Buying guide for Best Xbox One headsets
Imagine a gaming experience in which you can hear every footstep, every character’s voice, and each bell and whistle around you. You haven't truly experienced immersive, next-generation gameplay until you’ve played wearing a high-quality Xbox One headset.
But with so many options to choose from, and with so many similarities between them, how do you know which one is best for you?
We can help you maneuver through the crowded market with some tips and recommendations so you’ll be ready join the Xbox One action with the perfect headset.
Key considerations
Compatibility
There are many different types of gaming headsets on the market, but when it comes to the Xbox One, you want to avoid any headsets that connect only by USB. These headsets aren’t compatible with the Xbox One because Xbox uses a 3.5 mm jack to transmit audio. Any USB options on Xbox headsets are for additional features, such as charging the headset or powering lights.
Size and fit
The size and fit of your headset are important, especially if you want to compete or wear the headset every time you play.
Size: A bulky headset may look cool, but you might not enjoy the extra space it takes up on your desk. But size isn’t necessarily indicative of quality when it comes to finding the right headset, though many extra features require the extra space.
- Fit: Like all headsets, Xbox One headsets have cushioning for the ears. Gaming headsets in particular have noise-cancelling features built in. More expensive brands include additional padding on the headband because wearing a headset for an extended period of time can become uncomfortable. Try on different headsets to determine what feels right for you.
Xbox One headset features
Adapter
The Xbox One headset uses a 3.5 mm jack to transmit audio. However, there are some earlier controllers that don’t have this jack, so if you have one of these, you’ll need to use a headset adapter. Note that the headset adapter can be used on all controller versions because it has a few features that your headset may not, such as Mute, Volume, and Chat buttons.
Even though Xbox One headsets use a 3.5 mm input for audio, some headsets have a USB input for additional features. Powering the headset lights and providing extra audio compatibility (like with a Mac or PC) are the main reasons for this.
Audio quality
Inexpensive Xbox One headsets are straightforward and don’t offer much more than a Mute button and Volume knob, at best.
Pricier headsets offer much more flexibility when it comes to what you can do with the sound. Some devices allow you to mute the game’s audio and solo just the chat, while others give you complete surround sound immersion. Being able to make changes with buttons on the headset gives you more control and allows you to make quicker changes on the fly and not detract from the gaming experience. While some gamers may not care about deep low-end sound or crisp high-end sound, professional gamers and audio enthusiasts will undoubtedly be able to tell the difference.
Storage and portability
Some Xbox One headsets come with a mount or stand for storage when you’re not wearing them. A stand works especially well to protect the headset from knocks and will certainly extend its lifespan.
Other Xbox One headsets are foldable and may come with a storage or carrying case. Many professional gamers travel a lot, so if you’ll be taking your headset with you, keep an eye out for more portable options.
Xbox One headset prices
Inexpensive
You’ll find many popular headsets for $40 or less, and this is a great place to start if you want to be fully immersed while chatting and gaming but don’t want to invest too much money in a headset. Keep in mind that there are headsets that are more durable and deliver better sound quality, but if you simply want to be a part of the community, you can’t go wrong at the top of this range.
Mid-range
At $40 to $80 is where mainstream meets professional grade. These headsets pack many top-notch features but may be bulky to wear. If you don’t mind the aesthetics, you can experience professional headset gaming at a reasonable price.
Expensive
Spend more than $80 and you’ll find top-of-the-line, professional-grade headsets worn by players who want the highest-quality chat experience or pro gamers who rely on sound and communication to win. These headsets not only feature the best audio and mic capabilities but they’re also the lightest and most comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Tips
Adjust the equalizer settings. If you want a more refined listening experience, try going into your Xbox’s audio settings and adjusting the EQ. You’ll need some rudimentary knowledge, but it’s pretty basic: adjust the low end (to the left of the spectrum, or lower numbers) to control bass, and tweak the high end to adjust treble.
Mute your mic. Be sure to mute your microphone if you’re playing online and don’t want to be heard. You can usually do this by flipping a switch on the headset. If you’re playing music in the background or – worse – eating food, mute your mic so you’re not transmitting unwanted sounds to other gamers.
- Position the microphone optimally. Microphone placement is important. Most mics extend away from the headset and are adjustable. Experiment with mic distance so that it’s close enough to your mouth that others can hear you speak but not so close that they can hear every breath you take.
FAQ
Q. Do the gaming headsets work with all XBox games?
A. Yes. As long as your gaming headset is compatible with the XBox One system, it will work no matter what the game.
Q. Do gaming headsets require batteries?
A. Most gaming headsets are plug and play and don’t require batteries to work. Many of them come equipped with a USB that functions as a power cord for additional features like lights.
Q. Will the headset play game and chat audio at the same time?
A. This is entirely possible, as well as limiting or adjusting the volume of each. Chat and game audio settings are located in your system’s settings. Gaming headsets are designed to support both.
