Best Headsets for Xbox (2026): 5 Wireless Picks for Series X|S

Buying a headset for your Xbox is trickier than it looks. Xbox Series X and S do not support regular Bluetooth headphones. How-To Geek reports that “Microsoft made the decision not to support Bluetooth headsets” on those consoles. So the best headset for Xbox is one that connects through its own wireless dongle or through Microsoft’s own link.

This guide covers the best Xbox wireless headset options across four price tiers. Every pick has a listing for Xbox, plus a way to connect on PC or mobile.

Short on time? Get the Xbox Wireless Headset for the simplest setup. Get the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for the best all-round premium pick. Get the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 for the lowest price.

Quick Picks

Pick	Headset	Weight	Why it wins
Best overall	Xbox Wireless Headset	311–320 g	Made for Xbox, about $100
Best premium	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Xbox)	337 g	Hot-swappable batteries, dual wireless
Best for sound and ANC	Razer BlackShark V3 Pro (Xbox)	367 g	Hybrid ANC, up to 70 h battery
Best value	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless	260 g	Light, 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth
Best budget	Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox)	233 g	40 h battery, low price

Comparison Table

Headset	Weight	Driver	Battery	Connection	Price
Xbox Wireless Headset	311–320 g	40 mm	15–20 h	Xbox Wireless/Bluetooth	~$100
Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Xbox)	337 g	Not listed	~22 h per battery	2.4 GHz dock, Bluetooth	~$270–300
BlackShark V3 Pro (Xbox)	367 g	50 mm	Up to 70 h	2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, wired	$249.99
Arctis Nova 3X Wireless	260 g	40 mm	30 h (2.4 GHz)	2.4 GHz dongle, Bluetooth 5.3	~$100
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox)	233 g	40 mm	Up to 40 h	2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2	£79.99

Prices and weights differ between sources. Confirm both on the product page before you buy.

How These Headsets Were Chosen

I did not test these headsets myself. The specs come from manufacturer pages, retailer listings and published reviews, and each section links to the source.

Three rules shaped the list:

• Listed for Xbox. Each model has an Xbox listing or an Xbox edition.
• Real wireless. Each uses a dongle, a dock or Microsoft’s own link, not Bluetooth alone.
• A price spread. The list runs from about $60 to about $300.

What to Check Before You Buy an Xbox Headset

Buy the Xbox version

Many headsets come in Xbox and PlayStation versions. Check that the box says Xbox-compatible, as How-To Geek advises. A generic PC dongle may not work on the console.

Skip Bluetooth transmitters

You can plug a Bluetooth transmitter into the controller, but How-To Geek advises against it. It notes that transmitters can add latency, need charging and do not support the headset’s microphone.

Compare comfort, not only specs

Weight and clamp force affect long sessions. Our guide to the best gaming headsets for long gaming sessions explains what to look for.

If your budget is tight, our best budget gaming wireless headset guide has more options.

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Microsoft’s own headset is the simplest way to get started. The Xbox product page says it pairs directly to your console, and can connect to a phone and the console at the same time. It also lists Windows PCs and mobile devices, so one headset covers several screens.

PC Gamer reviewed it and scored it 87/100, calling it an “impressive debut at a surprisingly low price.” The reviewer found stereo sound solid, with clear vocals and highs but lacking bass. Leather and foam ear cushions kept it comfortable, and the weight did not strain the neck. The mic was serviceable and clear enough for competitive play, though the short boom made the reviewer speak louder than needed.

You control it with a game and chat balance dial, a volume dial and a mute button. The Xbox Accessories app handles EQ, bass boost and auto-mute settings.

Sources disagree on some details. Xbox’s page lists 320 g, up to 20 hours of battery and Dolby Atmos included at no cost. PC Gamer lists 311 g, about 15 hours and Dolby Atmos as a paid $15 extra. Check the current listing before you buy.

Setup on other devices has small requirements. Windows 10 and 11 need Bluetooth 4.2 or newer, or a compatible USB-C cable sold separately. The Xbox page also says some console voice chat features may need an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

PC Gamer also noted that the headset has no 3.5 mm jack, limited Bluetooth media controls and failed to pair with a PS5.

Best for

• Xbox owners who want the simplest setup
• Players who also use a Windows PC or phone
• Buyers who want solid sound at around $100
• Anyone who likes auto-mute and a game and chat dial

Main drawback

• Bass is light, per PC Gamer
• No 3.5 mm jack
• Limited Bluetooth media controls
• Shorter battery life than several rivals

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The Nova Pro Wireless is the premium pick for Xbox. GamesRadar names it the best Xbox Series X headset, provided you buy the Xbox-compatible model. It lists 337 g, hot-swappable batteries and dual wireless connections that work at the same time.

The headset works with a DAC and charging dock. The Aureview review says the Xbox edition uses 2.4 GHz to the DAC for gameplay and Bluetooth for a second device such as a phone. The DAC has two USB-C ports, and one is reserved for Xbox. One battery charges in the dock while the other runs in the headset, so you can keep going.

The reviewer praised punchy, versatile sound with strong bass, memory foam earcups and telescopic arms that fit larger heads. It also liked the app, which offers per-game EQ presets. It gave the headset 5 out of 5.

The mic gets the same ANC treatment, and the software can change your voice, for example by making it sound deeper. The reviewer called it a possible “last headset you’ll need.”

It is not perfect. Aureview said the active noise cancelling “feels like a half measure” next to dedicated ANC headphones, and it does not block loud sounds like mechanical keyboards. Volume control affects all connected devices, and turning the headset off does not disconnect Bluetooth.

The price is the biggest hurdle. GamesRadar estimated about $300, and one deal listing showed $269.99. If you wear glasses, check our gaming headsets for glasses guide first.

Best for

• Players who want near non-stop use with swappable batteries
• Xbox owners who also use a phone or PC
• Gamers who want detailed EQ presets
• Anyone with a larger head who wants an adjustable fit

Main drawback

• High price, around $270 to $300
• ANC is weaker than dedicated ANC headphones
• Volume control affects all connected devices
• Bluetooth stays connected when you power the headset off

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The V3 Pro is the headset for players who want strong sound and noise cancelling. TechRadar calls it “the definitive choice for Xbox gamers” who want top-tier audio and ANC, and lists a price of $249.99. It lists three ANC modes, 50 mm drivers and smoother hinges than the V2.

Generación Xbox’s review adds more. It found the ANC highly effective in noisy rooms and a clear upgrade over the previous model, and called the viscoelastic ear cushions and lower clamp force comfortable. It said wireless and Bluetooth can run at the same time, and praised the in-game mic.

The same review lists limits. At 367 g, it is heavier than the V2 Pro. The sound may need software EQ outside competitive games, and the mic sounds artificial for video recording. TechRadar adds that the 2.4 GHz dongle connects over USB, so setup is less seamless than some rivals, and that the ANC could be more effective with the pleather ear cups.

A retailer listing adds mic details. The detachable boom has a cardioid pickup and a 68 dB signal-to-noise ratio. It lists Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and SBC codecs, and 15 minutes of charging gives about six hours of play.

Make sure you buy the Xbox edition. The generic V3 Pro listing at one retailer shows PC, PlayStation and Switch support, while the Xbox edition lists Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Another retailer lists the Xbox edition at 380 g, so weight varies by source. The Xbox edition was also out of stock at that retailer.

Best for

• Players who want effective noise cancelling
• Gamers who want 70 hours of battery life
• People who use several platforms, with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired options
• Competitive players who want a clear in-game mic

Main drawback

• Heavy at 367 g or more
• The dongle connects over USB, which is less seamless
• Sound may need EQ for non-competitive games
• Stock is limited at some stores

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The Nova 3X Wireless keeps SteelSeries sound and drops the premium price. GamesRadar names it the best value pick and notes that its audio quality matches the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless, with over 300 EQ presets and simplified controls. It lists the price as just over $100.

A retailer listing shows the details. The headset weighs 260 g, which is light, and uses 40 mm drivers with 360 degree spatial audio. Battery life is up to 30 hours on 2.4 GHz and up to 40 hours on Bluetooth, and a 15-minute charge gives up to nine hours. The USB-C port on the headset is for charging only.

The mic is a detachable boom with bi-directional pickup and a 100–10,000 Hz range. Noise cancelling comes from SteelSeries Sonar ClearCast Gen 2. The battery is a 490 mAh lithium-ion cell.

The listing names Xbox One, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, but it does not say how the console connection works. It also lists PlayStation, Switch, PC, Mac and mobile, so one headset covers everything. Check that your exact model is the one with Xbox support.

GamesRadar lists the downsides. The sound is quieter and less powerful out of the box. You cannot use 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth at the same time. It also lacks hot-swappable batteries, a DAC hub and the low-end reach of pricier models.

At 260 g, it also suits players who find heavy headsets tiring. Our best lightweight gaming headsets guide covers more light options.

Best for

• Xbox players who want good value around $100
• People who want a light headset at 260 g
• Gamers who like EQ presets
• Anyone who also uses a phone, PC or handheld

Main drawback

• Quieter and less powerful out of the box
• No simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth
• No hot-swappable battery or DAC hub
• Console connection method is not spelled out on the listing

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The Stealth 500 is the cheapest way into wireless Xbox audio here. GamesRadar’s pick for best budget says it launched at $80 and typically sells for $50 to $65 now. It lists 233 g, up to 40 hours of battery and Bluetooth 5.2.

A retailer listing confirms the connection plan. 2.4 GHz wireless handles Xbox, and Bluetooth 5.2 handles PC and mobile. A QuickSwitch control moves between them. That is helpful if you play on a console but also want to take calls on your phone.

GamesRadar praised the easy connection options, the bass-forward sound and the comfortable design. It also listed the weak spots: clustered controls and a muddy lower mid-range. If you care about clear voices in a game, that second point matters.

The mic picks up sound from all directions and flips up to mute. The EE listing prices it at £79.99. Bluetooth 5.2 also means a phone pairs easily, so you can take a call without removing the headset.

Weight is an odd area. GamesRadar lists 233 g, while the EE listing shows 445 g, which may be a shipping weight. Use the manufacturer’s number when you can find it.

Battery life is a strength. Forty hours means you charge it about every couple of weeks if you play an hour or two a day. If you want to compare more cheap options, our headsets under $200 guide covers more.

Best for

• Xbox players on a tight budget
• People who want wireless on console and Bluetooth on a phone
• Gamers who want a 40-hour battery
• Anyone who likes bass-forward sound

Main drawback

• Lower mid-range sounds muddy, per GamesRadar
• Controls are clustered
• Listed weights conflict between sources
• Sound and build are basic next to pricier picks

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Which Xbox Headset Should You Buy?

• You want the simplest setup: The Xbox Wireless Headset.
• You want swappable batteries and top features: The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
• You want ANC and long battery life: The BlackShark V3 Pro.
• You want good value: The Arctis Nova 3X Wireless.
• You want the cheapest wireless option: The Stealth 500.
• You also want Bluetooth for phones: Our best Bluetooth gaming headset guide covers hybrid models.
• You have a big head or large ears: See our guides for big heads and glasses and large ears.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a Bluetooth-only headset. Xbox Series X|S do not support Bluetooth headsets, per How-To Geek.
• Buying the wrong version. Check the box for an Xbox label.
• Trusting one spec sheet. Weight, battery and price differ between stores.
• Ignoring clamp force. A tight headset tires you fast. See our low clamp pressure guide.
• Forgetting the mic. Test voice chat in your first session.

FAQs

What is the best headset for Xbox?

The Xbox Wireless Headset is the best overall pick for most players. It costs about $100 and connects directly to the console.

What is the best Xbox wireless headset?

For premium use, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. For value, the Arctis Nova 3X Wireless.

Can I use Bluetooth headphones on an Xbox Series X?

Not directly, according to How-To Geek. You need an Xbox-compatible headset with its own dongle, or a wired headset through the controller.

Do I need an Xbox-specific headset?

Check for Xbox compatibility on the box. Multi-platform models may work, but the Xbox edition removes the guesswork.

What is the best headset for Xbox under $100?

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 and the Arctis Nova 3X Wireless both come in near or under $100, depending on sales.

Does an Xbox headset work on PC?

Often yes. Several picks here list PC, Mac or mobile support.

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