Best Headset for Xbox Series X 2021 (Turtle Beach, SteelSeries)
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By
Jacob Woodward
- Last Updated Oct 28, 2020
- 8 Min Read
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A high quality gaming headset could be the difference in hearing someone sneaking up on you or missing out on that first place in your favorite battle royale. But, it’s certainly difficult to find out which are the absolute best headsets out there due to the wide array of brands and models on the market. What makes it even more tricky is that some are compatible for certain consoles but won’t work as intended on others. So, in this article, we’re going to be talking you through the best headsets for your Xbox Series X so that you can take full advantage of today’s incredible audio.
We’ll be talking you through the best Xbox Series X headsets in terms of premium, value, and budget so you should be able to find one to suit your needs. We’ll also be breaking down the different types of Xbox Series X headsets so that you can come away much more informed on the whole headset field thus making a better purchase.
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Types of Xbox Series X Headsets
Nowadays, pretty much all Xbox Series X headsets will have a microphone but, there are a couple of variations – detachable and non-detachable. Naturally, if you’re going to be using your headset solely for your Xbox Series X then you’ll probably just opt for a non-detachable microphone because why bother with another removable part that you could either potentially lose or end up breaking. However, if you’re wanting a multi-functional gaming headset then maybe picking one up that has a detachable microphone might not be a bad idea. This way, you can take it out and about and use them as traditional headphones without that microphone hindering both the aesthetics and overall build.
Of course, there are also wired and wireless Xbox Series X headsets. Wired are the tried and tested models that have been iterated on for some time now thus making them reliable and pretty cost-effective. However, having the freedom of a wireless gaming headset for your Xbox Series X is certainly desirable and probably the choice for many. Thanks to advancements in tech wireless headsets are better than ever and as showcased by our best Xbox Series X headsets below, you can see why.
Best Headsets for Xbox Series X
Best Xbox Series X Headset
SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless
SteelSeries is highly regarded as one of the best gaming headset manufacturers around so there’s no surprise that one of their models makes it onto this list. The Arctis 9X Wireless Gaming Headset has been specifically crafted with Xbox functionality in mind going one step further than just Bluetooth functionality by providing full Xbox wireless support. This means you can simply connect directly to your Xbox Series X console rather than the controller with no additional dongles required. Moreover, you’re able to connect it to your Xbox Series X console as well as another device via Bluetooth, having full call functionality or even listen to music via another device while also hearing the in-game audio of the game you’re playing.
Looking at the sound you’ll be receiving from the 9X, it comes equipped with signature Arctis sound which is award winning, giving you all the in-game noises you need at the right levels. No more jumping out of your seat from a blown-out sounding bang, everything is tailored to minute detail. The ClearCast microphone is also brilliant utilizing a bidirectional design which enables noise cancellation superior to most other gaming headsets on the market. In addition, the microphone itself can either be almost hidden inside the frame of the headset as well as the ability to pull it out and have it close to your mouth for those intense comms.
Finally, the battery life. You’re looking at around 20+ hours on a full charge from the 9X which has been made possible thanks to a brand new chipset that’s gone into the headset. Moreover, this chipset has been specifically designed with Xbox integration in mind which then compounds the power savings.
Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X really is the full package when it comes to Xbox Series X headsets. Not only has it been specifically designed for the Xbox itself, it also comes with all the top features traditional SteelSeries headsets are known for making it the best headset for Xbox Series X owners in our eyes.
Best Value Xbox Series X Headset
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Like SteelSeries, Turtle Beach is prolific in the gaming industry for manufacturing seriously great peripherals. However, while SteelSeries has a wide range out there, Turtle Beach focuses all their efforts into headsets and therefore this translates into not only incredible devices but also brilliant value too. The Stealth 700 Gen 2 is one of said headsets that has top tier features but at a lower cost than the Arctis 9X making it good value in our opinion.
This is the second generation of the Stealth 700 and with it brings more features and frills over the first generation. One of these is the inclusion of that all-important Xbox wireless functionality, removing the need for any additional adapters or connecting to the controller. You can, like the 9X also hook your headset up to another Bluetooth device and take calls or listen to music all while staying connected to your Xbox Series X console, a great feature and a welcomed addition.
In terms of audio quality, you’ll be receiving Turtle Beach’s latest nanoclear 50mm speakers in which have refined internal acoustics to provide you with the absolute best in-game audio focused on realistic tones. They’ve also utilized something known as superhuman hearing that allows the user to hear the absolute quietest of in-game footsteps. No more enemies sneaking up on you!
Finally, the design. With stealth in the name of the headset, there’s no surprise that it comes in all-black with silver accents to provide a sleek look that many out there would love. Moreover, the earcups are a sight to behold with aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions that provide maximum comfort even after multiple hour gaming sessions.
Yes, it is still pricey when you compare it to other wireless headsets for the Xbox Series X but, because it comes with all the fantastic additions over the 1st generation and almost matching the Arctis 9X is every regard while also being cheaper, that’s why it deserves our best value Xbox Series X headset stamp.
Best Budget Xbox Series X Headset
Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50X
As our final best headset for Xbox Series X pick, we’ve got a budget option for you savvy savers out there who are wanting a low-cost headset that still does the job. That headset is the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50X which comes in at a fantastic price yet still offers some pretty great specs.
The sound quality isn’t going to compare to the likes of the above headsets but it’s still more than enough to get by in your games thanks to the 40mm speakers, large enough to provide you the smaller audio details as well as those big bangs you’re obviously going to encounter. On the wire that you’ll be plugging directly into your Xbox Series X controller, you’ll see controls for turning the volume up and down as well as a muting slider allowing you to conveniently mute your microphone.
More on that microphone, it’s incredibly adjustable with its bendy nature, allowing you to either have it right next to your mouth for those intense situations ro further away if you’re casually chatting with your friends. The microphone itself is highly sensitive and provides crystal clear voice pickup, great for not only you but also those on the receiving end of your chat. Additionally, a welcomed feature is that you can fully detach the microphone, perfect if you want to take the headset out and about without having to have that microphone in your way.
Finally, the overall design is a simplistic one but has all the Turtle Beach trademarks that we all know and love with stealth blacks and vibrant greens. There’s even green material with Turtle Beach logos inside the earcups, a small detail that some may not appreciate but it’s the little things that give off a more premium feel at a budget cost.
There’s literally no reason to pass on the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50X headset if you need a budget headset for the Xbox Series X. It ticks all the boxes when it comes to the basic necessities that a peripheral of this nature needs and due to the build quality Turtle Beach is known for, you know it’s going to last.
Things To Consider
Things To Consider
Similar to that of controllers, there are advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless headsets. As previously stated with our top wireless picks above, thanks to the technology of today, there’s certainly less of a worry when it comes to wireless range, interference, and battery life with dramatic improvements all round. However, some still prefer wired headsets over wireless because of the previous as you eliminate pretty much all potential worries in that regard as they’re constantly plugged in.
At the end of the day, it’s all down to preference. If you want to be wire-free and take the aforementioned risks then go for it, the tech of today is substantially better. But, if you want a tried and tested gaming headset, that’s probably lighter as well, then a wired choice shouldn’t be shied away from.
Conclusion
All in all, if you’re a wireless gaming headset fan, there’s no question that the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is the best headset for Xbox Series X. It has all the features that you could possibly need and thanks to the more than impressive sound quality, you’ll be hearing those footsteps of your enemies all over the map. On the flip side, if you’re more inclined to pick a wired headset or you simply want to pick up a headset for Xbox Series X on a tighter budget, you can’t really go wrong with the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50X. It’s been a staple for many Xbox One owners out there and thanks to the Xbox Series X console/controller being compatible with Xbox One accessories, it’s a cost-effective yet top-quality option. Pair either of these up with the best Xbox Series X monitor or best Xbox Series X controller and you’ll have a formidable setup going into next generation console gaming.
