The best Xbox headsets in 2022 Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us.

The best Xbox headsets in 2022

By James Archer published 4 October 2022 We've tested the best headsets for Xbox consoles, from the Xbox Series X to the Xbox One. Included in this guide:1SteelSeriesArctis 7XCheck Price (opens in new tab)2SteelSeries Arctis 1 W...View (opens in new tab)3RazerKaira Pro Check Price (opens in new tab)4HyperXCloud StingerCheck Price (opens in new tab)5MicrosoftXbox Wireless HeadsetCheck Price (opens in new tab)6RazerKraken XCheck Price (opens in new tab)7AstroA20 Wireless Gen 2Check Price (opens in new tab)8HyperXCloud AlphaCheck Price (opens in new tab)9RazerBlackShark V2Check Price (opens in new tab)10AstroA10Check Price (opens in new tab) (Image credit: SteelSeries) The best Xbox headsets are ideal additions to your peripherals arsenal, whether you're playing on the newest Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series S or a console from the older Xbox One family. We've tested all of our picks in full, so choose from the list below and you can be sure you're getting a top performer. And, even if you are currently playing on a last-gen console, you can upgrade knowing that your headset will still work with your new console. These headsets are compatible with both current- and previous-gen members of the Xbox family, so you don't need to worry about replacing them anytime soon. Read on to find out more about the best Xbox headsets you can buy.

What are the best Xbox headsets

Right now, the SteelSeries Arctis 7X is the best headset for Xbox consoles. It's not cheap. But you're paying for serious quality, in everything from sound output, to the microphone, to comfort and design. It launched as an accessory to the latest Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, but it also works wirelessly with the older Xbox One lineup too. Another stellar specialist Xbox headset is the Razer Kaira Pro. In addition to being a comfortable gaming peripheral, its built-in Bluetooth connectivity lets you use it as your everyday headphones, too. Or, if you're on a tight budget, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is a nicely designed wired headset, which will leave you with a lot more of a budget for games. It's more of a multiplatform accessory than a dedicated Xbox headset, but is still fully functional with the whole Xbox range.

The best Xbox Series X headsets right now

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

1 SteelSeries Arctis 7X

The best Xbox headset overall

Specifications

Drivers: 40mmFrequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzWireless: YesBattery life: 24 hoursToday's Best Deals$179.99 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)$179.99 (opens in new tab)at Adorama (opens in new tab)$194 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Solid connection+High sound quality in games+Comfortable fit

Reasons to avoid

-Music doesn't sound as good as games-Hard to find stock The Arctis 7X is one of the best wireless gaming headsets in general, so naturally it's an elite Xbox headset. While a little pricier than many rivals, few other headsets can claim to match the Arctis 7X's blend of lasting comfort, excellent wireless reliability and impactful sound quality. We particularly like the elastic headband, which helps keep the headset secure and comfortable without the need to make manual adjustments. SteelSeries includes a USB dongle, which also lets you use the Arctis 7X with other devices, like PCs or even Android phones. It's at its best when gaming - the black and green color scheme shows it was built for the Xbox specifically - but it's nice to have such flexibility. Read our full SteelSeries Arctis 7X review. (Image credit: SteelSeries)

2 SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox

The best Xbox headset for less than $100

Specifications

Drivers: 40mmFrequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzWireless: YesBattery life: 20 hoursToday's Best Deals$99 from Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Excellent wireless connectivity+Good sound quality+Competitively priced

Reasons to avoid

-No elastic headband If you don't want to shell out a lot of money for the SteelSeries Arctis 7X, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox puts many of the same great features into a more affordable headset. It's essentially a version of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless that works with the Xbox Wireless protocol, unlike the base Arctis 1 Wireless model. That means you get the same comfortable fit, the same full set of onboard controls, the same game-ready performance and the same mature styling, which lets you detach the mic and wear the headset as a pair of headphones without embarrassment. As with the Arctis 7X you get a USB dongle that can also connect the Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox to your Android phone. A convenient switch lets you jump between the standard USB and Xbox Wireless modes instantly. Read our SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox impressions. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

3 Razer Kaira Pro

The best Razer headset for Xbox

Specifications

Drivers: 50mmFrequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzWireless: YesBattery Life: 20 hoursToday's Best Deals$99.99 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)$149.99 (opens in new tab)at Adorama (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Extremely comfortable+Good sound+Ideal for Xbox consoles

Reasons to avoid

-Bluetooth inconveniences-Few customization options Another compelling mid-range Xbox headset option, the Razer Kaira Pro's party trick is Bluetooth connectivity. This can work at the same time as the Xbox Wireless protocol, rather than it being an either/or proposition. If you want, you can listen to music from a Bluetooth-connected phone while still hearing every sound in your Xbox games. There is one notable design flaw here, as turning on the Kaira Pro will automatically turn on the paired Xbox as well. This isn't helpful if you just want to use the Bluetooth functionality alone. But the versatility is there, and thanks to the comfortable, breathable design and powerful sound output, the Kaira Pro is an excellent Xbox headset when it comes to the essentials, too. Read our full Razer Kaira Pro review.

4 HyperX Cloud Stinger

The best cheap Xbox headset

Specifications

Drivers: 50mmFrequency response: 18 Hz - 23 kHzWireless: NoBattery life: N/AToday's Best Deals$23.99 (opens in new tab)at GameStop (opens in new tab)$24.97 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)$29.99 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Very comfortable design+Handy controls+Low price

Reasons to avoid

-Sound gets blown out at higher ranges The HyperX Cloud Stinger is your best bet if you're not concerned about using a wired connection, and just want good-quality sound in a comfortable package. Like a cheaper, wired version of the HyperX Cloud II Wireless, the Cloud Stinger is certainly easy to wear, with its lightweight design and generous padding. It's clearly not a premium product: The microphone merely pivots upwards, as opposed to detaching or retracting when not in use. But for what you pay, you're getting a good deal. As long as you don't push it to the very highest volumes, the Cloud Stinger's audio quality is high enough for even the most twitchy competitive shooters, and the microphone isn't quite as basic as they come. It's a noise-cancelling mic, so teammates will hear your voice without background sounds, like TVs and washing machines. Read our full HyperX Cloud Stinger review. (Image credit: Microsoft)

5 Xbox Wireless Headset

The official Xbox headset is also one of the best

Specifications

Drivers: 40mmFrequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzWireless: YesBattery Life: 12 hoursToday's Best Deals$99.99 (opens in new tab)at Microsoft US (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+High sound quality+Comfy fit+Smartly designed

Reasons to avoid

-Limited customization-Mic isn't fully retractable or removable It's probably not too surprising that Microsoft's own official Xbox headset is one of the better devices on offer. Still, that's not because of simple branding. The Xbox Wireless Headset impressed us in our testing, particularly on sound quality. Whether in RTS or action games, Microsoft's headset sounded balanced and detail-rich. Like the Razer Kaira Pro, you also have the option of connecting to a Bluetooth device while you're gaming. Post-release updates have improved previously lacking aspects, like the mic monitoring level and what used to be some overly loud notification sounds. It's still not perfect, as you can't really adjust the fit once it's on your head. But the headset is still comfortable enough once you've made the right adjustments. Read our full Xbox Wireless Headset review. (Image credit: Razer)

6 Razer Kraken X

The best Xbox headset for comfort

Specifications

Drivers: 40mmFrequency Response: 12 Hz - 28 kHzWireless: NoBattery life: N/AToday's Best Deals$44.97 (opens in new tab)at GameStop (opens in new tab)$46 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)$49.99 (opens in new tab)at Adorama (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Sleek design+Comfortable fit+Good in-game sound

Reasons to avoid

-Can't hide mic-Subpar music performance Although the Razer Kraken X is far from alone in offering a sub-$50 price tag, few other cheap Xbox headsets can produce such great gaming sound. Weirdly, this quality doesn't carry over to music playback. But in games, the Kraken X sounds brilliant for the money. It's got 7.1 virtual surround sound, too, though you can turn this off if you want a more pure soundscape. It's also extremely comfortable. Despite the lack of unconventional tricks, like the Arctis 7X's stretching fabric headband, you can wear the Kraken X for hours and hours, thanks to its soft, imitation leather-clad padding and lightweight construction. Read our full Razer Kraken X review. (Image credit: Astro)

7 Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2

Astro's best headset for Xbox consoles

Specifications

Drivers: 40mmFrequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzWireless: YesBattery life: 15 hoursToday's Best Deals$89.99 (opens in new tab)at Walmart (opens in new tab)$119 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)$119.99 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Good sound+Comfortable earcups+Clear microphone

Reasons to avoid

-Frustrating pairing process The Astro A20 Wireless Gen 2 is one of the best Xbox headsets, albeit only if you buy the Xbox version specifically. There's also a PlayStation model that won't work with Xbox consoles, unless you buy a special adapter. However, provided you do pick up the Xbox version - identifiable by its green color accents - you can be sure that you picked a fine headset. Sound quality is high across a range of game genres, and if you want to adjust the soundscape, there's an equalization mode switch on the right earcup that switches among three different sound modes. And it's worth reiterating just how comfortable the A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 is. Even with those odd-looking square ear cushions and angular headrest, it's easy to wear for long sessions. Read our full Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 review. (Image credit: HyperX)

8 HyperX Cloud Alpha

A wired Xbox headset that's great all round

Specifications

Drivers: 50mm Dual ChamberFrequency Response: 13 Hz - 27 kHzWireless: NoBattery life: N/AToday's Best Deals$69.99 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)$69.99 (opens in new tab)at GameStop (opens in new tab)$79.99 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Sleek, premium design+Comfortable+High sound quality

Reasons to avoid

-Earcups can feel snug-Microphone picks up background noise The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a wired headset, which might not sound so enticing when you can get a good wireless model for a similar amount of money. But if you don't mind having a cable running into your Xbox controller, then there are much worse options. The Cloud Alpha is extremely comfortable, as we've come to expect from HyperX headsets, and its Dual Chamber Driver tech helps reproduce the full frequency range with a clarity to rival the best headphones. The microphone sounds pretty good too, and is detachable for easier storage. Overall, the Cloud Alpha's cable is pretty much the only thing that gives it away as a sub-$100 headset, rather than a truly premium one. Read our full HyperX Cloud Alpha review. (Image credit: Razer)

9 Razer BlackShark V2

Another of the best wired Xbox headsets

Specifications

Drivers: 50mmFrequency Response: 12 Hz - 28 kHzWireless: NoBattery life: N/AToday's Best Deals$53.99 (opens in new tab)at GameStop (opens in new tab)$67.99 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)$96.83 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Excellent sound+Comfortable earcups+3D audio support

Reasons to avoid

-Needs cable for Xbox-Hard to get a good fit Yet another quality Xbox-ready headset from Razer, the BlackShark V2 benefits from a flexible microphone, brilliant sound quality across multiple game genres and a very reasonable price. It's also very comfortable - adjusting the earcups to find a perfect fit can be tricky, but once they're in place you can easily wear the BlackShark V2 for hours. It might be a particularly wise choice if you play on PC as well as an Xbox console, as the BlackShark V2 can connect through either a 3.5mm or USB connection; as such you won't need separate headsets for each. The BlackShark V2 gets some bonus features on PC, like custom-configured sound profiles for individual games, though they're not necessary for great sound on Xbox. Read our full Razer BlackShark V2 review. (Image credit: Astro)

10 Astro A10

Another great, cheap Xbox Series X headset

Specifications

Drivers: 40mmFrequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzWireless: NoBattery life: N/AToday's Best Deals$29.99 (opens in new tab)at Amazon (opens in new tab)$29.99 (opens in new tab)at Best Buy (opens in new tab)$39.99 (opens in new tab)at GameStop (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Good design despite low price+Impressive audio performance+Clear microphone

Reasons to avoid

-Tight fit on large ears Entry-level Xbox headsets don't get much better than the Astro A10. For about half the price of a new AAA game, this wired headset delivers clear, punchy sound and memory foam padding that - like its big brother, the A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 - ensures a comfy fit. Gamers with large ears may want to steer clear, however, as the A10 does favor a snug fit. But the compact design also makes the A10 better for travel and storage. So does the detachable cable, which also comes with a useful in-line volume slider. The A10 may be cheap, but its attention to detail is commendable. Read our full Astro A10 review.

How to choose the best Xbox headset for you

By choosing from this list you eliminate one of the biggest headaches of searching for an Xbox headset: making sure the headset is even compatible with Xbox consoles. Three-point-five millimeter connectivity on Xbox controllers helps widen the net of devices that can work. But thanks to the Xbox Wireless protocol, you need to be more careful with wireless models. Again, all the wireless headsets on this list are compatible with Xbox consoles. You may actually prefer a wired headset, as these provide more rock-solid connections and often lower prices. With wired models, you don't need to worry about battery life, either. That said, most wireless headsets can go for several days' worth of regular play before running out of charge, so don't worry too much about battery life if you want to keep your gaming space wire-free. You should also consider picking up a headset with Bluetooth if you want something that can double as your headphones for everyday music listening. Just make sure that you can remove or retract the microphone, though, or else you'll be walking around with a boom mic sticking out.

How we test the best Xbox headsets

Our first step in testing any gaming headset, including the best Xbox headsets, is to see how easy it is to get set up and connected. That includes adjusting the headset to find a good fit. We'll wear each one for at least a couple of hours to see how comfort levels stand up over time. When possible, we'll also hand each headset off to someone else, and get their second opinion on comfort. After all, this is a subjective point, however vital. Sound performance is just as important. We'll play a variety of Xbox games across different genres, which helps us comprehensively judge each headset's audio quality. A good headset should be able to add excitement to explosion-heavy gunfights. It should also present dialogue cleanly and clearly, or help your hear quiet sound cues like footsteps.Round up of today's best deals (opens in new tab)SteelSeries Arctis 7X (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$179.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Razer Kaira Pro (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$149.99 (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)HyperX Cloud Stinger (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$39.99 (opens in new tab)$24.97 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesRecommended (opens in new tab)Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Razer Kraken X (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$46 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Astro A20 Wireless Gen 2 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$119 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)HyperX Cloud Alpha (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)$69.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Razer BlackShark V2 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$149.99 (opens in new tab)$67.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Astro A10 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$60 (opens in new tab)$29.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by

Be In the Know

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. James ArcherJames is currently Hardware Editor at Rock Paper Shotgun, but before that was Audio Editor at Tom's Guide, where he covered headphones, speakers, soundbars and anything else that intentionally makes noise. A PC enthusiast, he also wrote computing and gaming news for TG, usually relating to how hard it is to find graphics card stock. More about gaming The 10 best free Steam games Why you want a mechanical keyboardLatest How to watch T20 World Cup 2022 - live stream every game online right nowSee more latest ► Topics Audio Gaming See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1How to know if someone blocked your number2The 10 best free Steam games3Why you want a mechanical keyboard4How to set parental controls on PS4 and PS4 Pro5Best 75-inch TVs of 20221How to know if someone blocked your number2The 10 best free Steam games3Why you want a mechanical keyboard4How to set parental controls on PS4 and PS4 Pro5Best 75-inch TVs of 2022