Here Are the Best Xbox Series X/S Gaming Headsets in 2025

Published:Tue, 7 Oct 2025 / Source:https://www.ign.com/articles/best-xbox-headset-australia

Relying on your TV’s speakers might be the easiest way to play on Xbox Series X or S, but you’re leaving a lot on the table by not using a proper gaming headset. The right headset brings out subtle details in sound design, with tuned drivers delivering sharper audio and accurate positional cues. Story-driven titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 come alive when you can fully appreciate the soundtrack, while competitive shooters such as Call of Duty: Warzone give you a clear edge when you can pick up on footsteps or distant gunfire. Regular earbuds or TV speakers simply can’t compete.

With so many headsets on the market, the challenge is finding the one that fits your setup, playstyle, and budget. Some offer premium soundscapes and advanced features, while others keep things simple and affordable without sacrificing the essentials. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to score a great Xbox headset – there are solid options at every price point that will transform your gaming experience.

TL;DR: These Are Our Picks for the Best Xbox Series X/S Headsets

There are straightforward picks like the official Xbox headset, which delivers dependable sound and a clean, minimalist look without costing a fortune. For players chasing every competitive edge, the new Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is worth stretching the budget for, packing premium features into a slick design. On the other end of the spectrum, the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is a cracking choice if you want strong performance at a wallet-friendly price. And for those who prefer earbuds with the flexibility to double as everyday music gear, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are an easy recommendation.

Whichever way you lean, make sure you grab the Xbox-specific version of the headset. Microsoft’s consoles use their own wireless standard for accessories, which means non-Xbox models won’t connect wirelessly even if they look identical. Many of the top headsets are sold as multiplatform gear, but this guide points you directly to the proper Xbox editions so you don’t end up with the wrong one.

This guide contains contributions by Michael Higham

1. Audeze Maxwell

Best Audiophile Xbox Headset

Ask anyone who has tried the Audeze Maxwell if it justifies its hefty price, and the answer is almost always yes. This headset sports a clean, understated look that wouldn’t be out of place among high-end audiophile cans, and it performs like one too. It’s also a reminder that wireless doesn’t automatically mean worse sound – the Maxwell proves that assumption wrong in style.

The star feature is its 90mm planar magnetic drivers. Bigger drivers don’t always equal better audio, but in this case the performance lives up to the spec sheet, delivering superb clarity, balanced frequencies, and a rich, natural sound profile. While the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro remains the most feature-packed all-rounder, the Maxwell sets itself apart with pure audio quality.

It is on the heavier side, though, built sturdy enough to survive years of use. If that doesn’t bother you, the rest of the package is easy to love. A 2.4GHz USB-C dongle makes it versatile for PC, consoles, and even handheld use with the Switch 2. Combine that with excellent battery life and extras like toggleable noise isolation, and the high price starts to look like fair value.

2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Best High-End Xbox Headset

Scoring a flawless 10 out of 10 in reviews is no easy task, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless managed it. Background noise is a fact of life, whether it’s roommates, traffic, or city chaos, so effective noise cancellation makes all the difference. This headset packs a hybrid ANC system powered by four microphones that adapt to both your audio and the sounds around you. The redesigned earcups boost passive isolation, and with a quick button press you can switch to transparency mode to hear what’s happening nearby.

Design-wise, the Nova Pro Wireless is the biggest shake-up in the Arctis line so far. A new telescoping headband fits larger heads more comfortably, while slimmer earcups give it more of a premium headphone look than a traditional gaming headset. SteelSeries also kept one of the best features – hot-swappable rechargeable batteries – and gave it a few refinements. Most recently, a white edition joined the lineup, offering a touch more comfort and slightly stronger ANC while keeping everything else fans already love.

3. Razer BlackShark V3 Pro

Best Competitive Xbox Headset

Razer’s newest flagship headset, the BlackShark V3 Pro, makes a massive leap over its predecessor and cements itself as one of the best in the business. It combines excellent audio quality with real long-term comfort thanks to sports mesh padding, and it backs that up with powerful active noise cancellation. Even though mesh earcups usually struggle to block sound compared to leatherette, the ANC here does a stellar job without introducing the distortion that plagues many competitors. For players who value noise cancellation, Razer is leading the pack.

The Xbox edition sports a sleek black design with green stitching, but it’s the feature set that really shines. Wired analog input, Bluetooth, effective ANC, crisp microphone performance, fine-tuned EQ presets, long-lasting battery life, low-latency wireless, and well-implemented 3D audio – it’s all here, handled smartly. At $250 it isn’t cheap, but the balanced sound profile, with clean mids and punchy bass when tuned right, makes it worth every cent. It held its own in long Warzone sessions and stacks up confidently against heavy hitters like the Audeze Maxwell and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. This is one of Razer’s strongest headsets yet, and a genuine contender for the Xbox throne.

4. Official Xbox Headset (Gen 2)

Best All-Around Xbox Headset

With a few adjustments to its settings, the Xbox Wireless Headset delivers rich, detailed audio that works just as well for competitive matches as it does for story-driven adventures. It remains the most seamless headset option for Xbox consoles, with a clean design and a straightforward setup that reflects that focus. Fit can be tricky for those who prefer larger or looser headsets, but the dense padding ensures lasting comfort once it’s in place.

The latest version brings modest but meaningful upgrades, most notably in battery life and microphone clarity. While not dramatic changes, these refinements build on an already solid foundation. As Xbox’s own flagship headset, it continues to offer outstanding value, pairing ease of use with quality sound in a package that suits a wide range of players.

5. Turtle Beach Stealth 500

Best Budget Xbox Headset

Turtle Beach’s Stealth 500 earns its place thanks to a fair price, strong audio, and dead-simple connectivity with Xbox Series X/S. The design isn’t flashy, but the unibody frame is both lightweight and sturdy, with enough flex to sit comfortably on different head shapes. While the earcups can’t be adjusted and the headband doesn’t extend, the elastic strap inside ensures a snug fit, and the plush padding makes it comfortable for marathon sessions.

What really sets the Stealth 500 apart is its sound. For a budget-friendly headset, it punches well above its weight, delivering balanced audio with clean bass and respectable mids and highs, so long as the volume isn’t cranked. Even in chaotic firefights packed with effects, it maintains clarity, and directional audio cues like footsteps or overhead choppers come through clearly for a competitive edge. Sound profiles can be tweaked through Turtle Beach’s Swarm II app or cycled directly on the headset, with the Signature Sound mode offering the best all-around mix for most games.

6. HyperX Cloud III

Best Wired Headset for Xbox

The HyperX Cloud lineup has a long-standing reputation for delivering dependable headsets, and the Cloud III keeps that tradition alive. As a wired option, it’s one of the best budget-friendly choices around, often dipping under its $100 asking price. Despite the wallet-friendly tag, it delivers impressive audio, clear mic performance, and long-lasting comfort. Durability is also a standout—this thing is built to endure years of heavy use without falling apart.

The Cloud III’s aluminum frame is both sturdy and flexible, able to bend and twist without ever feeling fragile. Its plush memory foam earpads wrapped in leatherette provide solid comfort, though the material can get warm during extended play. Clamp force may be firm for some, but it ensures a secure fit. On the performance side, the headset nails audio balance across frequencies, making everything from subtle footsteps to soaring soundtracks come through with clarity. Even the detachable microphone holds its own, offering crisp and reliable voice quality without needing an upgrade.

7. SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Best Earbuds for Xbox

Gaming earbuds are still a relatively new category, with big names like Razer, Asus, and even PlayStation throwing their hats into the ring. The challenge usually comes down to physics: smaller drivers and tighter batteries often mean compromises somewhere. That’s why the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds stand out—they avoid most of those pitfalls and feel like a genuinely complete package.

Sound quality, battery life, and comfort are all handled with confidence, but what really elevates the GameBuds is SteelSeries’ excellent software support. Through a simple mobile app, players can skip fiddling with console menus and instead tap into over a hundred EQ profiles or fine-tune audio on the fly. Some features, like autoplay or Bluetooth pairing, can be a little finicky, but the fundamentals are rock solid. At the current asking price, they undercut Razer’s Hammerheads while offering stronger endurance, better app integration, and a more comfortable design, making them one of the best all-around picks for gaming on Xbox and beyond.

How to Pick the Best Xbox Series X/S Headset

Picking the right headset for your Xbox Series X or S can take your gaming to the next level, giving you crisp sound, clear chat, and comfort for marathon sessions. First, set your budget – it shapes the options you’ll be looking at. Comfort is key: padded ear cushions, an adjustable headband, and a lightweight build make long gaming sessions far more enjoyable.

Sound quality comes next. Look for clear audio with solid bass so you can catch every footstep or distant gunshot. Some headsets add features like surround sound or spatial audio for an even more immersive experience.

Connectivity is another factor. Bluetooth headsets are versatile, but wired options usually offer more reliability. If you play multiplayer often, a quality mic with noise-canceling tech is essential for smooth communication. Higher-end models may also include perks like programmable buttons, customizable EQ, or companion software.

Xbox Series X/S FAQ

Do you need specific headphones for the Xbox Series X?

Both wired and wireless headsets work, including Bluetooth models. Just make sure your headset is compatible with Xbox, which uses a proprietary wireless tech for some devices.

Does the Xbox Series X have a headphone jack?

No, but you can plug a 3.5mm headset into a paired Xbox controller.

Can I use AirPods with an Xbox?

Not directly. You can connect AirPods via your TV’s Bluetooth or through the Xbox app on a phone.

When do Xbox headsets go on sale?

Best deals usually coincide with Amazon Prime Day (July and October) or Black Friday in November, when consoles and accessories often get big discounts.

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Source:https://www.ign.com/articles/best-xbox-headset-australia

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