The best Xbox One headsets in 2024

The best Xbox One headsets are able to enhance your audio experience on the console with pin-sharp accuracy, stunning quality, and crucially, high-clarity microphones. The aging hardware might be well over a decade old, but the advantage of this is that there's plenty of headsets available at reasonable prices.

If you've wanted to play some of the best Xbox One games with more immersive audio then you've clicked through to the right guide. We've rounded up all the best Xbox One headsets, from budget picks to high-end wireless options to help you make an informed purchasing decision. They're collectively some of the best Xbox One accessories available if you're in the market for heightened immersion while playing your favorite titles.

Despite the Xbox One's age, there's still life in the platform yet. It's still fully supported by Xbox Game Pass which brings a wealth of titles to the platform for a low monthly rate. If you're more interested in the current generation of Microsoft hardware, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, then the best Xbox Series X headsets are sure to satisfy.

The Quick List

Best Xbox One headsets in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best Xbox One headset

SteelSeries Xbox One

(Image credit: Future)
The best SteelSeries Xbox One headset

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable
+
Durable
+
Flat but detailed EQ response

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited Windows support
Buy it if

You want amazing audio quality: For its asking price, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X sounds better than many alternatives in its price range. 

You use voice chat online: The noise-canceling microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is excellent at cutting out background interference which makes it ideal for multiplayer action. 

Don't buy it if

You want a wireless headset to use on PC: While we didn't encounter many major problems with the SteelSeries Arctis 9X on PC, it was far from the most pain-free experience with either Windows 10 or 11. 

Retailing for $199 / £179 / AU$290, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X packs a ton of high-end functionality into a mid-range price package the definitive Xbox One headset for the hardcore gamer.

Design: The design of the SteelSeries Arctis 9X screams "Xbox" with its aggressive jet-black styling and neon green accents. The sleek and stealthy look continues onto the functionality as well because everything from the on-cup controls to the retractable microphone makes this one of the more fully-featured headsets on the platform. 

Features: Armed with full Windows Spatial surround sound support, a noise-canceling microphone, a 20-hour battery life, Bluetooth dual-connection, and custom-tuned 40mm drivers, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X fully delivers on utilizing the Xbox One platform to its fullest potential.

Performance: In our testing, we found that the dual connection of listening to music via our smartphone and the in-game audio made for a balanced experience. Simply put, the sound quality is excellent especially when playing first-party titles such as Halo: The Master Chief collection. The microphone was a real standout as well, able to cut through any unwarranted background ambience.  

Verdict: While the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is far from the cheapest Xbox One headset available, we think it knocks it out of the park in all the most important areas it needs to, hence the top spot in our roundup is well deserved.

Best budget Xbox One headset

JBL Quantum 360X

(Image credit: Future)
The best budget Xbox One headset

Reasons to buy

+
Detachable mic
+
Extremely comfortable
+
Effective noise canceling

Reasons to avoid

-
Build quality is fairly cheap
-
Louder audio can sound tinny or distorted
Buy it if

You want a balance of price and performance: They're certainly on the cheaper side, but the headset still provides a quality audio experience.

A great microphone is a must: The detachable 3.5mm microphone may be small, but it proved to be crystal clear during intense gaming sessions in our testing.

Don't buy it if

You want a sturdier headset: You may wish to consider pricier options if overall build quality is important to you, as the 360X's cheap plastic feel may leave you wanting more.

The JBL Quantum 360X is an entry-level wireless gaming headset that offers effective performance where it counts, without costing the earth in doing so.

Design: While the headset's overall build quality leaves a lot to be desired - largely using cheap plastics that present an admittedly tacky feel - its plush inner headband and leatherette ear cups do much of the heavy lifting. This is an incredibly comfortable headset that outclasses several others in this budget price range.

Features: The JBL Quantum 360X presents an impressive package in spite of the relatively affordable price tag. The wireless headset includes a 2.4GHz dongle for Xbox and PC connectivity, as well as a detachable microphone and USB-C cable for charging. Dual audio support also allows you to connect via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously; handy for if you need to take a call (or prefer to use voice chat via Discord) while gaming.

Performance: It's not the most robust sound quality ever, but the JBL Quantum 360X performs admirably in this regard. Support for Dolby Atmos and JBL's own Quantum Surround audio certainly give the headset a boost here. Battery life is impressive, too, clocking in at around 22 hours before needing to be topped up again.

Verdict: In the budget space, the JBL Quantum 360X is a tough wireless headset to beat. And while this model is designed for Xbox, it does have multiplatform support. That means you can use it with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles without issue.

Best wired Xbox One headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X

(Image credit: SteelSeries)
The best wired Xbox Series X headset

Specifications

Connectivity: 3.5mm wired
Cable length: 3.9 ft
Features: 40mm drivers; ClearCast Gen 2 retractable mic; memory foam cups

Reasons to buy

+
Competitively priced
+
Lightweight and comfortable
+
Solid audio and microphone

Reasons to avoid

-
Average build quality 
Buy it if

You want a strong-performing budget headset: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X costs less than $60 / £60 / AU$140, placing it on the cheaper end of the brand's spectrum.

You play on a wide variety of consoles: Thanks to its 3.5mm connection, you can flawlessly use the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X on not only the Xbox One but the Xbox Series X, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, too. 

Don't buy it if

You want a wireless headset: As expected from a budget Xbox One headset, this one uses a 3.5mm jack, so you'll have to up your budget if you want to cut the cord on your console. 

There's no reason why one of the best Xbox One headsets should cost the Earth. That's why we're confident in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X's humble price point of just $57.82 / £59.99 / AU$139 delivering excellent wired audio performance on the console. 

Design: Things are kept minimalist with the design of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X overall, as the build quality is a step below what you'll find from the bigger entries by the company. This Xbox One headset plugs directly into your Xbox Wireless Controller through a 3.5mm connection, and the cable has a decent amount of length to it to be comfortable in play sessions. It's a remarkably lightweight headset, coming in at just 236g / 0.52 lbs, so it's unlikely to sag on you.

Features: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X bears a striking resemblance to others in the hardware manufacturer's lineup. That means you're benefiting from memory foam cups, a high-quality fully retractable microphone, and the same 40mm drivers as featured in the full-fat flagships at a much cheaper rate.

Performance: There's a real clarity to the custom-tuned 40mm drivers present in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X headset which was at times comparable to the SteelSeries Arctis 9X - our top pick. You can expect crystal clear audio reproduction from in-game music and dialogue, with action-heavy titles coming through faithfully and accurately. The budget microphone was a real surprise in our testing, as we were able to be heard when playing multiplayer titles with no excess noise or tinniness bleeding through. 

Verdict: Overall, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X is far from the flagships in many respects, what it gets right deserves to be commended. Affordable and lightweight with a strong sense of sound and style which adds up to why it's our budget pick in this list.

Best premium Xbox One headset

Razer Nari Ultimate

(Image credit: Future)
The best premium Xbox One headset

Reasons to buy

+
Solid soundstage
+
All connectivity catered for
+
Plug and Play

Reasons to avoid

-
An expensive investment
Buy it if

You're after a premium-feeling headset: The aluminum construction and refined leatherette earcups make for one of the nicest and most comfortable Xbox One headsets we've ever used. 

You enjoy haptic feedback: Whether you want an edge in competitive shooters or just like the rumble in your ears listening to music, the Razer Nari Ultimate's HyperSense works incredibly well. 

Don't buy it if

A long battery life is a must: The Razer Nari Ultimate is only capable of around eight hours of playback with the RGB lighting and HyperSense haptics enabled. 

Razer's flagship headsets are all about innovation with trial and error usually being the name of the game. With the Razer Nari Ultimate, the company has implemented haptic feedback, being one of the first in the line to do it, and still one of the best. Coming in at $200 /£200 /AU$250, it's far from the most expensive but pushes the boat out in ways rarely seen from other Xbox One headsets. 

Design: The Razer Nari Ultimate headset is built with form and function equally considered. Its overall construction is solid, however, it's a little chunkier than some of the more lightweight options in our guide. All-metal construction and plush leatherette earcups really lend a sense of weight and quality here. There's also the tried-and-true RGB Chroma lighting as well. 

Features: As well as the expected 50mm drivers which are present in the majority of Razer's current gaming headsets, the Nari Ultimate features HyperSense haptic feedback which means you're able to feel in-game audio and music through the in-ear engines in each earcup. There's also full surround sound support which is ideal for the Xbox One.

Performance: In our testing, we found that the Razer Nari Ultimate headset was incredibly balanced with a strong bass presence coming through the mids and highs. The microphone is quite standard but gets the job done, with the HyperSense haptics providing an edge to our in-game experience. It comes at the sacrifice of battery, though, as all this tech means you can expect just eight hours of playback, and up to around 20 hours with the haptics and lighting disabled. 

Verdict: While the Razer Nari Ultimate may not boast the best battery life of the lot, its HyperSense haptic feedback, and excellently balanced 50mm drivers make it one of the best Xbox One headsets that we've ever used.

Best Xbox One headset for audiophiles

Astro A50

(Image credit: Future)
The best Xbox One headset for audiophiles

Reasons to buy

+
Stellar aesthetics 
+
Redesigned hub
+
Unparalleled audio quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Slow charging
Buy it if

You want fine control over your audio: The Astro A50's base station is equipped with a wealth of tools and modes to set up audio in a way that suits you. 

Versatility is a must: You're able to connect through many different devices other than your Xbox One thanks to the power of the standalone hub's connectivity options. 

Don't buy it if

A long battery is a necessity: While the 12 hours of playback isn't bad by any means, other Xbox One headsets in our roundup have superior battery lives. 

You're on a tight budget: For as stellar as the Astro A50 gaming headset is, it also happens to be one of the priciest options for the platform to date. 

The Astro A50 doesn't exactly come cheap with its $300 / £299 / AU$480 asking price. Poised as arguably the most high-tech Xbox One headset on our list, thanks to its excellent standalone hub, this is one for the enthusiasts among you. 

Design: In terms of design, the Astro A50 is about as futuristic as an Xbox One headset can be with its angular aggressive style and robust build quality. Combine that with some of the softest and coolest mesh cups that we've ever used and you've got yourself a consistently comfortable, then this is hard to beat. 

Features: The dedicated charging hub has to be what makes the Astro A50 stand out the most. That's because it features both optical in and out, as well as USB to be used with as many different setups as possible. What is most impressive is the built-in mixamp which means you can adapt to different EQ levels on the fly so tuning for individual games on the platform can come across the cleanest. 

Performance: Impressive is the first word that springs to mind when recounting the Astro A50's overall performance. Whether we were kicking back with a relaxing title or cranking the intensity up to 11, the premium Xbox One headset had an answer for it as the 40mm Astro Audio V2 drivers provided faithful reproduction without fail. 

Verdict: The Astro A50 is an expensive package but one that's worth it for the audiophile who enjoys tinkering and fine-tuning settings to bring out the best of what the Xbox One can do. 

Best Xbox One headsets - FAQs

What is the best Xbox One headset?

Most of the best Xbox One headsets featured in this list have seriously good sound quality, but if we had to isolate a couple in this regard, it would have to be the Astro A50 or the Turtle Beach Elite Pro. If excellent sound quality is at the top of your list in terms of features, you can't go wrong with either of these excellent headsets. 

What is the most durable headset for Xbox One?

Out of all the best Xbox One headsets in this list, the award for the most durable has to go to the SteelSeries Arctis 9X. This excellent headset is exceptionally comfortable and durable to boot, making it a perfect choice if you want a long-lasting headset and don't have to worry about it taking a few bumps.

Shopping for Microsoft's current-gen console instead? Consider browsing our guides to the best Xbox Series X headsets, as well as the best Xbox Series X and Series S accessories.

Rhys Wood
Hardware Editor

Rhys is TRG's Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.

With contributions from