Best Xbox Headset 2023: Best picks for Microsoft’s consoles

Microsoft’s own Xbox Wireless Headset is a fantastic option for those after a great value gaming headset to use with their Xbox.

This comes especially thanks to the superb audio we found while testing, especially when fiddling with the equalise to dial back the intensity of the bass – without it, the speakers can sound a little muddy. The addition of Dolby Atmos widened the soundstage and increased immersion to no end, offering a much better sense of spacing. We also found the microphone to be good for in-game comms.

Connectivity to the Xbox Series X proved to be seamless and easy to set up, and we also had no trouble with the multi-device pairing that the Xbox Wireless Headset features. This allowed us to play Grounded on Xbox Series X with the in-game audio while chatting with friends on Discord, courtesy of an Android smartphone, and the ability to mix the balance between chat and game audio also proved to be especially handy.

We also thought this headset looked great with a clean and simple Xbox-inspired aesthetic that offers some welcome minimalism in a world where gaming headsets are increasingly tacky with sharp edges and oodles of RGB lighting. In addition, while its 312g weight doesn’t make this the lightest headset we’ve ever tested, it was still accommodating and wonderfully comfortable for lengthy gaming sessions.

Reviewer: Esat Dedezade
Full review: Xbox Wireless Headset review

The Astro A30 Wireless is one of the few headsets that offer wireless support for basically every device you could ask for. Thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth pairing, an audio jack and a USB-A adaptor, this headset is compatible with every console on the market, including the Xbox Series X. The only stipulation here is that you do need to pick which adaptor you prefer at checkout – be that Sony or Microsoft – but you can always buy the second adapter separately if you’re lucky enough to own both consoles.

Other than the ability to jump between platforms without any hiccups, one of the best things about the A30 Wireless is its premium design. It comes in two colourways, including navy and white, with the option to customise with swappable speaker tags that have different designs etched into them.  

Our reviewer noted that the A30 Wireless offered some of the best passive noise isolation they’ve ever experienced. This is aided by the tight seal made by the earcups and a rubberised headband that kept the headset in place while gaming. 

The audio performance was also very impressive. It provided a well-rounded experience with a good amount of energy across the frequency range. Voices and mid-range notes performed exceptionally well with fantastic clarity. Titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive had a wonderful booming quality, with gunfire sounding heavy and impactful. 

Logitech claims that this headset can last up to 27 hours, which we felt was accurate. While headsets like the Sony Inzone H9 can last upwards of 30 hours, the A30 Wireless is consistent enough that you won’t need to worry about the battery suddenly dying halfway through your game. 

Overall, the Astro A30 Wireless is the perfect headset for anyone wanting to move away from the standard gamer aesthetic and try out something with a more egalitarian and modern lifestyle-type look. Its versatility in terms of platforms is a massive bonus, making it a headset that will work in pretty much every eventuality. 

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Astro A30 Wireless review

For those after more of a tethered connection, the Corsair HS55 Stereo marks out our favourite wired Xbox headset, and it also represents a more affordable choice.

During testing, the HS55 Stereo’s audio impressed with some well-represented mids and a good level of bass, although the top end isn’t as vibrant as with other headsets. But for the price, we had no real complaints.

The microphone uses an omnidirectional pickup pattern which means it picks up sound from all directions equally, but that didn’t have a negative effect on comms, as we found during testing. The HS55 Stereo’s microphone offers good clarity for such an affordable headset, although at times, there is an underlying hissing sound that may get annoying to your friends after a period.

This is also a great looking headset with a clean and modern aesthetic, as helped along by the silver and white colorway. There’s a metal reinforced headband which emphasises how durable the HS55 Stereo feels, and at 273g, it’s also pretty lightweight too.

Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Corsair HS55 Stereo review

Halo has been one of Microsoft’s longest standing exclusives for the Xbox run of consoles, and the Razer Kaira Pro Halo Infinite Edition gaming headset pays homage to it.

Of course the key difference between this version and the standard Kaira is its Halo Infinite inspired design which comes in Master Chief Green and emblazoned with battle damage and USNC logos. It is divisive styling, but we quite liked it, adding more personality compared to the standard design.

During testing, the audio here proved to be natural with an impressively wide soundstage and convincing clarity across a range of games and music. The mic is also solid, with Razer’s HyperCardioid technology, although doesn’t represent as much of an upgrade as the ‘Pro’ moniker would suggest from the standard Kaira. 

The Kaira Pro brings with it the powers of haptic feedback, or in other words, vibrations that attempt to match the headset’s low end audio to provide more immersion. It’s a fun feature, although not one we found ourselves using too often.

Reviewer: Tom Regan
Full review: Razer Kaira Pro Halo Infinite Edition review