirelessly with your console (no USB wireless adapter needed), delivers incredible sound performance, and comes with the works – Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X.
Its intuitive controls, namely the rotating ear cup dials for volume and game/chat balance, make it easy to use during gaming sessions as well. The price isn’t too shabby at $100, which makes it affordable for most people, including budget gamers. The battery life could be better, but overall, this is the best headset for Xbox X/S.
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Best Wireless Xbox Headset
Versatile and comfortable, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 connects to your Series X/S wirelessly, without the need for a USB wireless transmitter, and to your other devices via Bluetooth. It also boasts Windows Sonic support for Xbox and Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing for PC for immersive gaming audio no matter which platform you’re on.
For extreme comfort, it offers a great fit, even with glasses on, and comes with a pair of Aerofit cooling-gel infused ear cushions that will let you wear it for hours. Plus, its up to 20-hour battery life is a boon for those who hate charging their devices. It doesn’t come with Dolby Atmos for Headphones out of the box, but you’re welcome to activate it through an Xbox or Microsoft Store App (for a fee, of course).
3. SteelSeries Arctis 7X
Most Comfortable Xbox Headset
As one of the best Xbox headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis 7X sets itself apart in comfort and longevity. This has the longest battery life we’ve seen on an Xbox headset that delivers great sound performance, lasting up to 24 hours, which makes it ideal for those who tend to game for long stretches.
Thanks to its adjustable ski goggle suspension headband and soft ear cups swaddled in breathable fabric, it makes those long gaming sessions comfortable and sweat-free. Of course, we can’t forget about its multi-device connectivity either – if you have both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles, as well as a Nintendo Switch and a Google Stadia Controller, this is the headset you want.
4. Razer Kaira Pro
Best Bluetooth Xbox Headset
If there’s one Xbox Series X/S headset that can also moonlight as your go-to travel gaming headset, it’s the Razer Kaira Pro. It features a sleek, compact and lightweight design. Not to mention, detaching the mic will let it pass for a pair of regular headphones if you want to game on the train, at a cafe, or at an airport. On the flipside, RGB fans will appreciate the Chroma RGB lighting on its ear cups.
It isn’t just for Xbox gaming either, as on top of the Xbox Wireless connectivity, it also comes with Bluetooth 5.0 so you can connect it to your mobile phone or console. You can even stretch its battery life up to 20 hours if you turn off that RGB lighting, which you’d probably want to do when you’re on the go.
5. Audeze Penrose X
Best Audiophile Xbox Headset
The Audeze Penrose X might not win when it comes to comfort out of the box – these headsets require a proper breaking-in – but it wins in versatility and audio performance. It comes with USB wireless connectivity, as well as Bluetooth and 3.5mm analog, so you can either connect it to your console or to your controller.
And, as this is a pair of Audeze headphones, you’re also getting that audiophile-level sound performance that’s incredibly balanced. The soundstage is so excellent you hardly need Dolby Atmos or DTS Headphones:X. The battery life and range could be better here, and again, the fit isn’t ideal, but if you have discerning sound sensibilities, you’ll want this one.
6. Bang-Olufsen Beoplay Portal
Best Premium Xbox Headset
Not everyone’s willing to spend $500 on a gaming headset, but if you are, B&O’s Beoplay Portal is a great Xbox headset to check out. You’re getting a lot for that steep price tag, with multiple connectivity options (and thus, compatibility with multiple devices), Dolby Atmos support, a sleek and incredibly lightweight design, extreme comfort, and fantastic sound quality.
It’s also uniquely one of the very few gaming headsets with active noise-cancellation, if you don’t want to be disturbed or distracted while gaming. We only wish it had a longer battery life and a more robust wireless connection, but with everything else you’re getting, these are small compromises.
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae.