In less than three months from the time of this writing, we’re going to experience next-generation gaming as the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 hit the market in November 2020.
Apart from a new TV or monitor that can output 120 Hz at 4K resolution, headsets are among the things that can significantly improve your gaming experience. In this article, we cover the ten best earbuds for the Xbox Series X!
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Does Choosing the Right Earbuds Make a Difference?
It undoubtedly does, but why do people choose earbuds over headphones?
If you’re going to compare earbuds to headphones, they mostly offer a more convenient gaming experience.
You see, earbuds don’t mess with your hair like the bands of headphones would. Another thing that makes earbuds better is that they don’t apply clamping pressure to the sides of your head.
Moreover, since earbuds fit perfectly in your ear canal, ambient noise won’t be a significant issue.
Lastly, they don’t go over your ears, so you won’t get that hot and sweaty feeling. If you’re the sweaty type, earbuds might just be the right option.
Earbuds come with different features that can make or break your investment, which is why you should do your research before making a purchase.
Best Earbuds for the Xbox Series X
| Driver Size & Type | Frequency Response | Sensitivity | Weight | |
| 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones | Dynamic, Balanced Armature / 10mm | 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz | 99 dB | 0.04 lbs (18 g) |
| Razer Hammerhead Pro V2 | Closed / 10 mm (with Neodymium magnets) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 102 ± 3 dB @ 1 kHz | 0.04 lbs (19.6 g) |
| Cooler Master Masterpulse MH710 Gaming Earbuds | Dynamic (with neodymium magnets) / 10 mm | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 98 dB ± 3 dB (@1kHz) FFX 2.0 on, 112 dB ± 3 dB (@1kHz) FFX 2.0 off | 0.037 lbs (16.7g) |
| Turtle Beach Battle Buds | N/A (with Neodymium Magnets) / 10mm | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | N/A | 0.24 lbs (109 g) |
| Sony MDRXB50AP | Dome Type (Neodymium magnet) / 12 mm | 4 Hz – 24,000 Hz | 110 dB / mW | 0.02 lbs (8 g) |
| Shure SE215-CL | Single Dynamic / N/A | 22 Hz – 17,000 Hz | 107 dB SPL / mW | 0.06 lbs (30 g) |
| BlueFire Wired Gaming Earphone | Single Dynamic / N/A | 22 Hz – 17,000 Hz | 107 dB SPL / mW | 0.06 lbs (30 g) |
1. 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones
Best Overall Earbuds for the Xbox Series X
Tech Specs
Frequency response: 20 – 40,000 Hz | Acoustic design: Hybrid | Driver size: 10 mm | Driver Type: Dynamic, Balanced Armature | Sensitivity: 99 dB | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Cable length: 3.94 foot / 1.2 m | Weight: 0.04 lbs (18 g)
1MORE is one of the most renowned companies producing affordable audio peripherals. To achieve excellent acoustic performance and maintain a low price, they had to cut corners. In this case, half of the cable is made of plastic, and that’s totally fine, especially considering the overall price to performance ratio.
Let’s start with the packaging and accessories. 1MORE never skimps on this area, and you can tell right away. The box’s material and texture is reminiscent of buying expensive perfumes. Inside you’ll find the instruction manual printed on the left-hand side of the hard faux-leather case. You’ll also find an airplane adapter, a metal shirt clip, and a total of ten ear tips pairs (from 10 mm t o14.5 mm) to ensure you find the right fit. Three pairs of these are made of foam, while the rest are made of silicone. Needless to say, 1MORE values your comfort.
The silicone tips feel soft and don’t give off unpleasant pressure. The same goes for the cozy foam tips. But which works better depends entirely on your preference, so it’s best to test all of them out.
The shell of each earbud has a conical aluminum material paired with an angled nozzle to ensure an ergonomic fit. The cables of these earbuds are also covered with braided fabric, so they don’t easily tangle.
For how much these earbuds are worth, the build quality is top-notch and doesn’t compromise comfort. If you’re thinking of using them to play for hours on end, you are guaranteed a pleasant experience.
Since these earbuds don’t have the typical conical shape, they are wider than they are taller. That means even though it could block out ambient noise, you will still hear loud sounds around you.
Overall, these earbuds perform outstandingly for how much they cost. But if you’re looking for a more premium option, then read on.
2. Razer Hammerhead Pro V2
Best Premium Earbuds for the Xbox Series X
Tech Specs
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | Acoustic design: Closed | Driver size: 10 mm (with Neodymium magnets) | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 102 ± 3 dB @ 1 kHz | Impedance: 32 ± 15% ohms | Cable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft. | Weight: 0.04 lbs (19.6 g)
Razer is one of the most trusted gaming peripheral brands, which is why the Hammerhead Pro V2 is one of the best gaming earbuds for many hardcore gamers. These earbuds also deliver stellar bass reproduction, making them ideal for music listeners.
The Hammerhead Pro V2 is made of high-quality materials to ensure durability. On top of that, it has unique aesthetics that surely appeals to its target consumers while still being suitable for outdoor use.
The flat cable does well in terms of aesthetics and functionality. If you put these earbuds in your pocket, you won’t have to deal with tangled cables when you take them out.
At the tip of the cable, you’ll find the earbuds featuring 10 mm drivers that are capable of producing powerful and distortion-free bass. If you listen to music or play games at high volume levels for greater immersion, these should handle the task exceptionally well.
The earbud enclosures are made of metal instead of plastic to ensure durability. If you’re the type of gamer who rages when sniped by a nine-year-old camper, rest assured that these earbuds can take a beating.
In terms of accessories, the Hammerhead Pro V2 comes with three sets of silicone ear tips to help you find the right fit for your ears for maximum comfort. With the perfect fit, you get the best noise isolation experience possible. It also comes with a carrying case to keep the earbuds secured when not in use.
Aesthetically pleasing, durable, outstanding audio quality, these are the features that made the Razer Hammerhead Pro V2. To learn more about this product, check our dedicated review.
3. Cooler Master Masterpulse MH710 Gaming Earbuds
Best Alternative Premium Earbuds
Tech Specs
Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz | Acoustic design: In-Ear | Driver size: 10 mm (with neodymium magnets) | Driver Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 98 dB ± 3 dB (@1kHz) FFX 2.0 on, 112 dB ± 3 dB (@1kHz) FFX 2.0 off | Impedance: 16 ohms | Cable length: 1.3m / 4.27 ft. | Weight: 0.037 lbs (16.7g)
Cooler Master is a computer hardware manufacturer more known for producing excellent cases than gaming peripherals. I had my doubts on the caliber of these earbuds, but they truly deserve a spot on this list.
Taking on some of the biggest names in the audio gaming industry is an entirely new feat for Cooler Master, but the company has been developing quality products for years, and the Masterpulse MH710 is no exception.
These earbuds come with a handful of adapters, making them perfect for gaming on various platforms. What really caught our attention is Cooler Master’s patented Focus FX 2.0 on-the-fly audio adjustment technology.
The Masterpulse MH710 doesn’t have any fancy materials, and the packaging is as straightforward as it gets. Let’s first dissect everything that comes in the box:
- Carry case
- Cooler Master MH710 earbuds
- 3.5 mm splitter cable
- Type-C cable
- Extra ear tips
- Airplane adapter plug
- Quickstart guide
Now, how is the design? Cooler Master isn’t messing around, as the earbuds are placed in a long aluminum enclosure. They have a brushed aluminum finish that makes them aesthetically pleasing.
Behind each earbud, you’ll find the Focus FX 2.0 button, which is basically the purple Cooler Master logo. The slim cable is braided and has a total length of 1.33 m. Even though it doesn’t feature a flat anti-tangle design, the braided cable unravels itself with little effort if needed.
The earbuds are made of an aluminum casing that feels durable enough to endure accidental falls. That’s why we can recommend these if you regularly rage quit from playing Dark Souls 3.
The in-line control box holds the operational buttons and the microphone. You’ll also notice that the 3.5 mm jack is angled and rubberized to ensure a secure connection, which is helpful when the earbuds are connected to a controller.
In terms of audio performance, it’s above-average for how much it’s worth. The highs and mids are crystal, but the bass is underemphasized. If you’re into bass and trap music, this might not be the ideal option. On the upside, it does feature stereo imaging, which is suitable for FPS games. You can also enable the Focus FX 2.0 feature to enhance the bass for greater immersion. Moreover, it comes with a built-in microphone for in-game communication.
4. Turtle Beach Battle Buds
Best Popular Earbuds for the Xbox Series X
Tech Specs
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20,000 Hz | Acoustic design: In-Ear | Driver size: 10mm (with Neodymium Magnets) | Driver Type: N/A | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Cable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft. | Weight: 0.24 lbs (109 g)
Now that we’ve covered the premium category, let’s dive into some of the earbuds brands preferred by professional gamers and streamers. Turtle Beach is renowned for making top-notch audio peripherals and is the brand of choice for former Twitch streamer Dr DisRespect.
The Turtle Beach Battle Buds are designed for people looking for an affordable pair of portable and comfortable gaming earbuds. The design doesn’t conform with typical in-ear earphones as it comes with hooks that comfortably secure the buds in your ears. Silicone ear tips of different sizes are included in the package to maximize noise isolation and ensure you get the right fit.
You won’t need any adapter for the Battle Buds to work on the Xbox Series X since it comes with a 3.5 mm jack. All you have to do is connect it to the 3.5 mm input jack on the controller, and you’re good to go. In terms of volume control and mic mute, it’s pretty straightforward. A feature worth noting is the Google Assistant button on the back, which could come in handy whenever you want to check something on-the-fly.
The Battle Buds have 10 mm drivers, which are located inside the rather large, triangular plastic cases. The hook design allows for increased security, so even if you attach the microphone, the earbuds should remain snugly fit in your ear.
Keep in mind that the detachable microphone won’t sound as stellar as a dedicated tabletop alternative. But for gaming purposes, it should deliver.
In case you’re planning to use the Turtle Beach Battle Buds as you travel, the design should give you the privacy you need. The earbuds are angled so it would fit deep into your ear canal and allow you to immerse yourself in music.
If you’re going to play Fortnite on the Series X, the Battle Buds should deliver clear pings and distinct gunfire direction.
When playing games, you should experience a balanced sound profile. That means sound effects should mix fine with the dialogue and ambient music without distortion.
5. Sony MDRXB50AP
Best Bass Quality Earphone
Tech Specs
Frequency response: 4 – 24,000 Hz | Acoustic design: In-Ear | Driver size: 12 mm (Neodymium magnet) | Driver Type: Dome type | Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW | Impedance: 16 Ohm | Cable length: 1.2 m / 3.9 ft. | Weight: 0.02 lbs (8 g)
If you’re a bass head looking for affordable earbuds, you’ll love the Sony MDR-XB50AP. On top of having stellar bass quality, they are lightweight, comfortable, and durable, making them ideal for traveling or commuting. On the downside, their enclosures stick out like sore thumbs as they house drivers that are significantly larger than those in most earbuds. To give you an idea, most of the earbuds on this list have 10 mm drivers, while the ones in the MDR-XB50AP are 12 mm in diameter.
The package comes with various silicone ear tip sizes to ensure the perfect fit for your ears. These ear tips may be soft, but they are sturdy and don’t move easily around. If you want earbuds for working out, you might want to look at other options as they aren’t sweatproof.
The mids and highs aren’t as exceptional as the bass, but they sound great for listening to music. On the other hand, the bass-heavy sound signature is ideal for action-packed video games. Explosions, gunfires, and rumbling noises should be amplified. Moreover, the noise isolation feature of the earbuds is above average with a tight and secure fit.
In terms of build quality, these earbuds combine metal and plastic materials to maintain portability without compromising durability. The metal parts give them a premium appeal, uncharacteristic of most options at this price point. These earbuds also feature a gold-plated right angle 3.5 mm plug that prevents the flat cable from straining.
6. Shure SE215-CL
Best Noise Isolation Earbuds for Immersive Gaming
Tech Specs
Frequency response: 22 Hz – 17,000 Hz | Acoustic design: In-Ear | Driver size: N/A | Driver Type: Single Dynamic | Sensitivity: 107 dB SPL/mW | Impedance: 17 ohms | Cable length: 1.62 m / 5.3 ft | Weight: 0.06 lbs (30 g)
Are you looking for earbuds that provide excellent passive noise isolation properties? Among the earbuds on the list, the Shure SE215-CL outperforms all of its contenders with flying colors.
At an entry-level price point, the SE215-CL offers one of the best deals out there. If you’re usually on the move, the build and design of these earbuds will provide the comfort you need. They sport a discrete in-ear design that is unrivaled when it comes to portability. On top of that, they deliver outstanding audio quality to enhance your gaming experience.
The SE215-CL has a unique design, made to accommodate the hardware needed for such stellar audio output. The wedge shape of the earbuds ensures that they don’t go too far into the ear canal, so you get adequate noise isolation without compromising the rich sound performance of the drivers. Moreover, the cables are detachable, making repairs down the road easier.
Unlike most earbuds, the cables on the SE215-CL aren’t intended to face down. Instead, they are oriented upward and cradle around the ear to absorb undesired microphonics.
Unfortunately, the SE215-CL doesn’t have in-line controls that let you mute or adjust the volume on-the-fly. You’ll have to do everything on the connected device manually.
Like most of the products on the list, these earbuds come with a set of silicone ear tips to ensure they fit in your ears comfortably. They also come with a slick zip-up traveling case to keep them safe on your daily commute.
Shure didn’t disclose information about the driver size, but they sure utilized the unorthodox design to create amazing-sounding earbuds. If you’re used to traditional earphones, it shouldn’t take much time to adjust to the new design.
The earbuds’ sound signature is neutral and versatile, capable of delivering the right warmth to any genre. The mids and highs are excellent, but they don’t produce bass as good as the Sony MDRXB50AP.
Overall, the SE215-CL is an attractive and affordable pair of earbuds that offer outstanding noise-isolating features.
7. BlueFire Wired Gaming Earphone
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds for Immersive Gaming
Tech Specs
Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000 Hz | Acoustic design: In-Ear | Driver size: N/A | Driver Type: N/A | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Cable length: 2.2 m / 7.2 ft | Weight: 0.2 lbs (90.8 g)
These earbuds come in three different color options: black, black-red, and black-green. The design closely resembles the Turtle Beach Battle Buds. They feature hooks that secure the earbuds onto your ears.
These earbuds excel in the noise isolation department. The bass is notably overemphasized compared to most of their competitors on the market. But that’s not the only thing they excel in, since they also come with an adjustable 120-degree rotating omnidirectional microphone for effective in-game communication. However, the microphone picks up ambient noises, which is worth noting if you live in a noisy neighborhood.
The directional drivers are among the earbuds’ most notable features as it enhances audio immersion. It’s also worth mentioning that the sound signature is clean and crisp.
If you like to play for extended periods, these earbuds are ideal companions since they combine soft and durable materials to ensure comfort without compromising durability.
Things to Consider when Buying Earbuds for the Xbox Series X
With the new audio technology incorporated into the Xbox Series X, it pays to be an educated buyer.
Picking the right pair of gaming earbuds is easy, especially with the overwhelming options on the market. But with our detailed buying guide, you should have no trouble finding the most suitable pair according to your budget and preferences.
Aim for a Wide Soundstage
The soundstage depicts the spatial sound image produced by earbuds. In first-person shooters like Fortnite and Call of Duty, hearing your surroundings could make or break the outcome of your matches.
Players in these games tend to creep up on enemies using directional audio to get easy kills.
How Comfortable is it?
Earbuds usually come with various-sized silicone ear tips that help you get a snug and comfortable fit. Some people feel pressure in certain parts of the ears after extended use, so you should check the structure of the ear tips before making a purchase.
Does it Come with a Built-in Microphone?
Some earbuds have microphones in their in-line controls, while others have them integrated into dedicated slots.
If you want the best experience, you would be better off investing in an earbud with a built-in microphone to ensure clear voice communication when playing with friends. But if having this feature means going over your budget, it might be wise to focus on other features instead.
Check the Drivers
Now, let’s go over the more technical stuff about earbuds. Drivers are essentially the speakers inside each bud. These are what’s responsible for giving off sound into your ear.
You may think that the larger the drivers are, the better they should sound. However, there’s a lot more to consider than just driver size. Even though size matters when it comes to drivers, those larger than the average don’t really make much of a difference, especially since they’re usually only an inch away from your eardrums.
Frequency Response
Frequency response (also called frequency range) tells you the audible frequency range drivers can reproduce, and is measured in Hertz (Hz). The average range the human ear can hear is from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Sounds lower than 20 Hz are more likely to be felt than heard.
If you’re going to purchase gaming earbuds, aim for those that can produce lower frequencies than its competitors. These earbuds deliver the best low-frequency rumbling sounds in action-packed games.
Noise Cancellation and Noise Isolation
To get the most immersive gaming experience, users tend to opt for headphones that feature either active noise cancellation or noise isolation.
So, what’s the difference between noise isolation and noise cancellation?
Noise isolation blocks both internal and external sounds from mixing. It’s usually how the earbud or headphones are designed. In the case of headphones, the ear cups are usually made of memory foam padding that snugly fits around your ear, ensuring that ambient noise doesn’t get inside, and vice-versa.
Noise cancellation is a more technical approach to keeping noise from interfering with the audio.
You see, headphones, headsets, and earbuds with active noise cancellation are usually equipped with two microphones, one inside and one outside. The magic happens when ambient noise is picked up from the outside because soundwaves are canceled electronically to keep them from entering your eardrums.
However, the case is different with earbuds because of the way they’re designed. Unlike headphones, earbuds fit perfectly in your ear canal for passive noise cancellation, eliminating the need for microphones.
What About Extra Features?
We know you want to use your earbuds for purposes other than gaming, especially since these devices are highly compact and portable. That is why it’s essential to look at other notable features that could come in handy. Some examples of features you should look into include cable length, color options, warranty, durability, and material.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our list of the best earbuds for the Xbox Series X.
If you want the best audio performance to match the capabilities of the Series X, you can’t go wrong with any of the products we featured. To sum everything up:
- Choose the 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones if you want versatile earbuds with impeccable sound.
- The Razer Hammerhead Pro V2 is an excellent pick if you’re seeking a well-rounded audio experience.
- If you think the Razer Hammerhead Pro V2 is too expensive, the Cooler Master Masterpulse MH710 Gaming Earbuds should give you most of the same features for less.
- Do you travel frequently? Then portable earbuds like the Turtle Beach Battle Buds should be a worthy companion.
- If you’re looking for earbuds that you can also use to enjoy the bass-heavy music, the Sony MDRXB50AP should do you justice.
- If you don’t mind wires and prefer sound quality over mobility, the Shure SE215-CL should give you a stellar audio experience.
- You should consider the BlueFire Wired Gaming Earphone if you’re looking for earbuds with outstanding noise-canceling capabilities.
Have you found the perfect earbuds? Tell us in the comments section!
