Headphones that work with xbox series x

You'll get much better audio from your Xbox Series X/S by using a gaming headset instead of your TV’s built-in speakers. With the right headset, you can enjoy simulated surround sound, either with the free Windows Sonic for Headphones option, or your choice of the superior Dolby Atmos for Headphones or DTS Headphone:X apps.

Thankfully, there are many great gaming headsets for the Xbox Series X/S, especially if you don’t mind wires. Your options are more limited if you want to go the wireless route, but you'll still find many excellent models available.

Ready to up your audio game? Check out the best Xbox Series X/S gaming headsets we've tested.

Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2)

Best Affordable Headset

Astro Gaming's recently redesigned A10 is simply one of the best affordable wired gaming headsets available. Its well-padded earcups and clear microphone quality tops the original Astro Gaming A10, while maintaining the same $60 price.

PROS

• Lightweight and comfortable design
• Well-padded earcups
• Strong audio performance
• Good microphone
• Affordable

CONS

• Boom mic isn't replaceable or swappable

Read Our Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2) Review

Razer Blackshark V2

Best for Wired Audio

The Razer BlackShark V2 has been one of our favorite wired gaming headsets for a while, thanks to its reasonable price and fantastic audio performance. It also features a USB sound card that adds useful features on PC, but the card doesn't work on the Xbox Series X/S. There's a cheaper BlackShark V2 X(Opens in a new window) model with a nearly identical headset, but the standard V2 has nicer earpads, a better cable, and a removable mic for easy replacement (or using the wired headphones on the go).

PROS

• Strong audio performance
• Excellent microphone
• USB sound card included with THX Spatial Audio through software
• Light, comfortable fit

CONS

• Cable is hardwired to the headset

Read Our Razer Blackshark V2 Review

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset

Best for Noise Cancellation

As a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a bit long in the tooth compared with the QuietComfort 45's superior technology. As a wired gaming headset, though, it's fantastic (and very expensive). The QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset supports Bluetooth connectivity, and easily blocks out audio distractions. It includes a 3.5mm cable and an excellent, attached boom mic for voice chat.

PROS

• Nearly top-notch noise cancellation
• Excellent sound and voice quality
• Useful PC controller with volume wheel
• QuietComfort 35 II still holds up as great headphones years after release

CONS

• Headphones are a four-year-old model with no internal upgrades
• Limited controls in app
• No spatial audio processing license included or built into PC controller

Read Our Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset Review

SteelSeries Arctis 9X

Best for Wireless Audio

The Steelseries Arctis 9X was released before the Xbox Series X/S, and was initially designed for the Xbox One. It works flawlessly on the Series X/S, though, with the same easy setup as the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset. It feels a bit more premium than the Microsoft headset, with superior sound performance and a fantastic mic. However, it lacks Bluetooth.

PROS

• Balanced, clear audio.
• Excellent microphone.
• Bluetooth connectivity that works alongside Xbox connection for dual audio.
• Comfortable design.

CONS

• Weak bass.
• Requires an Xbox Wireless Adapter to get the best performance on a PC.

Read Our SteelSeries Arctis 9X Review

Xbox Wireless Headset

Best for Powerful Bass

The Xbox Wireless Headset is Microsoft's first-party offering for the Xbox Series X/S, and it's a good one. It wirelessly connects to either system with Microsoft's Xbox-specific standard, but it also supports Bluetooth, so you can use it with your phone, too. The Xbox Wireless Headset is comfortable, and sounds good for the price, especially if you prefer powerful bass.

PROS

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Robust sound
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Remembers multiple wireless signals

CONS

• Bluetooth lacks high-end audio codecs
• Bass-heavy sound requires EQ adjustments

Read Our Xbox Wireless Headset Review

Buying Guide: The Best Xbox Series X/S Gaming Headsets

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Learn More About the Xbox Series X and S

• Xbox Series X Review

• Xbox Series S Review

• The Best Xbox Series X and S Games