Tuesday, February 16, 2021
A competitor emerges.
We love headsets on Windows Central, reviewing dozens upon dozens for our best Xbox One headset, best Xbox Series X/S headsets and best Xbox One wireless headsets roundups.
One interesting omission from these lists in recent years has been Microsoft itself, who do invest a fair bit in headphone tech. Microsoft launched a wired Xbox One headset back in the day, and have a few related products available as part of the Surface line, including the Surface Earbuds and the Surface Headphones. Alas, Microsoft hasn't released a wireless headset designed for the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. That is, until now.
Say hi to the official Xbox Wireless Headset, which boasts some impressive features. Let's dive in.
Crazy value
Official Xbox Wireless Headset
$99 at Microsoft Store (Preorder)
Best Xbox headset ever?
Microsoft has opened preorders for an all-new official Xbox Wireless headset, that boasts a truly impressive feature set for a $99 option. But will it deliver in reality? If Microsoft's claims come to fruition, this could prove to be the best-value Xbox headset in history.
An official headset with "best in class" audio
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| Freq. Response | Unknown |
| Compatibility | Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth |
| Usable with | Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Series S, Windows PC, mobile devices |
| Features | Auto-mute retractable mic, "best in class" audio, mic-monitoring feedback |
| Battery Life | 15 hours "unused," 3-hour charging |
| Price | $99 |
Microsoft claims the new Xbox Wireless headset sports "best in class" audio and chat performance, with a goal of "bringing more value" to headsets in this price range. It will be interesting to see if this headset competes with comparable wireless Xbox headsets in the $100 price bracket, given that so many of them tend to compromise on quality to hit that price.
Although Microsoft hasn't yet provided any hard specs, it has given us a rundown of some of its features. Microsoft claims that due to their expertise with the Xbox Wireless protocol, they were able to fine-tune the sound delivery from the console to a degree that competing solutions aren't able to offer. Microsoft also seems to hint that it will be tuned for tactical play, emphasizing audio like footsteps to give you heightened awareness in competitive scenarios.
The Xbox Wireless Headset also puts a large degree of emphasis on voice chat, which is an area where many headsets even at higher price brackets simply fail at. Microsoft claims that its headset will provide "clear and intelligent" chat audio quality, with dual beamforming microphones that amplify speech and drown out background noise, using voice isolation technology.
The headset has an "auto-mute" feature that blocks sound when you're not speaking. It will be interesting to see how well this actually works in practice. Either way, Microsoft has included the ability to turn this off if it isn't up to par. There's also a physical mute button on the headset, and a LucidSound-like LED indicator on the mic to let you know if it's muted or live.
The headset will also sport around 15-hours of battery life when not in use, with 3 hours of charge time. In-use battery life is, unfortunately, not listed. I do wonder how much juice this headset will get in practice, and we'll be sure to test that when we get our hands on it.
Microsoft levels of design and comfort
Microsoft says it has invested a lot in the design and feel of the headset, with "ultra-soft" polyurethane leather, with an adjustable headband that aims for even weight and pressure distribution. Microsoft also says that the design is "intentionally understated," with subtle design cues and a green accent that align with the Xbox branding.
Microsoft emphasizes durability too in the product design, noting the metal interior of the headband, rubberized dials for ease of use, and rotating earcup dials, perhaps borrowed from the Surface Headphones design language. The microphone can also be tucked away when not in use.
The best Xbox headset ever?
If Microsoft's claims about audio and chat quality turn out to be true, this could prove to be the best Xbox headset ever. Perhaps most shocking of all, this headset also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, which is simply unheard of at $100. This headset could prove to be the most versatile of all products on the market, giving you connectivity to mobile devices, Xbox consoles, PCs, and practically any modern device you may want to connect it to.
Microsoft also notes that you can pair this headset to a Bluetooth device and an Xbox console simultaneously, mixing sound from two different sources. Many headsets that try this are in the $150 dollar range or higher, usually. The headset will pair with the Xbox Accessories app for configuration, with wireless updates from your console or PC.
The headset will roll out globally in all Xbox markets on March 16, 2021, with preorders opening up on February 16, 2021 at select retailers, including the Microsoft Store. I suspect this headset will sell out extremely well. So, if you're interested, be sure to preorder it right now.
Crazy value
Official Xbox Wireless Headset
$99 at Microsoft Store (Preorder)
Best Xbox headset ever?
Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless, "best in class" audio, mic monitoring, auto-mute features, metal interior, and more. Microsoft's new official Xbox Wireless Headset boasts impressive features on paper, but will it deliver in reality?
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