Best Xbox headsets 2020: Elevate your audio on Xbox One and Series X ~ System Admin Stuff

At Windows Central, we have a particular focus on covering and testing the very best Xbox One headsets (and also best Xbox Series X, Series S headsets)). I have personally tested dozens upon dozens of the latest and greatest headset solutions from all sorts of manufacturers, both big and small. The best Xbox One headsets also stretch across dozens of use cases. Whether you're a content creator, someone who simply wants an immersive gaming experience, buying the best Xbox One headset for your kid, or someone who wants a tactical edge, this list should have you covered. We've put together a list of every best Xbox One headset that we've tested to be the best for various user scenarios.

Note: All of the headsets listed here work on all Xbox One consoles and next-gen Xbox consoles like the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, either via 3.5mm cables, the proprietary Xbox Wireless signal or via a future PC USB firmware update.

Best Xbox One Headset 2020

LucidSound LS35X — Best Overall: Sublime soundscape, incredible wireless versatility, next-level comfort, endless battery life, and stunning design.
Astro A50 — Best Premium: The Astro A50 headset is a marvel of design and convenience, with a magnetic charging dock, luscious comfort, and great wireless audio.
Turtle Beach Elite Atlas — Best Wired: If you don't fancy a wireless headset, the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas boasts crystalline sound, a comfort-first sleek design, and robust build quality.
HyperX CloudX — Best Value: If you just want a great no-nonsense headset with no frills, the HyperX CloudX is a solid option for those on a budget that punches far above its price.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X — Best with Bluetooth: If you want a headset that can do both Xbox wireless and Bluetooth simultaneously, for mixing in calls, voice chat, or other audio, the SteelSeries 9X is the best of the bunch.

What is the best Xbox gaming headset?

Xbox console gaming is often about kicking back in front of your TV and chilling out, but grabbing a nifty headset can often uplevel your immersion or even grant you a competitive edge. It all depends on what you're looking to achieve and your priorities, as all headsets have their own strengths and weaknesses.

For most, the LucidSound LS35X will be the best of all worlds, with a rock-solid wireless signal, lush coolant-gel earcups, and crystal clear sound. The excellent SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a great alternative too, and while a bit more expensive, it throws in Bluetooth device mixing alongside your Xbox wireless signal for added versatility. If you want to go super-premium with the convenience of a charge dock, the Astro A50 is for you, while more budget-conscious gamers can't go wrong with the tried-and-tested HyperX CloudX wired headset, which boasts booming audio and incredibly robust design and quality.

Here's our full rundown of all the best Xbox One headsets money can buy right now, for every user scenario and price range.

1. LucidSound LS35X — Best Xbox One headset overall

Bottom line: If you hate cables and want to liberate yourself of that plastic tether, the LS35X is a secure wireless solution that delivers big on both comfort and sound. Utilizing Xbox's proprietary wireless signal, the LS35X connects directly to your console without any need for additional dongles or docks for maximum convenience. On-ear controls elevate the user-experience, complete with a sturdy combination of metal and high-quality plastics; this is a headset that will last you.

Speakers: 50mm neodymium | Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: Xbox Wireless, 3.5mm | Features: Removable mic, on-ear controls, 15-hour battery life

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
LucidSound	LS35X	See at Amazon $180 at Walmart
LucidSound	LS35X	See at Best Buy

Pros

Awesome design
Premium build quality and comfort
Solid sound experience
Surprisingly high-quality microphone

Cons

Needs to be updated via PC first
Max volume can produce audio distortion

The incredible LucidSound LS35X is a big step up in their repertoire, delivering crystal-clear Xbox wireless audio with some next-level comfort. The adjustable ear cups have a thick layer of coolant gel to keep your ears nice and frosty across long sessions. It makes the most pleasant headset I've ever worn.

Although it's required that you update the LS35X via a Windows PC before use, the wireless connectivity to the Xbox One is rock-solid. Using the same Xbox Wireless signal as your controller, the LS35X has eliminated the need for extra USB dongles or docks, which adds a ton of convenience to the overall package.

This is one of the best Xbox One headsets because the sound quality is also excellent and tuned for gaming with accentuated frequencies for sound effects like footsteps and reloads. There's no onboard surround solution, but Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic can inject a similar experience at a software level. For wirelessness, this is quite possibly the best Xbox One headset out there.

LucidSound LS35X

The LucidSound LS35X is the best all-rounder wireless Xbox headset for most gamers, with a direct-connection to Xbox consoles, no dongles required. 15-hour battery life joins coolant-gel earcup comfort, cavernous immersive sound, and an excellent microphone to make one seriously great product that easily sits among the best Xbox One headsets out there.

See at Amazon

2. Astro A50 — Best Xbox One headset at the high-end

Bottom line: The Astro A50 is an excellent headset for those who have the cash to splash. Full Dolby Audio, a convenient battery charging dock, full wirelessness, and incredible sound and comfort, the Astro A50 does it all. You should buy this headset if you want wireless convenience, great audio, and have the money to pay for the privilege.

Speakers: 40mm neodymium | Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: SPDIF optical, USB (Xbox and PC) | Features: Magnetic charge dock, on-ear controls, 20-hour battery life

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
Astro	A50	See at Amazon $425 at Walmart
Astro	A50	See at Best Buy

Pros:

Great sound
Solid wireless audio
Convenient docking station

Cons:

The mic audio quality isn't great
Once the battery is flat (20 months), the headset needs to be replaced

The A50 combines Astro's signature comfort and build quality into a product that easily sits among the best Xbox One headsets, shining at every level. It has some of the best gaming sound processing around. It has powerful Dolby surround baked in, which elevates your tactical positional awareness in competitive games. It can also be disabled if you prefer a stereo experience, fully immersing you into your favorite virtual worlds with its cavernous soundscape. The wireless signal is rock solid and has an impressive range. This is one of the few headsets I can say works through walls if you need to grab a drink while staying on the line with your friends.

It's complemented by a convenient magnetic wireless charging dock and long battery life. When you're done, simply pop it into the dock, and it'll be filled up and ready to go for your next session. It was recently updated, too, complete with a new look that follows more subtle design trends we've seen around the industry in recent years, inspired by esports.

The Astro A50 charge dock can connect either directly via USB or in combination with both USB and SPDIF. I use it to connect my PC for chat and voice output for content creation, and via SPDIF to my Xbox or TV to feed in-game sound. It's one of the only headsets on the market that support this type of audio mixing without purchasing additional equipment, which makes it an excellent option for content creators and gamers in general. This may be the best Xbox One headset for those with cash to burn at the premium end.

Astro A50

This is a seriously expensive headset with seriously excellent sound and seriously impressive features. A magnetic charging dock makes this an attractive and convenient option for those gunning for the perfect gaming set up, with rock-solid wireless sound flanked by excellent audio and a sleek design. This is regarded by many as the de facto best Xbox One headset out there.

See at Amazon

3. Turtle Beach Elite Atlas — Best Xbox One headset for wired fans

Bottom line: The Turtle Beach Elite Atlas is the best all-around Xbox headset for most gamers who want something wired, with incredible sound and quality at an incredibly affordable price. The design takes cues from modern design trends, taking a sleeker, more subtle style with metallic accents. The earcups are generously cushioned, complete with a channel designed for glasses wearers.

Speakers: 50mm neodymium | Frequency response: 12 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: 3.5mm | Features: Robust metal design, in-line controls

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
Turtle Beach	Atlas Elite	See at Amazon $100 at Walmart
Turtle Beach	Atlas Elite	See at Walmart

Pros

Looks great
Premium materials and quality
Sounds incredible, with 50mm neodymium drivers
Turtle Beach audio tuning for gaming is still the best in the business
Detachable mic

Cons

Audio is leaky, not great for listening in public

Turtle Beach's Elite Atlas defies its price tag to bring an experience you'd sooner expect of far more expensive headsets. It lacks some bells and whistles like mic monitoring and configurable sound. But the raw quality is simply hard to beat (and you can always throw in extra features via an audio controller like Turtle Beach's Tactical Audio Controller, which gives you additional control over audio mixing and feeds mic monitoring sidetone so you can hear yourself speak.

Turtle Beach has shed the neon accents it's known for to court esports enthusiasts with a more subtle, sexier, industrial design. The metallic components add strength and robustness to the overall package, complete with a braided cable, which should make the product last an obscenely long time.

Turtle Beach has also stepped up its customization efforts. It allows you to detach the cushioning with magnetic clasps quickly and easily. It is also planning to launch a range of customizable speaker plates on the exterior, a first for the company. The headline feature here is the sound quality.

Turtle Beach works directly with game developers to tune the audio profile to accentuate footsteps, reloads, and other audio cues that would give enemy positions away. I have gotten kills as a direct result of this headset, and that's something I can rarely claim, easily making this quite possibly the best Xbox One headset on the market for competitive play.

Turtle Beach Elite Atlas

The Turtle Beat Elite Atlas wins our best Xbox One headset award for a single reason: premium sound. The headset provides such a significant edge for tactical directional awareness. It grants a distinct advantage over other headsets in this price range and has a sleek design and robust build quality for longevity.

See at Amazon

4. HyperX CloudX — Best Xbox One headset for pure value

Bottom line: If you want a cheaper headset that is reliable and built to last, complete with high-quality gaming audio, this is probably the best Xbox One headset for elevated sound at an entry-level price point. Excellent build quality, easy on the ears, with a rich, cavernous soundscape that is hard to give up once you've experienced it.

Speakers: 53mm neodymium | Frequency response: 15 - 25,000 Hz | Compatibility: 3.5mm | Features: Robust build quality, braided cable, in-line controls

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
HyperX	CloudX	See at Amazon
HyperX	CloudX	See at Best Buy

Pros

Subtle design
Durable, premium-feeling built quality
Excellent, spacious sound
Detachable mic

Cons

Missing some features like mic recording monitoring
Max volume isn't the best

If you want to save a bit of cash and still have a great headset, consider the tried-and-tested HyperX CloudX. This headset has been incredibly popular for a long time for its reliability and quality. HyperX hasn't had to revise its design much since its launch. The HyperX CloudX really typifies the mantra "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

The HyperX CloudX uses thick memory foam cushioning on the earcups and has a lightweight design, which lends itself well to its namesake. Wearing this headset feels very "cloud-like," given how lightweight and comfortable it is. The HyperX CloudX headset also sounds excellent, with a vibrant soundscape elevated by software surround solutions like Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic. The frequency response isn't as broad as some of the other headsets on this list, but it's tuned well for gaming and music, with minimal distortion, earning it a contender spot for the best Xbox One headset.

The HyperX CloudX is comprised of premium materials and industry-leading build quality for this price point. It's simply tough to beat in every category in this price range and should be the starting point for anyone looking to elevate their audio game on Xbox, or indeed, any console that supports 3.5mm audio jacks. A sublime staple of the industry and not likely to disappear any time soon.

HyperX CloudX

If you want to save a bit and still have great sound and comfort, the HyperX CloudX is a cheaper alternative that is arguably the "best bang for your buck" Xbox headset on the market today. With massive sound and rock-solid comfort and quality, this is a tough headset to beat at this price.

See at Amazon

5. SteelSeries Arctis 9X — Best Xbox One headset with Bluetooth

Bottom Line: You should buy this headset if you want a gaming headset that you can also use out and about on Bluetooth. The Arctis 9X doesn't quite beat its comparable LS35X cousin for Xbox Wirelessness, at least in terms of comfort and design quality, but the fact it throws in Bluetooth as an added extra may make it your personal best Xbox One headset.

Speakers: 40mm neodymium | Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Bluetooth devices | Features: Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth mixing, on-ear controls, 20-hour battery life

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
SteelSeries	9X	See at Best Buy
SteelSeries	9X	See at Amazon $249 at Walmart

Pros

Subtle design
Premium materials and construction
Great sound profile
Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless combo

Cons

Headband might be a little tight on larger heads
Quite pricey if you don't plan on using the Bluetooth much

If you don't fancy the design of the LucidSound LS35X, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a comparable alternative option with similar features and impressive audio quality, with one notable addition: Bluetooth!

The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a comfortable headset with a floating headband design and a subtle construction profile. This is a headset that you could wear inside for gaming or out in public without looking silly, thanks to a muted but stylish design.

The headset itself rocks up to 20 hours of continuous playback and has a rich audio profile balanced well for both gaming and media. The Bluetooth compatibility gives it the capability to take calls from your phone while also playing games online, while also being a viable headset for going mobile with Xbox game streaming Project xCloud.

On-ear controls, a retractable mic, great all-round quality, and dense materials make this a rock-solid purchase that you won't soon regret. It's without a doubt one of the best Xbox One headsets you'll find today. And if you're desperate for Bluetooth, this may be the single best Xbox One headset for you.

SteelSeries 9X

If you want a headset that can do it all without breaking the bank, look no further than the SteelSeries Arctis 9X. The 9X is comfortable, lightweight, sports great audio, and quite uniquely bakes both Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth 4.1 signals into a single package, letting you mix audio from a connected Bluetooth device like a phone or a PC with your Xbox console experience. A great option for those seeking versatility.

See at Amazon

6. Astro A40 TR with MixAmp — Best Xbox One headset for content creators

Bottom line: If you're a serious content creator who wants something that will let them combine audio from PC tools like Discord alongside game sound from Xbox One, this is a great option. The A40 TR is an excellent headset in its own right, with a sleek black design with metallic and red accents. The MixAmp bundle gives you immense control over your sound profile, with SPDIF optical sound and USB connectivity. One of the best Xbox One headsets around.

Speakers: 40mm neodymium | Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: SPDIF optical, USB (Xbox and PC), 3.5mm | Features: MixAmp control hub for seamless sound mixing, in-line mute

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
Astro	A40 & MixAmp	See at Amazon
Astro	A40 & MixAmp	See at Walmart

Pros

Versatile MixAmp for mixing sound across PC and Xbox
Dolby surround sound injection to any headset
Comfortable, durable headset
Great audio quality

Cons

Can be complex to set up
Very pricey if you're not going to utilize all features

The Astro A40 TR with MixAmp combo is the most versatile sound solution for gamers who need to mix audio from different sources. The Astro MixAmp is fully compatible with mixing sound from both Xbox One and PC simultaneously for game sound and communication platforms. If you're a game streamer or content creator, you can connect your Astro A40 TR MixAmp to my PC via USB to capture Discord audio, and then connect the MixAmp to your Xbox One via SPDIF to capture game sound, mixing them in capture software. No other MixAmp is as cheap or as easy to use for this purpose. You can also connect it straight up to the Xbox One via USB and for use with Xbox party chat.

Beyond content creation, the A40 TR MixAmp also gives quick access to separate volume levels for both chat and game sound, different audio tuning profiles, and also injects 7.1 virtual surround sound to any headset you connect up to its 3.5mm jack, earning it a solid spot on the rankings of best Xbox One headsets.

The Astro A40 headset seals the deal, with optional custom speaker branding for streamers and esports aspirants, with high audio quality and a powerful microphone. The Astro A40 headset also sports excellent comfort and durability. However, it might be more economical to buy the MixAmp separately, and choose one of the cheaper headsets above, unless you like the A40's sexy design.

Astro A40 TR & MixAmp

The Astro A40 TR MixAmp combo is a must-have piece of kit for mixing different sound sources. The A40 design is stunning in of itself, but combine unprecedented sound control with its MixAmp and truly impressive audio, it's one of the best Xbox One headsets out there.

See at Amazon

7. Snakebyte Head:Set X — Best Xbox One headset for kids

Bottom line: If you're gunning for a headset for a youngster and want something on the budget-end that has an excellent audio profile, look no further. The Snakebyte Head: Set X has a collapsible design making it easy to pack away after sessions, and has a dense construction, making some great child-proofing. Even for adults, this headset punches above its weight for sound quality, although the earcups are a little on the small side.

Speakers: 40mm neodymium | Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: 3.5mm | Features: Foldable design for easy storage

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
Snakebyte	Head:Set X	See at Amazon

Pros:

Very affordable
Unique folding design for easy storage
Very impressive sound
Solid microphone
Small earcups designed for kids

Cons:

"Budget" design
Leaky audio

Snakebyte makes a range of very affordable Xbox products that often defy their price point with their quality; the Head: Set X is no different, and it's our pick for folks who want one of the best Xbox One headsets without breaking the piggy bank.

Built from highly malleable, flexible plastics, the Snakebyte Headset:X is a genuinely excellent budget headset. Despite its svelte price point, it packs some seriously impressive sound that genuinely shocked me when I came to review them. It's all thanks to the 40mm drivers with a deep base, crispy highs, and solid maximum volume.

They come complete with a detachable microphone that boasts decent quality and a unique folding design that makes them easy to store and transport. When folded up, they can fit into the palm of your hand, making them ideal for portability and storage.

These headsets aren't necessarily marketed towards kids, but the vibrant, colorful design and tiny earcups certainly put them in that category. The dense construction gives them a decent degree of child-proofing. The earcups and adjustable strap make them a comfortable fit for any gamer, even grown-ups who perhaps just want something cheap for occasional headset use. The smaller earcups may be uncomfortable for older gamers, though.

When it comes to budget headsets, this is easily the best Xbox One headset in that price range I've reviewed. It can be tough to find headsets at this price that come with decent quality all-round, but the Snakebyte Head: Set X certainly fits the bill.

Snakebyte Headset:X

This small, affordable headset surprises and impresses with a massive sound. While the earcups might be too small for most adult ears, they're ideal for younger gamers. This headset also has a collapsible folding design for easy storage and travel and a dense construction that affords a degree of child-proofing.

See at Amazon

8. LucidSound LS1X — Best Xbox One headset for chat

Bottom line: If you want to leverage an external sound setup or want a simple solution purely for chat, this is the mono piece headset for you. This headset also has an open back design allowing you to feet audio in seamlessly from external sound setups, with a decent microphone experience and comfortable construction at an affordable price.

Speakers: 50mm mono piece | Frequency response: 80 - 8,000 Hz | Compatibility: 3.5mm | Features: Open-back design to allow external sound in

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
LucidSound	LS1X	See at Amazon

Pros

Affordable price
Comfortable with a sleek profile
Great chat experience
High-quality LucidSound microphone

Cons

Build quality isn't the best

If you don't want a full-blown headset either because they're bulky or you have an existing cinematic sound setup, consider the LucidSound LS1X, our pick for the best Xbox One headset with an open-back chat design.

Monopiece headsets have lost popularity over the years, but they're still a great option if you have a true surround sound rig or Dolby Atmos array. This open-back solution allows full outside sound into your ears while also providing crystal clear chat quality owing to its beefy 50mm driver. LucidSound headsets tend to have better microphones than most other brands I've used as well, which is another feather in this mono-cap.

Convenient on-ear controls also make it easy to adjust the volume or mute yourself on the fly, with an adjustable design that should fit any skull shape. The build quality isn't what I'd describe as mind-blowing, but you're getting a lot of bang for your buck here. Out of all the mono-piece designs I've tested, this is quite easily the best Xbox One headset for chat and open-back usage I've tried.

LucidSound LS1X

Mono-piece chat headsets have fallen out of popularity in recent years, but if you're rocking an expensive Dolby Atmos surround sound setup and just want something you can use for chat, this is a great option. The open-back design feeds audio from the outside into your soundscape. On-ear controls and a quality mic add to the chat experience, making this our pick for the best Xbox headset for chat and open-back setups.

See at Amazon

9. LucidSound LS50X — Best Xbox One headset for multi-purpose use

Bottom line: If you're looking for a headset that supports multiple use cases, whether it's for gaming on your phone, PC, and Xbox, across media, music, and beyond, there is one headset that can do it all. The LucidSound LS50X is exactly that headset. Owing to its dual-wireless Bluetooth and Xbox signals, you can use it across multiple platforms simultaneously with ease. The sleek design profile also makes them a solid option for using outside, complete with a detachable mic.

Speakers: 50mm neodymium | Frequency response: 18 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: 3.5mm, Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless | Features: Detachable premium-grade mic, premium build quality and materials.

Manufacturer	Headset	Vendor
LucidSound	LS50X	See at Amazon

Pros

Incredible audio for gaming, media, and music
Bluetooth, Xbox wireless, and 3.5mm compatibility
Detachable mic with premium audio quality
Superior comfort experience with coolant-gel

Cons

Quite expensive

One "problem" that is often true of gaming headsets is their insistence on "gamer-style" designs, with loud neon colors and bold, expressive designs. That's great if you're gaming at home or streaming online, but if you're just out and about in public, you might want a design profile that's a little more subtle and stylish. LucidSound's LS50X more than fits the bill, which is why it's our best Xbox One headset pick for multi-purpose use.

With Bluetooth compatibility, you can use this headset across a plurality of devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. The balanced audio reproduction is still great for tactical play, but the powerful separation and sweeping bass makes it an impressive option for shows and music. I love listening to Spotify using this headset, and regardless of the battery charge, you always have a 3.5mm option.

The battery itself is beefy regardless, lasting anywhere up to 15 hours of continuous playback. The design is subtle and sleek and robustly built with possibly my favorite on-ear experience, owing to the cushioned coolant gel that line the earphones. Finally, it also sports a detachable mic with a rubber stopper for those times you don't need it. And when you do need it, the mic on the LS50X is quite probably the best on this entire list. The headset is a bit pricey, but you won't regret it.

LucidSound LS50X

The LS50X is one product that easily deserves to be on any best Xbox One headset round up, that offers balanced audio across movies, shows, music, and gaming, making it a versatile option for those who want to go mobile. The headset's design profile is subtle enough to make it appropriate basically anywhere, with Bluetooth, 3.5mm, and Xbox Wireless signals all supported, making it usable on basically any device. This is a personal favorite and easily one of the best Xbox One headsets out there.

See at Amazon

What to look for when buying the best Xbox One headset for you

Buying a fantastic headset depends on various factors and ultimately depends on what your personal needs are and your personal set up is. Some Xbox gamers play at a desk, which might make a wireless headset less necessary. Some play far away, sitting on a sofa, making finding the best wireless Xbox One headset far more necessary. However, you can plug any wired 3.5mm headset directly into an Xbox controller, which effectively adds wirelessness. Some might need audio mixing from different sources for content creation, while others may just need the absolute basics for a chat or something cheap and cheerful for the kids.

Also note that all Xbox One headsets will work on the next-gen Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S too. However, some headsets like the Astro A50 and Astro MixAmp may require an update via a connected PC before they will work on next-gen systems. Those devices were designed to be used with a SPDIF optical cable, and you can still use it that way by plugging the optical cable directly into your TV if your set supports it.

For sofa gaming, I'd highly recommend one of our wireless headset options. The LucidSound LS35X is currently our best Xbox One headset pick overall, for most gamers, for its superior sound quality, coolant-gel earcups which make them simply dreamy to wear, and have a balanced audio profile between tactical positional advantages and sweeping immersion. Alternatively, you could grab the SteelSeries 9X to add some Bluetooth into the mix. For a slightly cheaper wireless alternative, consider the Turtle Beach Stealth 600.
For wired desk gaming and content creators I'd always recommend the Astro A40 TR MixAmp bundle, which gives you a ton of control over your sound experience thanks to its MixAmp, while also allowing you to combine sound sources from USB and SPDIF optical audio simultaneously, without needing a more expensive, more complicated setup. The wireless Astro A50 also works for this functionality.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Jez Corden is a full-time writer for Windows Central, focusing on Xbox, Surface, and Windows PC. He spends the vast majority of his time gaming or writing about gaming, with a mission to provide gamers in the Microsoft ecosystem the best and most up-to-date info possible.

System Admin Stuff

Tuesday, 17 November 2020