It might be an older console, but the best Xbox One headsets can still pack a punch. The latest releases (provided they have the right connection) are all still fully compatible with the previous generation device, upgrading your old setup with new audio. That means you can still take advantage of all the newer developments in game audio, without going all in on a Series X.
The best Xbox One headset we've tested so far is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, but that's a considerable investment. We've had our hands on all the latest and greatest releases to find all the best options on the market, whatever your budget. We live and play with these headsets for weeks before making our recommendations, and they remain in our roster after that initial testing period to compare against newer releases as well. The resulting top dogs are the best gaming headsets for Xbox One players, and you'll find them all below.
If you are looking at some of the newer options, it's worth remembering one hardware limitation. The Xbox One never shipped with a USB-C port. If you've found an Xbox-compatible wireless headset with the newer connection, you'll need to check for a USB-A to USB-C adapter to get it up and running on your console.
The Quick List
The best Xbox One headset overall
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is the best Xbox One headset on the market - from its delectable audio quality to endless comfort.
The best budget
If your budget is a little tighter, we suggest the Corsair HS35. It offers excellent value at under $50, with long-lasting comfort, solid sound quality and a clear mic - all the basics covered.
The best for most
With its incredible library of specialist-engineered EQ presets, excellent audio that punches well above its price point, and a comfortable form factor, the Nova 5x is a console player's dream.
Best value wireless
If you're looking for value for money in your wireless connection, you'll want to check out the Stealth 600 Gen 3. It's under $100 / £100 and a real jack-of-all-trades.
The best from Xbox One gen
The latest and greatest headsets pack a punch, but the SteelSeries Arctis 9X was at the top of its game during the Xbox One generation and can be found at a great price these days.
Gaming headsets have been glued to my head even longer than I've been reviewing them during my time as a gaming tech writer. Having a pair with great audio quality, a high-end mic, customization options, and that provide the highest echelons in comfort is of utmost importance if you spend a lot of time gaming, but it can be hard to pick the right ones, especially for older hardware like the Xbox One. That's why nothing pleases me more than using my experience, and music audio background, to help put you in the right direction.
Recent updates
November 1st - I expanded our 'how we test' methodology of this page further to include a more detailed insight into our reviewing process. The on-page author section was updated to reflect the change in curation for this list going forward.
The best Xbox One headset overall
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox is easily the best Xbox One headset going, and one of the best wired sets overall that we’ve ever used.
✅ You want to invest: This isn't the cheapest wired gaming headset on the market - in fact, it's one of the most expensive. That price is justified in the premium experience, but this is really one for those looking to invest in a long term option.
✅ You have a split PC and console setup: The dual-connection hub can connect to both your Xbox and PC at the same time for easy switching between the two. That's perfect for anyone who keeps their console on their desk.
✅ You play open world games: The incredibly soundstage on offer here lends itself particularly well to the intricacies of an open world environment. If this is a genre you spend a lot of time in, it's worth hearing what the Nova Pros can bring to the table.
❌ A wireless connection is a must: You're paying a particularly high price for a wired headset here, so if a wireless connection is high on your list of priorities it makes much more sense to opt for a different model.
❌ You don't want to tinker with EQ settings: There's a lot of tech packed into that DAC hub, but if you're not going to make the most of those EQ options it might be worth investing your cash elsewhere.
Design: There's a minimalist aesthetic at play here, one that's been adopted by the majority of high-end Xbox One headsets over the last few years. The lightweight form factor keeps the size and weight down, making it comfortable to wear but still feeling like there’s some sturdiness to it so I don’t have to worry about the cat or one of the kids accidentally sitting on it.
However, the leatherette ear cushion material is a concern. In our experience with other headsets this tends to split or degrade after a while, especially in hot conditions or very heavy use. However, the brushed metal headband and side plates keep things feeling durable and everything works together to ensure long-lasting comfort.
Features: The Digital-To-Analogue (DAC) unit offers highly customisable EQ adjustment, while also acting as a hub for other systems as well. That's an incredibly handy feature for anyone running their Xbox One alongside a PlayStation or PC as it makes switching between inputs as simple as the press of a button.
Each earcup offers up a 40mm driver with a retractable microphone on the left hand side. It's a little disappointing that this mic doesn't automatically mute when retracted, instead relying on a separate button to the rear of the cup.
It's also worth noting that this is a fully wired headset, which is a little difficult to swallow at over $200 - especially these days when wireless devices are dropping their prices. Still, there's enough tech packed in here (and such a superb audio quality) that we can take that as it is considering Xbox's troubled wireless history. Plus, the wired model is seeing plenty of discounts these days - and those savings have taken us all the way down to around $185 / £150 in the past.
Audio: The audio quality in both stereo and surround mode is just incredible across the board, whether it’s in action-packed action/shooting games, engaging RPGs, thoughtful adventure titles, or just movies and YouTube. The lower ranges provided a substantial oomph to each explosion and gunshot, all without overwhelming the rest of the audio.
The sound quality and depth, both in stereo and surround modes, was just superb, being clear, rich, and detailed on both Xbox and PC.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review
Meanwhile dialogue, in-game cues, and ambient open world effects shone through with excellent detail and careful attention. We did notice that that quality dropped when connected to a PS5 compared to Xbox or PC.
Verdict: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro has ruled the roost for a couple of years now, and it's still fending off the competition from more recent releases. The wireless option adds hot-swappable batteries and a source-switching EQ hub into the mix, but the Xbox edition often comes at quite the premium. If you're after a no-fuss connection but still want best-in-class audio this is your best bet.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox review
The best budget Xbox One headset
The Corsair HS35 has aged remarkably well since its first release back in 2019. The no-nonsense budget headset has consistently proved its worth against newer alternatives like the Astro A10 (2022), Razer Kaira X (2021), and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 (2022). Its onboard controls, large 50mm drivers, noise-cancelling (detachable) microphone, and lightweight form factor consistently sees it through these head to head battles, keeping it at the top spot in the budget price range.
✅ You mostly play single player games: This is a solid headset, but it's certainly not the fastest or most precise directionally. That means you'll find the best value here if you mostly play single player titles.
✅ You also play on other platforms: The simple 3.5mm wired connection means this is a plug and play affair with nearly every platform out there. Unless you're after a mobile headset, you'll be covered across your setup.
✅ You don't mind a wired connection: A lot of that budget price comes down to the fact that you're not picking up a wireless connection. If that doesn't matter, this is an excellent way to save.
❌ You rely on directional audio: The HS35 is limited to stereo sound which means competitive players relying on directional cues are going to have a harder time.
❌ You value more premium sound: A $50 headset can only sound so good. While the HS35 is admirable in its handling, anyone with a more tuned ear is going to struggle.
Design: This is a thoughtfully designed piece of kit, available in Xbox green, obviously, with a sturdy build. Thanks to memory foam ear-cups and a comfy headband, the Corsair HS35 is still snug without being uncomfortable after several hours of play, and it's tough enough to withstand being pulled on and off your head without too much care. You'll also find colorways spanning classic Xbox green, PlayStation blue, and Nintendo red so you can easily keep your Xbox One headset within your setup aesthetic.
Features: Yes, the HS35 is slim on features, but at this price you're just after the basics. We were impressed by the fact that the Discord approved mic came with active noise cancelling to compliment its clear tones, though you're dropping the retractable design many more expensive headsets offer. Instead, this is a fully detachable boom. There's also a color-coded cable that plugs into any 3.5mm connection making it compatible with XSX|S too. You're still getting everything you need for basic controls as well, with a volume slider and mute button on the left.
Audio: The audio won't win awards, but it's on a par with most mid-range headsets, and manages some snappy treble (even if the bass can't match the likes of the Razer Kraken TE). We were surprised by the lower range's handling of Wolfenstein Youngblood's artillery as well as the solid directional accuracy of Resident Evil 2's creaks and zombie groans.
At $40/£40, this is an extremely good-looking and well-designed headset
Corsair HS35 review
Of course, you're not getting the full bodied blast or pinpoint surround sound of a more expensive headset but for its price, the HS35 deftly delivers a full bodied and fairly detailed soundstage.
Verdict: This isn't going to knock any premium headsets off their top spots, but if you're looking for the best Xbox One headset that doesn't pump up its price tag with frilly features and expensive drivers it's an excellent option. Between long lasting comfort and solid sound across a range of genres, it's a go-to budget buy. It's a little difficult to get hold of in its original form in the US (the UK is still well-served), with a v2 model serving Stateside marks as of this year. We're still waiting on our review of the newer model, but stay tuned for more.
Read more: Corsair HS35 review
The best Xbox One headset for most players
SteelSeries' latest Arctis headset hit with a bang in 2024, offering a massive roster of game-specific audio presets tuned by sound engineers and developers themselves on top of tech previously reserved for far more expensive devices. This is the best Xbox One headset for the majority of players right now.
✅ You don't want to fiddle with EQ: If you want the best audio for your games but don't know what to do with an EQ graph, the Nova app's preset options are perfect.
✅ A wireless connection is a priority: If you don't want a cable trailing your every move, the easy 2.4GHz receiver is an excellent alternative - though you'll need to pick up an adapter for the Xbox One's USB-A ports.
✅ You don't want to break the bank: SteelSeries headsets line the top of our lists, but they can also be pricey. The Nova 5 takes some of the most successful pieces of more expensive models and packages them all together with a much lower cost.
❌ You want direct EQ control on console: The app itself is limited to the existing EQ presets. While you'll find a full EQ graph on PC (and this can be transferred to console), those after on the fly adjustments might need to look elsewhere.
Design:
Features:
Audio:
From the rich and detailed soundscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2 to the grungy tones of Doom Eternal's Reever possession scene, there's detailed handling across the ranges and plenty of power in the bassline.
Verdict: At just $99/£89, Microsoft's Wireless headset is way cheaper than rivals within the same quality category. If you like your accessories officials and maybe find yourself in a situation of getting your new-gen console-setup in order before you find that elusive Xbox Series X stock, then this is the headset to span the generational gap. Its ease of use and low price point make it the best Xbox One headset for most players out there.
Read more: Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
The best value wireless Xbox One headset
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 is the latest in an incredibly successful line, bringing a crystal clear 2.4GHz / Bluetooth 5.2 connection to Xbox One with a fantastic battery life and plenty of controls to boot. What's more, this is a headset squarely aimed at offering value for money, with a neat sub-$100 / £100 price point.
✅ You want no-nonsense audio without a hefty price tag: The Stealth 600 Gen 3 prides itself on getting the job done without venturing into three-figure price territory. You're not paying for anything too luxurious in this sound, but it's still fantastic value for money.
✅ You also play across other platforms: That widespread 2.4GHz compatibility means you can run the Stealth on everything from PC to PS5 as well, with Bluetooth coming in clutch for mobile devices. That's perfect for multi-platformers.
✅ You like a high clamp force: Whether you're playing in a busier environment and need a good seal of noise isolation, or you prefer the stability of a more clamped device, you'll be glad to know this thing isn't going anywhere once it's on your head.
❌ You prefer a ski-style headband: If you want a more weightless feeling, we'd recommend checking out the ski-band style of the Stealth 500's headband instead.
❌ You usually play at high volumes: We did notice a level of distortion when running the Stealth 600 Gen 3s at high volumes. If you don't like keeping things quiet, it might be worth spending a little extra cash.
Design: We were impressed by the look and feel of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3. Its matte plastic cups, thick cushion pads around the ears, and solid metal headband helps it punch well above its price range. It's got a much sturdier feel to it than the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (a $20 cheaper model released around the same time), though it's worth noting that the headband of the latter does come with more comfort features. The 600s don't pack too much stuffing into that headband cushion, so the harder metal frame did make itself known during longer sessions. That's less comfortable than the ski-style headband of the Stealth 500, which feels far less intrusive.
Features: The Stealth 600 Gen 3 covers the basics beautifully - but it also pushes the boat out with a few extra features we rarely see at this two-figure price point. Of course, you're getting your 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections (with a dual-connection switcher available on the cup), but Turtle Beach has also upped the battery life on this model, reaching up to 80 hours. That's impressive considering most Xbox One headsets in this category tend to run for between 20 - 70 hours at a time.
While controls are a little clustered (and it takes a bit of learning to truly hone that muscle memory), there's plenty of clickers on the side. On top of volume and connection controls, you've also got chat mix and a fully programmable multi-function button as well.
Performance: We noted a particularly rich sound texture to the Stealth 600s, with a slight emphasis in the lower range as you typically see in headsets of this price point. That said, there's a good handling of treble and a fairly detailed mid-range in here as well. There's a depth to the texture that runs a little deeper than that of the Razer Barracuda X, with a particularly well-balanced sound profile across the board. Competitive players will also be glad to know that directional audio is still highlighted here - even outside of Turtle Beach's slightly annoying 'Superhuman Hearing' mode.
Verdict: The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 offers fantastic value for money, especially if you're in the tricky position of finding a wireless headset for Xbox One. Between excellent audio and a slick supply of features it's a particularly favorably priced device.
Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 review
The best Xbox One headset from its own generation
The Steelseries Arctis 9X was very much the best Xbox One headset of its moment, and is still the best option for anyone after a headset designed in the era of the previous generation (and therefore sits a little cheaper these days). Specially engineered to work wirelessly with the console, it provides a near-perfect connection, combined with a rich audio experience, and impressive battery life.
✅ You want Xbox's own wireless connection: This is one of the very few Xbox One headsets built with Xbox Wireless already on board. That means no fiddling around with dongles or adapters to get quality audio straight out of your device.
✅ You prefer a bolder design: That headband aesthetic isn't going to be for everyone, but if you don't mind representing Xbox green while you play it's still subtle enough to slip under the radar.
✅ You need a headset for a range of different uses: Dual-Bluetooth connectivity and a wired option make this a particularly versatile headset - be it for commuting, connecting to other platforms, or simply listening to music while you play.
❌ You have the budget for the new Nova line: SteelSeries has a new suite of headsets on the market and they do bring some new features to the table as well as a slightly boosted bassline. If you have the cash to spring for something a little more recent it's well worth the extra investment.
❌ You want a clean aesthetic: That Xbox-styled headband isn't going to be for those after a more professional aesthetic. Outside of gaming sessions, it can stand out a little more.
Design: The trademark SteelSeries 'headband' design offers good comfort levels, meaning you can play for hours without really noticing that you're wearing the 368g headset. There are some nice nods to the Xbox One in this aesthetic as well, the green angular lines running across the headband remain subtle enough to stay out the way while also keeping the console's colors front and centre. The fact that that design runs all the way around the headband means this isn't as subtle as an all-black design, though.
Features: The mic is clear, comes with decent noise-canceling, and is retractable for when you're not using it. While you never completely remove the mic, it's hidden enough for you to use this headset as an everyday pair of cans, connecting to phones and tablets via a Bluetooth connection. That's a real bonus. You can even plug in via the 3.5mm connection if you want to connect to other consoles or devices, and run Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connections simultaneously. This was one of the first Xbox One headsets to offer such a feature, and we're only really seeing it hit the mainstream now - so that's excellent value.
Audio: While the headset comes with 40mm drivers, which are smaller than many similarly priced competitors, they're well-tuned and deliver audio that punches well above its weight while retaining a nice clarity and richness. That classic rich SteelSeries audio still shines through here, and remains impressive to this day. Yes, the new Nova series improves in a number of areas, most notably the power of the bass, but this is still an explosive profile.
From its stately design to its unbridled comfort and performance, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is more than a headset for Xbox
SteelSeries Arctis 9X review
Verdict: It's a superb all-rounder, but one that plays so very nicely with the Xbox One. If you want to seriously invest in a headset that does everything you need for gaming and beyond, the Steelseries Arctis 9X is well worth a look. It's also compatible with Xbox Series X|S which is awesome.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis 9X review
How we test Xbox One headsets
We test all the biggest Xbox One-compatible headsets to hit the shelves to make sure we're recommending the very best devices on the market. That also means we keep all the headsets we test in a rotating roster well after we've published our final reviews so that we can continue to compare with new releases and ensure our guidance is up to date. Every Xbox headset that crosses our path is inserted straight into our everyday setups - we live, work, and play through these devices as if we'd just bought them ourselves.
Of course, the first thing that's going to immediately catch our eye is design. Design is subjective, but there are commonalities across headsets, such as shape, build, and aesthetic that can be measured across all Xbox One compatible headsets. Beyond aesthetics, weight, and balance, though, we're constantly looking out for signs that wear and tear might be more of a cause of concern. These longer-term durability checks primarily take place around the hinges, the join of each cushion cover, and the headband itself as these are the most common failure points. There's no point in having a great Xbox One-ready headset if it's horrific to wear. That's why after checking the build quality, we're running through comfort tests across long sessions, and testing all possible adjustment options across both the cups and headband. When testing for comfort we take note of temperatures inside the cups, how much padding is on each side, and the adjustability of both the headband and the amount of swivel of the cups. We also take into consideration the overall weight of the headset, including in conjunction with the size of the cups.
Now that we know how an Xbox One headset is put together we're looking at the features it brings to the table. Elements like wireless connection types, battery life, compatibility, EQ options, onboard storage, control schemes, microphones, and noise isolation are taken in comparison to similarly priced headsets already available. On top of these tick boxes, though, we also fully explore all additional features that may be unique to a headset or less widely found in the market.
During each testing process, each device is run through a series of audio tests across a range of different genres on Xbox One and PC. Apex Legends and CS2 are used to test directional accuracy and the strength of soundstage imaging. Meanwhile, Doom Eternal and Horizon Forbidden West are used to test the depth and richness of a soundstage while also balancing more complex layers. We also use these headsets as our daily drivers wherever they're compatible, across other platforms, and in everyday work settings. Once an Xbox One headset has been through the full roster of tests, it is scored based on comfort, audio, battery, microphone, versatility, and build quality. This is a five-point rating that determines a headset's fit for this guide. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full 12DOVE Hardware Policy.
Also Tested
We're still testing headsets with an eye on the Xbox One even today. You'll find the compatible devices we've reviewed recently just below.
Xbox One headsets: FAQ
What is the best Xbox One headset?
The best Xbox One headset right now is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. However, if you're after true audio from the Xbox One generation, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X still can't be beaten for value.
Are Xbox One headsets compatible with Xbox Series X?
In general, the vast majority of Xbox One headsets are compatible with Xbox Series X - there are only very few outliers. That means you'll likely find that Xbox One headsets are easily transferable to your new console if you're lucky enough to grab one. Just to make sure, though, we'd recommend checking with the manufacturer's product information to double check.
How do I choose an Xbox One headset?
Given the saturation of the Xbox One headset market, this is a legitimately good question; it really can feel like a mammoth task to try and narrow your search down, or to try and 'guess' at the differences between sets - after all, basically no one ever has all the top sets right in front of them for direct comparisons.
However, our best Xbox One headset list will guide you to top quality headsets. They are all compatible, offer quality audio for their price point, offer both wired and wireless options, and have different feature sets and specs. Teamed with price, these are the exact things to think about when whittling down your options; be methodical, be ruthless at times, and you will find the perfect set for you.
More of a music fan? Check out our guide to the best headphones. Or, to save even more on your new setup, take a look at the latest Xbox Series S bundles. We're also rounding up plenty more of the best Xbox One accessories for further inspiration.
Also be sure to check out the best TVs for Xbox Series X and the best gaming TVs to give you the best options visually too.
