Sunday, March 07, 2021
In the market for the best wireless Xbox One headset? Then look no further. We've tested dozens upon dozens of headsets over the years, with a particular focus on what truly makes the best wireless Xbox One headset. Wireless headsets for Xbox tend to be a little pricier than their wired cousins, owing to the extra technology baked within to liberate them from their cable shackles. The best wireless Xbox One headset for you will be different depending on your needs. If you want to find the best Xbox One headset for you, and don't necessarily mind using a 3.5mm wire instead, take a look at our best Xbox One headset round-up article over at that link. If you're dead set on finding the best Xbox One wireless headset, then look no further.
Note: Every headset in our best wireless Xbox One headset round-up is confirmed to work on both Xbox One and Xbox Series S and Series X consoles.
What is the best Xbox gaming headset?
Xbox wireless headsets take convenience to the next level, ditching the restriction of cables to let you roam free. Or, at least within the listed range. The best wireless Xbox One headset will be different for everyone, depending on your individual needs or preferences. Sadly, there aren't a ton of viable options out there, at least as of writing, but more and more manufacturers are ditching the cables as the technology has improved over the years.
The vast majority will be more than satisfied with the excellent LucidSound LS35X. We also list it as our best Xbox One headset in general for 2020, owing to its luxurious coolant-gel earcups, gorgeous audio, and convenient features. We also highly recommend the Astro A50, but its RRP is a tough sell for most budgets, costing almost as much as an Xbox One console by itself. That's because it comes with a powerful magnetic charge dock to complement its overall sound experience, which features excellent audio, exceptional comfort, and beefy battery life. You don't have to smash the bank to pieces to get a good wireless experience, either.
Here's our list of top picks for the best wireless Xbox One headset in 2021, examining every use case, price range, and feature set. It's also worth noting that Microsoft will soon release its own official Xbox Wireless Headset, which we expect will make an entry in this list in the coming weeks.
Best wireless Xbox One headset 2021
- 1. LucidSound LS35X (From $150)
- 2. Astro A50 ($300)
- 3. Steelseries Arctis 1 ($100)
- 4. SteelSeries Arctis 9X ($200)
- 5. Corsair HS75 XB ($150)
- 6. Audeze Penrose X ($300)
1. LucidSound LS35X — Best Overall Wireless Xbox One Headset
Bottom line: The LS35X remains our number one pick for best Xbox One wireless headset for a number of reasons. First of all, its direct-to-Xbox connectivity makes it a front-runner for convenience. It's also supremely comfortable, owing to its premium fabrics and cushioning, complete with inner coolant gel that helps disperse heat in the warm summer months. Most importantly of all, it has truly tremendous sound, with a balanced audio profile that won't disappoint.
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 | $150 at Amazon $150 at Walmart |
| LucidSound | LS35X | $180 at Walmart |
| LucidSound | LS35X | $180 at Best Buy |
Pros
- Looks great
- Solid construction and premium materials
- Gorgeous soundscape
- Great mic audio with mic monitoring
Cons
- Has to be updated via PC before use
- Poor config software and firmware update experience
- You may get distortion at max volume
The LucidSound LS35X is the best wireless Xbox One headset out there, if not the best Xbox One headset in general, owing to its great features, design, and general quality. My favorite feature on this product is the earcups, which are packed with dreamy coolant gel that makes it pleasant to wear even if you're not gaming. It just feels... nice.
Those great earcups also cleverly bake all the headset's controls, including volume and sound mix dials cleverly baked into the rim of the earcups, alongside pairing buttons and EQ toggles. They boast 15-hours of battery life out of the box, which means you may be charging them up a little more often than some of the other wireless headsets out there. Still, it won't cut out mid-session unless you plan on gaming for more than 15 hours in one sitting without plugging them in to charge.
The only real downside is that you have to grab a critical firmware update from LucidSound's website via PC before using them due to an error with the onboard code. Once you've grabbed that, though, the wireless signal is impeccable, whether you're using it on Xbox or PC via a sold-separately Xbox Wireless dongle.
The LS35X is also one of the best wireless Xbox One headsets for mic quality. This is one area many manufacturers try to save a bit of cash. Still, LucidSound ensured the mic quality remains a top priority, complete with sidetone mic-monitoring and an LED notification light.
To round out this great product is its soundscape, which is also one of the better ones on the market, particularly for this price range. Many headsets prioritize tactical sound, emphasizing highs so that you can hear people reloading or sneaking around corners. The tradeoff is that it can sometimes sound a bit unnatural. The LS35X offers a more balanced soundscape that won't cost you a tactical edge but remains an excellent option for immersive single-player games or watching movies. This is one headset that simply doesn't disappoint.
LucidSound LS35X
Coolant-gel earcups, 15-hour battery life, a balanced soundscape, and premium build quality easily make the LS35X our top pick.
2. Astro A50 (2019) — Best High-End Wireless Xbox One Headset
Bottom line: The Astro A50 is a legend thanks to its premium experience, ideal for those with a bit more cash to splash. The headset is the only viable option on the market with a magnetic charge dock, making it supremely convenient and persistently charged. It also allows you to mix audio from a SPDIF sound source like a TV or your Xbox One, alongside USB audio from a PC. This is great for streamers and content creators. It's also no slouch in the sound department, with a lightweight, stylish design that will stand the test of time.
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 | $300 at Best Buy |
Pros:
- Magnetic charging station
- Great software
- Solid soundscape
- Awesome features
Cons:
- Mic quality isn't the best
- If the batteries go flat, the whole headset needs to be replaced
The Astro A50 is the most expensive headset on our list, and for a good reason. This is the only Xbox One wireless headset still on the market with a magnetic charge dock, giving it some serious convenience and panache to go with it. When you're done gaming, simply drop the headset in the cradle for the evening, and wake up tomorrow to a full charge, complete with notification LEDs to let you know how much juice it has.
The Astro A50 isn't just great for this reason, though. It's also the only wireless Xbox One headset on the market that lets you mix audio from a SPDIF optical cable source (your Xbox console or TV, for example) and USB (a connected PC or laptop, or Xbox). This is great for content creators, as it lets you use your Xbox gaming sound while using your headset with a USB connected PC for voice chat or streaming. The Astro software and on-ear controls also make configuration simple and easy, regardless of how complicated you want your set up to be.
The A50 also sports excellent sound, with Dolby audio included, although you can disable it if you're not a fan. The Dolby audio can help with tactical awareness and precise surround positioning, but it isn't the most immersive. Thankfully, the A50 can be customized at will, with toggle-able EQ presets and profiles, designed with gaming, music, and movies in mind by default. The Astro A50 sound profile isn't as impressive as some of the beefier headsets out there, but it won't disappoint anyone but the most discerning audio fan out there.
The A50 also looks great, and you can grab additional leatherette accessories if you don't fancy the fabric earcups it comes with, although it's light and comfortable across long play sessions. The battery life will also grant long play sessions, lasting up to around 20 hours. Many regard this as the best wireless Xbox One headset of all time, and it's for a good reason.
Astro A50
With great sound, high-quality software and configurability, and unique audio mixing features, the Astro A50 is the "do everything" headset.
3. Steelseries Arctis 1 — Best Budget Wireless Xbox One Headset
Bottom line: The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is the best wireless Xbox One headset for those looking to save some cash, thanks to its general all-round quality and great features. Don't expect to be blown away per se by this headset, but for those looking to save a bit of money, this is currently the best option. Microsoft's own official Xbox Wireless Headset may usurp this headset in the very near future, though.
Speakers: 40mm neodymium | Frequency response: 12 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices | Features: Robust metal design, in-line controls
| Manufacturer | Headset | Vendor |
|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries | Arctis 1 | $100 at Best Buy |
Pros
- Comfortable and light
- Looks great, and has a Cyberpunk edition
- 20-hour battery life
- Great cross-platform versatility
Cons
- Build quality suffers in this price range
- Mic audio quality isn't the best
- Not great for larger heads
SteelSeries is one of the best headset manufacturers out there, so it's great to have seen them join the Xbox party with their incredible Arctis 1 headset. For those on a budget, this is the best wireless Xbox One headset out there, and even those who aren't on a budget, you won't be disappointed with this product.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 doesn't skimp on comfort, bringing SteelSeries' signature feel with a lightweight, well-cushioned product that sits comfortably on any head. The earcups are spacious and airy, ideal for long sessions, and complimented by the headset's 20-hour battery life.
The Arctis 1 also looks great, with a subtle but modern design that you wouldn't mind wearing on the road. And indeed, with this headset, you can. Joining its wireless Xbox and PC support is wireless Android and Nintendo Switch support, owing to an innovative USB-C dongle that picks up the Arctis 1's proprietary signal. This is a genuinely great feature I'd love to see other manufacturers get on board with (particularly if you, like me, struggle with Bluetooth a bit).
The Arctis 1 might not have the best soundscape on this list, but it doesn't exactly disappoint, with decent separation and crisp audio across the spectrum. The microphone could be a little better, as well. It gets the job done, but at this price range, don't expect to be recording podcasts or streaming with this thing.
Overall, this is the best affordable accessory you can buy to inject some quick and easy audio convenience into your Xbox set up. That's why it's our pick for the best wireless Xbox One headset for those looking to save a bit of cash.
SteelSeries Arctis 1
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 brings many of its signature design principles to Xbox, producing one of the best wireless Xbox One headsets in the process.
4. SteelSeries Arctis 9X — Best Bluetooth Wireless Xbox One Headset
Bottom Line: The SteelSeries Arctis 9X doesn't quite beat the Astro A50 or LS35X for pure sound quality, but it does have one killer feature: Bluetooth support. This headset lets you mix a signal from your Xbox One and a Bluetooth device simultaneously, allowing you to chat on a PC or phone while gaming away. This is a good option for those who want multi-platform versatility.
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 | $200 at Best Buy |
Pros
- Nice design
- Premium-feeling with solid build quality
- Lets you combine Xbox and Bluetooth wireless audio
Cons
- This headset is a little on the small side
- There are better, cheaper options
The SteelSeries 9X is an alternative to the LS35X that comes complete with Bluetooth support, giving it a potential leg-up in terms of versatility against competing headsets. With this functionality, you can combine sound from your Xbox game with audio from a PC or connected mobile phone for chat. You can also simply use them while out and about with your mobile or tablet, giving them an "all-in-one" feature set that you may find ideal in your search for the best wireless Xbox One headset for you.
The 9X has a great sound profile that is well balanced, perhaps leaning a bit more towards highs and tactical play, making it a good headset for pairing with Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos. The microphone is retractable, which is a nice touch, and sounds decent enough for chat and general comms. You can configure the headset further using a PC and SteelSeries' excellent software. You can even use it outright on PC if you throw in a Microsoft Xbox Wireless USB dongle.
For those of us with larger heads, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X can feel a little tight around the head over long periods, but for most, it will be among some of the most comfortable headsets you've ever worn, owing to its lightweight and cushioning. If you don't plan on using the Bluetooth functionality too much, the LS35X does come in a bit cheaper, but there are no headsets on the current market that combine the best of both worlds so well.
SteelSeries 9X
If you want a headset that can do it all without breaking the bank, look no further than the SteelSeries Arctis 9X.
5. Corsair HS75 XB — Best Wireless Xbox One Headset for Audio Quality
Bottom Line: In this price range, there are headsets you may be hoping for more features, but if all you care about is amazing audio, the Corsair HS75 XB is tough to beat. The HS75 XB is a newcomer on the scene, and boasts truly great audio that is elevated further with baked-in Dolby Atmos support. This headset is recognized by the Dolby Atmos app, giving you access to a range of additional features right from your Xbox One console, including EQ tweaks and more.
Speakers: 50mm neodymium | Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz | Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S | Features: Xbox Wireless, on-ear controls, 15 to 20-hour battery life
| Manufacturer | Headset | Vendor |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair | HS75 XB | See at Amazon |
Pros
- Great, subtle design
- Premium-feel with high-grade comfort
- Stunning audio with massive bass
- Broad soundscape ideal for Dolby Atmos
Cons
- Lacks 3.5mm capability
- Mic sidetone is too quiet
- Lacks configuration software
The Corsair HS75 XB is pretty new to the scene and has already made the cut on our best Xbox One wireless headset list for one reason, and one reason alone: big audio. The Corsair HS75 XB has one of the best soundscapes of any headset I've used and comes bundled with Dolby Atmos for good measure.
The separation on the HS75 XB is incredibly impressive, isolating different frequencies well, which can help provide a tactical edge while also supporting Dolby Atmos' precision surround algorithm. I was immediately impressed by how immersive this headset felt while playing Destiny 2 and Call of Duty, with my footsteps distinctly "below" me and other audio cues sweeping around me in a realistic fashion.
Where the HS75 XB falls down a bit is with its feature set. The fact it lacks any form of configuration software may come as a big annoyance for those who aren't a fan of its bass-oriented sound profile. Indeed, this headset is a truly bass-heavy boy, and if you're not a fan of that, you can't tweak it because there's no software to do so. However, I would argue that the overall sound quality is so good that it almost doesn't need it.
The Corsair HS75 XB is also big on comfort and design. With thick airy leatherette cushions that keep the headset feeling great even across long sessions. The materials used are also of a high-grade, and the construction feels dense and sturdy while also prioritizing weight distribution. Simply put, this is a great headset that won't disappoint unless you were hoping for a little more versatility, given its price point.
Corsair HS75 XB
For what it lacks in versatility features like some of its similarly-priced brethren, the Corsair HS75 XB makes the cut for its big audio.
6. Audeze Penrose X — Best Premium Audio Quality
Bottom line: The Audeze Penrose X stuns with crystalline, detailed sound reproduction owing to its wild 100mm planar drivers. When it comes to pure audio, the Penrose X is truly tough to beat. However, for its price, it's tough to recommend as an overall package. If having the edge when it comes to tactical sound is all you care about, this might be the best for you.
Speakers: 100mm planar drivers | Frequency response: 15 - 50,000 Hz | Compatibility: Bluetooth, USB wireless (Xbox and PC) | Features: 15-hour battery life, planar audio drivers, on-ear controls, Bluetooth
| Manufacturer | Headset | Vendor |
|---|---|---|
| Audeze | Penrose X | See at Amazon |
Pros:
- Supreme audio quality
- Lightweight and premium comfort
- Bluetooth capabilities
Cons:
- Crazy high price
- Loud toy-like design
- Microphone sounds just OK
The Audeze Penrose X is a bit of a frustrating headset to recommend, owing to its crazy price point. Those planar drivers aren't cheap, and when you're throwing in Bluetooth as well, it's a sure-fire way to very rapidly inflate your product's price. The Audeze Penrose X boasts some of the biggest and most immaculate audio reproduction I've experienced, with crisp details finely separated from sweeping bass notes and atmospheric mids. The audio reproduction is truly up there with the best of them, but I'm not sure it's worth paying so much extra, given some of the product's flaws.
Audeze claims that their microphone is "studio-grade" but it hardly sounds better than much cheaper microphones on this list, and the headset's design leaves a lot to be desired. With loud green "gamer" toy-like plastic accents, this is one Bluetooth headset that isn't exactly subtle for use outdoors, despite its great weight distribution and inviting comfort. Additionally, there are cheaper or equivalently-priced headsets on this best Xbox One wireless headset list that offer more, like the Astro A50 charge dock for example, or the LS50X, which sports Bluetooth, a better design, and at least comparable audio.
Regardless, if money is no object to you and all you care about is the absolute best sound no matter what, this might be the best Xbox One wireless headset for you! If you can find one that is, Audeze doesn't seem to be manufacturing enough to meet demand as of writing.
Audeze Penrose X
The Audeze Penrose X might look like a toy, but it boasts truly serious audio, delivering some of the most detailed audio I've ever experienced in a gaming headset.
What to look for when buying the best wireless Xbox One headset for you
When trying to find the best wireless Xbox One headset for you, you're ultimately choosing between features, audio, and price range. Wireless headsets can be a little more expensive than their wired cousins, owing to the tech that gets baked in to make them viable, but the convenience makes the tradeoff more than worth it.
Audio quality can be looked at in various ways and does depend on the individual. Skull shape, ear shape, and all other sorts of factors can affect how you perceive sound, making it hard to create a product that truly fits a "one size fits all" mantra. When it comes to picking the best wireless Xbox One headset for your personal needs, typically, headsets either prioritize the high ranges, which accentuate audio like reloading or footsteps, to give yourself a tactical edge. Others are a bit more balanced, which can sound more immersive. Even better are the headsets that let you control the EQ to suit your needs and tastes. It's also worth looking at which headsets have mic monitoring and sidetone features, so you can hear yourself speaking.
Features can vary wildly by headset. The Astro A50, for example, has its magnetic charging dock, while the SteelSeries Arctis 9X has Bluetooth support in addition to its other features. When thinking about what type of product you'd need to find the best wireless Xbox One headset, user scenarios can vary wildly between your basic game sound and audio, to something more complex, like needing a set up that supports SPDIF optical out and source mixing.
Price is always the biggest factor when choosing the best wireless Xbox One headset for your needs. The Astro A50 and SteelSeries 9X are certainly the more expensive options on this list, but you may not be the type of gamer who will utilize their entire range of features. You might not need Bluetooth, or SPDIF optical ports, for example. In that case, the LS35X may be the better product, as something that focuses entirely on Xbox One wireless audio and chat. Alternatively, you may want something cheaper still, if you're buying for a younger relative, for example. The SteelSeries Arctis 1X fits that bill perfectly. The full price range varies, but make sure you're considering whether or not you actually need all those extra features before taking the plunge on something more expensive.
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.
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