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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Official Option
Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset
Xbox Wireless plus Bluetooth LE with Dolby Atmos support.
Best for: Xbox owners who want Microsoft's own headset.
Our take Check price for Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2
The longest battery life here (50 hours).
Best for: Players who hate charging mid-week.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 (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.
Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox) (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.
Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox) (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.
Our take Check price for Razer Kaira Wireless (Xbox) (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.
Our take Check price for HyperX CloudX (Xbox Licensed) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Official Option1 of 6
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 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 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 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
Longest Battery Life2 of 6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
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 dimensions & 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) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
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. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, which runs for 50 hours.
Key dimensions & 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
Best Value Wireless4 of 6
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. Driver size is its weakest area, and the Stealth 700 covers it better at 60mm.
Key dimensions & 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
Best Budget Xbox Wireless5 of 6
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
- Xbox owners who want native wireless for less.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
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. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, which runs for 50 hours.
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
- HyperClear cardioid microphone, the only one here
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the CloudX at the time of writing
Best Wired Xbox Headset6 of 6
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 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 dimensions & 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
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
- Connection options
- We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
What to Look for in a Xbox Gaming Headset
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.
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.
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
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.
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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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
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.
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.
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 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.
Do I need a separate microphone?
Only if your headphones do not include one or you stream. Most gaming headsets include a usable microphone.
Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?
Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.
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.