Specs:

• Battery life: 38 Hours
• Connectivity: 2.4Ghz; Bluetooth 5.1; USB
• Spatial audio: Yes (Microsoft spatial audio, PS5 3D audio)
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Retractable boom with AI-assisted noise rejection
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile

With a sleek design, a great price tag, and incredible audio, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X sits as the best Xbox gaming headset of 2023. Despite costing significantly less than much of the competition, you’ll be impressed by its high fidelity drivers and support for 360-degree spatial audio–which fully immerses you in your game.

The Arctis Nova 7X also allows you to mix two audio connections at once, is compatible with both Bluetooth and wireless 2.4GHz connections, and runs for up to 38 hours on a single charge. It manages to pack all those features into a gorgeous design, too, which uses a green and black color palette that mimics your Xbox Series X console.

SteelSeries rounds out the headset with a noise-canceling microphone, support for PC, PlayStation and Switch, and plush materials that make it easy to forget you’re even wearing a headset.

Specs:

• Battery life: 24 Hours
• Connectivity: 2.4Ghz
• Spatial audio: No
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Retractable bi-directional boom mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile

Not only does the SteelSeries Arctis 7X share most of its name with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X listed above, but much of its spec sheet is shared with the high-end device. Its design doesn’t look quite as premium or sleek as its successor–nor is it quite as comfortable–but you’ll still benefit from a bi-directional microphone, a reliable 2.4GHz wireless connection, and 24 hours of runtime on a single charge. It also comes with 40mm drivers that’ll faithfully reproduce everything from ringing gunshots to the roar of an engine.

Specs:

• Battery life: 15 hours
• Connectivity: Xbox Wireless (Xbox/Windows); Bluetooth
• Spatial audio: No
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Detachable cardioid boom mic, plus second hidden integrated mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, mobile

Often on sale for less than $100, the Razer Kaira Pro Wireless is very affordable for a Razer product. And while its price is budget-friendly, its performance leaves little to be desired. Hiding inside the Kaira Pro Wireless you’ll find booming 50mm drivers that work with four different EQ settings that allow you to customize their performance. The headset also comes with breathable memory foam cushions, a detachable 9.9mm supercardioid microphone, and built-in controls. It looks good too, with a dark black color scheme featuring a few green accents–making it a perfect companion for your Series X.

Specs:

• Battery life: 24 hours
• Connectivity: 2.4Ghz
• Spatial audio: Yes (Microsoft spatial audio, PS5 3D audio)
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Collapsable bi-directional boom
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, PS5, PS4, Android

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4X is an Xbox-specific variant of the Arctis Nova 4. However, its compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and even PS5. The headset pairs to your console via the included 2.4Ghz USB dongle, which allows for low-latency wireless connection.

Like other SteelSeries Arctis headsets, the Arctis Nova 4X features a “ski-band” headrest, which uses a soft elastic band to comfortably suspend the headset on your head rather than padded cushioning. We’re big fans of this design. It’s comfortable, breathable, and lightweight, so you’ll be able to wear it for long gaming sessions. And since the battery life lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, chances are it’ll maintain power the whole time, too.

Another handy aspect of the headset’s design is its mic. The bidirectional clear cast microphone can fully retract into the left earcup, and the headset includes on-board chat mix controls so you can change the volume for in-game communications with other players separate from game audio.

One thing to note is the Arctis Nova 4X’s spatial audio support. While the headset is equipped for this feature, it only works on PC via SteelSeries’ Sonar desktop app, and isn’t compatible when paired to a console. Still, it’s a solid wireless headset while excellent comfort and audio performance for its price range.

Specs:

• Battery life: N/A
• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio jack
• Spatial audio: No
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Removable boom mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile

If you like the reliability of a wired connection, the Astro A40 TR is hard to beat. Boasting a slick design, high-end materials (like synthetic leather and plush ear cups), and tuned with Astro Audio V2 for a great listening experience, it’s truly a well-rounded headset. And beyond all the usual features you get with premium headsets, the Astro A40 TR is built to support mods, allowing you to change out its earcups or alter its padded headband.

Specs:

• Battery life: N/A
• Connectivity: 3.5mm (USB version also available)
• Spatial audio: No
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Bendable cardioid boom mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile

The Razer BlackShark V2 X gives you access to some premium Razer features without the premium Razer price tag. This includes an eye-catching design, 50mm drivers, memory foam cushions, and great passive noise cancellation thanks to its closed earcups. It lacks some of the flair and more advanced features of more expensive Razer headsets, but no doubt this is a great option if you’re shopping on a budget.

Specs:

• Battery life: N/A
• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio jack
• Spatial audio: Yes (Microsoft spatial audio, PS5 3D audio)
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Fully retractable boom mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Swtich, mobile

Featuring 360-degree Spatial Audio, SteelSeries’ stellar ComfortMax System that allows for tons of adjustments, and a powerful noise-canceling microphone, the Arctis Nova 3 is loaded for a $100 headset. It’s a good-looking device, too, with RGB lights and a matte black design that should appeal to most buyers. When you’re not playing on Xbox, the Arctis Nova 3 also works on PC, PlayStation, and Switch, making it a versatile companion that can go with you wherever you game.

Specs:

• Battery life: N/A
• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio jack
• Spatial audio: Yes (DTS Headphone:X)
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Flip-to-mute boom mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile

You won’t find many sleek headsets for less than $50–and that holds true for the Cloud Stinger Core, which is a pretty clunky looking device. But what sets it apart from others in this price bracket is its list of features, which include durable construction, a noise-canceling microphone, and rotating earcups built with memory foam. So if you can look past its uninspired design, there’s a lot going for the Cloud Stinger Core.

Specs:

• Battery life: N/A
• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio jack; USB (PC)
• Spatial audio: PC only
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Flip-to-mute omnidirectional boom mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile

The Corsair HS65 supports 7.1 surround sound–a big selling point if you’re looking for impressive audio. It also features a lightweight design, 50mm drivers, and the unique SonarWorks SoundID software that lets you customize the performance of your headset. It lacks some convenience features like a detachable microphone or wireless connectivity, but the HS65 is definitely worth a closer look if those omissions aren’t an issue.

Specs:

• Battery life: 36 hours (per swappable battery pack)
• Connectivity: 2.4Ghz; Bluetooth
• Spatial audio: Yes (Microsoft spatial audio, PS5 3D audio)
• Noise-canceling: Yes
• Mic style: Fully retractable boom with AI-assisted noise rejection
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch

Clocking in at $350, the SteelSeries Nova Pro isn’t cheap. It does, however, give you some extremely impressive features that make it the best gaming headset around, for any platform–if you don’t factor price into the equation, of course. Simply put, its superb acoustics, looks, ergonomics, and compatibility make it a near-perfect gaming headset with a feature list that will likely be future-proof for years.

This includes noise-canceling tech supported by a four-mic system with a retractable chat mic, 360-degree spatial audio, parametric EQ, and components that are highly adjustable for a comfortable fit. It’s even more comfortable than the Nova 7, as its memory foam earcups are wrapped in premium leatherette. The build quality is also improved with lightweight steel and metal used for added durability.

In addition to on-ear dials and buttons to adjust regular audio settings, the Nova Pro comes with a base station with a small display for tinkering with settings such as QA and chat mix. The base station plugs into your Xbox to provide the wireless connection (no dongle needed). It comes with a second port that can be connected to a PlayStation console or PC. Once you turn your system on, the Nova Pro automatically recognizes which device you’re using.

The Nova Pro has a unique battery feature that just about guarantees you won’t ever run out of juice. It comes with two swappable, rechargeable batteries. While you game with one of them slotted underneath the earcup cover, the other battery is charging in the base station. Each battery will last roughly 36 hours on a full charge. This figure dips to around 20 if you utilize the simultaneous audio feature. Like the Nova 7, the Pro supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, and you can use the Bluetooth connection on your phone while gaming on the 2.4GHz frequency.

Most Xbox owners will view the Nova Pro as overkill in general and with a price that’s hard to stomach. If you game across multiple platforms and are serious about audio, though, it’s worth considering–especially if you game regularly on PC. On PC, you can take advantage of SteelSeries’ Sonar app, which lets you fine-tune your audio experience to a staggering degree.

Specs:

• Battery life: 15 hours
• Connectivity: 2.4Ghz; 3.5mm audio jack
• Spatial audio: Yes (Dolby Atmos)
• Noise-canceling: No
• Mic style: Removable boom mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Great audio, support for Dolby Atmos, and a powerful microphone–the Astro A50 gives you just about everything you’d want from a high-end headset. But what helps it stand out from the crowd (literally) is an included base station. This provides you with tons of additional connectivity (thanks to aux ports and a micro-USB port) and gives you a cool way to display your headset when not in use. It’s also a bit more affordable than the SteelSeries Nova Pro and makes a great alternative if you don’t want to spend $350 on a headset.

Specs:

• Battery life: N/A
• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio jack; USB
• Spatial audio: Yes (Microsoft spatial audio, PS5 3D audio)
• Noise-canceling: Yes
• Mic style: Fully retractable boom with AI-assisted noise rejection
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch

This is essentially the same as the Nova Pro listed above, minus the wireless connection. But beyond that, not much as changed, as you’ll still find a premium construction and support for spatial audio and parametric EQ. The main difference is that the wired version’s DAC (the little base station) produces better sound quality than the wireless version. Not everyone will notice the difference, but if you don’t mind the wired connection and want the absolute best audio SteelSeries offers, the Nova Pro wired version is the winner (plus it saves you money).

Once again, the Nova Pro really thrives if you also game on PC due to Sonar app customization. But as a headset with a 3.5mm cable, you can use it on every platform.

Specs:

• Battery life: 15 Hours
• Connectivity: Xbox Wireless; Bluetooth
• Spatial audio: Yes (Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X)
• Noise-canceling: Yes
• Mic style: Boom mic
• Supported Devices: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, mobile

Microsoft’s first-party Xbox Wireless Headset checks all the right boxes. It costs $100, features a minimalist design, and supports Dolby Atmos for a great listening experience. It can also run for 15 hours on a single charge, which is solid for a headset in this price range. It’s not very flashy and it doesn’t come with many additional features, but it’s a reliable headset that’s built for full Xbox support.