Boost your Xbox One audio
Microsoft was ahead of the curve when it came to voice communication on home gaming consoles. The Xbox 360 headset almost became part of the console's image, and partying up with your friends to communicate over voice chat is now a standard console feature.
As such, there's a flood of Xbox One headsets on the market — and since the latest versions of the Xbox One controller support 3.5 mm jacks — you can use practically any headset with an in-line mic to communicate over Xbox Live.
While the basic $10 single-piece headset might suffice for many, even the most casual gamer will benefit from picking up a dedicated headset. Here are some of the best headsets designed for use with the Xbox One.
Let us know what you're using to enhance your Xbox One audio in the comments!
3.5mm Adapters
If, like me, you're still rocking the Day One Edition controller, you may want to consider picking up a 3.5mm adapter for use with headsets that don't support the Xbox One's base controller port. Microsoft's official adapter gives you mute controls and allows you to tune the balance between game sound and chat audio. It snaps snugly into the bottom of your controller, and can be removed easily if necessary.
It's worth noting that most Xbox One headsets designed for 3.5mm jacks come with adapters in the box, like each headset on this list.
It's also worth mentioning the official Xbox One QWERTY Chatpad as well, which also includes a 3.5mm jack, all the regular audio controls, in addition to a full keyboard — handy for games with text chat like ARK: Survival Evolved and punching in those long product redemption codes. The official Xbox One Chatpad also comes with a basic single-piece headset, perfect for casual voice chat.
Buy the Xbox One Chatpad from Amazon.com ($34.95)
Buy the Xbox One headset adapter from Amazon.com ($24.96)
Official Xbox One Stereo Headset
If you're purchasing a dedicated headset for the first time, jumping in at the deep end might be a bit daunting. Thankfully, Microsoft provides a value option for users who want to boost their game without breaking the bank.
The official Xbox One Stereo Headset is the most basic headset on this list, sporting a discrete design and limited feature set. Despite its low price, this headset provides high-quality full-range stereo audio, and a foldable microphone for lengthy party chat sessions. This headset comes with the 3.5mm adapter, allowing you to adjust sound levels and access mute controls. It also comes with a permanently-attached unidirectional microphone that provides quality voice capture. Sadly, it doesn't have any microphone feedback (where you can hear yourself through the headphones) unlike even the most basic Turtle Beach headsets, but it does work on PC and other devices thanks to its 3.5mm connector.
Microsoft's Xbox One Stereo Headset wasn't designed to compete with the big boys. It is, however, intended to provide a reliable budget solution for Xbox fans who want to add a little to their experience for a low price.
Buy the Xbox One Stereo Headset from Amazon US ($45.00)
Buy the Xbox One Stereo Headset from the Microsoft Store ($59.99)
Turtle Beach Ear Force XO One
Before we head to the high-end, Xbox One owners on a budget may want to check out Turtle Beach's XO One headset.
The XO One is among the most basic Xbox One headsets, but it packs a comfortable design, high-quality 50mm speakers and comes bundled with a 3.5mm adapter for use with other in-line headsets. The adapter provides a bass boost toggle and allows you to adjust the levels between game sound and voice chat. The microphone is removable for use with mobile phones or MP3 players, and features mic monitoring which allows you to hear yourself speaking over party chat — also adjustable with the adapter.
If you're keen to throw away the basic single-piece headset and give your gaming audio a boost, the XO Ones from Turtle Beach should be a first point of call.
Full Turtle Beach XO One Review
Buy the XO One from Amazon.com ($55.95)
Buy the XO One from TurtleBeach.com ($79.95)
Turtle Beach Ear Force XO Seven Pro
As we climb up the price tiers it'd be hard not to mention one of the most popular Xbox headsets on the market: the XO Seven Pro. Like the XO One headset, the XO Seven Pro connects to your Xbox via a controller adapter, which grants you access to audio presets, volume balance between game and voice chat and adjustable mic monitoring. You can even customize the speaker's outward appearance with plastic plates from TurtleBeach.com, and remove the microphone for use on-the-go.
This stereo headset might lack true surround sound, but they boast a patented Turtle Beach technology called "Superhuman Hearing" which boosts softer audio cues like footsteps and clip ejections to help you hear nearby enemies in competitive multiplayer games. It might seem like a bit of a niche feature, perhaps even gimmicky, but I've found it beneficial on a number of occasions in games like Battlefield.
The "tournament grade" cans sport an incredibly robust design, and often feature at video game trade shows for their ability to take a beating when being used by hundreds of gamers in a row. The XO Seven cans are well-padded, both on the speakers and on the headband, which enjoys near industrial-level durability — even the cable is wrapped in a thick fabric which helps prevent tangling (and the chewing of unruly house pets). Despite using hard-wearing materials, the headset is never uncomfortable or clammy; every inch is designed for maximum comfort.
If you're in the market for something more serious, the XO Seven Pro from Turtle Beach are among the most highly-regarded out there.
Full Turtle Beach XO Seven Pro Review
Buy the XO Seven Pro from Amazon.com ($129.99)
Buy the XO Seven Pro from TurtleBeach.com ($159.95)
Turtle Beach Wireless Ear Force Stealth 500X
Turtle Beach's Xbox range covers tons of price points, feature sets and styles, but the Stealth 500X are by far my personal favourite.
The Stealth 500X are completely wireless, with generous internal batteries and audio controls packed onto the headset themselves. They feature DTS 7.1 surround sound that gives you an edge in competitive multiplayer and an extra layer of immersion in single player adventure games. The headset connects to the Xbox One using a receiver box, which connects to your Xbox One with USB and an optical audio cable. Despite being wireless, there's zero interference even at its maximum 30 ft range, and the audio quality is among the best money can buy.
If you're concerned about how they feel for lengthy sessions, rest assured that they feel great. The 500X are nicely cushioned, providing excellent comfort to complement a robust design and premium build quality. You can also use them as a wired headset for PC and mobile devices, but the microphone jack protrudes from the side of the speaker, making them a poor choice to wear outside for even the least fashion-concerned gamer. Speaking of the mic, the 500X also features adjustable mic-monitoring, allowing you to hear yourself speak while fully immersed in its noise-cancelling design and crystal clear audio.
The Stealth 500X are hard to fault. If you're in the market for a premium wireless headset for use on your Xbox One, look no further.
Full Turtle Beach Wireless Ear Force® Stealth 500X Review
Buy the Stealth 500X from Amazon.com ($250.00)
Buy the Stealth 500X from TurtleBeach.com ($229.95)
Turtle Beach Wireless Ear Force® Stealth 420X
If you like the look of the 500X but don't want to break the bank, you might want to consider the similar, but far more affordable, Stealth 420X headset.
Unlike the 500X, the 420X uses a USB dongle to transmit wireless audio with the Xbox One. The signal is every bit as reliable as the more expensive 500X, and perhaps a little more discrete and portable as a result of the dongle. The stereo 420X doesn't have surround sound or some of the more advanced audio features found in their more expensive cousin, but Turtle Beach make little compromise when it comes to quality sound and voice chat overall. Additionally, the mic is detachable, and you can use the bundled in-line mic and sound cable for use on the go.
I've used the 420X extensively, and while the build factor takes a hit due to its lower price, they remain durable and a pleasure to wear. The cans are cushioned in faux leather, as opposed to the fabric on the 500X, but they're perforated to make them more breathable than you might expect.
If you want a no-nonsense wireless audio headset, the Stealth 420X boasts incredible value for money.
Full Turtle Beach Wireless Ear Force® Stealth 420X Review
Buy the Stealth 420X from Amazon.com ($183.99)
Buy the Stealth 420X from TurtleBeach.com ($149.95)
Polk 4 Shot Xbox One Headset
When it comes to real-world versatility, Polk's excellent 4 Shot Xbox One headset might be the choice for you. Polk teamed up with Microsoft to create audio profiles for popular Xbox One games, and the headset's adaptable design makes them a good choice if you're looking for a single product for use across PC, Xbox One and smartphones.
The 4 Shot headset connects to the Xbox One via a 3.5mm adapter attached to the controller, and is a popular choice with audio fans not just for its sound quality, but also its lightweight and durable design. The cups are well cushioned and fully pivot on a spring steel headband. The microphone retracts stylishly into the ear cups if you're planning to use the headset beyond gaming.
The built in near-field microphone might be sufficient for casual use, but the audio quality garnered some complaints from reviewers. Thankfully, the latest version comes with a high quality detachable boom microphone for improved Xbox party chat audio (and if you're a current owner, you can contact Polk to order one for free).
The Polk 4 Shot headset is among the best value-for-money products on this list, and worth investigating if you're looking for something a little more versatile and visually appealing for travel.
Buy the Polk 4 Shot from Amazon.com ($99.99)
Buy the Polk 4 Shot from PolkAudio.com ($129.99)
Astro A50
The most expensive headset on this list is the Astro A50, regarded as one of best gaming headsets money can buy.
The Astro A50, like Turtle Beach's 500X, has wireless audio, connecting to your console via a USB powered transmitter box and an optical audio cable. The A50's 5.8 Ghz wireless technology ensures you won't miss a beat of its Dolby 7.1 surround sound. Astro worked closely with game developers to ensure the sound quality remains as true to their design as possible across the Astro A50's EQ presets.
The A50 headset and transmitter can be used with all major consoles, including the PlayStation 4 and older consoles like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, in addition to PC and Mac. Sadly, unlike Turtle Beach's wireless headsets, the A50 needs to be wired in to the Xbox One controller to enjoy party chat — but its a small price to pay for excellence in design and sound quality. The A50 headset also comes with highly adjustable frame to ensure maximum comfort and a display stand to keep your play space tidy.
If you and your wallet is prepared to dive in at the deep end, the Astro A50 headset might be worth your attention.