Buying Guide
The Best Xbox Gaming Headsets That Also Work With PC
Six headsets for Xbox Series X|S compared on how they connect, battery life and drivers, with notes on using each one with a PC.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Xbox headsets connect in three ways: Microsoft's Xbox Wireless protocol, a 2.4GHz USB dongle, or a 3.5mm cable to the controller. The first gives the cleanest console experience but is the one to check if you also want to use the headset on a PC.
We compared six headsets on their connections, battery life, drivers and microphones. We did not test them ourselves.
If the headset will also serve a gaming PC, the models with a 2.4GHz dongle or a cable are the simplest to move between systems.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Official Option
Xbox Wireless Gaming HeadsetXbox Wireless plus Bluetooth LE with Dolby Atmos support.
Best for: Xbox owners who want Microsoft's own headset.
Check price for Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2The longest battery life here (50 hours).
Best for: Players who hate charging mid-week.
Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Drivers
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox)The largest driver size here (60mm).
Best for: Players who favour a fuller low end.
Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Wireless
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox)2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 with a 40-hour battery.
Best for: Xbox and PC players on a mid-range budget.
Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Xbox Wireless
Razer Kaira Wireless (Xbox)Xbox Wireless with 50mm drivers for less than the official headset.
Best for: Xbox owners who want native wireless for less.
Check price for Razer Kaira Wireless (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Wired Xbox Headset
HyperX CloudX (Xbox Licensed)Official Xbox licensing and a 3.5mm connection that needs no charging.
Best for: Controller play without batteries or pairing.
Check price for HyperX CloudX (Xbox Licensed) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Official Option1 of 6
Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset
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 owners who want Microsoft's own headset.
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. On battery life it trails the group at 20 hours, while the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 runs for 50 hours. It shares an included microphone with the Stealth 500 and CloudX; the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 goes with a noise-rejecting microphone.
It also comes with 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. Its price falls between the Kaira and the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 20 hours
- Connection
- Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE
- Microphone
- Included
Pros
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio support
- Dual wireless connectivity
- Xbox Wireless plus Bluetooth LE with Dolby Atmos support
Cons
- Shorter 20-hour battery
- Battery life trails the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 (50 hours)
- No published driver size
The catch
If battery life is your priority, the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 (50 hours) is the stronger choice.
Longest Battery Life2 of 6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2
The Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 is the Xbox version of SteelSeries' Nova 7, with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio and the longest battery in this group.
Best for
- Players who hate charging mid-week.
Skip if
- The maker gives no driver size, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It is the best fit if one headset has to serve an Xbox, a PC and a phone. Its 50 hours battery life is the longest here; the Stealth 500 comes next at 40 hours. A noise-rejecting microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Stealth 500 uses an included microphone.
On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. Its price falls between the Xbox Wireless Headset and the Stealth 700, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the Stealth 700, which comes in at 60mm.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 50 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Microphone
- Noise-rejecting
Pros
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio
- The Xbox version of the Nova 7 Gen 2
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the CloudX at the time of writing
Largest Drivers3 of 6
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox)
The Stealth 700 uses the largest drivers here, 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, and a CrossPlay dual transmitter for switching between systems.
Best for
- Players who favour a fuller low end.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
Memory foam cushions designed for glasses make it one of the more comfortable options for long sessions. It runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time, so you can take a phone call while gaming, and the battery is rated for up to 80 hours. The glasses-friendly memory foam cushions and 10-band EQ app help on long sessions.
On driver size it leads this guide at 60mm, ahead of the Kaira (50mm). No other pick in this guide offers a CrossPlay dual transmitter connection; compare the CloudX, which has a wired 3.5mm connection. A flip-to-mute microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Stealth 500 uses an included microphone. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 60mm
- Connection
- CrossPlay dual transmitter
- Microphone
- Flip-to-mute
Pros
- 60mm drivers
- 60mm Eclipse dual drivers
- Memory foam cushions designed for glasses
- CrossPlay dual transmitter connection, the only one here
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the CloudX at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, which runs for 50 hours.
Best Value Wireless4 of 6
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox)
The Stealth 500 offers 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 with a QuickSwitch button between them, plus a 40-hour battery.
Best for
- Xbox and PC players on a mid-range budget.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Stealth 700 offers 60mm.
Why we like it
Turtle Beach's app adds EQ presets and its Superhuman Hearing mode. Its 40 hours battery life ranks second of 3 here, behind the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 (50 hours) and ahead of the Xbox Wireless Headset (20 hours). On driver size it trails the group at 40mm, while the Stealth 700 comes in at 60mm.
A 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Stealth 700 uses a CrossPlay dual transmitter connection. Like the Xbox Wireless Headset and CloudX, it has an included microphone, while the Stealth 700 uses a flip-to-mute microphone. It also comes with variable mic monitoring.
On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. When we checked, only the CloudX cost less, and the Kaira cost more.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 40 hours
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2
- Microphone
- Included
Pros
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- QuickSwitch button between wireless and Bluetooth
- Variable mic monitoring
- Battery life of 40 hours, ahead of the Xbox Wireless Headset
Cons
- Driver size trails the Stealth 700 (60mm)
- Costs more than the CloudX at the time of writing
The catch
Driver size is its weakest area, and the Stealth 700 covers it better at 60mm.
Best Budget Xbox Wireless5 of 6
Razer Kaira Wireless (Xbox)
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
- Xbox owners who want native wireless for less.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It also has dedicated EQ and Xbox pairing buttons. Its 50mm driver size ranks second of 3 here, behind the Stealth 700 (60mm) and ahead of the Stealth 500 (40mm). No other pick in this guide offers a xbox Wireless connection; compare the Stealth 500, which has a 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 connection.
A HyperClear cardioid microphone is unique to it among these picks, 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. Its price falls between the Stealth 500 and the Xbox Wireless Headset, based on our last check.
Key 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
- HyperClear cardioid microphone, the only one here
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the CloudX at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, which runs for 50 hours.
Best Wired Xbox Headset6 of 6
HyperX CloudX (Xbox Licensed)
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 without batteries or pairing.
Skip if
- Its driver size is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
The aluminum frame is built to last. It is the only pick here with a wired 3.5mm connection; the Stealth 700 has a CrossPlay dual transmitter connection instead. It shares an included microphone with the Xbox Wireless Headset and Stealth 500; the Kaira goes with a HyperClear cardioid 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. It undercut the Stealth 500 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 runs for 50 hours.
Key specs
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Included
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Official Xbox licensing
- Durable aluminum frame
- Official Xbox licensing and a 3.5mm connection that needs no charging
Cons
- No published driver size
How We Chose These Xbox Gaming Headsets
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared six headsets on battery life, driver size, connection and microphone from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick, while battery life and driver size have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Xbox Wireless Headset to the CloudX, state connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Stealth 700, the Kaira and the CloudX give no battery life; the Xbox Wireless Headset, the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 and the CloudX give no driver size.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CloudX ($50 to $100) to the Stealth 700 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Xbox Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Battery life
Here battery life runs from 20 hours on the Xbox Wireless Headset to 50 hours on the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, a 150% spread. The Stealth 500 comes second at 40 hours, in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 for the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2. The Stealth 700, the Kaira and the CloudX give no battery life figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.
Driver size across these picks
Across these 3 picks driver size spans 40mm (the Stealth 500) to 60mm (the Stealth 700). For less, the Kaira is the runner-up at 50mm ($50 to $100 tier). The Xbox Wireless Headset, the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 and the CloudX give no driver size figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.
A headset hanging on a PC case next to a monitor Extras that separate them
The Stealth 500: variable mic monitoring. The Kaira: an Xbox pairing button and EQ control. The CloudX: a durable aluminum frame.
Budget
$50 to $100 buys the CloudX, the Stealth 500 and the Kaira; $100 to $150 buys the Xbox Wireless Headset; $150 to $250 buys the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 and the Stealth 700 at our last check.
A gaming headset beside a desk with backlit speakers Start from what matters most
Xbox owners who want Microsoft's own headset: the Xbox Wireless Headset. Players who hate charging mid-week: the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2. Players who favour a fuller low end: the Stealth 700.
How to Choose a Xbox Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox owners who want Microsoft's own headset | Xbox Wireless Headset | Xbox Wireless plus Bluetooth LE with Dolby Atmos support |
| Players who hate charging mid-week | Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 | The longest battery life here (50 hours) |
| Players who favour a fuller low end | Stealth 700 | The largest driver size here (60mm) |
| Xbox and PC players on a mid-range budget | Stealth 500 | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 with a 40-hour battery |
| Xbox owners who want native wireless for less | Kaira | Xbox Wireless with 50mm drivers for less than the official headset |
| Controller play without batteries or pairing | CloudX | Official Xbox licensing and a 3.5mm connection that needs no charging |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 leads on battery life at 50 hours, ahead of the Stealth 500 at 40 hours. "Not listed" marks battery life where the Stealth 700, the Kaira and the CloudX leave the figure out.
| Headset | Battery life | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless Headset | 20 hours | Not listed | Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE | Included |
| Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 | 50 hours | Not listed | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously | Noise-rejecting |
| Stealth 700 | Not listed | 60mm | CrossPlay dual transmitter | Flip-to-mute |
| Stealth 500 | 40 hours | 40mm | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 | Included |
| Kaira | Not listed | 50mm | Xbox Wireless | HyperClear cardioid |
| CloudX | Not listed | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Included |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CloudX was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Stealth 700 the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | CloudX, Stealth 500, Kaira |
| About $100 to $150 | Xbox Wireless Headset |
| About $150 to $250 | Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, Stealth 700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the longest battery life: the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 or the Stealth 500?
Between the top two, it is 50 hours on the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 against 40 hours on the Stealth 500, a 25% difference. The Xbox Wireless Headset closes the ranking at 20 hours. The Stealth 700, the Kaira and the CloudX are left out of this ranking because their battery life isn't stated; 3 of 6 picks are ranked.
Is the Stealth 700 ahead of the Kaira on driver size?
The Stealth 700 tops driver size at 60mm; the Kaira follows at 50mm, 20% apart. The Stealth 500 is at the other end of this group with 40mm. No driver size figure is published for the Xbox Wireless Headset, the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 and the CloudX, which leaves 3 of 6 picks ranked here.
Why is the CloudX our Best Wired Xbox Headset pick?
It carries the badge for official Xbox licensing and a 3.5mm connection that needs no charging. It suits controller play without batteries or pairing.
Do the Xbox Wireless Headset and the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 differ on microphone?
The Xbox Wireless Headset, the Stealth 500 and the CloudX use Included; the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 uses noise-rejecting; the Stealth 700 uses flip-to-mute; the Kaira uses HyperClear cardioid.
What extras do the Xbox Wireless Headset and the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 include?
The Xbox Wireless Headset: Dolby Atmos spatial audio support. The Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2: simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio. The Stealth 700: 60mm Eclipse dual drivers.
Bottom Line
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 is the most flexible pick for Xbox and PC, with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth and the longest battery. Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Headset is the native console choice, and the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 has the largest drivers.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is the value wireless pick, the Razer Kaira offers Xbox Wireless for less, and the HyperX CloudX is the no-charging wired option.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Gaming Headsets for PC
- Related guideThe Best Wired Gaming Headsets and Headphones for PC
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Headsets Under $20
- Similar guideThe Best Wired Gaming Headsets for Xbox
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming Headsets
- ExplainerHow to Choose a PC Headset
- ExplainerHeadset connection types for PC, PS5 and Xbox
- Also see: microphonesUSB Microphone Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best PC Gaming Headsets
- Topic hubAll headsets and headphones guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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