Buying Guide
The Best Xbox Headset
From the Recon 70 to the Xbox Wireless Headset: five headsets ranked on driver size and weight, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
An Xbox headset needs either a 3.5mm plug for the controller or Xbox-specific wireless. Every pick mentions Xbox.
We sorted these picks by driver size, weight and connection, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips driver size, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Flip-to-mute Microphone
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming HeadsetA flip-to-mute microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want a flip-to-mute microphone.
Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lightest Build
Razer BlackShark V2 X for XboxThe lightest weight here (240g).
Best for: Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Turtle Beach Captain 200 Wireless (Xbox)Xbox Wireless without a dongle.
Best for: Buyers who want Xbox Wireless without a dongle.
Check price for Turtle Beach Captain 200 Wireless (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (Xbox)An Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X.
Best for: Buyers who want Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X.
Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Xbox Wireless Gaming HeadsetThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Dolby Atmos spatial audio support.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Atmos spatial audio support and can spend more than the BlackShark V3 X Xbox costs.
Check price for Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Flip-to-mute Microphone1 of 5
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset
The Recon 70 is a simple console-friendly headset with a flip-to-mute mic and 40mm drivers.
Best for
- Buyers who want a flip-to-mute microphone.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox offers 50mm.
Why we like it
Its flip-to-mute mic and on-ear volume dial keep controls close, and a PC splitter cable comes in the box. The 40mm drivers and light frame suit long sessions. Its 40mm driver size is the smallest in this group; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox leads at 50mm.
Like the BlackShark V2 X Xbox, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Captain 200 uses a xbox Wireless connection. A flip-to-mute microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Captain 200 uses a boom mic microphone. You also get support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm. 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.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Flip-to-mute
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm
- Flip-to-mute microphone, the only one here
Cons
- Driver size trails the BlackShark V2 X Xbox (50mm)
The catch
If driver size is your priority, the BlackShark V2 X Xbox (50mm) is the stronger choice.
Lightest Build2 of 5
Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox
The Xbox version of Razer's BlackShark V2 X has the same 240g frame and cardioid mic.
Best for
- Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
Its 3.5mm plug connects to an Xbox controller. Razer's Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers tune highs, mids and lows separately. The HyperClear cardioid mic picks up more voice than room noise, and the closed cups give a tighter passive seal.
It matches the Captain 200 and the BlackShark V3 X Xbox on driver size (50mm). Like the Recon 70, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Captain 200 uses a xbox Wireless connection. A HyperClear cardioid microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Captain 200 uses a boom mic 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.
Key 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
Also Consider3 of 5
Turtle Beach Captain 200 Wireless (Xbox)
The Captain 200 is built around Xbox Wireless without a dongle, with 50mm drivers on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Xbox Wireless without a dongle.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Recon 70 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 50mm driver size. On driver size it ties with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the BlackShark V3 X Xbox at 50mm. A xbox Wireless connection is unique to it among these picks, while the BlackShark V2 X Xbox uses a wired 3.5mm connection.
It is the only pick here with a boom mic microphone; the Recon 70 has a flip-to-mute microphone instead. It also offers a mid price tier. 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. When we checked, only the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and cheaper picks cost less, and the BlackShark V3 X Xbox cost more.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 50mm
- Connection
- Xbox Wireless
- Microphone
- Boom mic
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Xbox Wireless without a dongle
- Mid price tier
- Xbox Wireless connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Recon 70 at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed weight, look to the BlackShark V2 X Xbox instead: it weighs 240g, while this one gives no figure.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (Xbox)
What the BlackShark V3 X Xbox brings to the table is an Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X, plus Gen-2 50mm drivers.
Best for
- Buyers who want Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Recon 70 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 50mm driver size and weighs 270g. The microphone is a detachable 9.9mm HyperClear cardioid unit, and on PC the headset unlocks 7.1.4 surround sound. It switches between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth with SmartSwitch Dual Wireless, or plugs in over USB-C.
It matches the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the Captain 200 on driver size (50mm). You get a 9mm HyperClear microphone here, which sets it apart from the Xbox Wireless Headset and its an included microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Captain 200 and the pricier Xbox Wireless Headset, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 50mm
- Weight
- 270g
- Connection
- HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone
- 9mm HyperClear
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Light 270g build
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X
Cons
- Costs more than the Recon 70 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
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
- Buyers who want Dolby Atmos spatial audio support and can spend more than the BlackShark V3 X Xbox costs.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when shorter 20-hour battery is a problem.
Why we like it
Its 20-hour battery is the shortest here, so it suits shorter sessions or a nearby charger. It is the only pick here with an included microphone; the Recon 70 has a flip-to-mute microphone instead. It also offers 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the BlackShark V3 X Xbox the nearest cheaper option. 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 specs
- Battery life
- 20 hours
- Connection
- Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE
- Microphone
- Included
Pros
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio support
- Dual wireless connectivity
- Included microphone, the only one here
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Dolby Atmos spatial audio support
Cons
- Shorter 20-hour battery
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Recon 70 at the time of writing
How We Chose
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 set side by side five headsets on driver size, weight, connection and microphone from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and driver size and weight are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Recon 70 to the Xbox Wireless Headset, state connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Xbox Wireless Headset gives no driver size; the Recon 70, the Captain 200 and the Xbox Wireless Headset give no weight.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Recon 70 (under $50) to the Xbox Wireless Headset ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Xbox Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much driver size you need
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the Recon 70 to 50mm on the BlackShark V2 X Xbox, a 25% spread. If driver size is your first filter, the BlackShark V2 X Xbox sets the ceiling at 50mm. The Xbox Wireless Headset gives no driver size figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Weight across these picks
The BlackShark V2 X Xbox tops weight at 240g and the BlackShark V3 X Xbox sits lowest at 270g. Start with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox if weight decides it. The Recon 70, the Captain 200 and the Xbox Wireless Headset give no weight figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Open-back headphones on a stand beside a headphone amplifier Features beyond the spec table
The Captain 200: 50mm drivers. The BlackShark V3 X Xbox: Gen-2 50mm drivers. The Xbox Wireless Headset: dual wireless connectivity.
Budget
Under $50 buys the Recon 70, the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the Captain 200; $50 to $100 buys the BlackShark V3 X Xbox; $100 to $150 buys the Xbox Wireless Headset at our last check.
A headset hanging on a PC case next to a monitor Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want a flip-to-mute microphone: the Recon 70. Long sessions where clamp and weight add up: the BlackShark V2 X Xbox. Buyers who want Dolby Atmos spatial audio support and can spend more than the BlackShark V3 X Xbox costs: the Xbox Wireless Headset.
How to Choose a Xbox Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want a flip-to-mute microphone | Recon 70 | A flip-to-mute microphone |
| Long sessions where clamp and weight add up | BlackShark V2 X Xbox | The lightest weight here (240g) |
| Buyers who want Xbox Wireless without a dongle | Captain 200 | Xbox Wireless without a dongle |
| Buyers who want Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X | BlackShark V3 X Xbox | An Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X |
| Buyers who want Dolby Atmos spatial audio support and can spend more than the BlackShark V3 X Xbox costs | Xbox Wireless Headset | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Dolby Atmos spatial audio support |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The BlackShark V2 X Xbox leads on driver size at 50mm, ahead of the Captain 200 at 50mm. "Not listed" marks driver size where the Xbox Wireless Headset leaves the figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Weight | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recon 70 | 40mm | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute |
| BlackShark V2 X Xbox | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
| Captain 200 | 50mm | Not listed | Xbox Wireless | Boom mic |
| BlackShark V3 X Xbox | 50mm | 270g | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | 9mm HyperClear |
| Xbox Wireless Headset | Not listed | Not listed | Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth LE | Included |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Recon 70, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Xbox Wireless Headset at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Recon 70, BlackShark V2 X Xbox, Captain 200 |
| About $50 to $100 | BlackShark V3 X Xbox |
| About $100 to $150 | Xbox Wireless Headset |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the lightest weight: the BlackShark V2 X Xbox or the BlackShark V3 X Xbox?
The BlackShark V2 X Xbox is lowest on weight at 240g; the BlackShark V3 X Xbox follows at 270g, 11% apart. No weight figure is published for the Recon 70, the Captain 200 and the Xbox Wireless Headset, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
What makes the Recon 70 the Flip-to-mute Microphone?
The label rests on a flip-to-mute microphone. It is aimed at anyone who wants a flip-to-mute microphone.
Do the Recon 70 and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox differ on microphone?
The Recon 70 uses flip-to-mute; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox uses HyperClear cardioid; the Captain 200 uses boom mic; the BlackShark V3 X Xbox uses 9mm HyperClear; the Xbox Wireless Headset uses Included.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Recon 70 and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox apart?
The Recon 70: support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm. The BlackShark V2 X Xbox: a HyperClear cardioid mic. The Captain 200: Xbox Wireless without a dongle.
Who should choose the BlackShark V2 X Xbox?
The BlackShark V2 X Xbox carries our Lightest Build label for the lightest weight here (240g). It ranks second of 5 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Recon 70, chosen for a flip-to-mute microphone. Look at the Captain 200 for Xbox Wireless without a dongle, the BlackShark V3 X Xbox for an Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X and the Xbox Wireless Headset for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Dolby Atmos spatial audio support if those matter more to you.
Check whether a wireless headset is the Xbox version before buying.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Headsets Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Gaming Headsets Now
- Related guideThe Best Budget Gaming Headsets Under $50
- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap Gaming Headsets
- Similar guideThe Best Xbox Wired Headset
- 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 Xbox 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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