The gaming industry is changing at a massive scale due to the fierce competition between Sony and Microsoft. With the Xbox Series S recently announced, more gamers have the opportunity to own a next-generation console because of its affordability. If you’re one of these gamers, you will need a suitable pair of headphones to complement your new console.
Whether you play online multiplayer titles or single-player story-driven games, a dedicated gaming headset is guaranteed to enhance your overall experience. Apart from the official Xbox One headset, other high-quality headphones can even give you a fair advantage over your opponents through stellar directional audio, letting you hear the faintest of audio cues like footsteps and rustling bushes. This article highlights some of the best headsets for the Xbox Series S you can buy right now. Of course, some headsets are more suited for console gaming than others, so it’s important to really look into which ones work best for your use case.
It should be noted that there’s no absolute best Xbox One option since your choice is heavily dependent on your preferences. Would you rather have a wired, Bluetooth, or wireless solution? Is your budget fit for premium or affordable options? Whatever ideal headset you have in mind, we’re sure this list of the best Xbox headsets has you covered.
| Rank | Preview | Product | Connectivity | Driver Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | SteelSeries Arctis 9X | Wireless | 40 mm | |
| 2 |  | Logitech G Pro X | Wired | 50 mm | |
| 3 |  | Wired | 40 mm | ||
| 4 |  | SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless | Wireless | 40 mm | |
| 5 |  | Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 | Wireless | 50 mm | |
| 6 |  | HyperX CloudX | Wired | 53 mm | |
| 7 |  | Turtle Beach Recon 500 | Wired | 60 mm | |
| 8 |  | Razer Kraken X | Wired | 40 mm | |
| 9 |  | LucidSound LS15X | Wireless | 50 mm | |
| 10 |  | JBL Quantum 100 | Wired | 40 mm |
Contents of this Page
The 10 Best Xbox Headsets for Series S Available Today: Bluetooth Series S Headsets
1. SteelSeries Arctis 9X
The best headphones for the Xbox Series S hands down
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 40 mm |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Battery Life | 20 hours |
| Weight | 372 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 9 |
| Design | 9 |
| Microphone | 8 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Value | 8 |
If you want to use your gaming headphones outdoors, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a really option. This headset supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, making it compatible with plenty of other devices besides the Xbox Series S.
The Arctis 9X flaunts a more subdued design compared to most gaming headsets. It’s a comfortable headset that employs a floating headband design and subtle aesthetics. In other words: it won’t be embarrassing to wear in the streets.
In terms of battery life, the Arctis 9X is rated for up to 20 hours of continuous, which translates to at least four days without charging. Plugging it into your Xbox Series S and mobile phone simultaneously will allow you to take calls straight from the headset, ensuring you don’t miss in-game action because of a phone call. It also works great if you want to use Discord for gaming with your friends.
On-ear controls include a volume rocker, power button, and mute button, perfect for when you need to dip out of a call for any reason. The microphone is honestly not too good given its size and proximity to your mouth but is passable enough for voice chat.
Sound-wise, the Arctis 9X delivers an average experience. It sounds nicer than a cheap, Chi-Fi pair of headphones, but the lack of surround sound might ruin the level of immersion for some. However, that’s not to say that it’s a lousy gaming headset for your Xbox Series S. Stereo sound is enough for people who don’t care too much about directional audio, and the Arctis 9X delivers in spades in that regard.
The Arctis 9X is an affordable alternative to high-end gaming headsets and packs the same punch as its pricier competitors. It is a lightweight, versatile, and comfortable pair of headphones that offers excellent value for your money.
2. Logitech G Pro X
A wired alternative offering exceptional value
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Size of Drivers | 50 mm |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB |
| Impedance | 35 Ω |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 320 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 9 |
| Design | 9 |
| Microphone | 7 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Value | 9 |
The Logitech G Pro X is an excellent multi-platform gaming headset that takes cues from consumers’ demands and brings them into an affordable product. It is an immersive and breathable audio solution ideal for extended gaming sessions.
The G Pro X comes with a detachable boom microphone, breathable velour and leatherette earpads, and a cushioned carrying case. The headset itself feels durable, boasting a sturdy metal frame and thick padding on the headband and ear cups. It applies enough clamping force to remain stable on your head without causing discomfort since the hinges on connecting the headphones offer a lot of room for adjustment.
Passive noise isolation is another strong suit for the G Pro X. The thick leatherette padding allows you to get a decent seal easily. If you wear glasses, you can use the soft velour pads included in the package to remain comfortable using the headset. Although velour has slightly worse noise-isolating properties than leatherette, it is more breathable and allows users with glasses to get a complete seal.
The G Pro X has in-line controls that let you adjust the volume and mute the microphone. It has a virtual surround sound feature that can only be enabled through the Logitech G Hub software, which means it’s not available for consoles. Nevertheless, this headset produces accurate sounds for a gaming headset. It has a more neutral sound profile compared to its contemporaries, allowing for a solid gaming experience. Explosions and gunshots remain the loudest elements in action-packed games, but they don’t drown out dialogue and soundtracks.
One of the main drawbacks of the G Pro X is its disappointing microphone. It tends to overemphasize high-frequencies, making users with deep voices sound distorted. But if you’re not going to use the microphone for content creation, it is perfectly fine for in-game communication.
Overall, the G Pro X is a really great gaming headset, but its reliance on software to enable features like virtual surround sound makes it less appealing for console use. If you’re a casual gamer who prefers graphically intensive single-player titles over competitive online games, this headset is an excellent pick.
3. Astro A40 TR
A premium headset worth every penny
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 40 mm |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 369 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 9 |
| Design | 9 |
| Microphone | 8 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Value | 8 |
The Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro TR is a high-end headset for Xbox Series S. It is a versatile audio solution also compatible with the Xbox Series X and PC.
The A40 TR is a relatively heavy headset that takes some time to get used to but is nevertheless comfortable. It has an open-back enclosure that promotes breathability, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions. However, this design makes it susceptible to ambient noise because of poor noise isolation.
One of the best aspects of the A40 TR is its customizability. Astro separately sells modification kits that let you swap out the components to suit your audio preferences. For instance, you can replace the backplates with thicker ones for better passive noise isolation.
In terms of build quality, the headset, frame, and microphone are durable and made of high-quality materials. It has a premium, robust construction that helps slow down wear and tear.
The included MixAmp Pro TR might seem intimidating to use, but it is very straightforward. This device gives you all the controls you need for streaming, recording, and gaming, such as virtual surround sound processing and voice balance control. So whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a budding content creator, the A40 TR is an ideal headset.
You can fine-tune and make customizations through the Astro Command Center. The MixAmp Pro TR even has built-in memory that lets you save settings, so you don’t have to configure the headset every time you switch devices.
Overall, this is the best headset for content creators who use the Xbox Series S to stream and record gaming videos. The MixAmp Pro TR is the deciding factor for this conclusion since it puts all critical audio controls for quick adjustments while playing games.
4. SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
An affordable and remarkable wireless solution
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 40 mm |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Battery Life | 20 hours |
| Weight | 272 g |
| Ratings | |
| Sound Quality | 9 |
| Design | 8 |
| Microphone | 9 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Value | 9 |
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless is a constant feature in our articles about the best gaming headsets because it is one of the most reliable options on the market. It’s a solid performer for its price, and it manages to keep up with newer releases.
The minimalist aesthetics of this headset complements its low-profile, lightweight, and wireless design. It delivers a full-range stereo sound that is wide and expansive, with lows that thump, mids that swell, and highs that soar. However, it doesn’t have a virtual surround sound feature, but that doesn’t make it less appealing to serious gamers.
The Arctis 1 Wireless is one of the first headphones to use a USB Type-C dongle and is built from the same framework as the Arctis 7 and Arctis Pro. It comes with the same high-quality microphone that effectively de-emphasizes bass for clear voice transmission. Its design is primarily plastic compared to its more premium cousins that use aluminum suspension frames. However, the leatherette cushion and pads make for a very comfortable experience.
When used wirelessly, there’s not a lot of latency when it comes to sound delivery. And what sound delivery it is: for stereo headphones, SteelSeries took a lot of time designing its soundscape. Music sounds nice and balanced here without software equalizer, and gaming feels dynamic and immersive, but it falls short on directional audio.
The Arctis 1 Wireless is similar to the Arctis 3 because it has nearly identical plastic construction, weight, and ear cushion material. However, the Arctis 1 fits better compared to the Arctis 3. It tends to fit too snugly at first, but you can easily find the perfect fit for your head once you flex the frame.
5. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Battery life for days
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 50 mm |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 22,000 Hz |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Battery Life | 20 hours |
| Weight | 453 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 9 |
| Design | 8 |
| Microphone | 8 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Value | 8 |
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is a reasonably priced wireless gaming headset with excellent battery life and decent microphone quality. It is the latest version of one of the company’s most successful headsets explicitly designed for the new generation of consoles.
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 boasts of improvements from its predecessor across the board. Most significantly, it now uses Xbox Wireless Technology to connect directly to your Xbox Series S without a dongle.
Although this headset is primarily made of plastic, it is still pretty hefty because of the integrated battery. It has a metal strip running through the headband for reinforcement and added durability.
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 features a dual-hinge system to accommodate an ergonomic and comfortable design. It allows for a decent tilt range and lets the headphones lay flat when not in use. The ear cups have memory foam padding with a cooling gel layer wrapped in leatherette. Most users should have no trouble getting a snug and comfortable fit with this headset, including those who wear glasses.
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 has a non-detachable microphone that folds out of the left headphone and automatically unmutes when you pull it down. The controls for power, preset modes, wireless pairing, and volume are also situated on the left headphone.
If you want to tweak the sound profile, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 has a companion mobile software that lets you access a handful of settings. From there, you can switch between audio presents, remap the controls, or enable a game mode called Superhuman Hearing. This mode drastically changes the headset’s frequency response to make in-game cues like footsteps and rustling bushes more prominent without drowning out explosions and gunshots.
One of the main selling points of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 is its stellar battery life. This headset is rated for up to 20 hours on a single charge, allowing you to play for extended periods without having to worry about recharging in the middle of a gaming session.
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 is pretty standard compared to other gaming headsets in terms of sound quality. The mids and highs are relatively accurate, while the bass response is overemphasized, making for some of the most intense moments on the battlefield.
Turtle Beach is known for producing some of the best headset microphones, and this reputation carries over to the Stealth 700 Gen 2. The microphone accurately records audio across the vocal spectrum for clear in-game communication.
Overall, this headset is a no-brainer for those who want a wireless gaming headset with an extended battery life to introduce them to the new consoles.
6. HyperX CloudX
A popular headset now tailored for the Xbox Series S
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 53 mm |
| Frequency Range | 15 – 25,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 95 dB |
| Impedance | 41 Ω |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 325 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 9 |
| Design | 9 |
| Microphone | 6 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Value | 8 |
The superior sound and comfort make the HyperX CloudX ideal for the most serious gamers. Spending all day with a headset on is made much more enjoyable with soft, memory foam ear cushions and a padded leather headband.
The CloudX lets you hear the game and other players clearly thanks to the noise-isolating capabilities of the ear cups. When you don’t want to use the microphone, it’s easily detachable, so it’s not in your way. However, the microphone performs rather disappointingly. The bass response is particularly overemphasized, leading to muffled transmission if you have a deep voice. Nevertheless, it is perfectly serviceable for in-game communication.
This headset is made of sturdy aluminum construction and quality materials like leather and memory foam to ensure durability. The sound quality is superb. Highs, mids, and lows are incredible. However, the volume isn’t as loud compared to other headsets in the same category.
The CloudX doesn’t have virtual surround sound, but you’ll still be able to tell where the footsteps are coming from or where the shots are being fired. The build is similar to the Cloud I and Cloud II, with braided cables and an in-line control for adjusting the volume and microphone. Unfortunately, the braided cable can sometimes get twisted while playing for no reason. You can switch out ear cups for a softer version if you want something cooler than the default leather material.
The CloudX has a good fit and feel. The leather ear cups don’t accumulate heat to keep your ears and head cool. The microphone offers an optimal position for talking while playing. Plus, the entire headset fits snugly into its case because of the removable mic. Even though the cables aren’t removable, the CloudX is one of our best bets if you’re looking to buy headsets for Xbox Series S.
7. Turtle Beach Recon 500
An affordable headset that sounds just as good as any
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 60 mm |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 355 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 9 |
| Design | 7 |
| Microphone | 9 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Value | 8 |
The Turtle Beach Recon 500 is a budget wired gaming headset that provides all the essentials at a very reasonable price. It has a straightforward and comfortable design and is compatible with a wide variety of devices.
The Recon 500 features a predominantly plastic construction with a steel strip reinforcing the leatherette-padded headband. It has an ergonomic two-hinge system that allows the headphones to lay flat and have a decent range of tilt to accommodate different head shapes.
The ear cups are cushioned with comfortable memory foam wrapped in soft mesh fabric, suitable for users who wear glasses. These materials are breathable and allow a decent seal but reduce the headset’s passive noise isolation potential. Audio leakage can also be a problem because these materials struggle to keep loud audio contained in the headphones. That means the people near you could hear what you’re listening to if you turn up the volume loud enough.
The Recon 500 has simple but intuitive on-ear controls for adjusting the volume and muting the microphone. The volume dial and mute toggle are located along the bottom edge of the left ear cup and are easily accessible. This headset also has a detachable microphone, making it suitable as a regular pair of outdoor headphones.
The microphone is relatively easy to maneuver when finding the correct position near your mouth. Its recording quality is also pretty remarkable for the price point. It outputs accurate audio across the vocal spectrum, but it could use a volume boost.
Gaming sound quality is another upside for this headset. If you play story-driven action-adventure titles, it can handle a layered mix of intense firefights, orchestral soundtracks, and character dialogue to give you a stellar listening experience. It has a relatively more balanced sound profile than most gaming headsets, but the rumble of explosions and gunfire remains rattling. It even performs decently for listening to music, but the underemphasis on bass becomes apparent.
If you want a barebones gaming headset that provides everything you need for the Xbox Series S, the Recon 500 is an excellent choice. It is also ideal for multi-platform gamers who want something easy to use across different devices.
8. Razer Kraken X
Cheap yet extremely comfortable
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 40 mm |
| Frequency Range | 12 – 28,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 109 dB |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 250 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 7 |
| Design | 7 |
| Microphone | 7 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Value | 8 |
The Razer Kraken X is another headset that gets the job done without draining your wallet. It boasts an all-black design geared towards gamers and an intuitive control scheme that makes it very easy to use.
The Kraken X features a non-detachable boom microphone that makes it unsuitable for outdoor use. However, it is compatible with a wide range of platforms because of its wired connectivity. You can use it on your Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The integrated microphone is very easy to maneuver when finding the optimal placement parallel to your mouth. Voice transmits through this microphone clearly, but it doesn’t mitigate ambient noise effectively. If your room is quiet, you should have no problems with in-game communication.
The Kraken X is primarily made of durable thermoplastic, including the headband and slider. This headset is relatively less durable than the other options on this list, but it is remarkably lightweight and comfortable. The memory foam ear cups also have hidden channels that alleviate pressure at the temples for users who wear glasses.
For controls, the Kraken X has a volume dial and mute button situated on the left ear cup. The volume dial feels flimsy and lacks resistance, but the mute toggle gives a satisfying click when enabled or disabled.
While the Kraken X falls short in other aspects, it excels in gaming sound quality. It has excellent directional audio that grants users enhanced spatial awareness to understand where the enemies are located. So if you play first-person shooters or battle royale games, this headset can help you identify where footsteps and gunshots are coming from and get the upper hand.
Its sound profile is typical of gaming headsets, with bass notes receiving the most emphasis for impactful explosions. Vocal frequencies are also boosted to allow efficient in-game communication with your teammates.
In a nutshell, the Kraken X is a budget headset that caters to the essential demands of gamers. The memory foam padding and eyewear channels make it comfortable enough for long gaming sessions, while the intuitive controls make it very user-friendly. If you want a similarly sized alternative with a more balanced sound profile, check out the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless.
9. LucidSound LS15X
A well-balanced budget gaming headset
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 50 mm |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Battery Life | 15 hours |
| Weight | 282 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 7 |
| Design | 8 |
| Microphone | 8 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Value | 7 |
The LucidSound LS15X is a budget wireless gaming headset that features a pretty standard design with predominantly plastic construction. It has carbon fiber accents that provide contrast to the all-black exterior for an overall decent look.
Although the LS15X is primarily made of plastic, it feels robust. The headband has memory foam padding wrapped in leatherette to prevent head discomfort. The cushions on the ear cups are similarly plush and are covered in the same leatherette material. If you want a headset comfortable enough for long gaming sessions, this option is suitable.
Unlike most of the gaming headsets on this list, the LS15X has a very comprehensive control scheme. The centerpieces on both headphones are actually buttons, while the rings around the center are dials that adjust volume and chat control.
Tapping the left headphone button mutes or unmutes the audio while pressing and holding it for three seconds tells you the remaining battery life. On the other hand, tapping the right headphone button mutes or unmutes the microphone while holding it for three seconds toggles monitoring.
The equalizer button is located on the back of the right headphone. You can press this button to toggle between audio presets or activate signature sound modes.
The LS15X has a detachable microphone with a flexible arm that lets you adjust the placement easily. In addition, the microphone has a light indicator around the tip that glows red when muted.
While other wireless solutions like the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 and the SteelSeries Arctis 9X use Xbox Wireless Technology, the LS15X still requires a dongle to connect to the platform. Moreover, the dongle only works on the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One, so you can’t use it on a PC.
The sound performance of the LS15X is quite underwhelming compared to other gaming headsets in the same price range. It has an underemphasized bass response, which is somewhat unusual for a headset designed for gaming. When switching from the default sound profile to the bass boosted preset, the bass increase is barely noticeable.
The LS15X has a gaming mode called Signature Sound that changes the frequency response to enhance in-game cues. You can enable this mode to hear footsteps and other faint sound effects better, but it compromises other frequency levels. Nevertheless, it is a surefire way to increase spatial awareness when playing first-person shooters or battle royale games.
The microphone on the LS15X records speech clearly, but it lacks noise-canceling properties. That means your teammates might hear ambient noise like your keyboard or a nearby fan, but if you play in a quiet room, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Overall, the LS15X is a decent budget option for those who want a dedicated wireless headset for their Xbox Series S.
10. JBL Quantum 100
A versatile pair of headphones you can rock outdoors
|
Quick Specifications |
|
| Driver Size | 40 mm |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 220 g |
|
Ratings |
|
| Sound Quality | 7 |
| Design | 6 |
| Microphone | 9 |
| Comfort | 7 |
| Value | 7 |
The JBL Quantum 100 is one of the cheapest options on this list. Similar to some Sennheiser headphones, the Quantum 100 is an entry-level model to a lineup of gaming headsets that feature high-quality boom microphones and decent performance across the board.
The Quantum 100 has no flashy design elements like some notable Sennheiser products, a common thing among its contemporaries. With the microphone detached, it looks like a standard pair of over-ear headphones, which isn’t necessarily bad. You can easily sport this headset outdoors without attracting too much attention without compromising the details.
If you want a comfortable headset for long gaming sessions, the Quantum 100 is a solid pick if you can’t afford entry-level Sennhaiser headphones. Its ear cups have plush and breathable cushions that prevent discomfort while giving you a good seal. Unfortunately, this headset is pretty bad at blocking out ambient noise, but it shouldn’t be an issue if you play games in a quiet room.
Although the Quantum 100 has a relatively inadequate control scheme, it is highly intuitive. The only onboard controls are the volume scroll wheel and mute button located behind the left headphone.
Arguably the most disappointing aspect of the Quantum 100 is its build quality. This headset is made entirely of flimsy plastic that makes creaking noises when flexed. The headband also feels cheap, but the braided cable is a durable and welcome addition.
Unlike most gaming headphones, the Quantum 100 has a well-balanced sound profile. Its bass response is slightly emphasized to intensify in-game sound effects, but it doesn’t dominate the mids and highs.
Microphone quality is undoubtedly the strongest feature of the Quantum 100. It transmits your voice clearly, naturally, and almost free of distortion. It also uses echo cancellation technology to isolate speech from ambient noise to ensure efficient communication with your teammates.
If you want a no-frills gaming headset that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Quantum 100. But if you can spare a few more, Sennheiser headphones are also worth considering.
Top 3 Xbox Headset Notable Mentions: Best Xbox Headsets that are Still Worth Considering
- HypeX Cloud Alpha S – This headset is a slightly more expensive alternative to the HyperX CloudX. It offers much of the same features and more but is not officially licensed for the Xbox Series S.
- Corsair HS35 – This affordable headset comes from a brand renowned for its quality gaming peripherals. It is a decent option for gamers on a tight budget, but it can’t hold a candle to our top picks when it comes to sound quality.
- Razer Kaira Pro – The Kaira Pro wireless headset uses Xbox Wireless Technology to connect seamlessly to your Xbox Series S. It also has an attractive colorway that matches the aesthetics of your console, but it has a relatively steep price tag.
How to Choose the Right Xbox Headsets with Quality Audio
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right headset for Xbox Series S. To pick the right Bluetooth headset (or wired) headphones for Xbox Series, consider the the following:
Compatibility
Your headset of choice should depend on your use case. Wired headsets are undoubtedly the most versatile options since they are compatible with most platforms, including mobile phones, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
If you want to use your headset solely for the Xbox Series S, options that use Xbox Wireless Technology are excellent picks. They can seamlessly connect your console without requiring a dongle and offer other appealing, exclusive features.
If you want a wireless headset compatible with multiple platforms, either the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless or the LucidSound LS15X is ideal. This device uses a dongle for wireless connectivity, making it compatible with the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC. You can also choose to use it on your Nintendo Switch and other mobile devices using the included audio cable.
Connectivity
This aspect refers to wired and wireless options. Some top Xbox Series headsets offer both, giving you added versatility. If you’re going for a wireless option, some headsets use Xbox Wireless Technology, allowing you to connect directly to your Xbox Series S without a dongle. The wireless headsets on this list that use this technology include the SteelSeries Arctis 9X and the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2.
One of the most significant benefits of using a wireless headset is the freedom it affords you. You can make yourself a sandwich in between matches or sit on the opposite side of the couch without having to remove your headset or reroute the cable.
On the other hand, wireless headsets require charging every few days, which can be a nuisance. You don’t want your headset dying on you in the middle of an online match, so you must be diligent about charging it regularly. Wireless headsets are also usually more expensive than wired alternatives.
Sound Quality
A headset with exceptional sound quality lets you experience games as the developers and sound engineers intended. Immersing yourself in the soundtrack, dialogue, and audio effects is a prerequisite to extracting the full potential of a game. That’s why nearly every single one of the headsets on this list is explicitly tuned for console gaming. Some even offer features that enhance directional audio to give you the upper hand in competitive online matches.
Comfort
If comfort is your primary concern when choosing a headset, the two factors you should consider are padding and clamping force. Most of the headsets on this list have plush ear cups that sit comfortably over your ears without applying too much pressure on your head. Some ear cups even have eyewear channels to ensure users who wear glasses don’t feel discomfort. The material used for the ear cups and the frame is a good indicator for comfort as well.
Microphone Quality
A decent headset microphone transmits your voice to your teammates clearly for effective in-game communication. Some headsets even come with noise-canceling features that block out ambient noise to enhance voice clarity. If you’re a new content creator who streams or records videos often, you can start with a good headset microphone until you can afford a dedicated tabletop alternative.
Budget
Lastly, budget is an essential factor to consider. You can either splurge or save. If you don’t like to overspend, affordable solutions like the JBL Quantum 100 and Razer Kraken X are ideal. But if you’d like the higher-end of the market, you can go for Astro A40 TR or the SteelSeries Arctis 9X.
FAQ About the Best Xbox Series Headpones
- What is the best gaming headset for Xbox Series S?
In our opinion, the best Xbox Series S headset is the SteelSeries Arctis 9X. It shines above the rest of the competition in terms of sound quality, design, comfort, and has a huge jump in performance.
If you want a cheaper wired alternative, the Logitech G Pro X is a no-brainer. With its next-gen features and proven track record, it is already one of the best gaming headsets for the Xbox Series S.
- What is the best gaming headset for Xbox Series S and PC?
Most Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S headsets are compatible with PC, given that Microsoft owns both Windows and Xbox. In addition, many of the gaming headsets on this list support either 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth, making them compatible with a wide variety of devices.
However, for people who need to use their PC and Xbox Series S simultaneously, we recommend the Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro TR. This bundle allows you to listen to both audio sources and adjust their volume levels. It also helps people without mixers manage their audio better when streaming Xbox Series S content.
- What is the cheapest Xbox Series S headset?
Out of our top ten picks, the most affordable gaming headset is the Razer Kraken X. It delivers decent performance, comes from a reputable brand, and is as comfortable as they come. Of course, you could go ahead and find a cheaper pair, but we cannot vouch for its quality. Buyer beware!
- Will Xbox Series S headsets work with the Xbox Series X?
Yes, Xbox Series S gaming headsets are fully compatible with the Xbox Series X. Both are essentially the same console with different hardware and form factors. The Series S is the “lighter” version of the Series X.
Both consoles feature backward compatibility for peripherals, so gaming headsets from the previous console generation will still work with the newer consoles. If you already have gaming headphones for the Xbox One, you don’t need to purchase another to keep up. But of course, don’t let us stop you.
- Which gaming headset should I get for the Xbox Series S?
The gaming headset you should get for Xbox Series S is the one you feel best meets your demands. If you value accurate gaming sound quality, the Turtle Beach Recon 500 and everything ranked above it on this list would be right up your alley.
If comfort is an issue, the HyperX Cloud X is exceptionally comfortable to wear for long gaming periods. On the other hand, those working on content creation might want to get the Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro TR so that they can control their audio sources easier. And those looking for something barebones and affordable can’t go wrong with the JBL Quantum 100.
- Are gaming headsets for Xbox Series S worth it?
They most certainly are! Gaming headsets are designed to bring out the best in a game’s sound design. If you own a decent game library, you can replay every title and experience the massive difference a headset brings. That is especially true for people who play a lot of competitive games, in which audio cues are essential to winning. Knowing where your enemy is could save you precious seconds and lets you prepare for the threat they pose.
Those who play single-player games will find themselves blown away by the immersion only gaming headphones can provide. In addition, their particular tuning and bias towards a wider soundstage can truly help you hear the games the way they were designed to sound.
- Where can I buy the best gaming headset for Xbox Series S?
You can buy these gaming headsets from your local tech store or check them out on Amazon through the links provided on this list. We gathered up the best ones, so all you have to do is compare, click, and have it shipped out to your home!
- How do I connect a headset to my Xbox Series S?
If you get a wired controller, connecting it to your Xbox Series S is as simple as plugging it into the headphone jack on your controller. However, if you want a headset with an included DAC like the Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro TR, you must first connect the DAC to your console via USB and Optical connections before plugging the headset into the DAC.
For wireless headsets that use a dongle, you must plug the dongle into one of your console’s front USB ports to establish a connection. Arguably the better wireless solutions are headsets that use Xbox Wireless Technology. These headsets use the same proprietary standards first-party controllers use to connect seamlessly to your console. Moreover, they free up your USB ports, allowing you to use them for other peripherals like charging stations.
- Is virtual surround sound worth it?
Virtual surround sound has been one of the most polarizing topics in gaming for a long time. While some feel that the directional audio it provides can give you a competitive advantage, others think that its audio processing makes it harder to hear footsteps and other subtle in-game cues. Moreover, they sometimes increase audio latency and decrease detail.
If you don’t want the artificial processing of virtual surround sound but want an expansive soundstage for enhanced directional audio, consider open-back headsets like the Astro A40 TR. These headsets make it easier to spot enemies on the map based on the noises they’re making without creating a false perception of multiple audio sources.
Quick Recap of the Best Headsets for Xbox Series S
- SteelSeries Arctis 9X – The best headset for the Xbox Series S hands down
- Logitech G Pro X – A wired alternative offering exceptional value
- Astro A40 TR – A premium headset worth every penny
- SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless – An affordable and remarkable wireless solution
- Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 – Battery life for days
- HyperX CloudX – A popular headset now tailored for the Xbox Series S
- Turtle Beach Recon 500 – An affordable headset that sounds just as good as any
- Razer Kraken X – Cheap yet extremely comfortable
- LucidSound LS15X – A well-balanced budget gaming headset
- JBL Quantum 100 – A versatile pair of headphones you can rock outdoors
Runners-Up
Conclusion
If you’ve been reading up to this point, it should be clear which gaming headset is right for you. If you want the absolute best, shoot for the SteelSeries Arctis 9X. For those who value versatility in their sound, the Astro A40 TR is a perfect choice. Those who prioritize comfort should check out the HyperX CloudX. And people looking for an affordable option should be happy with the Razer Kraken X.
