Does the Xbox Series X or Series S support Bluetooth?

Best answer: No, the Xbox Series X does not support Bluetooth. The controllers do, however, with compatibility for PCs and mobile devices.

• Grab a Bluetooth controller: Xbox Wireless Controller Black ($60 at Amazon)
• Something extra: Xbox Wireless Controller – Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition ($110 at Amazon)

No Bluetooth for Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X doesn't have Bluetooth, similarly to the Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X. The reason is simple; the Bluetooth signal isn't strong enough to meet Microsoft's specifications for latency. Microsoft uses its proprietary signal, dubbed Xbox Wireless, for connecting controllers and other accessories, like the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 and the SteelSeries 9X wireless headsets.

Microsoft's signal is far stronger than Bluetooth. Since many people typically game while sitting far away from their consoles in the living room or so on, Bluetooth's susceptibility to interference increases exponentially at longer ranges. If you were hoping you could use a USB Bluetooth adapter, it wouldn't work either, as the Xbox Series X and other Xbox One consoles don't have the drivers necessary to power them.

Bluetooth for controller connections to PC and phones

That said, Microsoft does include an additional wireless Bluetooth wireless signal in its controllers, though, including the refreshed ones coming with the Xbox Series X.

The new controllers have a share button baked in and include textured grips and a new directional pad. They're also a slightly different size and retain all of the features the most recent-gen Xbox controllers have. They have 3.5mm for audio, a proprietary port for certain accessories like the QWERTY keyboards, and a AA battery door for power.

The Bluetooth signal on the controllers is an option for times when Xbox Wireless isn't present, i.e., on compatible PCs and mobile devices. You can use the Bluetooth on an Xbox controller with your phone for Project xCloud, for example, or on your PC for various games. If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth, you can grab an Xbox Wireless USB adapter adds Xbox Wireless reasonably cheaply.

Bluetooth for certain Xbox headsets

If you wanted a headset that supported Xbox consoles as well as your mobile phone via Bluetooth, there is a large array of options out there for that purpose.

The best Xbox headset with Bluetooth that we currently recommend is the LucidSound LS50X, for its epic sound quality, superior comfort, and robust build quality. It is, however, a little pricy. If you wanted something a little more affordable, the cheaper Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (2020) headset supports Bluetooth while being a little on the more affordable side. It drops some of the higher-end materials and comfort ratio found in the LS50X from LucidSound but is far more affordable.

Bluetooth controller

Xbox Series X/S Controller

$60 at Amazon

Next-gen controller

The Xbox Series X/S controllers support Bluetooth as an option, letting you connect them up to a PC or a mobile phone.

Heavy Metal

Xbox Wireless Controller – Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition

$110 at Amazon $75 at Best Buy

A glimpse of Cyberpunk 2077 in your hands.

The Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One controller brings a metallic two-tone spin on Microsoft's signature gamepad. Inspired by Keanu Reeves' in-game persona, Johnny Silverhand, the design adds a rustic, futuristic flair to your gaming setup.