1. The Quick List
2. Best overall
3. Best for most
4. Best under $50
5. Best multiplatform
6. Best wireless
7. Best surround sound
Xbox Series X headsets have come a long way in the last few years. Between improved drivers, extra features like noise cancellation and hot-swappable batteries, and more wireless options than ever, Microsoft's player base is well served in the audio department. However, these cups - especially cordfree options - can collect on quite the price tag, which means it's important to consider the features and specs you really can't live without when trying to find the right model for your budget.
That's because the best Xbox Series X headsets can reach around $350 / £350 - but the vast majority of players simply don't need the luxurious features on offer in these high-end devices. Instead, you're looking for strong audio quality (and you'll find that recent releases can far outperform even last year's models at lower prices), a solid microphone that keeps your voice clear, long-lasting comfort, and a battery life that can take a beating. The best gaming headset will offer all this at a price that suits you.
We've put the latest releases through weeks of testing, living and playing with each device for an extended period of time, to find the models worthy of your cash. After all that, the best Xbox Series X headset is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro in our opinion - but this pricey beast won't satisfy everyone. You'll find all our top recommendations across the price range just below, with the best value products for every budget.
The quick list
The best Xbox Series X headset overall
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is our favorite gaming headset right now, and the Xbox version takes the top spot for Series X as well. A super smart battery and hub solution with excellent audio make this a winner.
The best Xbox Series X headset for most people
With a surprisingly low price but still fantastic comfort levels, solid soundscaping, and impressive surround sound, the Xbox Wireless Headset offers the best value for most players right now. This is a native wireless connection as well.
The best Xbox Series X headset under $50 / £50
If you're just after a budget set of cups to see you through, the Corsair HS35 packs everything you need without breaking the bank. Combine solid sound with a clear mic and memory foam cups and you've got a reliable Xbox Series X headset.
The best multiplatform Xbox Series X headset
Not only is the Stealth Pro our favorite multiplatform Xbox Series X headset, but it's the best for console hoppers across the entire market. It's a little pricier but packed with features.
The best wireless Xbox Series X headset
The Corsair HS75 XB has a trick up its sleeve - a dongle-free Xbox connection. That's rare, so while the wireless SteelSeries above is the best option overall, this connection is the easiest of the bunch.
The best Xbox Series X headset for surround sound
Yes many Xbox Series X headsets do offer surround sound, but the Kaira Pro blew us away in testing. If you're after realistic 3D audio this is going to change the game.
The best Xbox Series X headset overall
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.
✅ You want to invest: This is one of the more expensive wired Xbox Series X headsets on the market right now, so it's one for those looking to invest in seriously high-end audio.
✅ You play open world games: The wide sound scape and excellent detailing makes playing larger open world games particularly immersive.
✅ A wireless connection isn't a priority: There is a wireless Nova Pro option available for Xbox, with a boosted price tag. If you don't need that kind of connectivity, though, you might as well save your cash here.
❌ You don't play across multiple platforms: Being able to bounce between Xbox, PC, and PS5 quickly is an excellent feature but if you won't make the most of it the higher price might not make sense.
❌ You don't want to tinker with EQ settings: The EQ settings available directly on the hub are perfect for tinkerers, but again you're spending cash on these kinds of extra features. If you won't use it there's better value elsewhere.
Design: 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 only drawback is 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.
Features: 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 fact the decent microphone isn’t retract-to-mute is 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.
Audio: The Nova Pro stood out in our testing, offering a rich depth and astounding quality to sound in both stereo and surround sound, with a deep bass to accompany extremely clear mids and high ranges. Between Sniper Elite 5 and Doom Eternal's powerful explosions and the ambient rainfall of Ghost of Tsushima, the Nova Pros seemed to be able to do it all. We did notice that the overall quality was a little reduced when switching from Xbox Series X to PlayStation, but still well worth the cash if you're splitting your time between the two consoles. PC games had no problem holding up to the same kind of experience we had on Xbox, though.
The sound quality and depth, both in stereo and surround modes, was just superb, being clear, rich, and detailed on both Xbox and PC.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Review
Verdict: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox carries a very high price ($279.99/£249.99) which easily makes it one of the most expensive mainstream wired gaming headsets going right now. Still, you're paying for one of the best Xbox Series X headsets if you're after extra functionality and an amazing audio experience. 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
The best Xbox Series X headset for most people
The official Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset offers exceptional value with its low $99/£89 price tag. Quite simply, we can't find a better wireless contender for best Xbox Series X headset for such a low price.
✅ You solely play Xbox: The wireless connection here is designed to be used with Xbox consoles, and without a 3.5mm jack you'll be pressed to use this with other devices.
✅ A wireless connection is top priority: Xbox is notoriously finicky with its wireless connections, but the benefit of having Microsoft's own device means you're getting a crystal clear connection every time.
✅ You have a $100 budget: It's difficult to find a headset this good for under $100. If you're budget sits firmly in two figures, this is your best bet.
❌ You have a larger head: The form factor is a little more compact than we were expecting, so if you have a larger head you may feel some pinching from the headband over longer sessions.
❌ You play across platforms a lot: If you need an all-in-one headset for a range of platforms, you'll find better value in a device geared to easily connect with PlayStation and Switch.
Design: Microsoft's model is super comfortable, although it's a bit on the small side if you have a larger head. That aesthetic calls to the console itself, with a subtle black design and a hint of green circling the outer rim of each cup. These plates are actually your controls, offering a rotating dial for volume and mic chat balance on either side. We were initially concerned that these dials would be accidentally nudged during gameplay, but the level of sensitivity is on point - there's just enough resistance behind each wheel to keep things accurate.
Features: Considering the $99.99 / £89.99 MSRP there's plenty of features baked in here. Aside from the bountiful controls on the headset itself, you've got dual connectivity with your phone, a direct wireless connection to the Xbox, and built in Xbox software for equalizer settings and sidetone. 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. Thanks to backwards compatibility, the Wireless Headset is also one of the best Xbox One accessories on the market as well.
There are a few omissions from this feature list. There's no 3.5mm jack for a wired experience here, which means you're limited in terms of compatibility and should the battery run out. That's a real concern, as well, as there's only 15 hours of charge baked in here - solid for the price considering everything else, but falling behind others.
Audio: 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.
You won't find a more rounded gaming headset on Xbox Series X for such a low price
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset review
Verdict: The Xbox Wireless Headset surprised us all when it launched at such a low price alongside the Series X console in 2020. We were even more impressed after putting it through its paces in the test room. With high quality audio, built in wireless for Xbox, and a comfortable form factor this is fantastic value that will see the majority of players through at a great price.
Read more: Xbox Wireless Headset review
The best Xbox Series X headset under $50 / £50
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 Xbox Series X headset for less than $50/£50 or so right now.
✅ You mostly play single player games: Solo adventurers will have a better time with this headset than those after super precise directional sound for competitive titles.
✅ You also play on other platforms: That easy 3.5mm connection means the HS35 is ready to play nicely with other systems straight out of the box.
✅ You don't mind a wired connection: You're saving some considerable cash by opting for a wired connection, so if you don't mind a cable dangling around you're in for a treat here.
❌ You rely on directional audio: With only stereo sound at your disposal, you won't be relying on the HS35 for precise directional cues.
❌ You value more premium sound: If you're after a particularly wide soundstage, or finer handling of more ambient details you might need to invest further up the price scale.
Design: 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.
Features: Considering its low price, it's no surprise that the HS35 is slim on features. You're getting the essentials, though, with a Discord-certified mic (noise cancelling and all), a 3.5mm connection for use with a range of platforms, and controls for volume and mic mute on the left cup. This far down the price range, we wouldn't expect to see much else, but this feature set keeps you covered for flexible play across a range of consoles, not just Xbox Series X.
Audio: 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. There are certainly headsets in this price range falling well short of Corsair's audio capacities, so you're getting some strong value for money here.
The Corsair HS35 Stereo headset is a great all-rounder as far as over-ear gaming headsets go
Corsair HS35 Review
Verdict: If you're after solid Xbox Series X audio that won't break the bank, you've found it in the Corsair HS35. You're getting all the basics you need, with a mic that can still hold up to today's chat expectations and a comfortable design for longer sessions as well.
Read more: Corsair HS35 review
The best multiplatform Xbox Series X headset
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro manages to do something very few Xbox Series X headsets can - perform just as well across a range of platforms as it does on the console it was made for.
✅ You regularly play across multiple platforms: We enjoyed high quality audio across a range of platforms, with no determinable preference for one or the other. That means those running a range of devices are in for an excellent experience.
✅ Charging is a hassle: The swappable batteries might not carry the same charge as the wireless Arctis Nova Pro, but with 12 hours per battery and a handy charging dock you won't have to remember to plug your headset in.
✅ You value quality of life features: This is a more expensive headset precisely because of those extra features. A lot of that price tag comes down to the swappable batteries, wireless transmitter hub, and simultaneous connections.
❌ Your headsets take a beating: We did notice some durability concerns with the volume slider and battery cap in our testing.
❌ Higher clamp force is an issue: The strength of these cups might not be comfortable for larger heads or anyone sensitive to a higher level of clamp force.
Design: Moving away from the plastic construction of yore, the Stealth Pro offers a slick metallic look with a durable, premium finish. With generous padding around both the cups and headband and an oval shape on the inside, you've got the comfort to go the distance without temperature build up.
Features: Of course, there are some solid extra features to live up to that $329.99 / £279.99 price point. We're glad to see the hot-swappable batteries we enjoyed on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless hitting the Turtle Beach model, even though each pack holds 12 hours charge compared to SteelSeries' 22. Those battery packs slot neatly into the side of the cup, held in place by a magnetic cap, and are charged in the wireless transmitter hub for easy swapping.
On top of that, you're also picking up dual Bluetooth connections which means you'll be able to pick up a phone call without cutting away from your game audio. We were impressed not only with the implementation of this newer feature, but all the more so when we realized it wasn't impeding the overall audio quality. That's a rarity even at this luxury price point.
Audio: Following on in the footsteps of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max previously listed as the best multiplatform option for Xbox players, the Stealth Pro manages to shine whether it's running on Microsoft's Dolby system or PlayStation's Tempest Audio. Even the Nintendo Switch's stereo sound was impressive pumped through the device's Bluetooth connection.
With plenty of thoughtful extra details and excellent connectivity options, this is going to give industry leaders a run for their money.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review
Verdict: Overall, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro boasts the audio quality, features, and - crucially - multiplatform versatility to make it one of the best Xbox Series X headsets on the market right now.
Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review
The best wireless Xbox Series X headset
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.
✅ You only play on Xbox: The native wireless connection is built to play nicely with Xbox, which means this is one for the solo Microsoft fans.
✅ You want an easy but reliable wireless connection: Not only is that wireless connection easy to set up, but we never experienced a drop in our testing - that's not something we can say for the majority of made-for-Xbox headsets.
✅ You value quality audio: With Dolby Atmos bundled in for free, there's an excellent audio quality here that will satisfy those after a high-end experience at a lower price.
❌ You have a smaller head: This is a large device, which can run too big for those with smaller heads.
❌ You play across consoles regularly: The HS75 XB has been designed for Xbox, so connections and audio quality suffer on other platforms.
Design: 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.
Features: 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. 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.
Audio: 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.
The connection quality is excellent, with none of those ear-shredding connection drops that distort the audio at an incredibly high pitch like we've experienced on Xbox.
Corsair HS75 XB Review
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.
Verdict: The Corsair HS75 XB is the best Xbox Series X headset for those looking to spend a little more on a native wireless connection and the Dolby Atmos sound quality to make the most of it.
Read more: Corsair HS75 XB review
The best surround sound Xbox Series X headset
The Razer Kaira Pro for Xbox was one of the first Xbox Series X headsets we tested after the new generation console launched. While there are some teething problems in a headset released this close to its console, the directional audio and surround sound still holds up today.
✅ You value immersive surround sound: The surround sound in the Kaira Pros blew us away in testing, so if you're after extra immersion we'd recommend starting here.
✅ You mostly play single player games: The microphone holds the Kaira Pro back from being a true competitive monster, but if you're looking for more immersion in your solo adventures you'll find excellent value here.
✅ You want plenty of connectivity options: With both 2.4GHz and a Bluetooth connection you can hook up your phone separately to your console and choose between a range of platforms when the Xbox is off.
❌ You regularly play online with chat: The microphone underwhelmed in our testing, so while that surround sound is top notch, it's going to be best serving solo players.
❌ You prefer a more subtle aesthetic: The splash of Xbox green across this matte black surface isn't going to be for everyone. If you prefer a more streamlined design, there are other options out there.
Design: The Razer Kaira Pro keeps that Xbox themed aesthetic, pairing a bright green with matte black across its streamlined form factor. This isn't a massive headset, but it still manages to feel premium in the hand, while not weighing too much on the head. The plastic casing doesn't quite live up to that luxurious feel as much as the aluminium or steel you'll find on other devices, but that slick Razer design is still as impressive as ever.
Features: Because it's an Xbox Series X headset designed to serve every tier of the Xbox experience, the Razer Kaira Pro 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 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.
Audio: 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.
It sells a sense of place in a way the speakers on your TV never could.
Razer Kaira Pro Review
Verdict: The Razer Kaira Pro for Xbox launched just after the Series X itself, but it's stood the test of time. Anyone after a highly directional experience with a robust surround sound should be checking this one out.
Read more: Razer Kaira Pro for Xbox review
Xbox Series X headsets FAQ
What is the best Xbox Series X headset?
After all our testing, the best Xbox Series X headset remains the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. However, that's a particularly pricey piece of kit. If you're on the hunt for something a little more affordable, the official Xbox Wireless Headset is the best for most players.
Do Xbox One headsets work on Series X?
The great, short answer here is an emphatic 'yes'! This was one of the first things confirmed before the launch of the current-gen consoles, and was a joy to hear as that mean that every peripheral owned by Xbox One players could just be seamlessly transferred over to the Series X or Series S console.
While this does mean that your older Xbox One headset will work beautifully on the new console, we still recommend perusing our best Xbox Series X headset guide, as some of the newer entries represent genuine audio upgrades from the older sets and can take your gaming enjoyment to another level.
Which wireless headsets work on Xbox Series X?
There are a bunch of cord-free entrants in our best Xbox Series X headset list, but it's not as easy to find an Xbox Series X wireless headset as it is for other platforms. That's because Microsoft's console uses a proprietary wireless technology that just doesn't play nice with other devices. Thankfully, many brands release Xbox versions of their latest headsets to make sure everyone is well catered for.
The best example of this is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. While we reviewed the PlayStation version, you can find an Xbox alternative up for grabs. The Razer Kaira line also offers wireless Xbox support, as does the Turtle Beach Stealth range.
We're also rounding up plenty more Xbox Series X accessories, like the best Xbox steering wheels and the best Xbox Series X controllers for those looking to kit out their full setup.
