Best Xbox Series X headset 2022: match your console with a top audio provider

Finding the best Xbox Series X headset can revolutionize your console setup. It'll elevate your game audio experience to no end, offer a clearer way to communicate with your friends, and potentially bag you loads of features and tools to tailor your game sound too. 

If you've bagged a new console, or are still chasing stock of the new console, a contender for best gaming headset for Xbox Series X is an easy and very worthwhile upgrade to your kit. We'd very much argue that if you're looking to kit out your setup before getting your hands on the console, a top Xbox Series X headset is still a great move in preparation - plus many will still work with Xbox One consoles, too, so will cover you for your inter-generation period as well as also being contenders for the best gaming headset generally too.

Be you single-player or multiplayer-focused, the best Xbox Series X headset will sweep you into adventures like never before, hearing detail in soundscapes that speakers just aren't able to deliver; and for those that play shooters online, presenting the delicate noises of enemy footsteps clearly, and subtle directional audio cues to help you get the jump on foes no matter the arena.

Thankfully, because of Microsoft's backward compatibility pledge, many of the best Xbox One headsets also work on Xbox Series X, which enhances the flexibility these sets can offer, while they will always be one of the first Xbox Series X accessories we recommend picking up too.

The best Xbox Series X headsets - Top 10

The official Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset offers exceptional value with its low $99/£89 pricetag and has spent most of its existence sold out since launch. Quite simply, we can't find a better wireless contender for best gaming headset for Xbox Series X for such a low price.

Microsoft's model is super comfortable, although it's a bit on the small side if you have a larger head. The soundscape is so good we use it over our middling TVs' audio even when we have the place to ourselves. The bass is powerful despite only using 40mm drivers and the surround sound is way better than it should be for a headset this cheap. We love that the outside of the earcups rotate to adjust volume and game/chat balance too. 

The mic is nice and crisp and can be tucked away around the earcup when not in use. Chat clarity and the extremely stable wireless connection to your Xbox puts a lot of Razer's more expensive headsets to shame and is giving Turtle Beach something to sweat over too. 

Read more: Xbox Wireless Headset review

Taking advantage of the audio jack connection again, and offering a solid budget choice to get you going with your new Xbox console, the Corsair HS35 is the best gaming headset for Xbox Series X for less than $50/£50 or so right now. This is a thoughtfully designed piece of kit, with a sturdy yet comfortable build and some impressive audio qualities, all in one very affordable package.

We loved the memory foam ear-cups and a comfy headband, making the Corsair HS35 perfectly comfortable for long periods of play during our testing. Its design is also robust enough to withstand being pulled on and off your head with a carefree attitude and survive the odd bump or two. We never noticed any scuffs or scratches from everyday use here. 

The audio won't win sky-high awards, but it's on a par with most mid-range headsets and manages some snappy treble. We were particularly impressed by the punchy treatment given to our weapons in Wolfenstein Youngblood, with rich tones and excellent feedback to every action. In addition, the mic is clear and detachable, and there's a color-coded cable that plugs into any 3.5mm connection. Simple, easy, and very affordable, so perhaps a risk-free Xbox Series X headset.

Read more: Corsair HS35 review

The SteelSeries 7X wireless gaming headset is a fantastic performer and is the best Xbox Series X headset we can recommend to all our friends. It's incredibly comfortable with soft padding around the cups that remain cool for hours and an elasticated band across the crown that feels light with no pinching. We're big fans of the 24-hour battery and that wireless signal is consistently reliable with zero dropouts during our testing.

The 40mm drivers might lack in bass a little compared to some of the 50mm efforts from the likes of Corsair and Razer, but overall we were more impressed with the audio quality across the range with a rich soundscape and the bass managed to maintain detail that some headsets often lose in favor of general, muddy loudness. 

The mic quality is solid for multiplayer use and retracts into the headset itself when not needed - though even if you want to play without it hovering in front of your face it still does a decent job of picking you up in its retracted position. Volume controls and game/chat balance dials are easy to access without looking too.

The SteelSeries Arctis 7X is marketed as a Series X headset, but it's actually one of the best buys for a true multiplatform headset thanks to the USB-C dongle (there's a USB-A adapter too) which can be plugged into PS5, PC, Switch, and Android mobiles.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox is easily one of the best wired Xbox Series X headsets going, and one of the best wired sets overall that we’ve ever used. 

The lightweight gamer-industrial design aesthetic keeps the size and weight down, making it comfortable to wear but still feeling like there’s some sturdiness to it so I don’t have to worry about the cat or one of the kids accidentally sitting on it.

The Digital-To-Analogue (DAC) unit with the unit offers highly customisable EQ adjustment, letting you get the sound just how you like it, and the audio quality in stereo and surround mode is just superb across the board, whether it’s in action-packed action/shooting games, engaging RPGs, thoughtful adventure titles, or enjoying streaming content from the internet.

The icing on the cake is compatibility with other systems including PC and PlayStation 5; you can literally have it plugged into an Xbox and something else at the same time and switch between the two systems without having to take off the headset.

The main drawbacks are the very high price ($279.99/£249.99) which easily makes it one of the most expensive mainstream wired gaming headsets going right now, and the ear cushion material; it’s a form of leatherette - and in my experience with other headsets, that tends to split or degrade after a while, especially in hot conditions or very heavy use. The fact the decent microphone isn’t retract-to-mute is also a missed opportunity, and the need to have a cable running to the DAC and then to the Xbox also means you’ve got something else to potentially get in the way (or trip over) during a gaming session.

Overall though, these aren’t enough to change the fact the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox provides an absolutely amazing audio experience on Xbox. So if you’ve got the budget and don’t mind the wired setup, this represents an outstanding and highly recommended option.

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox review

Revamping the Stealth 700 for Xbox Series X, this significantly upgraded variant - coined 'Gen 2' - is a substantial upgrade on its predecessor and well worth the price of admission. In fact, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 could claim the top spot in time.

First up, and importantly, the redesign means that they will work wirelessly with the Xbox Series X without a dongle - they'll connect directly to the console. This is a big plus. 

The redesign upgrades the aesthetic too, with a subtle finish, and a flip-to-mute mic that folds neatly into the earcup. At the same time, the buttons have been reorganized and moved to just one earcup and are well sized and spaced out. We found that this revamped design makes the headset incredibly comfortable, with supple memory foam cushions with Aerofit cooling gel being a highlight, ensuring comfort for hours at a time with no aches or pains. 

However, the proof is in the pudding and the Stealth 700 Gen 2 headset sounds excellent. Its large drivers gave us some great all-around sound in our testing, and the ability to fine-tune the audio to your liking with the Audio Hub adds depth to the possible soundscapes. The Superhuman Hearing feature is a worthy inclusion as well, and it can give you the edge in online shooters. At the other end of the scale, the bass boost can provide some serious rumble during a heart-pumping campaign mission. 

Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 review

The Corsair HS75 XB Wireless is a 'designed for Xbox' product and has quickly become one of our favourites in the race to be best gaming headset for Xbox Series X. First, unlike other dongle-free Xbox Series X headsets, the connection here is super smooth with no audio signal dropouts. A booming pair of 50mm drivers see the headset excel at the most enthusiastic of battles and you'll enjoy 20 hours of action between battery charges.  

Premium audio enthusiasts will be keen to hear this headset comes with free access to the Dolby Atmos app on Xbox (usually $15/£15), complete with audio presets for gaming, movies, and music, and access to equalizer settings, which is especially handy as we found we wanted to adjust the treble down a touch as it was a tad piercing on a few occasions. Not many games support full-on Dolby Atmos audio yet, but the app's settings are worth experimenting with for any game, especially as you can switch on positional audio, offering a potential edge in online shooters.

If you enjoy online gaming, then Corsair's mic makes this a superb gaming headset for multiplayer. Not only is it super clear, but it offers some of the best mic isolation around, doing a great job at cutting down on background noise around you.

The build and design quality goes some way to justify the high cost with the brushed metal earcup yokes feeling like they'll protect the headset from any drops - on their sides at least - while looking good too. Leatherette coverings around the headband and cups, along with soft padding, make the HS75 XB a comfortable wear. They do feel quite large though, even on the smaller band settings it was quite a loose fit, especially over the ears - but then again this helped our ears stay cool and we weren't planning on taking them out for a run.

Read more: Corsair HS75 XB review

The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is top of our current-gen guide for good reason, and it's specially engineered to work wirelessly within Xbox's ecosystem and hardware. It has a wonderfully rich audio experience and impressive battery life in addition to a seamless connection that's going to continue with the Series X and S console. While the headset comes with 40mm drivers (which are smaller than many similarly priced competitors), they're well-tuned and deliver audio that punches well above its weight while retaining a nice clarity and richness. It's a great package for anyone that's serious about sound and getting the most out of their Xbox games.

The SteelSeries Arctis 9X's mic is also clear, comes with decent noise-canceling, and is retractable for when you're not using it. While you can never completely remove that microphone, we appreciated that it's hidden enough to use this headset as an everyday device. That's a real bonus. You can even plug in via the 3.5mm connection if you want to connect to other consoles or devices - although you lose a number of features like 3D Spatial Sound if you do so.

Finally, the trademark SteelSeries 'headband' design offers good levels of comfort. This means we were playing for hours in our testing without really noticing that we were wearing the headset (which clocks in at a respectable 1.2 lbs / 372g).

The top Xbox one headset really is one of the very best gaming headsets for Xbox Series X.

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis 9X review

Because it's an Xbox Series X headset designed to serve every tier of the Xbox experience, the Razer Kaira Pro (opens in new tab) puts ease-of-use at the forefront. Powered by wireless and Bluetooth 5.0 connections, it's flexible and easy to swap between your Series X or your cell phone.

The audio experience doesn't suffer for it, though. Because the Pro is fitted with Razer Triforce titanium 50mm drivers, you're getting a wider breadth of sound in the high, mid, and low ranges. Plus, the surround sound that accompanies them is absolutely convincing - it sells a sense of place in a way no TV speaker could.

We did notice some odd crackling in our testing, though very rarely - and with no clear cause. That, and the fact that we were ever so underwhelmed by the quality of the mic, means that the Razer Kaira Pro just falls short of a perfect score. 

The addition of downloadable software and an onboard game sound/chat balancer rounds out what is already a tempting package. Indeed, the former allows players to tweak their audio experience to taste or get straight into the action with pre-set profiles.

Read more: Razer Kaira Pro review

The Audeze Penrose X are high-end gaming headphones for those of you looking for the very best build-quality, performance, and versatility. Of course, the device comes with a high-end price tag too, costing just $200 less than your Xbox Series X. Still, you're going to get a practically unrivaled audio experience out of the Penrose X; deep bass, incredible clarity, and a real depth and detail to the sound that helps to immerse you into your favorite virtual worlds and give you better insight into the action unfolding around you in multiplayer arenas. 

We were particularly impressed that all that power came in such a lightweight shell. We never sacrificed comfort for the incredible audio quality here, and that's something we can't say for many premium Xbox Series X headsets. 

When paired with Dolby Atmos on Xbox Series X, you should expect to find a virtual surround sound offering that will also elevate your favorite movies and TV shows too. The Penrose X doesn't disappoint, regardless of whether you're pushing the action in-game or settling in for some of the most audio-intensive media that Hollywood has to offer. The Penrose X is expensive, but it's also an investment for the future. It's a premium headphone offering from Audeze that delivers a quality, depth, and density in its sound that few of its peers are able to match, and for that reason, it really is one of the best Xbox Series X headsets you can get.

Read more: Audeze Penrose X review

If you're after an Xbox Series X headset that's new, fresh, and from one of the best in the business - and doesn't cost an arm and leg - then the Turtle Beach Recon 500 set could well be for you. 

You won’t find lavish gamer-y design flairs or the most premium construction materials on the Recon 500, then, since Turtle Beach’s latest in the long-running line costs less than $100/£100. What you do find, crucially, is sound so good it took us aback in our testing. Savings can also be seen in the headset being a wired variant - which will help to offer flexibility, multi-device compatibility, and a reliable connection, too.

Wood composite injection technology. 60mm drivers. Dedicated woofers and tweeters per earcup. It doesn’t sound like the recipe for crisp, precise sound, and yet it all comes together in a powerful surge of ultra-responsive bass, detailed high end, and a pleasingly flat EQ curve with just a bit of audible kick further down the spectrum. 

So that’s yours. Take it to the bank. But what isn’t coming along for the ride is much in the way of added features - this is a simple wired model with just a mic mute, detachable mic arm, and volume scroll wheel in the way of physical controls. Not one for perennial tweakers then, but for those who enjoy value in their quest for the best gaming headset for Xbox Series X, as well as simplicity, and fundamentally great audio, this is one to really consider.

Read more: Turtle Beach Recon 500 review

The best Xbox Series X headsets - Best of the rest

The Razer Nari Ultimate is definitely a strong contender for the best gaming headset, but it demands a high price of admission. However, if any headset goes a long way to justify its cost, it's the Nari Ultimate - and that price has also been coming down in recent weeks and months.

In addition to bringing excellent surround sound, the headset also offers haptic feedback, which means it vibrates in time with the audio so you can literally feel the big noises (usually explosions). We initially brushed this off as a gimmick, but buy were we wrong. The haptics here genuinely enhance the immersion, and benefited nearly every aspect of our gameplay. If you're big on action titles, this headset is definitely for you.

Elsewhere, it's worth noting that the Nari Ultimate is a wireless contender for best Xbox Series X headset and that the battery life is surprisingly good considering its wealth of features. Similarly, it's unexpectedly comfy, subtly designed, feels good if you're wearing glasses, and has a retractable mic. In fact, the only real issue is the mic; it doesn't offer the same premium sound quality as the rest of the headset. 

If you can see past this and want one of the best audio experiences going, then there's nothing quite like the Nari Ultimate. If you have the cash, we'd recommend this for the feel of using it alone, as it's easily one of the best Xbox headsets we've ever tested.

Read more: Razer Nari Ultimate review

The second generation of Turtle Beach Stealth 600's are a great low-to-mid level wireless headset compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC. 

With nicely-tuned 50mm drivers, a solid-but-unspectacular 15-hour battery life, a comfortable fit - even with glasses - the bang for buck value is strong. Throw in an easy setup process, and a very accessible price tag, and you really are off to a winner. This is certainly a great choice for gaming on a budget, as the sound quality is top-tier and the microphone sensitivity is ideal for those who want to communicate without shouting. However, because of the reasonable price, we did note that the headset plastic does feel a bit cheap, especially across the headband and on the ear cups. Unfortunately, we did also struggle with a little pinching when testing over the course of a longer play session as well. 

However, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2's are a good sequel to an affordable wireless headset. It looks pretty good, feels pretty good, and sounds great - a no-brainer if you're looking to get a pair of headphones ahead of the next-gen release that won't bankrupt you. This is definitely one of the best wireless gaming headsets, and certainly of the best Turtle Beach headsets (opens in new tab).

Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 review

If you're desperate to get some Sennheiser-level audio quality without paying the premium price tags, then the GSP 300 is just the best Xbox Series X headset for you. It's compatible with every device and provides detailed audio, excellent surround/directional accuracy, and great overall richness. Its microphone is great too, though we were a little frustrated that it was non-detachable, which means it's not a great fit for everyday use.

However, we were impressed with the overall audio quality here, and found that 600g form factor to be just right to boot. Audio cues and wider open world detailing shined through excellently here in particular.

It's true, there's no bells and whistles here, but the stripped-back approach helps to keep the costs down too. However, the sheer bang for buck value cannot be denied and this is one of the best Xbox Series X headsets going for less than the three-figure mark. A great option for those wanting to get something excellent without breaking the bank for their Xbox Series X headset.

The LucidSound LS50X gaming headset is an expensive-looking headset - both literally and figuratively. The quilted black leatherette headband cushion and black memory foam ear cups stand out against the brushed silver metal of the headset's skeleton. It looks chic - but that comes at a cost, with its price of admission being a sizeable $250. 

But the audio is exactly the kind of quality you'd expect from such an expensive piece of hardware: 50mm drivers make for an impressive bass and the variety of EQ modes lets you really tune it to your desire. Hearing the footsteps of enemy Spartans in Halo Infinite is easy with the LucidSound LS50X, and the spray of gunfire sounds is crisp and sharp. 

Connecting the LucidSound LS50X to your Xbox Series X|S is as easy as plugging in a dongle (although I initially had an issue, I think it was more user error than anything else). The headset controls are a little tough to get used to - most headsets have earcup buttons for audio modes and volume, but the LucidSound LS50X has baked all its controls into the headset design. The low profile controls require you to click in on the center circles in the earcup to change modes or mute, and turn the outer circle of the cups like a dial to adjust volume. At first, I was a bit lost and struggled to adjust the chat volume. Once you get it, however, it's pretty damn cool - especially when you consider that its Bluetooth connectivity means you can use it to pick up phone calls or change Spotify tracks. 

Unfortunately, the LucidSound LS50X isn't as comfortable as you'd expect a $250 headset to be for long-term wear, especially if you need to wear glasses as I do. After a five-hour Halo Infinite sesh, the ear cups were pinching the sides of my face where they touched it. The headset is perfectly comfy for an hour or so here and there but was cumbersome beyond that. 

Overall the LucidSound LS50X is a solid entry for best Xbox Series X headset for gaming. It is a pretty high-quality, expensive headset that will certainly work for gamers who can stretch the budget.

Read more: LucidSound LS50X review

The Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 could be the next Xbox Series X headset for you if you value premium audio and smooth looks. And while the ATH-GL3 does definitely look as good as it sounds, this isn't all that surprising to us: from years of headset testing, we already knew that Audio-Technica is a headset brand for audiophiles and one that makes some seriously powerful mics, speakers, headsets, and more. And this entry into the game space is an impressive one and one that could prove a great selection for a wired Xbox headset.

We were sent both the Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 and the ATH-GDL3 (opens in new tab) to test and the biggest difference is that the GL3s are closed-back and the GDL3s are open-back (and the latter is a little more expensive). We found that the Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 boast some seriously punchy audio that may come as a shock considering how lightweight they are - less than eight ounces, to be precise. With 45mm drivers, gorgeous soundscapes were presented to our ears, and an audio profile that made it easy to identify footsteps in Apex Legends with as much detail as the chords in a Fleetwood Mac song makes the headset shine. These ATH-GL3 are a great option for gamers looking to spend less than $100 on a headset for Xbox Series X and S and who want to maximise gaming performance, as well as audio quality.

Plus, the ATH-GL3 is designed with multi-use in mind to help you to maximize bang for your buck but it is incredibly at home on Xbox - or on any other platform given its simple wired connection. With fantastic quality, impressive build, and reasonable price point, we think the Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 headset is a fantastic gaming headset option. 

Read more: Audio-Technica ATH-GLS review

What wireless headsets work for Xbox Series X?

There are a bunch of cord-free entrants in our best Xbox Series X headset list and some of them will also be some of the best Xbox Series X wireless headsets outright. However, there are some standout wireless headsets that work with Xbox Series X and that'll give you incredible audio, features, build, and excellent mic performance - or all of those - for a range of budgets.

A range of brands offer great wireless headsets that'll work with Xbox Series X and there's no better place to start than Microsoft's own Xbox Wireless Headset - at just $100, this offers extremely good value for money for a wireless set (cutting the cords usually adds a fair bit to price tags). In the mid-range, you have the likes of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700s and 600s - both Gen 2 and MAX variants - which will offer you awesome performance and are often discounted. And then at the premium end, you could look at the Astro A50 (but you'll need an optical/HDMI adapter), Audeze's Penrose, while the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox (our review is incoming) is likely a surefire premium wireless option that'll work seamlessly too.

Looking for something to use on the go or for your morning commute? Check out our best headphones guide. We're also showing you how to save on the Xbox Series X price and Xbox Series S price.

And don't forget the visual upgrade too: check out our guides to the best gaming TVs and best TVs for Xbox Series X.

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