Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Headsets for Xbox One
Five Xbox headsets, from 3.5mm controller plugs to Xbox Wireless models.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Any 3.5mm headset works through a controller with a headset jack. Xbox Wireless headsets connect without a dongle; confirm Xbox One support on the listing before buying.
We compared connection and mic type from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Wired Pick
Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox
A 240g frame and cardioid mic on a 3.5mm plug.
Best for: Controller headset jacks.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox (opens in a new tab)
Best Xbox Wireless
Razer Kaira Wireless (Xbox)
Xbox Wireless with 50mm drivers.
Best for: Dongle-free play.
Our take Check price for Razer Kaira Wireless (Xbox) (opens in a new tab)
Best Microsoft Pick
Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset
Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE.
Best for: Xbox and phone.
Our take Check price for Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Best HyperX Pick
HyperX CloudX (Xbox Licensed)
A 3.5mm headset with a mic.
Best for: Controller play.
Our take Check price for HyperX CloudX (Xbox Licensed) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price
Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset
Inline controls and a removable mic.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 240g frame and cardioid mic on a 3.5mm plug. | Controller headset jacks. | Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox (opens in a new tab) |
| Xbox Wireless with 50mm drivers. | Dongle-free play. | Check price for Razer Kaira Wireless (Xbox) (opens in a new tab) |
| Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE. | Xbox and phone. | Check price for Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
| A 3.5mm headset with a mic. | Controller play. | Check price for HyperX CloudX (Xbox Licensed) (opens in a new tab) |
| Inline controls and a removable mic. | Tight budgets. | Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Wired Pick1 of 5
Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Xbox version of Razer's BlackShark V2 X has the same 240g frame and cardioid mic.
Best for
- Controller headset jacks.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Recon 50 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 3.5mm plug connects to an Xbox controller. It matches the Kaira on driver size (50mm). Like the CloudX and Recon 50, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Kaira uses a xbox Wireless connection.
It shares a HyperClear cardioid microphone with the Kaira; the CloudX goes with an included microphone. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Another plus is light 240g build. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Recon 50 and the pricier CloudX, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 240g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: HyperClear cardioid
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Light 240g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- HyperClear cardioid mic
Cons
- Costs more than the Recon 50 at the time of writing
Best Xbox Wireless2 of 5
Razer Kaira Wireless (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Razer Kaira connects over Xbox Wireless with 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers and a HyperClear cardioid mic, and it costs less than Microsoft's headset.
Best for
- Dongle-free play.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Recon 50, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also has dedicated EQ and Xbox pairing buttons. On driver size it ties with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox at 50mm. You get a xbox Wireless connection here, which sets it apart from the CloudX and its a wired 3.5mm connection.
Like the BlackShark V2 X Xbox, it has a HyperClear cardioid microphone, while the Xbox Wireless Headset uses an included microphone. It connects to Xbox consoles over Xbox Wireless; on a PC, check the product page for the connection it supports, since Xbox Wireless on Windows usually needs Microsoft's adapter or a built-in radio. It was priced above the CloudX and below the Xbox Wireless Headset at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Xbox Wireless
- Microphone: HyperClear cardioid
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Xbox pairing button and EQ control
- Xbox Wireless connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Recon 50 at the time of writing
Best Microsoft Pick3 of 5
Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Headset connects straight to the console and adds Bluetooth LE for a phone, with Dolby Atmos spatial audio support.
Best for
- Xbox and phone.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: shorter 20-hour battery.
Why we like it
Its 20-hour battery is the shortest here, so it suits shorter sessions or a nearby charger. Like the CloudX, it has an included microphone, while the BlackShark V2 X Xbox uses a HyperClear cardioid microphone. You also get dual wireless connectivity.
It connects to Xbox consoles over Xbox Wireless; on a PC, check the product page for the connection it supports, since Xbox Wireless on Windows usually needs Microsoft's adapter or a built-in radio. Only the Kaira came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published driver size figure, whereas the BlackShark V2 X Xbox comes in at 50mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Connection: Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE
- Microphone: Included
Pros
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio support
- Dual wireless connectivity
- Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE
Cons
- Shorter 20-hour battery
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Recon 50 at the time of writing
Best HyperX Pick4 of 5
HyperX CloudX (Xbox Licensed) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The HyperX CloudX is the wired choice: officially licensed for Xbox, it plugs into the controller's 3.5mm jack and never needs charging.
Best for
- Controller play.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its driver size before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
The aluminum frame is built to last. It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and Recon 50; the Kaira goes with a xbox Wireless connection. Like the Xbox Wireless Headset, it has an included microphone, while the Recon 50 uses a removable boom microphone.
You also get official Xbox licensing. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. When we checked, only the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and cheaper picks cost less, and the Kaira cost more. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the BlackShark V2 X Xbox instead: it comes in at 50mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Included
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Official Xbox licensing
- Durable aluminum frame
- A 3.5mm headset with a mic
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Recon 50 at the time of writing
Lowest Price5 of 5
Turtle Beach Recon 50 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Turtle Beach's Recon 50 is a light 3.5mm headset with an inline volume and mute control.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox offers 50mm.
Why we like it
Its mic removes, so it doubles as plain headphones. Its high-sensitivity mic detaches when you're watching films or listening to music, and the light frame suits long sessions. It works across PC and consoles over 3.5mm.
Its light build suits long sessions without pressure on the head. Its 40mm driver size is the smallest in this group; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox leads at 50mm. Like the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and CloudX, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Kaira uses a xbox Wireless connection.
A removable boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Kaira uses a HyperClear cardioid microphone. It also offers a light 3.5mm design that plugs into a controller. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Removable boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Inline volume and mute control
- Removable mic for use as plain headphones
- Light 3.5mm design that plugs into a controller
Cons
- Driver size trails the BlackShark V2 X Xbox (50mm)
How We Chose These Gaming Headsets for Xbox One
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
- Connection options
- We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
What to Look for in a Gaming Headset for Xbox One
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Console versions are not always interchangeable
Some wireless headsets come in PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions with different dongles. An Xbox-specific model may not connect wirelessly to a PlayStation.
Buy the version that matches every system you plan to use.
Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
Virtual surround is software
7.1 and spatial audio labels usually describe software processing, not extra drivers. They can help locate sounds in some games and hurt music in others.
Make sure you can switch it off in the headset's software.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
How to Choose a Gaming Headset for Xbox One
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Controller headset jacks | BlackShark V2 X Xbox | A 240g frame and cardioid mic on a 3.5mm plug |
| Dongle-free play | Kaira | Xbox Wireless with 50mm drivers |
| Xbox and phone | Xbox Wireless Headset | Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE |
| Controller play | CloudX | A 3.5mm headset with a mic |
| Tight budgets | Recon 50 | Inline controls and a removable mic |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlackShark V2 X Xbox | 50mm | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
| Kaira | 50mm | Xbox Wireless | HyperClear cardioid |
| Xbox Wireless Headset | Not listed | Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE | Included |
| CloudX | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Included |
| Recon 50 | 40mm | Wired 3.5mm | Removable boom |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Recon 50, BlackShark V2 X Xbox |
| About $50 to $100 | CloudX, Kaira |
| About $100 to $150 | Xbox Wireless Headset |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming?
For casual games it is fine, but 2.4GHz dongles have noticeably lower latency. Use the dongle for competitive play.
Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?
Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.
Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
They give a wide, natural soundstage but leak sound and block little noise. They suit quiet rooms, not shared spaces.
Should I turn on virtual surround?
Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Can I use one headset on PC and console?
Many can, but check the connection for each system. Xbox-specific wireless headsets often need a matching adapter or Bluetooth on PC.
Bottom Line
Razer's BlackShark V2 X for Xbox is the wired pick. Razer's Kaira and Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Headset are the wireless options, and the Recon 50 is the cheapest.