The Best Xbox One Headset

It’s no secret that the Xbox One is one of the most powerful gaming consoles on the market. Its massive storage space, rapid-fire processors and slick good looks make it one of the best systems of all time. But you’re not going to get the most out of it unless you pick a great headset for the best gaming experience possible.

Gaming headsets are regular headphones that are optimized for the sound and microphone requirements of modern games. If you’re going to take out some enemies in a first-person shooter, you need a headset that picks up the light shuffle of footsteps sneaking up behind you. If you’re coordinating with online team members for your next attack, you’ll want a microphone with clear sound that doesn’t lag during crunch time. 

The most important things to think about when you’re choosing your headset are sound and microphone quality, headset size, padding and compatibility. You won’t complete your “Call of Duty” missions without 360-degree sound to hear enemy footsteps, and an uncomfortable headset will cut your best “Red Dead Redemption 2” sessions short. 

If you’re clueless about how to pre-determine sound quality, take a look at the headset’s sound specifications. Driver size is a big bragging point with a lot of headsets and headphones. A driver is a small speaker in each headphone that pushes, or “drives,” sound down your ear canal. 

Bigger drivers don’t necessarily mean better sound, but they will change how sound is expressed. Smaller drivers are better at picking up high frequencies and trebles, while larger drivers excel at bringing the bass. The BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset has 40mm drivers, while the ONIKUMA Pro Gaming Headset has thumping 60mm drivers. 

The microphone is another huge factor when you’re deciding which headset comes home with you. You’ll need a mic that you can adjust easily, so it’s at the perfect angle for your teammates to hear you. It’ll also need to cancel out or reduce the sounds around you, so you’re not drowned out by noisy family members or roommates. The mic controls are important too: mics with inline controls have options like volume adjustment, on/off or mute built right onto the cable. The ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset has a microphone that automatically mutes when you flip it up. 

Noise cancellation is another feature you’ll want in your headphones. This will keep you immersed in your game’s world. The VersionTECH G2000 Stereo Gaming Headset has noise-canceling technology, and most of our top four picks also advertise this feature. 

Of course, you can’t wear just any headset if you want to invest serious time in “Fallout 4” over the weekend. You can enjoy 360-degree sound while you game with over-ear headphones, which cocoon your entire ear in plush foam. VersionTECH’s G2000 Stereo Gaming Headset uses top-of-the-line memory foam for superior comfort. 

Now that you’re well-versed in Xbox One headset basics, check out our Tips & Advice for must-know tips before you buy.

• There’s a special kind of frustration you experience when you bring home new electronics and realize that they aren’t compatible with your current devices. The first generation of Xbox One controllers didn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack (the standard headphone port you find on most electronics). In June 2015, Microsoft remedied this problem and released a new controller with the 3.5mm jack. To avoid a headset headache, check and see what type of controller you have before you buy your headset. If you have an old Xbox One controller, you’ll need an adapter to connect your new headset to your classic controller. Xbox One controllers with the 3.5mm jack are compatible with all four of our top picks. 
• It’s easy to get wowed by flashy audio features when you’re buying your first gaming headset. However, if you picked an uncomfortable set, you won’t be able to enjoy your immersive sound for long. Your perfect headset should easily adjust to your head size and stay in place without pinching or slipping. The BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset fits well on larger heads. 
• Your microphone is just as important as your over-ear headphones. If your teammates can’t hear your strategies or updates, you could blow the whole team’s mission. Omnidirectional microphones, like the one on the ONIKUMA Pro Gaming Headset, pick up sounds from all sides and directions of the microphone, adding a crucial level of clarity to your communication. Omnidirectional microphones might sound like a risk if you’re worried about picking up unnecessary sounds from your home, but don’t worry. Many headsets, including the BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset, also have premium noise-canceling to pick up sounds with greater sensitivity.
• Breathability is another feature to look for in gaming headphones. The headset’s ear cups should be soft enough to withstand hours of gaming, yet light enough to prevent a sweaty mess. The ONIKUMA Pro Gaming Headset has lightweight, breathable ergonomic ear cups for hours of comfortable play. 
• Headsets with awkward controls can ruin a great run, so you’ll want to take a good look at the location of the volume, mute and on/off buttons. VersionTECH’s G2000 Stereo Gaming Headset has a sound adjustment wheel right on the cable for quick volume changes and muting. Its microphone also mutes automatically when you swivel it out of the way.
• Gaming headsets are made from a variety of materials. If you want your headset to last (or withstand potential bumps and falls from mischievous pets and rambunctious kids), go for a set with an extra-sturdy headband. The ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset is built to last, with a steel headband covered in tough yet flexible polycarbonite.
• Cleaning your headset regularly will prevent buildup from dust, debris and sweat. You can wipe down your padded headphones with a soft, damp cloth for a fresh start every time you turn on your game. Most headbands can be cleaned the same way, although you might get away with using antibacterial products on tough headbands like the ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset. Your microphone should be wiped down frequently — especially during cold and flu season.
• Properly storing your headset is a must if you want it to last. Headset stands will prevent damage and tangled cords. Stands are made from a variety of materials, like plastic, aluminum and silicone. You can find stands in all price ranges online or at an electronics store.
• Your perfect headset will give you a richer Xbox One experience, but you can use most models for tasks beyond your console. The high-end sound from picks like the ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset will bring all of your playlists to life. The convenient microphone on your headset lends itself to long phone calls.