I love the Arctis Nova Elite, but man, it's really tough to recommend a $650 headset. What if there was a cheaper option?

Say hi to the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, the second iteration of the Arctis Nova Pro of yesteryear. And yes, it's still quite pricy at $399, but it's also the last headset you might need to buy.

It's not only compatible with literally every platform; it's simultaneously compatible with every platform. You can mix audio from PC, Xbox, mobile, and other platforms through its powerful 3-port DAC, complete with Bluetooth LE now with Hi-Res certification and boosted ANC.

Its design is subtle enough to be used out and about, its powerful enough for music, movies, and communications. It's cinematic enough for single-player games and smart enough for tactical audio in multiplayer titles.

It's simply a fantastic headset and joins the Elite in becoming one of my daily drivers. The Arctis Nova Pro range continues to be the best Xbox headset overall, especially for multiplatform gamers.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Specs and price

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is mostly comparable to the Arctis Nova Pro, although it brings in some bells and whistles from its most pricy "Elite" cousin.

It drops the metal accents and carbon fiber drivers for more "affordable" plastics and more traditional neodymium magnets, but it brings across Hi-Res certification, a triple-input DAC, boosted ANC, and various other enhancements.

It beats the Nova Pro in every way, and although there's a fire sale for the Nova Pro going on right now, it's only slightly more expensive with regard to RRP.

$399 is still a fairly big ask for a headset, though. You're going to need and want all of its features, but if you are someone who will make use of them (like me), it's arguably the best multi-platform headset on the market right now.

Read on to find out why.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Comfort and design

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni looks similar to its regular Pro and Elite counterparts, sporting an all-black design with dark grey accents, bright SteelSeries logos on the speaker plates, and a retractable mic.

The headband itself is metal, with a floating strap keeping the pressure off your skull. It has adjustable connectors for the cups for different-sized heads and swivel pivots for alignment.

The microphone is retractable and has a red mute light indicator. The on-ear controls are well constructed, with high-quality materials and a high degree of design variance and shapes.

Why?

It makes it easier to figure out which button you're reaching for if they all feel different. You can adjust ANC, power, muting, Bluetooth pairing, and volume without reaching for the digital audio controller, but when you need to get more complex, it's right there for you.

The Digital Audio Controller is an impressive piece of kit, with three ports for USB-C devices, as well as a 3.5mm audio port on top. With this, you can connect your PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or PlayStation simultaneously and switch between them on the fly.

You can mix sound sources between them as well, using the volume dial and visual cues on the DAC to shift volume balance between your PC and Xbox, as well as controlling chat volume and game sound on the fly.

It's incredibly well-designed and deserves some kind of legitimate award beyond our meager Windows Central Award.

The cushions on the earcups themselves are thick and comfortable, with an almost delicate-feeling texture on the leatherette finish. You'll play for hours and not even notice you're wearing them.

I'm also grateful that the Omni didn't make the mistake of its predecessor, which had large protruding microphone modules inside the earcups for the ANC. For many, this position proved incredibly uncomfortable. The Omni has no such problem.

The only complaint I could potentially leverage here is that they quite easily slip off if you lean forward or backward or get too "animated" while streaming or raging at your teammates. This trade-off means that it's not very tight at all while in use, so it delivers maximum comfort. But if you're traveling with them as a Bluetooth lifestyle kind of headset, you might need to take some extra care so they don't slip off your head.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Audio and features

The sound quality on the Arctis Nova Pro Omni is absolutely immaculate and something I can't recommend enough.

While not offering the detailing of the more expensive Elite, the Pro Omni remains at the top of its game for delivering audio that can be as cinematic as it can be tactical. Using Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic, you'll get an exemplary surround sound experience, elevated further if you drop in SteelSeries' in-game profiles tuned for specific games.

The app indeed is quite powerful on that front. There's a variety of audio profiles for dozens of games, as well as some default profiles for EQ profiles like bass boost and so on. Whether you're trying to boost your tactical awareness in games like Overwatch or Arc Raiders or immerse yourself in a single-player cinematic experience like Death Stranding 2, you absolutely will not be disappointed with the sound quality here.

I do wish there were more options to control the profiles on the included DAC, admittedly, but it's not a huge deal. You can configure them via either Bluetooth on your phone or a connected Windows PC, as well as control additional settings like microphone sidetone, EQs, and so on.

Speaking of the microphone, it's another retractable option from SteelSeries, easy to tuck away into the headset itself if you're planning to go fully mobile. It has a red LED light for mute indication and offers pretty decent quality for a headset microphone. Albeit a little tinny-sounding. You probably won't create content with this headset, but it's more than adequate for gaming comms.

As features go, there's not much competition out there, save for other Arctis Nova products. The fact that you can simultaneously mix sound from two separate USB-C sources on top of an additional Bluetooth LE source is fantastic for content creators and podcasters, as well as those who are heavy into multi-platform gaming.

Indeed, if you only play on one or two systems at a time, there are arguably far more affordable options out there for you. But if you want a headset that can do absolutely everything, there's no real competition here.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Competition

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni sits in a category alongside very few peers. Only the Astro A50 series has some similar options for multi-platform capabilities, but they're nowhere near as open as what SteelSeries is offering.

I've been using the Astro A50 2015 model for over ten years purely for its optical audio cable. Being able to mix Xbox sound via my TV's optical port and PC audio via the Astro A50's USB was a functionality that I haven't found reliably anywhere else, until the Arctis Nova line. Sure, I could use Bluetooth, but it's always a bit susceptible to interference, and that's a problem when I'm podcasting or streaming.

Indeed, the fact that you can simultaneously mix two USB-C sources is, as far as I can tell, something utterly unique to the Nova Pro range. Other multi-platform headsets, like the more recent Astro A50, only let you do one USB-C source at a time; even if you can plug them in simultaneously, they're still bound to a switch.

The ability to mix three seems to be unique to the Elite and Pro Omni on top. As more and more of us play across multiple systems and storefronts, I suspect this type of modality will become increasingly popular.

The audio quality is not quite up there with the Elite as you'd expect given the price delta, but the extra features you're getting over its predecessor and competitors like the Astro A50 make it more than worth it in my view. I am someone who will frequently use these across Bluetooth, USB-C on Xbox, and USB-C on PC, though.

If you're not planning to use them to their full multi-platform potential, a cheaper, more focused headset is probably going to be a better option. If you were playing on just Xbox by itself and wanted to save a heap of cash for something with comparable audio, for example, I'd recommend the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen-3 for the vast majority of people.

But for multi-platform gamers, this is the best option for the vast majority of people. If you want to go super-premium, consider the Arctis Nova Elite as well.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Should you buy it?

Even though it's far more affordable than the Arctis Nova Elite, it's still a pricy pick at $399 RRP. The savings on the materials and the like aren't as big a compromise as you might expect, and the audio delivery is still very impressive despite losing the carbon fiber drivers of its $649 cousin.

But you're really going to want to use all of those features to justify the price. If you're someone who typically plays only on one platform, you could pick up an alternative headset that does away with the DAC and the multi-capable platforms and opt for something more affordable. If you do play on multiple platforms, however, there is frankly no better option right now. SteelSeries has a banger here.

✅You should buy this if ...

• You frequently play across different console and PC platforms.
• You want a headset that can be reliably used for lifestyle scenarios, i.e. music in public, etc.
• You don't mind spending the big $$ for big features.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You primarily play on only one platform.
• You're more of a sofa gamer, since the DAC will be out of reach.
• You don't really need Bluetooth or lifestyle capabilities.

For sure, it always feels a bit iffy recommending a headset that costs as much as a console itself, but this is something you can happily use as a lifestyle headset on top. It's far more than a simple "gaming headset," as a result, and the price reflects that multi-modality.

If you don't need all that capability in a single product, then definitely look elsewhere, like our best Xbox headsets list, for example. But, if you frequently find yourself annoyed manually switching between audio devices across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, or even the Xbox Ally range ... this is your best-value option right now by a country mile.

Congrats to SteelSeries; you finally helped me retire my battered 2015 Astro A50 with the optical audio port!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

After covering how the Limited Edition Forza Horizon 6 controller and headset leaked online, we now have our first official look at both — and wow, they look great.

The controller and headset are currently up for pre-order and are set to release alongside Forza Horizon 6 on May 19, 2026.

That’s now just under a month away. If you’ve missed it, we recently published a detailed preview of the game headed by my colleague Richard Devine, which is well worth checking out. But first, let's see the new gear.

Xbox describes the controller as:

"Inspired by the winding Touge roads of Japan, the Xbox controller blends high-performance style with festival flair. Lock into the open-world driving action with black and pink diamond-patterned grips. Get up to 40 hours of battery life."

Next up is the Forza Horizon 6 Wireless Xbox Headset. I actually prefer the design here over the controller. I was expecting cherry blossoms on the controller, but I digress.

Here’s how the headset is described by Xbox:

“Feel the pulse of the Horizon Festival and the energy of Japan through custom start-up sounds. Stay in the zone with up to 20 hours of battery life from the internal rechargeable battery.”

I’m desperately in need of a new controller. My Elite Series 1, which I’ll admit is pretty haggard after years of use, is on its last legs. The designs here are seriously tempting, but honestly, it would feel like a disservice to actually game with one.

These are the kind of accessories I’d rather have on display somewhere in my office, but that's just me.

With that said, let me know what you think of these new accessories. Are you picking one up, both, or skipping them entirely?

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

I've used a lot of headphones and gaming headsets, and few have been able to truly challenge Audeze when it comes to sheer audio quality.

Now, at CES 2026, the high-end audio brand has returned with the Audeze Maxwell 2, an all-new, totally redesigned wireless gaming headset packing some serious upgrades. I'm actually at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but before I flew out, I had a brief opportunity to test the new headset.

I'll need to use this headset a lot more after I return home to really know if Audeze struck gold with its Maxwell follow-up, but I'm not harboring any doubts. The first-generation Maxwell wasn't perfect, but it has held on to its spot on our list of the best Xbox headsets for over two years — and its successor promises to be better across the board.

Better audio, greater comfort, slimmer design

Audeze is the de facto champion of planar magnetic technology in headphones, pushing forward with new innovations and evolutions. Planar magnetic drivers are larger, heavier, and more expensive than the dynamic drivers in most headphones, but they're also more precise and responsive.

Planar magnetic expertise has earned Audeze a reputation for phenomenal audio quality, and that's exactly why I praised the original Audeze Maxwell in my 4/5-star review. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Maxwell 2 refines what its predecessor started, with massive 90mm planar magnetic drivers loaded with Audeze's various proprietary technologies.

This time, that also includes SLAM, a newer tech that I first experienced with my 4.5/5-star Audeze LCD-S20 review. You can check that review out for more information, but the idea is that the Maxwell 2 should have fuller, deeper low-end than the original Maxwell. The Maxwell 2 boasts twice the microphone bandwidth (48KHz), too, on top of brand-new FILTER AI background noise cancellation.

The most immediately obvious improvement, though, is in the design. While not as luxurious as Audeze's highest-end headphones, the Maxwell 2 is clearly premium, with a slimmer and lighter design, a more breathable and comfortable suspension strap, and magnetically attached earcups for easy replacements.

I could tell the moment I put the Maxwell 2 on my head — this is a huge upgrade in comfort, which bodes well for longer gaming sessions. Audeze didn't compromise on endurance, either, with the same 80-hour battery rating. We still get 2.4GHz wireless for Windows PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, and Bluetooth for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Wherever you use the Audeze Maxwell 2, you'll be able to take advantage of the new Audeze app for on-the-fly controls and adjustability, showing Audeze is committed to making the Maxwell 2 a far better all-around headset. I'm honestly really excited to dive more into this headset, but you don't have to wait.

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is already available for $349, or $329 if you don't need Xbox Wireless support. I also know Audeze is already planning some special edition drops, but we'll have to wait longer to see those.

When choosing a gaming headset, just how important is audio quality to you? Will the Audeze Maxwell 2 become your next gaming headset? Let us know in the comments below!

$599.99. That's how much the latest effort from SteelSeries will set you back. And it's a price tag that's impossible to overlook.

This is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite. It joins other products that share the "Elite" branding, such as the Xbox Elite Controller, targeting users on the high end. Gamers span all sorts of purchasing power capabilities these days, and companies know it. For those with cash to burn, building products that can seemingly do everything while also sporting the most premium materials is a segment manufacturers are increasingly targeting. The Arctis Nova Elite unashamedly joins that market as the best Xbox headset for pure, decadent luxury.

As a humble games blogger, I'm not sure there's a universe where I would (or even could) ever pay $599.99 for a headset, practically under any circumstances — but if I could afford it, it would absolutely be for this headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is undeniably the most luxurious gaming headset I have ever used, whose features and quality inarguably justify that sky-high price tag. But you're going to be a very specific type of gamer to want to buy in here.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by SteelSeries. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Price & Specs

You know the price already. It's a beefy boy, but what about the specs to match it? Let's take a look.

This is premium from every angle you look. This is a hi-res certified headset, which means it's verified by independent organizations as being able to deliver sound beyond a typical CD. This is 24-bit/96 kHz signals specifically, and to do that, requires a higher grade of engineering and materials.

As far as I could tell, this is the first wireless gaming headset to achieve this standard — a level typically reserved for audiophile products and studio-grade gear.

It's not all about hi-res certification here, though. While premium materials definitely had a role to play here, this headset also boasts some of the most impressive versatility we've ever seen in a gaming headset.

The Arctis Nova Elite's powerful digital audio controller looks unassuming on your desk, but it boasts monstrous capabilities. It's your platform for hot-swapping and keeping batteries charged up (with each of the 2 included cells offering up to 30 hours of playback). It also lets you mix audio signals from four different sources: two USB-C, one 3.5mm line-in, and one Bluetooth 5.3. This is the first headset that has offered the ability to mix Xbox, PS5, and PC audio simultaneously since SPDIF fell out of fashion as a result — something game streamers using consoles and capture cards might appreciate.

Even the packaging is premium here, as SteelSeries guns for the audiophile and enthusiast gamer segment. It's as expensive as some Xbox Series X and PS5 models at $599.99, and it seems to have good stock levels across the board as of writing.

Does the Arctis Nova Elite stick the landing? Absolutely yes, in (almost) every regard. And luckily, the parts that could be improved are software in nature and can be updated. Here are more details on the experience.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Comfort & Design

When I opened up the package to this headset, I immediately knew I was about to experience something special. This is by far and away the most expensive headset I have ever reviewed, and its premium presentation will immediately command your attention.

The packaging is accented in gold and comes in a sort of monolithic box as if it had descended from another planet. The Arctis Nova Elite sports a familiar design if you've seen the predecessor Arctis Nova Pro (my previous primary driver here), complete with a retractable mic, detachable magnetic side-plates housing USB-C connectivity and the battery bay, as well as a floating headband. What sets it apart is that every aspect of it is dialled up to 11.

The dials, buttons, and materials all sport a very luxurious feel. Various parts of the headset that were plastic in other models are now metal, including the textured volume dial and adjustable hinges on either side. The leatherette earcups feel incredibly comfortable, and dare I say, dreamy on the skin, easily defeating fabric-clad rivals. The floating headband is also an easy win for long, long periods of use, and retains SteelSeries' tradition for cranial comfort.

One weird downside of the floating headband is that it's easy to rock the headset off your head if you get a little too immersed in the music (and immersed you will, the sound delivery on this headset is immense). It's designed for long gaming sessions at the end of the day, but it's worth being aware of.

Returning is the retractable boom microphone, which now cleverly has per-configuration settings. When you retract it, you can still use it for calls, and it'll beamform your voice similar to earbuds. When you extend it, it functions as a high-quality mic for comms and potentially even light content creation. I'm not sure I'd record a full YouTube video on this mic over my Elgato XLR, but it's up there with the best gaming headset mics I've used.

Indeed, the ability to retract the mic and fall back to Bluetooth 5.3 gives you lifestyle usability here that many other "gaming" headsets don't really offer. The subtle design on the black model means it won't look out of place when used during commutes or on a plane, and there's even an alternative colorway that fits a more Apple-style grey fashion aesthetic, too.

The only criticism I'd offer here from a "lifestyle" perspective is that, perhaps, the logos are a bit "loud" for this type of use case. There are after-market sideplates you can buy that look a little more subtle, though, or even louder ones if you prefer. The World of Warcraft Horde ones are out of stock, though (dang.) Also, the soft-touch plastics SteelSeries opted for here tend to be fingerprint magnets too, which isn't a big deal, but on the black model, it can be pretty noticeable.

When you're knee deep in corpses in a Battlefield 6 map or rocking to Nirvana while writing a gaming headset review on the internet (meta), you're likely not thinking about the side plates or fingerprints, though. How's the audio? It's fan-expletive-tastic.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Audio & Features

Let's not beat around the bush here. The Arctis Nova Elite is the most immaculate audio experience I've had in over a decade of gaming headset reviews. I put them directly head-to-head with a family member's studio-grade Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO and was quite stunned to find the experience pleasantly comparable.

This is a gaming headset, but I've found myself using it primarily for music over the past few weeks. Rediscovering new details in soundscapes I know very well has been incredibly fun with this product, as someone who generally uses earbuds or other random gaming headsets for music typically.

There's no distortion, no glitching, no artifacting, no muddiness, no range is overbearing or under-represented — it's simply hard to go back to anything else after using these. ANC helps eliminate background noise on planes, trains, and buses, and easy on-ear controls and a solid mobile app make them a winner for commuters.

Indeed, you have multiple ways to connect to this headset, too. As noted, the digital audio controller will sit at your desk and politely allow you to connect up not one, but actually three sound sources, on top of a fourth Bluetooth signal directly into the headset. And yes, you can mix them all simultaneously.

No other headset I've used allows for this absurd level of versatility and freedom. The vast majority of users won't need this, but as a game streamer that uses a laptop and an Xbox with a capture card, I've found it incredibly welcome to not need to Bluetooth to my TV to get game audio (but you can still do that if you want?!).

The headset is heavily configurable, too. The Steelseries GG software on PC and mobile devices allows you to load up from a huge array of presets for various games, more so than any other headset I've tried. Even obscure games are represented here, which is impressive. The only downside is that you can't really delete any of the presets, nor favorite the ones you prefer. It can be a pain going back and forward between a gaming preset and a music preset, for example — but it's easily fixable.

The software on PC in general could use a variety of improvements, as it sometimes hangs and features app downloads and things most people are doubtlessly unlikely to use (why would I need to download Discord from SteelSeries?). But, this is quite honestly my only gripe with the feature set, and thankfully, software is a comparably easy fix over a hardware flaw.

This headset has no hardware flaws. The first iteration of the Arctis Nova Pro had a protrusion in the left ear that could get uncomfortable across long sessions, for example, but there's no such issue here. Maximum comfort, with maximum longevity, and superb, immaculate audio.

For gaming, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite continues to excel. Games like Battlefield 6 and Overwatch absolutely sing on this device, giving away enemy positions with powerful tactical awareness, all without detracting from the more immersive sound design of the various virtual warzones we inhabit.

The amount of tweaking you can do is impressive, too. Pushed to its extremes, the bass can get obnoxiously punchy if you want it to, or leave it thick and creamy, all while retaining maximum clarity and separation. Instruments sound like real instruments on this headset, which might sound like an odd thing to say — but you really feel the physicality of a kick drum or the slide of a bass string in this soundscape.

Imagine how that translates to games with high-quality audio design, with explosions and gunfire zipping all around you. It's difficult to compare this to other gaming headsets as a result. The Arctis Nova Elite is just sublime.

The microphone experience is good, too. As you can hear in the clip above, you're looking at crystal clear comms with the microphone extended, and very good call quality when it's retracted. You can set per-config sidetone too. The sidetone quality isn't the best, but it's more than adequate for game comms.

All up, it's hard to find things to gripe about here. I wish the apps were a little less bloated and more focused, but it doesn't impact the sound experience. The number of settings you can alter and control is intuitive to set up and access, even if the software itself can be a bit slow at times. And hey, it can (and will) be updated.

This headset is an absolute winner, but ... it's hard to look past that price point.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Competition

There's pretty much no other headset that competes with the Arctis Nova Elite. On pure audio alone, the Arctis Nova Elite stands out in its own class and is more closely comparable to other hi-res headsets that typically don't fall into the gaming category.

The only other headset with this kind of wireless versatility is the Astro A50 (2025), and the Arctis Nova Elite has it utterly beaten on raw audio, comfort, and lifestyle versatility. The Astro A50 is a pure gaming headset, though, and shaves $300 off the asking price to boot.

I think, unless you were planning to use this headset everywhere and anywhere as a lifestyle option, you might get more bang for your buck with the similarly versatile Astro A50 ... but you wouldn't get the sound quality, multi-USB source mixing, or hot-swappable batteries. There's simply no real comparison here. The Arctis Nova Elite is well and truly in a category of its own.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Final Thoughts

The Arctis Nova Elite is the ultimate gaming headset. It's the ultimate everything headset, frankly, able to easily accommodate high-end gaming, multi-device mixing for content creation, and day-to-day lifestyle use with ANC and Bluetooth.

Its hi-res certification isn't just a sticker; it's immediately recognizable the second you commit a current to this headset. The sound reproduction puts the Arctis Nova Elite thoroughly in a category of its own, with few, if any, comparable peers.

But boy howdy, it ain't cheap. You're going to either need to be a true all-day audio enthusiast, particularly fiscally affluent, or (like me) a poor financial planner to justify buying this.

✅You should buy this if ...

• You play a ton across multiple platforms.
• You want a headset that can double up for both gaming and lifestyle use.
• You have cash to burn.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You typically only play on one platform.
• You typically play from a sofa in the living room, given that the DAC will be generally out of reach anyway.
• You are fiscally responsible.

In my headset reviews, I tend to put a big emphasis on value for "most" people. Most of us are unlikely to look at a $599.99 headset and ever consider it an option — myself included. But with this, hearing is believing. It's one of the best headsets around.

I've used my Arctis Nova Pro as my "daily" headset for several years at this point, and aside from some cushion wear, it's as good as it was the day I got it (and the cushions are easily replaced, too). If you were planning to use this headset for years and years, I think even the more budget-conscious could consider this headset, particularly if you wanted something you could use everywhere and anywhere. At the same time, would you feel comfy taking a $599.99 headset on the subway in that situation? I'm not sure I would.

This headset is targeting a very specific type of customer unashamedly, and given what it offers, it's hard to penalize it for its price tag alone. The price makes sense given what's on offer. Whether or not it makes sense for your budget entirely depends on you and your needs. One thing I do know is you absolutely will not be disappointed.

It's time for another Xbox and PC headset review, but will this one make our list of best Xbox headsets or best PC gaming headsets? You'd better read on to find out.

This is the Astro A20 X, a new 2025 version of Astro's popular mid-range A20 line. The A20 typically sits below headsets like the A40 and A50, which are more on the premium end. We live in a different economy, though. Global tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and a big purchasing power squeeze has battered supply chains and increased material costs. The landscape on gaming accessories is changing rapidly, but there's also been great evolving needs too, as more of us than ever go multiplatform.

The Astro A20 X feels like a reaction to that evolving landscape, with great visual flair for those who want to play on camera, and absurd 90-hour battery life to reduce fuss. On top, you also get a mid-range price point with maximum versatility, compatible with virtually every platform out there.

Is this the headset for you, though, given how many options there are on the market? Let's examine, together.

This headset was reviewed with an Astro A20 X unit provided by Logitech. Logitech did not see the contents of this review prior to posting.

Astro A20 X review: Features, specs, and price

The Astro A20 X is relatively standard on paper for a 2025 Xbox / PC headset, albeit with a few extra bells and whistles to differentiate itself.

It comes with a wireless transmitter in the box, which lets you connect up two USB-C cables simultaneously. Each port has a switch on them, letting you mix between console and PC signals simultaneously. You could have one plugged into your PC and one into your Xbox, for example, or one plugged into your Nintendo Switch 2 dock and one into your PS5.

There's also a Bluetooth 5.3 signal baked in, with a button on the headset for connecting even more devices, but we'll talk more on that in the audio section.

The Astro A20 X joins other headsets in this range by prioritizing battery life, offering an impressive 90~ hours on a single charge. It differentiates itself a bit with its on-ear RGB lighting, which, even when turned on, still provides you with roughly 40~ hours of battery life. This can be turned off, of course.

You can switch it off with the A20 X's impressive PC software, which affords a high degree of configurability. You can let Windows Dynamic Lighting handle your RGB synchronicity, or decouple it and set it up separately. You can tune EQ settings, and also access Blue microphone tweaks from here as well.

On the headset itself, you have a button to switch between your two USB-C signals, as well as on-ear chat and sound mix buttons, and master volume sliders.

The Astro A20 X will set you back around $179.99 in the United States. Is it worth the ask? Let's go deeper.

Astro A20 X review: Construction and comfort

The Astro A20 X is a mid-range priced sort of headset, at least in modern tariff terms, and it does seem a bit like Astro compromised a little on materials to prioritize usability and features.

The headset itself doesn't feel very densely constructed, with hollow-feeling cavities atop a plastic headband. It also has pretty basic cushioning, with fabric that, at least on mine, doesn't fit plush with the cushion itself. That's not to say it's uncomfortable though, far from it, actually.

This is an incredibly lightweight headset, and while I have some reservations about its ability to take a bump ... when it's on your head and in use, it's very comfortable. I'm not usually a fan of fabric ear cups, but they do the job here, but it's clear some superficial quality was sacrificed for features.

The headband feels decent enough, and the adjustability comes from slides on the earcups themselves. I've got a big head, and the maximum adjustments were generous enough, I felt. The floating headband adds a bit of comfort too, although the red accent was a bit of an odd decision in my view.

Why? Well, the Astro A20 X sports large RGB lights on each ear cup, presumably aimed at streamers or influencers who want to game and get on camera at the same time. I would've picked neutral tones for my accents, knowing that streamers might want to use branded colors for their RGB lighting. The red band and buttons might clash, etc. But it's a minor gripe, I suspect most of the people reading this aren't planning to use this headset on camera, and will most likely turn the lighting off since it serves no real purpose. It's fun for kids though, maybe, but it seems like a lot of added cost for little real benefit.

Overall, it's a well-put together headset that sports some unnecessary lights, but some of you reading this might be in the market for that, and that's A-OK. But pretty lights can't help a headset with bad audio ... how does the Astro A20 X fare here?

Astro A20 X review: Audio and mic quality

The Astro A20 X isn't quite on the level of its more expensive A40 or A50 cousins, but it's certainly no slouch either, offering decent sound reproduction at an affordable price.

40mm drivers with a standard frequency response between 20Hz and 20kHz power the Astro A20 X's audio scape, and generally it does a decent job. It has powerful and creamy bass, and playing Call of Duty Black Ops 7 beta, it was great at reproducing directional sound cues. I was able to pinpoint the general position of incoming footsteps and other enemy tells, giving me additional tactical awareness.

Where it struggled a bit was in more cinematic sound, I found, at least without tweaks. You can vastly tune the EQ in this headset, and the Logitech G Hub also comes with many presets for various games, but I still found it to be lacking a bit when it comes to more detailed soundscaping.

For example, in Silent Hill F, dynamic combat music feeds into the sound mix when more and more enemies appear. The closer they get to you, distortion and radio interference sounds enter the sound scape, and the A20 X struggled a fair bit with this. The high pops and crackling noise came through incredibly unpleasant, and I think it's a result of the headset being tuned to separate highs more aggressively for FPS tactical play. It could be that I'd just need more time to tweak the EQ settings, but at the very least, know that it might take some time to get the sound profile where you want it.

It's not bad overall by any means, particularly in this price range, but there are some edge cases like the above that seem to push it beyond its limit.

The microphone is quite good too. It's not content-creation grade, but the Logitech G Hub app does come with Blue software support, and comes with a variety of profiles for different audio feels. It's more than adequate for basic game streaming and voice comms, providing crisp and clear reproduction, which you can hear for yourself in the sample above.

Astro A20 X review: Competition

The elephant in the room with the Astro A20 X is potentially the price tag. It's $179, which is cheaper than the RRP of many of its similar competitors, but with sales events and the like, it puts it within range of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3). The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) retails for a fair bit more at $199, but it has many of the same features, and goes a bit beyond with the addition of Bluetooth sound mixing.

However, the Stealth 700 is far bulkier than the Astro A20 X, owing to more metal parts and a flip-to-mute mic, rather than a detachable one.

In my mind, it really does come down to these two headsets in this price bracket. If you prefer something sleeker with RGB lights, the Astro A20 X might be for you. But I would argue that the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) sound is a bit punchier overall, but you do pay a premium for that on top.

Astro A20 X review: Conclusion

While I have some reservations about its build quality, they are fairly unfounded. I'm curious how long it will last with its all-plastic construction, but unless you're particularly careless, I doubt there's any real risk here.

It's lightweight and comfortable, and easily suitable for those long 90~ hour sessions its battery life affords, but you might be tweaking the EQ for a fair while to improve upon its default configuration.

✅ You should buy this if:

• You enjoy headsets with RGB.
• You want something with multi-platform capabilities, moving beyond the bare basics without breaking the bank.
• You need something with Bluetooth on top.

❌ You should avoid this if:

• You don't feel like you need RGB lights.
• You play primarily cinematic games, instead of competitive shooters.

I think there are better headsets on offer if you play primarily cinematic games or want to listen to music, although it's certainly no slouch in those departments either, and perhaps subsequent firmware updates will improve some of the popping I heard playing games like Silent Hill F.

If you are playing competitive FPS, however, it's a far better experience, and the microphone is very capable for coordinating your strats. This is a versatile headset offering great value, and worth your time and consideration.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly gaming headset that doesn't sacrifice audio quality for a cheaper price, then allow me to introduce you to the HyperX CloudX gaming headset for Xbox and PC.

This gaming accessory is packed with advanced tech, a durable yet comfortable design, and a modest MSRP of $49.99. This price was slashed to $39.99 on Amazon for October's Amazon Prime Day event, but this deal still active, so you still have time to make good on this discount.

Why buy the HyperX CloudX headset even though its over two years old?

The HyperX CloudX is regarded as one of the best Xbox accessories in the business, even after its release in 2023, with other modern HyperX products succeeding it, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 headset.

It's built with a detachable mic and 53mm neodymium headphones that can deliver crisp, high-quality audio whether you're chatting to your friends online or listening to a game's audio to immerse yourself in its sound design further.

The mic is also equipped with noise-cancelling, so your friends won't be able to hear distracting background noise when you talk to them online.

The headphones are also very comfy to wear for the user as they are outfitted with smooth, leatherette earcups that can block out background noise, so you won't get distracted while listening to your friends online or your games.

The HyperX CloudX headset also has a very lightweight frame, so it doesn't wear down the user's head or ears after several hours of use.

However, don't mistake its lightness for fragility, as the HyperX CloudX gaming head has a sturdy and durable build quality that will last you for a very long time.

The only real downsides of the HyperX CloudX gaming headset are that it's a wired-only headset and it's missing several features premium headsets take for granted, like onboard surround sound.

Overall, this is a brilliant entry-level gaming headset that is a must-have for Xbox and PC players looking to improve their gaming experiences with accessories before committing to premium-grade products.

If what you read has intrigued you, then now's the perfect time to buy the HyperX CloudX, as its inexpensive MSRP of $49.99 has been reduced to $39.99 on Amazon thanks to Amazon Prime Day.

This discount is still live, however, and there's no telling when it will dry up, so be sure to take advantage of it while you still can.

FAQ

In addition to a modest addition to the HP OMEN hardware family, HP and HyperX also announced humble horde of new accessories — and any one may be what you were looking for to complete your setup.

Today's unveiling includes two new HyperX Cloud wireless gaming headsets and two new microphones. For many, the long-awaited follow-up to HyperX's hugely popular Cloud Alpha Wireless headset will be especially interesting, as will the unique FlipCast microphone and its dual USB/XLR inputs.

Those of us with more modest tastes, though, will be drawn to the reasonably equipped Flight 2 gaming headset or the compact, all-in-one SoloCast 2 microphone. There's a little something for everyone here, especially for existing HyperX fans looking for an upgrade.

First, we have two different microphones. There's the HyperX SoloCast 2, the follow-up to the company's compact, cute-and-friendly budget microphone. It's still an all-in-one USB condenser microphone with a standard cardioid polar pattern, but now in a more squared-off design.

This is for the casual consumers who need higher quality and higher resolution recording, but don't want to break the bank or invest in a hardcore recording setup. Depending on the pricing, the SoloCast 2 could be an excellent option.

The more exciting of the two microphones is easily the FlipCast, a more premium microphone with a unique design and a standout feature.

Not only is it significantly higher resolution (the same 32-bit/192KHz sampling rate as the premium HyperX QuadCast 2 S microphone I reviewed, actually), it also supports both USB and XLR output. The FlipCast can be a high-quality USB microphone in any situation, but it's ready to grow into expanded XLR setups with audio mixers and studio decks — and it can even handle dual-PC streaming setups.

I also quite like the design, including the raised LED level indicator and the onboard controls. If the FlipCast delivers on the quality and ease-of-use front, it could be the perfect microphone for those who know they may need more in the future.

Next, we have two new HyperX Cloud wireless gaming headsets, also split between an option for everyone and an option for those who want something more premium and... unique.

The HyperX Cloud Flight 2 Wireless is the latest, more affordable wireless gaming headset from HyperX, and features a refreshed design with removeable magnetic faceplates and RGB lighting. HyperX apparently designed this headset to be more modular, with swappable headbands, ear cushions, and faceplates.

At its core, though, it's still a HyperX gaming headset. You get angled 50mm HyperX drivers, a detachable 10mm boom microphone, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless modes (with onboard controls), and up to 100 hours of battery life. Interestingly, HyperX also baked in an internal microphone, so you can still take calls even without the main microphone (albeit at a lower quality).

There is an Xbox version for those who need it, too, which I cannot say about the more premium, PC-focused HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless headset.

Right off the bat, HyperX addressed some of the biggest concerns with the original Alpha: the design is sleeker, there's now Bluetooth connectivity (including simultaneous source mixing), and you get even larger and more dynamic audio drivers.

Battery life isn't quite as impressive as the original, but with up to 250 hours of juice, the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 is still a technical marvel. All that, and HyperX is also including a new RGB Base Station, which includes a volume dial, audio controls, and programmable macro buttons. It's a cool addition that will appeal to some users more than others, but it does help the Alpha 2 Wireless stand out.

Stay tuned, because as you're reading this I'm in Los Angeles with HP, going hands-on with these new products. My initial impressions will be appearing on Windows Central soon.

When I reviewed the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), I named it one of the very best wireless gaming headsets you could buy. A year later, and we finally got a console-friendly version that was just as good — but it could obviously be better.

Now we finally have the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, and... I can't believe how big of a jump this is. When Razer briefed me on its new flagship esports-focused headset, I was rendered speechless by the ceaseless list of improvements and upgrades, all while preserving the same iconic design language.

It may be more expensive and a little heavier now, but the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is the closest to perfection I've ever seen a gaming headset reach. It's made even better that we don't have to wait for Xbox and PlayStation versions.

I don't often do this, but I'm putting my recommendation front and center. If your budget is $250 for a high-performance wireless gaming headset, then save yourself some time and go get the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro for $249.99 at BestBuy.com.

Yeah, let's just summarize those upgrades real quick

Some of you may accuse me of being dramatic if I don't lay it out loud and clear, so I'm starting by listing all the noticeable improvements Razer made with the new BlackShark V3 Pro.

• Upgraded audio. The BlackShark V3 Pro upgrades to Razer's new TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm Gen-2 drivers, which are basically bigger and better versions of the drivers in the ultra-premium Razer Kraken V4 Pro I reviewed.
  • Not content with just that, Razer also added THX Spatial Audio 7.1.4 support, which adds four virtual speakers above your head when you want that surround sound effect. The BlackShark V3 Pro supports the Xbox and PlayStation spatial audio equivalents, too.
• Bigger microphone. The BlackShark V2 Pro already had one of the best microphones on any headset, but Razer made it even better by increasing the physical size of the HyperClear Super Wideband microphone from 9mm to 12mm, and increased the sampling rate from 32KHz to 48KHz while it was at it.
• Improved performance. This headset is designed with competitive gaming in mind (especially first-person shooters), so improved performance was a guarantee.
  • The greatest performance upgrade comes from Razer's new HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2. Yes, Razer HyperSpeed actually got a next-gen upgrade with greater efficiency and stability, but Razer also reduced the wireless latency to a mere 10ms — easily the best in the industry.
  • Razer has continued working with esports athletes to develop professionally tuned audio profiles for six of the most popular FPS games, and you can now store a total of 9 unique audio profiles on the BlackShark V3 Pro.
• Refined ergonomics. Razer may have kept the same overall design language, but the BlackShark V3 Pro is still a lot more refined in a lot of ways.
  • The yoke design has returned, but it's further reinforced and now has a 15-degree swivel joint to provide a better fit to everyone's unique head shape.
  • The Memory Foam ear cushions are just as comfortable as ever, but Razer designed a new dual-layer fabric that uses leatherette for superior noise isolation underneath cloth for improved breathability.
  • The design has been refined in other ways, too, like more distinct textures for the onboard controls and adding swappable magnetic faceplates (which have nothing to do with comfort, but could be great for customization).
• Better support. Unlike the BlackShark V2 Pro, Razer's latest flagship gaming headset is coming out of the gate with PC, Xbox, and PlayStation versions — all available in black or white.
  • Not only do we already have console-specific versions, but they also fully support Razer Synapse on PC this time, so you don't have to choose one or the other.
  • The BlackShark V3 Pro can also do simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio mixing, so you can have a voice call on one and your game on the other, or whatever combination you need in the moment.
  • If you'd rather plug in, the BlackShark V3 Pro supports USB wired audio and even comes with a 3.5mm adapter for more traditional headphone jacks.
  • You can customize your BlackShark V3 Pro using the Razer Audio App on Android and iOS, the Razer Headset Setup app on Xbox, and the Razer Synapse app on PC — and the increased onboard memory will remember all your changes.
• More features. The BlackShark V3 Pro also gains some brand-new features. I already mentioned the simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio, but there are a couple more, too.
  • Razer has brought hybrid active noise cancellation to the BlackShark, with 4 microphones (2 internal and 2 external) dedicated to filtering out unwanted background noise to keep you in the game.
  • In addition to the new ANC button for cycling through modes, Razer also added a customizable roller to the BlackShark V3 Pro, which handles chat balancing by default, but can also uniquely increase just the sounds of footsteps to give you a competitive advantage.

Whoo, that's a lot. Let's actually talk about my experience using the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro now.

It'll be difficult for Razer to impress with the BlackShark V4

I already spent a lot of words just explaining what Razer did with the BlackShark V3 Pro, but the important question is if those upgrades actually make a difference. Um, yes. Yes, they do.

At first glance, the BlackShark V3 Pro isn't a major departure from its predecessor, but this headset is noticeably more comfortable to wear, especially for long periods. A lot of that comes down to the new swivel joint, which is important for the fit but also improves isolation.

It's still a predominantly plastic headset, but the BlackShark V3 Pro does feel very well put together, and there are a lot of fine details and accents that remind you that this is a premium headset, including real stitching on the headband that's color-matched to the version you bought (black for PC, green for Xbox, blue for PlayStation).

Razer also made the faceplates easily swappable via magnets; right now, Razer isn't selling custom options to make your BlackShark V3 Pro your own, but I can't imagine Razer made this deliberate design decision without some intent to take advantage of it.

The only downside is that the BlackShark V3 Pro is about 47g heavier than before, which is a noticeable increase. It's still extremely comfortable to wear, but the added baggage is worth noting.

Performance has also evolved by a significant degree, and for two main reasons. First are the new Bio-Cellulose 50mm Drivers Gen-2, which results in a much warmer and deeper sound profile similar to the Kraken V4 Pro headset, but with some precision, soundscape, and responsiveness improvements.

The BlackShark V3 Pro does sound excellent for gaming, music, movies, and everything in between, with powerful bass and sub-bass response and clean mids. Lots of onboard memory and a solid equalizer mean you can tailor the BlackShark V3 Pro to every use case.

I did notice some distortion at higher frequencies, especially when the active noise cancellation (ANC) is enabled, and this headset sometimes struggles when switching between audio profiles, becoming hollow-sounding overall for a few (long) seconds. Overall, though, the BlackShark V3 Pro is a substantial improvement over the 2023 model.

The second major performance upgrade? Razer HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2, which debuted with the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro gaming mouse I reviewed. The BlackShark V3 Pro sadly doesn't get the new wireless receiver design, but it does benefit from improved stability (even with a lot of interference from competing wireless signals) and lower latency.

Razer told me it probably could've made the latency even lower than 10ms, but there was no point — 10ms is how long it takes for a healthy brain to process audio, apparently. I can't really claim to tell the difference, but I can tell you the BlackShark V3 Pro sounds instant and is incredible with competitive gaming.

One area where the BlackShark V3 Pro is a bit shakier compared to its predecessor is with endurance. I wrote an editorial years ago about how it felt like it took forever to kill the BlackShark V2 Pro, and the new headset does boast similar longevity... but if you take advantage of its new features, like active noise cancellation and simultaneous audio mixing, you can absolutely kill it faster.

Speaking of ANC, the BlackShark V3 Pro utilizes 4 microphones (separate from its main mic, which you'll need for voice calls) to filter out unwanted noise, and it does work, albeit subtly. The BlackShark V3 Pro certainly isn't usurping Sony or Bose for the best ANC headphones any time soon, but the ANC does make a (positive) difference, and you do get a fair amount of control over it, including an ambient mode that is equally fine.

I also understand why it exists for marketing reasons, but the PC-only BlackShark V3 Pro does feel pointless this time around. The Xbox and PlayStation versions rightfully have full compatibility and feature parity with Windows PC (apart from the PlayStation version missing the Halo-focused audio profile), so there's no real reason to get the PC-only version.

BlackShark V3 Pro review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a high-quality gaming headset that works across platforms.
• You want the best performance possible out of a wireless headset.
• You value features like ANC and a class-leading microphone.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You won't take advantage of this headset's competitive performance.
• You need a headset for exclusively one platform (and want to save money).

What even is left for Razer to do? Perhaps the BlackShark V4 Pro will be a bit lighter, and last a bit longer, and sound a bit better, and block out background noise a bit more, but fundamentally, it feels like Razer truly nailed it with this iteration.

Razer took every piece of legitimate criticism from every review (mine included), and actively worked to fix those weaknesses with this headset. It's the culmination of years of refinement and innovation, and the end result is easily one of the best Xbox and PC gaming headsets ever made.

The BlackShark V3 Pro may cost $50 higher starting out, but it's worth every penny you spend on it, even if you're not the most competitive gamer to walk the earth. If you'd like to save money, the standard Razer BlackShark V3 seems to basically be the BlackShark V2 Pro but with some upgrades (like simultaneous Bluetooth/2.4GHz audio) for just $150 — but bear in mind that I haven't personally used that headset.

With upgraded audio, active noise cancellation, and a bevy of other upgrades, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is an incredibly easy recommendation for $249.99 at BestBuy.com or $249.99 at Amazon.com. Xbox or PC, it doesn't matter — this is the headset I'm using from now on, and it's all because Razer actually listened to us.

There's no shortage of awesome gaming headsets to add to your setup, but your options are more limited if you need a wireless headset that works with Xbox consoles, too.

That's just the nature of Xbox Wireless, but you still don't have to pay extra for a great headset. SteelSeries has added a new option to the mix with the Arctis Nova 3X Wireless, the Nova-fied redesign of its uber-popular Arctis 1 Wireless headset from yesteryear (which we reviewed).

I've been using it for a few weeks now, and I've been really impressed by this headset's design and featureset for the price point — and I absolutely adore that SteelSeries is actually offering more than just black and white colors. The Arctis Nova 3X isn't perfect, but it's still a really solid wireless Xbox option for those wanting to spend around $100.

A lightweight headset with some actual personality

First, the Arctis Nova 3X does adopt the same design language we've seen from other Nova products, with the two-tier circular earcup design and slim profile. The Arctis Nova 3X looks great, and its detachable microphone makes it more than sleek enough for use as a normal pair of wireless headphones.

This is an all-plastic headset, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the Arctis Nova 3X is insanely light at only 260g, so you barely feel it on your head. On the other, it does feel quite cheap in the hand, with a fair amount of creaking.

I've seen for myself how much abuse the Arctis Nova 3X can take, though, so in this case, "cheap" doesn't mean "fragile" — you shouldn't have to worry about this headset too much if you pass it to your children.

The Arctis Nova 3X also has some give and take when it comes to ergonomics. Breathable fabric earpads with a healthy amount of cushioning and a wide suspension headband work in tandem with that ultralight design to make this a very comfortable headset, but the Arctis Nova 3X is on the small side — even on the largest settings, it still barely fit me, so those with larger heads may struggle.

What I love more than anything, though, is that SteelSeries actually gave the Arctis Nova 3X some color. The standard black and white colors are here, of course, but you also get "Aqua" and "Lavendar" options... or blue and purple, if you're normal.

These colors are more "pastel" than "neon," so they may not be as punchy as you'd like, but I have both in hand, and the Arctis Nova 3X looks great. For the eagle-eyed, these are the same fun and cheerful colors offered by the SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless mouse I reviewed, so you can color-match your setup on a budget.

In so many ways, personal technology has become unbearably monochrome over the last few years, a symptom of the obsession with "minimalist" design. Just having some fun color options gives the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X a leg up in my book, but it does also help that it's a solid headset.

Features are there, but performance isn't always

The Arctis Nova 3X is equipped with some pretty impressive hardware for the price, including 40mm Neodymium Magnet drivers with spatial audio support, a high-resolution noise-canceling microphone, and both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

On the audio front, this headset is good — if not amazing — for the price. There's a good amount of punch in the low end, with great detail and responsiveness in the mids and highs, but the overall soundstage is on the narrow side.

There's also a persistent, soft static in the background, something that you may hear with other headphones at higher volumes — but seems to be always present with the Arctis Nova 3X. Any music or audio immediately drowns it out, but it does affect clarity.

The microphone is a major improvement over SteelSeries' earlier budget wireless headsets, though, with respectable depth and detail, as well as actually functional background noise cancelation. I can't imagine many will complain about this microphone for only $110.

Where the Arctis Nova 3X slips is in performance. Having both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth lets this headset connect to basically any device (including Xbox, as long as you switch the dongle over), but stability wasn't the best.

The Arctis Nova 3X was prone to interference and skips, and often refused to properly connect to my Xbox without switching the dongle over to PC and back again. I also genuinely can't tell you how good the new SteelSeries mobile app is for customizing the Arctis Nova 3X, because it absolutely refused to connect properly (a common problem, it seems, if you go off Google Play Store reviews).

None of these problems made the Arctis Nova 3X bad to use, and the SteelSeries GG app on Windows PC was more than enough for customizing the EQ and other headset settings, but those planning to use the Arctis Nova 3X primarily with their phone and Xbox can't rely on the mobile app, and those who need the absolute best wireless performance for competitive gaming can't rely on the Arctis Nova 3X 100% of the time.

I've no such issues with battery life, though. SteelSeries quotes up to 40 hours of continued usage, and that feels perfectly accurate from my testing. It's also easy to charge via USB Type-C, netting you hours of use with just minutes of charging.

Arctis Nova 3X Wireless review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a cheap wireless headset for Xbox, PC, and mobile.
• You love fun colors and are tired of the same black/white designs.
• You need a lightweight headset that can take a beating.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need the most reliable wireless performance (or a working mobile app).
• You need a larger headset for a comfortable fit.

Quick overview: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is a really good wireless gaming headset for around $100, especially since it's compatible with Windows PC, Xbox consoles, mobile devices, and more.

The wireless performance isn't the best (and the mobile app flat out won't work for me), and I have some other complaints for this value-driven headset — but it's fun, durable, and packs a surprising number of features.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is available for $109.99 at Amazon or $109.99 at Best Buy, making it one of the best Xbox headsets for those on a budget... but if you can drop the extra cash, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) we reviewed is still the champion at $200.

It's Amazon Gaming Week, apparently. No, I haven't heard of either, but any excuse to save money on the best Xbox headsets and best PC gaming headsets sounds pretty good to me.

It's with that in mind, that I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite, preferred gaming headsets, now almost $100 cheaper than usual thanks to Amazon's deals event.

This is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless, armed with a digital audio controller, multi-device capabilities, a retractable mic, active noise cancelling, and many more great features.

Why the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a winning Xbox / PC headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a premium headset designed for users who literally want everything in a tight, single package. This headset has multiple USB ports to connect up two devices simultaneously, with a third coming through from Bluetooth. The retractable mic and active noise cancelling make them a great option for using as a lifestyle headset too, for commuting, travel, and so on. The Bluetooth also makes it useful for mixing from a second sound source, feeding sound from PC chat via USB and wirelessness and capturing audio from your Xbox via your smart TV's Bluetooth.

The digital audio controller is where all the magic happens. Ideally this sits on a desk or near your set up, and has a big dial for audio control, device swapping, and a capacitive back button for controlling menus. It's powered by the devices it's connected to, and has line-in and line-out 3.5mm audio as well for good measure.

The pièce de résistance is the digital audio controller's hot-swappable battery dock. The side plates are attached with magnets, and can be removed to easily swap out the battery to ensure you're constantly juiced.

The first version of this headset had an issue with the internal mics protruding too far into user's ears, but SteelSeries has fixed this problem on the more recent models. As a result, they're among the most comfortable and durable headsets I've used. They also sound absolutely fantastic, with high configurability and customization.

But sure, they're not "cheap," but with this 25% off deal from Amazon Gaming Week, they're far more palatable.

HyperX has produced some top-notch gaming headsets over the years and one of the company's best works is the audio-rich and extremely comfy-to-wear, HyperX Cloud III. Both the wireless and wired versions of this headset are currently on sale at Amazon after having their MSRP cut down by over a third.

The HyperX Cloud III Wireless is sitting at $98.99 at Amazon (was $149.99) while the HyperX Cloud 3 Wired (Black/Red) is at $61.99 at Amazon (was $99.99)

Why should you buy these headsets?

The HyperX Cloud III is one of the best PC gaming headsets and the best Xbox gaming headsets we've ever had the pleasure of covering on Windows Central.

Our own headphones specialist, Rebecca Spears, even gave 4.5-star ratings to it in her review of the HyperX Cloud III Wireless headset and her review of the HyperX Cloud III Wired headset, stating that they're the perfect accessories for solo or multiplayer gaming.

How the HyperX Cloud III has earned this high praise is thanks to its advanced technological features and design.

This headset is outfitted with 53mm angled drivers installed with Surround Sound so it can produce crystal-clear audio when listening to music, in-game sound effects, and voices. The sound drivers also have Spatial Audio to help your ears pick subtle sounds more easily like footsteps or whispers.

With this, the HyperX Cloud III headset will heighten your immersion while playing games with intense sound design like Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, or aid you in detecting the sound of nearby enemies trying to sneak up behind in titles like Stalker 2 or Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

The HyperX Cloud III also features memory foam cushioned earphones and a headband equipped with faux leatherette to keep your ears and head relaxed without causing physical strain during long hours of gaming.

Other components include Active Noise Cancelling to drown out external noises so you can only hear the game you're playing, and a detachable 10mm mic that can transmit your voice across the internet with high-quality sound with next-to-no latency and without picking up background noise.

This will allow you to chat with your teammates and friends more clearly and without outside distractions while playing online multiplayer-focused games like World of Warcraft or Monster Hunter Wilds.

To top it off, the wireless version of the HyperX Cloud III headset has an impressively long battery life of up to 120 hours before needing to recharge, so you can use it for literally days on end.

These headsets normally run for that have an MSRP that can reach up to or over $100. However, Amazon is currently selling these beauties with huge discounts that have slashed their prices by over a third.

The HyperX Cloud III Wireless has had its $149.99 MSRP cut by a 34% discount, so it's now $98.99 on Amazon (was $149.99). Meanwhile, the HyperX Cloud 3 Wired (Black/Red) had its MSRP of $99.99 cut down by 38% so it's now $61.99 at Amazon.

If you're looking to get your hands on one of the best PC gaming accessories at affordable prices as an early Easter gift for yourself or your friends and family, these discount deals are the best time to do so.

Can earbuds replace your gaming headset? SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds say "yes."

A little while ago, SteelSeries sent over this review unit of their new(ish) Arctis Gamebuds, ANC earbuds with Bluetooth, USB-C 2.4 wireless connectivity, and mobile and PC apps to boot.

I've used a couple of "gaming" earbud options in the past, and found most of them to be fairly underwhelming. I like the idea of having a single headset that can do "everything," from gaming, to chat, to travel, to music, and so on, but so far the options out there have either been incredibly expensive, or a bit iffy.

The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds are the first Xbox and PC "gaming" earbuds that I feel truly check all the right boxes, across performance, features, and price. Without a doubt, in their category, they're among the best Xbox headsets you can get right now in my view.

If you're someone who has been waiting for a product like this, do read on, because there are some downsides worth mentioning.

This review was conducted with a Arctis Gamebuds unit provided by SteelSeries, running the latest firmware update downloaded via the Arctis app.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by SteelSeries. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Arctis Gamebuds: Price and specifications

The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds aren't the cheapest earbuds on the market, but there aren't many out there that can boast such an impressive feature set.

In the bundle, you get ear tips, two USB-C cables, a USB-C dongle for use on PC or Xbox with a toggle switch, the earbuds themselves with on-ear controls, and a 30-hour wired and wireless recharging carry case to house it all.

The whole package will set you back around $160 MSRP in the United States, although tariffs and the like could impact the price in the near term.

• Back to the top ⤴

Arctis Gamebuds: Build quality and features

The earbuds I typically use for travel and the like are Samsung's Galaxy Buds, and I kind of hate them. They're obviously the most compatible earbuds with my Galaxy S24, but they have such an odd shape — I'm not sure Samsung actually made them for human beings.

Thankfully, the Arctis Gamebuds are far, far more comfortable. In fact, I think they might be the most comfortable in-ear headphones I've ever used.

The Arctis Gamebuds come with a variety of tips to tailor the experience to your particular ear shape, but the curvature and soft plastic used on the outer body create a smooth sensation on the skin, complete with an impressive ergonomic fit.

RELATED: How to use Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds on Xbox

Another aspect I like here is the clicky buttons, rather than capacitive. My Galaxy Buds are prone to accidental taps and clicks when I'm doing something as simple as scratching an itch.

You have to actually activate these controls, which I feel like every headset on Earth should opt for.

Triple taps let you instantly switch between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz signals for moving between mobile devices and your primary gaming platform. Other motions can be configured in the apps available for both PC and mobile — both of which are high-quality, with good usability and polish.

It's a bit annoying that you have to make an account to use the apps and even do basic things like update firmware, but I guess that's just where we are in 2025. Once you're in, the experience is good, with a high degree of configurability.

SteelSeries partnered with publishers to build per-game audio profiles for a variety of the world's most popular games, while also including some EQ pre-sets like Bass Boost and the like. I think more general-use pre-sets would be nice to see, but SteelSeries is often adding more via updates. And you can always create your own, too.

To make the deal a bit sweeter, the headset comes with active noise cancellation, which is something I find to be absolutely necessary for travel earbuds these days.

Since these earbuds are trying to be your "everything" device, it's good to see this included. They also have an on-click transparency mode if you need to hear another person, without having to take them out of your ears.

They're easy to set up on an Xbox and PC, too. Simply plug the USB-C dongle in directly or with the USB-A cable, and you're pretty much good to go. A switch on the dongle lets you point at Xbox or PC, which will beat out Bluetooth for signal quality generally.

Sadly, you can't mix signals like you can on some devices like this, but these days, you can listen to Spotify and take Discord calls on your Xbox directly without having to use an additional device.

• Back to the top ⤴

Arctis Gamebuds: Sound and microphone quality

SteelSeries nails the feature set with the Arctis Gamebuds, but how does it perform sound-wise?

Naturally, the sound stage on earbuds is going to feel more intimate than headphones with bigger drivers, which does impact positional and spatial awareness to some degree, I find.

I played Overwatch for a few hours with these yesterday, and still found them to be more than viable for pinpointing the position of Cassidys and Sombras trying to flank me.

I find the sound quality is also up there for earbuds. They're perhaps not as punchy or impressive as more expensive over-ear gaming headphones out there, like SteelSeries' own Arctis Nova or something like the new Turtle Beach Stealth 700, but they do deliver a more than adequate response.

The Arctis Gamebuds have impressive separation for earbuds. Listening to bass boosted music gives each instrument a distinct platform and clear performance, even in loud genres like death metal and the like. I would argue that the maximum volume is perhaps not as loud as I would like, but that's most likely a "me problem." Yes, I am old.

While the sound delivery into your ears is really impressive for this type of device, the sound quality your friends will be hearing may take a hit.

On-ear microphones have improved over the years in quality, but there's always going to be a trade-off when you're not using a dedicated boom mic. The trade-off here is significant, as you can hear in the above audio clip, recorded directly from the SteelSeries Arctis to my PC.

The sound quality on the mics is just about passable for basic party chat. I was using it to play competitive games like WoW and Overwatch for several evenings, and nobody complained or had an issue hearing me. But, it's still worth being aware of.

Overall, I'm more than impressed with the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds audio reproduction. They're great for music, easily replacing my Galaxy Buds. They're decent for gaming, and more convenient in a lot of cases given their size and rechargeability. And the features make the price point feel fair, too.

• Back to the top ⤴

Arctis Gamebuds: The competition

The main competition to speak of here is the Razer Hammerhead range, which I really, really wanted to like.

I generally prefer Razer for most of my gaming accessories, but the signal interference on the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed for Xbox was significant to the point of being unusable.

I also found the listed battery life wasn't quite up to par with reality. Even though I think they look a bit nicer than the SteelSeries, and have a more ergonomic carry case, I don't think it's worth the saving.

Indeed, they are a bit cheaper at $130 on Amazon as of writing. I would argue that the Arctis Gamebuds are significantly better overall, though, and something I would far sooner recommend for the extra $30.

The elephant in the room, potentially, is that the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) are better overall, while also being a similar RRP of $160 on Amazon. They aren't earbuds, though, and do not have active noise cancelling.

The Gamebuds are designed specifically around that form factor, and squishing the tech down into something small enough to fit into your ear is obviously a bit of extra engineering.

The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds are, without a doubt, the best earbuds you can get for Xbox, PC, and mobile gaming right now. But you need to want earbuds specifically to get the most value out of them.

• Back to the top ⤴

Arctis Gamebuds: Should you buy them?

I can't help but be thoroughly impressed with what SteelSeries has put together here. A large feature set, with Qi wireless charging, active noise cancelling, solid apps, good audio, and premium-tier comfort makes the $160 RRP absolutely worth it in my view.

There aren't many gaming earbuds on the market that are fully wirelessly compatible with Xbox, but of the few out there, the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds are the best.

✅ You should buy this if ...

• You want a truly "everything" headset for Xbox and PC gaming, music, travel, and beyond.
• You don't mind spending a bit more for things like ANC.
• You're specifically looking for earbuds for Xbox and PC gaming.

❌ You should not buy this if ...

• You're not planning to use them everywhere. There are better dedicated headsets for gaming for a similar price.

Yes, there are better dedicated headphones for a similar price for Xbox, and better dedicated earbuds for music on mobile, but if you want a device that can do it all — the SteelSeries Arctis Earbuds are your best option right now.

If you have any questions about them, hit the comments!

• Back to the top ⤴

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro has long reigned as our best in slot pick for an Xbox gaming headset, only recently dethroned by another Turtle Beach model that's easier on the wallet. As incredible as the Stealth Pro is, its usual $329.99 price tag makes it a hard sell—because despite how fantastic it is, who wants to spend over $300 on a headset? Not me, and I’m guessing not many other people either.

But it's sale season, and while scrolling for anything that could outshine Black Friday deals, I stumbled on a frankly crazy discount on this headset: Woot is listing the Stealth Pro for $119.99. That’s a ridiculous $210 discount.

For comparison it’s currently 'on sale' for $229 on Amazon. So why pay more when Woot are an Amazon outlet and you get the same free delivery with Prime?

Deals like this are usually one per customer and move fast. If this price has you as baffled as I am, don’t wait, grab it now.

Why is the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro our top Xbox headset?

It’s not every day our Managing Editor Jez Corden hands out a 5-star rating for a headset. In fact, only two others on our list of the best Xbox headsets have earned that honor—and neither of them are anywhere near as affordable as $110 right now.

The list of reasons this headset impressed us so much is long. With maximum comfort, premium build quality, swappable batteries, seamless Bluetooth, Xbox wireless sound mixing, a great mic, intuitive on-ear controls (deep breath) AND a sleek design, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is practically perfect in every way. It’s the Mary Poppins of Xbox headsets.

Innovation in the headset has felt a bit stale in previous years, and the Stealth Pro was a really big swing for Turtle Beach into the premium market. Usually cramming so many features in impacts performance or style in one way or another, but the headset still impressed us across the board.

One standout feature is its ability to mix Bluetooth audio with Xbox gameplay, making it a godsend for content creators juggling multiple sound sources or anyone wanting to chat with friends on other platforms while gaming.

It also manages to avoid the usual interference issues that plague similar headsets. Even in our editor’s tech-heavy office where wireless signals go to die, it maintained a reliable connection across both sources for hours.

The build quality of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is excellent, offering a broader size range for those with larger heads. The over-ear cups are more spacious than most competitors too.

As for audio quality, it’s simply fantastic. Turtle Beach’s signature tactical tuning enhances sound ranges to help pinpoint enemy positions in games. Still, you can disable it for a more cinematic, bass-heavy experience that’s perfect for movies, music, and single-player games.

If you want to know more, check out the full Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review for all the details. Just don’t wait too long, Woot’s deals tend to disappear quickly, and $119.99 is genuinally a ridiculous price for this bit of kit.

Corsair is back with a premium headset offering for Xbox and PC users in its Virtuoso Max.

Appropriately named, the Virtuoso Max is designed for the connoisseur of the Xbox and PC gaming audio world, complete with a maximum emphasis on features.

Active noise cancelling joins Bluetooth 5.3 simultaneous audio. 50mm graphene drivers meet RGB ear cups. Wrapped in generous memory foam leather and a surprisingly broad amount of adjustability, the Virtuoso Max is a similarly surprising $329.99 to buy new.

That's a lot of 'bones per headset', or 'BPH' as I'm going to call it from now on. The last headset I reviewed from Corsair was the very capable HS75 XB, which seemed to have a relatively short run despite being a fantastic option.

Xbox is quite a competitive space when it comes to headsets right now, and Corsair finds itself with a variety of rather strong competitors as we head into 2025.

Does the ratio of price-to-premium add up for the Corsair Virtuoso Max? Will it land on my best Xbox headsets list? Let's review together.

This review was conducted with a Virtuoso Max headset unit provided by Corsair. The company did not view the contents of this article before publication.

Corsair Virtuoso Max: Specifications and price

The Virtuoso Max is an impressive product on paper, sporting many of the central features many of us have come to expect of the high-end. On the spec sheet, you'll see a simultaneous 2.4 GHz wireless USB radio with Bluetooth 5.3. There are also 50mm graphene drivers that run up to 40 kHz, which is not something you often see in a gaming headset, and Corsair also includes active noise canceling (ANC) for good measure.

My sample is the 'Xbox version' of this headset, which costs the same as its non-Xbox counterpart, save for the fact it also supports Xbox. The other version is identical but doesn't support Xbox, likely owing to some licensing requirements from Microsoft.

In any case, this is an ultra-multiplatform beast, supporting Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Bluetooth devices in a single package — and ultimately, that's who it's for. The Corsair Virtuoso Max is for the gamer who wants a device for literally every scenario where you might need a headset.

The Corsair Virtuoso Max is available practically everywhere, and anywhere you might want to buy a headset, although the Xbox version seems a little harder to come by. The standard version is all you need if you don't need to add Xbox into the mix, but they both cost the same either way. That cost is $329.99 at Amazon, putting it up there with the likes of other premium options like the Astro A50 and the Audeze Maxwell.

• Back to the top ⤴

Corsair Virtuoso Max: Features, design, and comfort

The last time I reviewed a Corsair headset, it was the impressive HS75 XB designed for the Xbox One. Although that was a no-frills affair, it was a huge insight into Corsair's potential as a headset manufacturer as someone who hadn't experienced their products before. Fast forward a few years, and Corsair has been building an impressive range of headsets up and down the price spectrum, culminating in this: the all-singing, all-dancing Corsair Virtuoso Max.

This headset is ultimately designed to be used in every imaginable scenario where you'd need a headset, and that design intent can be seen throughout the product at every angle.

First and foremost, it looks fantastic and might be among the best-looking headsets I've seen recently. Clearly targeting the fashion-conscious user, it has a very premium finish with metal accents and a razor-thin RGB light ring running around each earcup. Indeed, coupled with active noise canceling and Bluetooth playback capabilities, it's clear Corsair wanted to make sure this headset would look right at home when playing Xbox from the sofa or ambient-muting irritating plane noise while gaming on a flight. The mic is detachable to that end, too, if you're going mobile.

The headset has fabric ear cups, which I'm not always a huge fan of. Although I have sensitive skin, I generally prefer either leatherette style or finer satin-style fabric on my ears. I also find the coarser fabric to be a bit of a heat trap, although it's ultimately subjective to your preferences. The cushioning is thick and generous in any case and should ensure lengthy and very comfortable gaming sessions when paired with its ~60-hour battery life. I just wish they'd used the leather from the carrying case on the earcups instead.

Another impressively generous aspect is its adjustability. I have a pretty large head (figuratively and literally), so generally, I find myself maxing out the sliders when reviewing headsets. However, on this, I only needed to go halfway before it was slipping off my head. I think even Andre the Giant would feel reassured by this product, which is a strong plus for anyone seeking a headset specifically for that reason.

The Corsair Virtuoso Max is recharged using a USB-C braided cable included in the box, which also comes with a hard shell carry case for good measure. It connects to mobile devices via Bluetooth 5.3 and to Xbox and PC with a USB dongle that automatically detects the device it's plugged into. It has Dolby Atmos support on board, too, which is a nice bonus.

The on-ear controls on the Corsair Virtuoso Max are more than adequate. They sport large dials for controlling volume across devices via the USB dongle or Bluetooth and have specific inputs on the right side for controlling Spotify and similar apps. The action on the buttons is solid and reassuring, continuing the "premium" theme running throughout.

The right cup also has a custom button for cycling between EQ pre-sets you can set up via Corsair's iCUE app software, in addition to a long-press for cycling between active noise canceling modes. It has an integrated voice that chimes up when you're muting and unmuting the headset, but it's oddly quiet when you're cycling through ANC modes, or EQ pre-sets, relying on tones instead.

On paper, we have a ton of great features here. We have a stunning visual design, we have a comfortable profile, and massive battery life. How does it sound, though?

• Back to the top ⤴

Corsair Virtuoso Max: Audio and mic experience

I spent several hours listening to all types of audio with this headset, maxed out quality where applicable, across both PC, mobile, and Xbox Series X. There are aspects of the sound profile that are absolutely immaculate, but there are a few frustrations that prevent it from getting top marks in this area.

The Corsair Virtuoso Max has 50mm graphene drivers that offer a compelling soundscape. The out-of-the-box "balanced" sound profile, I didn't find to be particularly awe-inspiring, but the bass boost pre-set felt more representative of what this headset is capable of. Heady bass that other headsets might struggle with comes through warm and smooth here, shining in both cinematic action games and music alike.

The soundscape also lends itself incredibly well to tactical play, with strong separation buoyed further by Dolby Atmos. Valorant and Call of Duty will flood your ears and give away enemy positions at will, although sadly, it won't help you with skill gaps directly.

If there's one criticism of the headset's limitations that I felt immediately, it's that its max volume isn't very generous. Maybe I'm just getting harder of hearing as I get older, but it was fairly noticeable even when compared to my aging and battered Samsung Galaxy Buds. Still, I think that, for most people, they'll probably be more than fine. However, there are some aspects of the soundscape I think most people probably won't be fine with.

This is a headset that works across all devices all the time, everywhere, all at once, you know, like the movie. To that end, it comes with active noise-canceling capabilities, which have become popular in recent years for commuters and travelers. I love the ANC on my Samsung Galaxy Buds for long flights and train rides, and I can't imagine going without it now.

Microphones on the headset record, analyze and then introduce a soundwave that cancels out the external noise. When it works well, it's great. However, I think Corsair needed to make some tweaks here. I found that when ANC was turned on, even in a relatively quiet place, it introduced distortion at times into the audio.

Admittedly, you have to really listen for it, but I found it was quite easy to reproduce simply by turning my desk fan on and off, which isn't ideal. I found that certain frequencies can also trigger distortion and interference sounds, especially in the high-mids.

I hope it's something that could be fixed with firmware because the alternative is some kind of electrical design flaw that allows for interference. At this point, it's hard to tell. I will say that it's quite subtle and something you'd have to listen out for. I'm someone who listens to a lot of music and would seek to use a product like this beyond its Xbox configuration.

Generally, the headset is performant all up and down the spectrum, but you might be listening to a certain piece of music at a certain moment and get hit with noticeable distortion because the rest of the soundscape presents so cleanly otherwise. It's almost like the quality bar set by the full range is set so high that it ends up disproportionately let down by a couple of small inconsistencies on the low highs and upper mids.

Corsair describes its Virtuoso Max as having a broadcast-grade mic, but I'm not sure I'd necessarily agree. It's not terrible, as you can hear in the recording above, but the mid-range blows out the reproduction a little bit too much. Another downside is the sidetone here, too. It's far too quiet, and this was an issue on the HS75 XB as well in years past. You practically have to have the microphone on your lips for the sidetone to produce any sound, even set to maximum volume in iCUE, which is a shame if you like sidetone. I know not everybody wants it, though.

It's a shame that the Virtuoso Max misses out on top marks for audio. Given the price ask, I had fairly high hopes for an immaculate sound experience, and it comes very close. When listening to audio that sidesteps the problem frequencies with ANC turned off, it's absolutely stunning and sounds like someone shrank an IMAX cinema system and put it on your head.

But then, the distortion slams you in the side of the head like an inconsiderate teenager throwing popcorn from the back of the room in that very same theatre. Hopefully, it's something that can be solved with firmware updates, and I've noticed the Virtuoso Max has already had a couple come through since I received my sample unit.

• Back to the top ⤴

Corsair Virtuoso Max: Competition

This part is tough because while admittedly the audio issues I hit are quite niche and subtle and, perhaps, I'm uniquely susceptible for some biological reason — I'm here to compare and contrast to other products I've reviewed. At this price point, there are a lot of very strong alternatives, but problematically, there are strong alternatives at a far lower price point, too.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) might not have ANC or a detachable mic, and it also isn't the most "fashion-conscious" headset on the market for mobile use. However, it is over $100 cheaper while having arguably comparable sound — and perhaps even better sound if the distortion issues are universal.

The Astro A50, also from this year, perhaps doesn't sound quite as impressive as the Virtuoso Max, but it does come with a recharge battery dock, although it lacks the versatility of an "outside" headset.

In this price range, it's worth mentioning the multi-functional SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro as well, which does sport ANC, multi-platform capabilities, and has a desktop digital audio controller as well, although it perhaps doesn't have as impressive sound overall.

• Back to the top ⤴

Corsair Virtuoso Max: Should you buy?

It's a bit frustrating because the Corsair Virtuoso Max should be an easy win on the high end for someone who wants a truly "everything" headset, but the bits of fuzz that cut through in certain situations, albeit infrequent, definitely detract from the package. When you're offering a product that costs even more than an Xbox Series S, I don't think it's unfair to expect as close to perfection as possible.

The fact the ANC introduces interference makes it difficult to recommend that headline feature, which has undoubtedly contributed to boosting the price. Also, the RGB lights, while attractive for those who are interested in them, don't really serve a purpose for the vast majority of users, since they're more for people looking at you.

I'm sure that's of value to some people out there, but I can't say I've ever seen someone wearing a headset with RGB lights in public, and it's quite rare on streams, too, honestly. The kicker is ultimately the sound because it's so close to incredible and top-tier, but the areas where it struggles can be overlooked most of the time, and I feel like I shouldn't have to make that kind of caveat with a $329.99 headset.

You should buy this if ...

✅ You want a headset that sounds and looks great.

✅ You want to use it in every aspect of day-to-day life, beyond gaming.

✅ You have a particularly large head, as it has some of the most generous headset adjustability I've seen in a long time.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You don't need active noise canceling or RGB lights.

❌ You want to save money; there are more affordable options.

❌ You are sensitive to electrical buzzing since this headset seems susceptible in certain sound scenarios.

Most reviews I've seen for this headset are glowing in general, and it's true that the Corsair Virtuoso Max is a fantastic product overall. I think it's possible that my ears are particularly sensitive to the random bouts of fuzz I discovered during my time with it. It may also be possible that my review unit has some type of flaw or fault. I'm cognizant of the fact that I have the luxury of direct comparisons to other headsets — I'm currently surrounded by some of the best Xbox headsets I've been reviewing as we head through 2025. So it's easy to compare and contrast sound reproduction on the fly here.

For the most part, the Corsair Virtuoso Max does absolutely everything right. It's let down by a couple of what might otherwise be relatively minor issues, perhaps exaggerated by that pretty hefty sticker price. I think if you are someone this headset is for — someone who wants a single device they can use for literally every consumer sound scenario imaginable — I think most people won't be disappointed. If you're struggling to justify spending $329.99 on a headset, though, you may want to look elsewhere.

Otherwise, it's an absolutely grand headset that's perhaps a little more premium than it needs to be. The engineering on this headset to incorporate features like RGB likely undermined the headset's price competitiveness against similar, much more affordable options. Still, if you want something that looks fantastic with great sound, that supports EVERY scenario you might need a headset, this is a strong option for you.

• Back to the top ⤴

I wasn't a big fan of the original Xbox Wireless Headset. In our previous-gen Xbox Wireless Headset review, audio quality issues was a bit point of frustration, even if most of the other features were quite capable overall.

It was a bit of an innovator of its era, though, living among the first headsets that sought to combine Bluetooth audio signal mixing with your Xbox console. However, as we head into 2025, pretty much every headset has copped the Xbox Wireless Headset's unique selling point.

Now, the new 2024 Xbox Wireless Headset offers no-frills, pure value above all. It's a good reference for manufacturers, as in what the "baseline" wireless Xbox headset experience should be: decent audio, capable mic, comfort-promoting materials, and cross-platform capabilities.

But is it among the best Xbox headsets to actually buy when there are so many other options out there now? Honestly, the answer is an emphatic yes.

With much-improved audio tuning, maturing software, and seamless connectivity, this is as "no-nonsense" as you can get with a gaming headset. But, like any headset, it's by no means flawless. Let's review the new 2024 Xbox Wireless Headset.

This review was conducted with an Xbox Wireless Headset unit provided by Microsoft. Microsoft didn't view the contents of this article before publication.

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Specs & Price

For what's on offer, the Xbox Wireless Headset ultimately offers a good price point, although it is $10 more expensive than its predecessor.

Part of that extra cost might be the "free" Dolby Atmos certification, which allows you to inject software-side surround sound via compatible Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows 10+ PCs. It's much cheaper than paying Dolby's absurd monthly subscription, though.

For $110, you get Bluetooth 5.3 sound source mixing with onboard direct-to-Xbox wireless 2.4 GHz. There's an included USB-C charge cable giving you up to 20 hours of juice, which is a boost for the 2024 model over the 2020 model.

There's also onboard mic monitoring now, in addition to leatherette cups, which have a premium feel with 40mm standard drivers.

You can connect this to a PC with the USB-C cable or via Bluetooth, but if you want the proper 2.4 GHz signal, right now, it's not looking possible, even with the Xbox Wireless USB dongle. I'm trying to get my hands on one to double check, since mine seems to be broken (RIP.) You can however just grab a USB Bluetooth dongle if your PC doesn't support it, though. They're pretty cheap these days, and might provide a more stable connection than many on-board laptop chips.

As of writing, stock levels are good heading into the holiday season and through 2025. It's the Xbox Wireless Headset for 2024, which is up for around $110 on Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Features, Design, and Comfort

As mentioned, when the Xbox Wireless Headset first rolled around, it was part of the first wave of serious headsets that incorporated Bluetooth directly into the headset. As of 2024 and into 2025, however, that feature set isn't as unique as it once was.

These days, every headset comes with Bluetooth 5.x and above, while mic monitoring and the like have become standardized. Ironically, it's the lack of gimmicks that really makes the Xbox Wireless Headset stand out a bit now. It incorporates (almost) everything you might want in a basic wireless headset option and becomes the tried-and-tested true "entry-level" model it was more than likely designed to be.

The design for the 2024 model is effectively unchanged. Microsoft has dropped the green accents (thank you) for something a little more subtle and modern. Neutral colors have become preferential for headsets over time, as users increasingly seek products that can work in their gaming setups but also potentially when outside with Bluetooth and a connected mobile device. The design of the Xbox Wireless Headset serves that use case well, with its logo taking on a similarly subtle embossed gloss motif rather than something larger and more gaudy. Top marks for design here.

The controls on the ear cups are also well-designed, with large dials on each side for controlling chat mix on the left and volume on the right. One criticism I would leverage at the headset is that its Xbox volume controls are in increments of 10. As such, when mixing in Bluetooth sound, you can essentially go from muted to actually quite loud, drowning out the second sound source. I think this is actually an Xbox limitation rather than the headset itself, potentially, but it's something Microsoft should look at improving. I would rather have adjustable volume increments up to 100 rather than up to 10, especially when you have Bluetooth sound mix capabilities. This would help match it to mobile and PC devices, which do let you control audio on a percentile basis.

One of the headset's other unique features is its auto-mute function. The auto-mute tries to detect when there's significant background noise and just mutes the mic to accommodate it. Depending on your environment, it could be quite a boon for your setup. I had it set to low and found that it worked decently well for preventing unwanted sounds from bugging my friends over comms. You can always disable it if it doesn't work for you, though. It also has mic monitoring on board, with adjustable volumes via the Xbox Accessories app on an Xbox console or on PC via the USB-C cable.

What isn't sold separately is the Dolby Atmos license, which I speculated could be why it's $10 more expensive than yesteryear. The headset will automatically detect that it's Dolby Atmos-certified and allow you to enable software surround via Windows or via the Xbox sound settings menu. I'll discuss how effective it is in the sound quality section next up, though.

Speaking of quality in general, the Xbox Wireless Headset does have a premium feel on your skin despite being a "budget" option. The leatherette material (which, honestly, every headset should be using in 2024) feels good. The cushioning across the top is good, too, for long sessions. However, I felt like the headset was a bit tight, even on its maximum adjustment. It's likely that it would probably stretch over time to accommodate my markedly prolific bonce, but it's worth being aware of if you're someone who is concerned about smaller, tighter headsets.

Overall, the Xbox Wireless Headset features a good set of functions with adequate comfort for most people, more than likely. What let the headset down previously was the audio quality, which I felt to be a bit middling previously. I had heard they improved the sound quality with updates and tweaks to the EQ, as well as firmware improvements to decrease distortion and things like that. How does it all stack up in practice, though? Pretty well, honestly.

• Back to the top ⤴

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Audio and Mic Experience

As mentioned, the sound experience on the Xbox Wireless Headset (Gen 1) version wasn't particularly exciting. But what about the Gen 2? I'm happy to report that Microsoft seems to have improved its sound delivery in a positive way here. Sound experiences can often be subjective based on a variety of factors, but there are some definitive improvements I can infer here — although you shouldn't expect to have your mind blown.

Although there is a capable EQ configuration platform you can access with the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox Series X|S or Windows 10 and above, even out of the box, I felt like the Xbox Wireless Headset offered a good soundscape. The bass is warm and adds a cinematic quality, and it can be boosted further using the app if you prefer that vibe. The headset shines in cinematic experiences, such as single-player RPGs or even when listening to music, offering a balanced sound profile out of the box with strong bass. I felt as though the treble was perhaps a bit too pronounced, but it can be easily tweaked if you fancy it. They're ultimately minor complaints that are hardly worth mentioning, potentially, but nothing stands out as particularly impressive either.

I'm a big fan of wide soundscapes and find them to be more immersive. More and more headsets seem to be gunning for 50 or even 60mm drivers, which makes the narrow 40mm here feel a bit anemic on the soundstage side of things. Yet still, they offer good positional awareness with the built-in Dolby Atmos license, which can help you cut through in tactical play in games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the like.

The mic is also decent, if again, perhaps unremarkable. It's highly unlikely you're going to be creating content with this headset, but it might pass for entry-level live streaming or live podcasting. The auto-mute is a nice touch, as noted above, and the mic monitoring on-board is well-tuned. On the higher volumes, though, it does inject noise into the soundstage, which is a bit annoying. Some AI-powered active noise suppression features would've been nice to see here over the auto-mute. It's particularly true, given how much Microsoft bills itself as an "AI" company these days.

It has an LED right there on the mic itself, which indicates when it's actively muted. There's also a mic mute button on the reverse of the mic boom, which is easy to reach. However, I find the position of the LED to be a tad annoying. It's supposed to be easy to see in your peripheral vision, and I suppose it is, but it's distracting a bit because it's on the very periphery of your vision, out of focus. The mic boom could be a little longer to that end. It's also a bit of a miss that the mic isn't detachable or retractable, which makes it look a bit odd as a "lifestyle" headset when used out and about.

You can listen to the above here for an example of the sound delivery, although you might need to disable your adblocker to see the sound embed. Overall, it's a good mic and does the job well, which is ultimately the story of the entire product.

However, there is a key criticism I have to mention here, although it's something that could likely be improved with firmware updates. The headset's Bluetooth signal seems a little sensitive and unshielded from the main 2.4 GHz radio signal. When the headset is engaged on Xbox with its main radio and connected with a second device with Bluetooth, I noticed the Bluetooth signal is susceptible to interference. Other recent Bluetooth-capable headsets I've used like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, new 2024 Astro A50, or the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) doesn't have the same issues in the same set up. I have seen these types of issues get repaired with firmware updates, though, so perhaps that's what'll happen here, too. I will say that the interference was infrequent, though, occurring for a few seconds every 30 minutes or something like that. So again, it's not exactly a big deal.

The Xbox Wireless Headset is a tale of no frills, and sometimes that's okay. The price point is right, the audio delivery is good, albeit basic, and the feature set is functional if baseline. It's a good product, offering value as its headline act.

• Back to the top ⤴

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Competition

What the Xbox Wireless Headset is offering is a pretty good deal. However, there is also a large variety of great products in the same price range that might be a better, or at least comparable, experience.

The primary competition here is the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3), which was also refreshed in 2024. The Stealth 600 sports a similar feature set but is arguably better value. It's slightly cheaper for one thing and can be paired with multiple devices with either Bluetooth or a USB dongle. However, it doesn't support simultaneous Bluetooth audio, unlike the Xbox Wireless Headset. To get that functionality, you'll have to spend a bit more to get the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3). The Stealth 600 (Gen 3) bodies the Xbox Wireless Headset's battery life, though, hitting 80 hours instead of the middling 20 on offer here.

For those who want to get the most out of the Xbox ecosystem across PC, mobile, cloud, Xbox Series X|S consoles, with simultaneous Bluetooth audio, the Xbox Wireless Headset from Microsoft is certainly among the best options right now. If you don't need simultaneous Bluetooth audio mixing, however, the Stealth 600 (Gen 3) might be a more cost-effective option, particularly if you want something with better battery life.

• Back to the top ⤴

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Should you buy?

The new Xbox Wireless Headset for 2024 is an unremarkable upgrade over its predecessor for the most part. The inclusion of a Dolby Atmos license is welcomed, and tweaks and refinements like the dropping of the green circular accent are also nice touches too. The soundstage is a bit narrow, but it's well-balanced and offers a good entry-level experience with warm cinematic bass and decent positional awareness in tactical gameplay — you could genuinely do far worse here.

You should buy this if ...

✅ You want a solid headset without breaking the bank.
✅ You need something with Bluetooth capability for going mobile or mixing second sound sources.
✅ You don't need gimmicks or bells and whistles.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You're looking for top-level sound experience.
❌ You want wireless functionality on PC without Bluetooth.

The app experience is good with the Xbox Accessories program across platforms, with EQ controls and bass control, as well as mic monitoring volume and its auto-mute feature. Real noise suppression would probably have been preferred, though, and it's unfortunate that the mic can't be detached for mobile use, but it's not a deal breaker. It can be tucked away to some degree, after all.

What cannot be tucked away is the Bluetooth sensitivity. It does seem like the signal isn't particularly well-shielded from the main 2.4 GHz Xbox wireless signal, which does seem to lead to some disruption occasionally, but that's potentially something that might be repairable with a firmware update.

Good action on the controls, decent comfort and materials, solid construction, accessible packaging and design, and a solid sound experience across the board make the Xbox Wireless Headset 2024 an unremarkable but meaningful upgrade. This is the king of the entry-level among the best Xbox headsets, as long as you accept its limitations given its "entry-level" price point. I would be interested to see what Microsoft engineers could produce on the high-end someday, too.

• Back to the top ⤴

Welcome to our Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) headset review. Turtle Beach is back with another premier gaming headset that, at least on paper, could prove to be among the company's best.

Turtle Beach has produced some of my favorite headsets ever. The Stealth Pro is among the best Xbox headsets out there, and one we consistently recommend. It is pretty pricey though ... what if there was something similar, but over $100 cheaper? That's what the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is potentially promising here.

With vast multi-platform capabilities, Bluetooth 5.2 dual-source sound mixing, premium materials, and a monstrous 80~ hour battery life — the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) has all the makings of an industry leader. Does it make the grade in reality, though? In short, absolutely yes, and then some.

Read our full Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) review below to find out more.

This headset was reviewed with a Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) unit provided by Turtle Beach. Turtle Beach did not see the contents of this review prior to posting.

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3): Specs & Price

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) meets its previous "700" models, hitting $199. Previous 700 models have ranged from $130 to $150, depending on the generation, but it seems with Generation 3 Turtle Beach is repositioning this headset as more of a premium option, while also aligning with evolving gamer user habits.

The headset is widely available at all major retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Turtle Beach's own website. Since it's a very new headset, it's unlikely to see deals for Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day any time soon, but we'll keep an eye out and let you know. At the very least, it might see a few dollars shaved off the asking price.

The spec sheet is fairly standard on the face of it. Leatherette cups return with memory foam, as is usual for Turtle Beach's more premium-end headsets. We also have standard 20Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, although that doesn't tell the full story on audio reproduction really (more on that shortly). The headline act here is probably the dual USB wireless sound switching. Instead of having a single transmitter with two cables attached, Turtle Beach opted for separate USB dongles for PC and Xbox, allowing you to swap on the fly. There's also Bluetooth 5.2 with dual-audio mixing, and a range of on-ear controls to help adjust audio levels for all the different features.

So how good is it in practice? Read on for our full Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) review.

• Back to the top ⤴

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3): Features, Design, and Comfort

When I first unboxed the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3), I was expecting a decent mid-range type of product that perhaps wouldn't blow me away, but would ultimately do the job. Now I feel a little guilty for having such little faith.

What Turtle Beach has put together for the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is nothing short of special. I say special because the quality materials, dense construction, and sleek design are more befitting of headsets in the $300 range, such as the firm's own Turtle Beach Stealth Pro from earlier in the year. At $199, I feel like I'm getting an absolute steal here, and you likely will too.

I've been reviewing Turtle Beach headsets for a decade at this point, and have seen the firm go from its ugly green neon-splattered plastic-y toys to more mature, professional, premium designs with more suitably subtle flairs and metallic accents. The Stealth 700 (Gen 3) absolutely fits that niche, perfecting on its Gen 2 predecessor with extra attention paid to comfort and durability.

The headband is coated in a thick memory foam, joining the cups with leatherette and fine fabric that feels pleasant and cool on the ears. They're also large, although not what I'd describe as bulky, although you may feel differently. They're designed to house massive 60mm drivers this time around, though, with a closed back format for spectacular isolation and immersive bass. Although, we'll talk more about sound shortly. This headset is just fantastic to wear, and is easily among the most comfortable headsets I've used in recent memory. I have a large head, too, and feel that the vast majority of people will find the adjustment levels more than adequate.

The on-ear controls are intuitively designed, with a variety of differentiating tactile patterns to help build your muscle memory when feeling for them with your hand. There are three volume dials in total, one for PC audio, one for Xbox's Chat / Game mix balance, and one for Bluetooth audio levels. You can mix sound sources between one USB wireless 2.4 GHz source and one Bluetooth 5.2 source, which includes phones, TVs, tablets, practically anything with Bluetooth really.

In my testing, I found that the wireless signals are well isolated from each other, preventing corruption when mixing sound sources together. I was able to play games on my Xbox while feeding music or Discord in from my PC with Bluetooth with ease. The pairing multi-function button also works well for skipping tracks and pausing and the like if you plan to use the headset out and about. And you can, since the microphone is easily hidden with a tidy "flip to mute" configuration.

Perhaps the biggest criticism I can throw at the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) in terms of features stems from its firmware update cycle. Updating the firmware on the headset requires you to connect not one, but both USB dongles to a power source simultaneously, while also running the update from the mobile version of the app. If you don't have access to a laptop or a PC, you might struggle to keep the headset up to date. Generally speaking, it seems the out-of-the-box firmware was already polished and bug free, but it's worth being aware of the issues you might have updating otherwise. It also took a seriously long time to get the update through. I feel as though there must be a better way here, but it's also not a huge deal.

Speaking of the mobile app, Turtle Beach's software is good overall. The mobile and PC app are both called "Swarm II" and can be easily downloaded from Turtle Beach's support website. They both share all the same features from what I could tell, giving you EQ pre-sets, mic monitoring volume adjustments, and the ability to configure some of the buttons.

Some of Turtle Beach's competitors have gone hard on working with game publishers to build customized EQ pre-sets specifically tailored to games. Turtle Beach's out of the box pre-sets are pretty standard by comparison, with bass boost, bass and treble boost, vocal boost, and Turtle Beach Signature Sound as the only profiles. You can add and maintain more than that if you fancy it, but it would've been nice to see some more pre-defined options here. Although, it might simply not be needed.

Turtle Beach's Signature Sound profile already sounds fantastic by itself, and I'll go into more detail on that in the next section, but there are other features that enhance your games too on offer here. Turtle Beach's "Superhuman Hearing" feature returns, although it's not activated by default, strangely. You also can't toggle it on or off using the "mode" button either, which again, is odd, and probably something they should explore for a future update. In any case, when it is turned on, you can very aggressively enhance the frequency ranges where things like footsteps, movements, and gunshots typically sit. Activating this does punish the cinematic feel of the games you're playing, however, but it will definitively give you a tactical edge in the process. Turtle Beach's "Legacy" Superhuman Hearing setting mode seems to balance cinematic quality with enhanced tactical sound to some degree, however.

Well, since we're already talking about sound features, let's go further in depth into what this headset actually sounds like.

• Back to the top ⤴

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3): Audio and Mic Experience

At this point, I've done so many of these reviews that I'm rarely truly impressed anymore. There are some fantastic headsets out there, of all price points, shapes, sizes, and feature sets, but it's rare that a headset comes along and makes me think "yes, this is a recommendation for basically everyone." It's also been a long time since I felt like I could say this about a Turtle Beach headset too, which often seem to come with at least some caveat, price ask, or competitor that makes them a little harder to recommend for everyone. I'm pleased to say that the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) not only makes the grade, the more I've used it the more I think this might be the best pound-for-pound Xbox and PC gaming headset money can buy right now.

For cinematic video game sound, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is simply immaculate. Cavernous 60mm drivers deliver some of the best soundscaping I've experienced in a product that nails so many of the other fundamentals, while also being so impressively feature rich. The bass is sweeping, warm, and rich, with punchy activations that reminisce of IMAX cinema experiences. Truly sublime.

The combination of impressive closed back isolation, coupled with 60mm drivers make for a truly immersive experience, with some of the best detailing and separation I've experienced in a "gaming" headset. It's not something I would have expected from a headset at the $199 price point, particularly given how many additional features Turtle Beach managed to squeeze into this product.

For tactical audio, Turtle Beach continues to leverage its Superhuman Hearing algorithm, as I noted earlier. I prefer the "Legacy" setting, which still enhances positional awareness, while also enhancing frequencies where player movements and actions typically sit. It doesn't completely eliminate cinematic qualities when playing like this, and as someone who doesn't fancy themselves an esports diamond ranked kinda guy, it's more than adequate.

However, if you do want a maximized advantage, the Superhuman "Footsteps" pre-set will fully isolate that frequency, giving you a large tactical advantage while sacrificing cinematic qualities. I'm not a huge fan of this mode personally, as it gives the overall soundscape a tinny, muffled veneer that takes you out of the action. But that's what it's supposed to do ultimately. It enhances footsteps to a degree that it feels almost immoral to use, giving away enemy movements with deadly precision.

I would have liked to have seen more partnerships with publishers given that much of Turtle Beach's competition is doing similar here, but it's not exactly a dealbreaker. You can create your own profiles and EQ settings using the app of course, but I found the "Signature Sound" profile to be crystalline enough without further tweaks — that's not something I can say often.

There are a couple of criticisms worth mentioning here, though.

After reviewing the new Astro A50 this month, I was wowed by the headset's microphone, and wondered if it predicted a wider trend among headset manufacturers. I can report that pretty much isn't the case.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is notably poor on the microphone front, as you can hear in the audio clip above. It's not as if it's unusably poor, but it's easily the weakest aspect of what is otherwise a near-perfect product. Turtle Beach also sought to add an "A.I. enhanced" tag on the microphone too, and it's hard to hear exactly how it enhances the experience. I was also a bit disappointed by the noise gate. Even when it's turned all the way to zero, it seems that it still occasionally attempts to noise gate to some degree, and can be slow to respond when you start talking, cutting off the first part of your sentence. You can hear it in the mic clip there for an example. The good news is that this is likely an early teething problem with the software noise gating, and probably easily fixed with a future firmware update. The mic monitoring is also not as crisp and responsive as other solutions out there, but it at least gets the job done.

When everything else is so good, the downsides stick out a bit more potentially. The microphone quality is middling and nowhere near good enough for content creation or livestreaming, but it is more than serviceable for party chat or Discord comms with friends. The flip to mute aspect is always nice and intuitive to see, although the action on the mic arm is a bit less reassuring than I would perhaps like.

Over all though, there's very little bad to say here. This is perhaps the best "all round" and not criminally expensive Xbox and PC gaming headset I've used in a long time.

• Back to the top ⤴

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3): Competition

I'm not sure what exactly how Turtle Beach managed to make the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) stand out so far ahead of its competitors. Simply put, the coalescence of features makes it hard to recommend anything else in this price range right now. Even far more expensive headsets like the Astro A50 (Gen 5) and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, I would argue fall short in audio delivery, instead opting for additional features.

Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, I think the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) might be the best-sounding Xbox headset out there right now, at the very least on par with products like the Audeze Maxwell, BeoPlay Portal, and Razer Blackshark V2 Pro. However, it also has those headsets beat on features probably, sometimes as well as price.

When you look at the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) and zoom out, it's difficult for me to still want to use other headsets I have at my disposal. It does everything its competitors do, only noticeably better in some cases. For every possible use case, incorporating Bluetooth 5.2 sound mixing, instant switching between two wireless USB sources across Xbox and PC, an incorporated retractable mic, and superb comfort and quality makes this a leader in the space in my view.

• Back to the top ⤴

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3): Should you buy?

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is something I'm prepared to recommend as my go-to for those who want full multi-platform capabilities in a single package without compromising on sound quality. What Turtle Beach has managed to pull off here is nothing short of remarkable, hitting a very competitive price without skimping on features.

You should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) if:

✅ You play on multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC, and want to switch instantly between them.
✅ You are particular about comfort and high-quality materials on your skin.
✅ You want a leading sound experience both for cinematic and tactical gameplay.

You should not buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) if:

❌ You want a headset that can also offer content creation grade mic quality.

When I reviewed the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, I felt like some of its additional features didn't justify the price point it was reaching for. The swappable batteries were nice, and having a single signal source for multiple devices was a nice touch too. However, I feel like the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is essentially delivering that experience offered by the Stealth Pro albeit at a far more competitive price point. Monstrous 80 hours battery life precludes the need to have swappable batteries, and the retractable mic beats the detachable mic too for going mobile. And the sound experience is just on another level, reminding me why again Turtle Beach remains my favorite headset maker.

They always seem one step ahead of the competition when it comes to soundscaping at competitive prices, and the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) exemplifies that. This is one headset that absolutely will not disappoint anyone who buys it.

• Back to the top ⤴

I'm an avowed Astro A50 fan, having used every iteration of the headset since its inception. I was excited to finally try out the Astro A50 (Gen 5) for this review. The headset was launched in September 2024. As I built this review, I had one big personal question I needed the Astro A50 (Gen 5) to answer.

I use the Astro A50 (Gen 4) model from 2019 as my primary headset. I built my setup around the headset, too, owing to its SPDIF optical-in, which has become a rarity among the best Xbox headsets and best PC gaming headsets alike. But despite my headset's age and despite having dozens upon dozens of other options from the mountain of reviews I've done over the years, I've yet to upgrade. But why?

I've stuck with the Astro A50 Gen 4 for so long because of the dual audio mixing SPDIF offers. You can merge sound from your TV directly (and, by proxy, your Xbox) while setting the headset into PC USB mode for Discord and live streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. But perhaps with the Astro A50 (Gen 5) available now for $299 at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, can I finally, finally let my aging 5-year-old headset find its rest?

Not to be confused with the Astro A50 X, which has HDMI audio pass-through, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) is a more standard version of that headset, which ditches the pricy triple-HDMI setup for something more traditional. Instead, you get 3 USB-C ports: one for PC, one for Nintendo Switch and PS5, and one for Xbox One and Series X|S consoles. With a handy button on the headset, you can seamlessly switch between them on the fly. You also have dual sound source mixing powered by Bluetooth as well for good measure.

This is by no means the first headset that has included these types of features, but how does it stack up in practice? The answer is very, very well, actually. Here's our full review of the Astro A50 (Gen 5), tested by me — someone who has very, VERY heavily used every previous version.

This headset was reviewed with an Astro A50 (Gen 5) unit provided by Logitech G. Logitech did not see the contents of this review prior to posting.

Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Specs & Price

At first glance, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) looks remarkably similar to its predecessor, both visually and from the spec sheet. However, there are some nuances worth pointing out. We're still at 20 Hz to 20 kHz (which tends to be the standard audio range for most headsets, with 40mm drivers (albeit graphene this time). However, this time around, we lose the SPDIF optical audio sockets, typically used to connect the base station to a TV or sound system and grab three USB-C ports instead.

The three ports connect up PC, PlayStation / Nintendo Switch, or an Xbox One / Series X|S system simultaneously (although the necessary cables for all three platforms are not included, sadly). We also now have Bluetooth support with dual-source mixing for true multi-modal freedom.

The footprint of the headset is largely the same, using the same plastic shells the company has been using for a while now (and if you have a previous generation's leatherette mod kit, it'll work on the Gen 5, too). However, the base station now has a Logitech logo to reflect the fact it acquired Astro a short while ago.

The headset is still $299 in the United States and is now available to buy at most retailers, notably Amazon and Logitech G itself.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Build Quality and Comfort

Astro has always been relatively exemplary when it comes to building quality, hard-wearing products, and this headset is absolutely no exception. Sporting the same overall design as its predecessor, I know from how badly I've battered the Astro A50 (Gen 4) over the past five years that this is a hard-wearing, hard-working headset that will stand up to the test of time. After five years, some of the paint has worn down on certain parts, but I don't think I've ever abused a headset more than the A50 (Gen 4), which fills me with confidence that the Astro A50 (Gen 5) will offer users the same longevity.

The headset sports runners on either side for easy adjustments, connected with unique clasps on top of an aluminum tube. It's not exactly what I'd call fashionable, but given that it has no detachable microphone, it's unlikely you'll want to use this headset on your daily commute anyway, even if it does have Bluetooth. Design-wise, it looks nice enough, and now it sports red accents instead of the bronze-ish color of its predecessor, which I think looks a bit nicer, at least personally. Design critique is subjective, though.

What I would say is less subjective is how comfortable it is. I'm grateful to report that the Astro A50 (Gen 5) delivers there too. It sports exactly the same design as its predecessor for the most part, which I find to be among the more comfortable headsets I've used as someone with a disproportionately large head and thick hair to boot (I don't think I've ever found a hat that actually fits comfortably). The wide degree of customization should ensure that it fits you pretty well, too, regardless of your cranial requirements.

One aspect of the Astro A50 that I've generally not been a fan of is the fabric earcups. They're not exactly uncomfortable, but I feel like they get warm on the skin over time, and the headband, in particular, is perhaps not as cushioned as it could be. Astro apparently agrees, given that it sells a $50 leatherette A50 mod kit on its website. I picked this up twice because it genuinely makes a big difference to the feel of the headset. In a perfect world, I feel like the leather cushions should come as standard, but it was undoubtedly done to keep costs down on Astro's end. And to be fair, there is a ton on offer here.

The Astro A50 (Gen 5) itself lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, and the base station is better than ever. On the previous generation's base station, I often found it a bit hard to seat the headset in and sometimes awkward to get the connectors to attach for charging. Astro has improved the base station's ergonomics here, making it much easier to drop and go. It sports a collection of LED lights to let you know the charge status and remind you what mode the headset is in. I usually hate LEDs on devices like this since my "office" is also my bedroom, and having a Christmas disco of LEDs blinking around my bedroom is often annoying. It's made all the more annoying since the base station now requires a dedicated power supply (included in the box), meaning the lights will be on 24/7 if you don't disconnect the power. Thankfully, you can turn the lights off using the Logitech G software app, which, by the way, is pretty good.

Overall, it's a bit of a downer that the headset requires a dedicated power supply now, which might be difficult depending on your setup, but it does have a ton of additional features compared to its predecessor. There aren't really any other headsets on the market that can boast the Astro A50's raw versatility, and that crown looks set to remain with the Gen 5.

Using the Logitech G Hub app, you can easily customize the side tone and noise gate on the mic while setting up EQ profiles for different scenarios. There's also a Bluetooth mobile app that offers similar (albeit more limited) functionality if you don't have access to a PC, but I've found both ultimately cover the basics. It would be nice for both of these apps to get more configuration features, but it still seems relatively fresh for Logitech, at least compared to the old Astro Command Center app, so we'll likely see improvements there over time.

Speaking of Bluetooth, the headset's new headline feature is the ability to be compatible with practically everything. I'll talk a little more about signal strength in the audio section, but what this ultimately represents is Astro doubling down on what makes this headset so unique. The versatility and convenience of the Astro A50 is a big draw, and the ability to switch between PlayStation, PC, and Xbox USB connections with a single headset button is an absolute joy. If you have spare cables, that is. Indeed, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) only comes with enough USB-C cables to support one connected device. I'm sure many of you reading this probably (like me) have a drawer full of black wires "you might need" someday. Well, hey, this might just be that drawer's time to shine.

You can also feed in a second sound source with Bluetooth into the audio mix, which is a really great feature for streamers who want to collect audio from a console while also using a PC for audio configuration or comms.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Audio and Features

The Astro A50 line has never exactly been "mind-blowing" when it comes to sound reproduction, and I think that's part of the compromises Astro has to hit in order to make them so effortlessly versatile. After all, there are many headsets in this price bracket that don't even come close to the Astro A50's feature set while also maintaining the same price point, so it's perhaps to be expected that there are some (very mild) sacrifices to be made somewhere.

That's not to say the Astro A50 (Gen 5) has poor audio, though. Far from it, actually, but if you're particularly passionate about immersive, cinematic sound above all else, there are probably better options worth considering. The Astro A50 (Gen 5) does absolutely deliver, though, overall. It just doesn't get top marks.

The Astro A50 (Gen 5) comes with a potent software solution known as the Logitech G Hub that lets you tune the EQ profile to your preference, but I struggled to get the soundscape to a place where I found it to be truly impressive. It is very serviceable, though, with great, powerful bass when you need it and decent highs and bass highs for situational awareness. Playing Valorant (where hearing footsteps is absolutely crucial) was more than serviceable on this headset, and I never felt like I was disadvantaged by the gear.

The Logitech G offers a balanced wave profile, as well as profiles designed for media and gaming. The media preset is also perhaps best used in single-player cinematic experiences if you don't fancy customizing your setup further.

For tactical play, the headset does the job, but I did find it a bit lacking when it came to raw cinematic immersion, particularly when it came to music and overall soundstage separation. The bass is impressive in these situations, as I mentioned, and an improvement, I'd say, from previous Astro headsets, but the treble and mids treatment can sometimes impede detail in certain corners. Guitars in rock music, for example, don't sound as impressive as they perhaps could, and the narrow sound stage can take the edge off cinematics that would perhaps be better served with a different sound setup. But I can't emphasize how much I'm nitpicking here, honestly. Unless you're very particular about your sound experience, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) more than delivers, as its predecessors do. And sound critique is often quite subjective I find, you might find them to be perfect, particularly if you're a fan of beefy, detailed bass.

One area of the sound experience that is exceptionally impressive is the signal isolation between Bluetooth and the standard 2.4 GHz RF frequencies used by the base station. One pitfall I often struggle with in headsets that try to do dual-source mixing between Bluetooth and their onboard wireless is corruption between the two. I find myself using dual sound sources often as a streamer, feeding comms through my PC while grabbing audio from my Xbox either via SPDIF or Bluetooth, which is one reason I've stuck with the Astro A50 (Gen 4) for so long. Most headsets that incorporate Bluetooth over SPDIF to achieve dual source mixing seem to do a poor job of shielding the signal from interference. Not here, though. I played on Xbox for several hours with the Astro A50 (Gen 5), which was connected directly to my TV with Bluetooth while connected via USB to my PC for Discord. Therein, I didn't experience a single pixel of performance degradation. Top marks there.

Another surprisingly great aspect of this headset is the microphone experience. The Logitech G hub settings let you fine-tune the side-tone mic monitoring and noise gate experience to your liking (although I'm not sure why the feature was under settings rather than microphone there), and it comes with the flip-to-mute feature as standard.

It does all the standard stuff well, but as you can hear in the sample above (you may need to turn off ad blockers if you can't see it), it sounds rather amazing for a "gaming headset." I find that the microphone experience is often left at the gate as an easy area of compromise for a lot of manufacturers, but the Astro A50 (Gen 5) is undoubtedly among the best I've used. I think it might be good enough to be viable for content creation, too, which is not something I'd often suggest. More top marks there for the Astro A50 (Gen 5).

Overall, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) delivers a solid sound experience that perhaps won't win awards by itself but ultimately gets the job well and truly done. Your tactical play in games like Valorant or Call of Duty won't be compromised, and while I think there might be better options for cinematic games or music, it's still a great experience you'll ultimately find satisfying.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Competition

The Astro A50 (Gen 5) is arguably in a league of its own, given its battery charge dock. There are no other real competitors in this space offering something similar, at least not without heavy compromises on other aspects of the overall product.

At least in this price range, the only other option worth considering for multi-platform gaming is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless, which I also personally heavily use. The SteelSeries has no charge dock stand per se, but it does have a dedicated battery charge dock baked into its nifty LED digital audio controller, which ensures you're pretty much never without battery life. I would say it offers a similar sound experience overall, perhaps with a slight edge over the Astro A50 (Gen 5). It also comes complete with Bluetooth dual-source mixing, but it only supports connections for two USB devices at a time, down from the three offered by the A50. However, the Arctis Nova Pro also comes with active noise canceling (ANC), which might sweeten the deal for those looking for added immersion. The downside is that the headset has a notorious ergonomic defect, where one of the internal microphones for its ANC feature protrudes from the left ear cup and can become quite sore for people with certain ear shapes. It's also $50 more expensive, to boot. However, some have told me that more recent batches of the Arctis Nova Pro have seen improved ergonomics for the internal ANC mic, but there'd be no guarantee you were getting the new model as batches of the first model still likely exist at retailers.

I honestly think that overall, I would probably recommend the Astro A50 (Gen 5) over the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which is a couple of years old now and probably due for a refresh to fix some of its (literal) pain points. However, another option worth considering is the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, which I would argue offers better sound than both of the above, albeit at the cost of multi-USB device compatibility. It also has the worst mic of the three, however.

The Astro A50 (Gen 5) is all about versatility and convenience, and in that arena, it has no equal.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Should you buy?

Simply put, there are no other headsets that really "do it all" without compromises. It could be said that the Astro A50 (Gen 5) is well and truly a "jack of all trades" type of headset (almost), whose every iteration enhances its performance in that category. I think to well and truly be a jack of all trades, Astro may have to explore redesigning the look of the headset while also adding a detachable mic for that "lifestyle" option for those who want something they can use in every aspect of daily life. But that's for another time.

For now, in gaming, specifically multi-platform gaming, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) absolutely has no equal.

You should buy the Astro A50 (Gen 5) if:

✅ You are a multi-platform gamer who values versatility and convenience.
✅ You want a high-quality microphone experience for comms and even content creation.
✅ You want a solid sound experience for tactical multiplayer games.

You should not buy the Astro A50 (Gen 5) if:

❌ You want the absolute best sound stage possible for cinematic gaming.
❌ You don't really need connections now or in the future for multiple gaming platforms.

While the soundscape could be better, and I'm not a huge fan of the "woolly" earcup fabric Astro uses by default, there's so much to love about this headset that it's just a sliver away from scoring 5/5 top marks. I remember when I reviewed earlier versions of the Astro A50 and was really unsure about the $300 price point, but that headset has lasted me five years through constant abuse, with very little battery degradation to speak of. I'm more than confident to say that the price is right now, even if there are a couple of compromises here and there — but I am a creature of comfort and a curator of convenience. If you are as well, then I'm confident you'll adore the Astro A50 (Gen 5).

• Back to the top ⤴

• Microsoft just refreshed its Xbox Wireless Headset with a new version that supports Bluetooth 5.3.
• The new Xbox Wireless Headset promises up to 20 hours of battery life and supports Dolby Atmos for immersive spatial audio.
• You can purchase the new Xbox Wireless Headset starting today for $109.99, which is $10 more than the previous model.

Microsoft just launched a refreshed version of its Xbox Wireless Headset. The new accessory promises better battery life than its successor and also packs Dolby Atmos support for spatial audio. Bluetooth 5.3 and improved microphones round out the spec sheet of the welcome refresh. The new version of the Xbox Wireless Headset is available now for $109.99.

The overall design of the Xbox Wireless Headset is largely the same as its predecessor, though Microsoft removed the green accent seen in the 2021 model. Rather than tweak the design of the headset, Microsoft focused on upgrading the accessory's microphone, connectivity, and other features.

🎃The best early Black Friday deals🦃

• 📺LG Curved OLED Monitor (32-inches) | $839.99 at Amazon (Save $660!)
• 🎮Amazon Fire TV Xbox Game Pass bundle | $74.99 at Amazon (Save $62!)
• 💻Alienware m16 R2 (RTX 4060) | $1,399.99 at Dell (Save $300!)
• 🔊2.1ch Soundbar for TVs & Monitors | $44.99 at Walmart (Save $55!)
• 💻HP OMEN Transcend 14 (RTX 4050) | $1,099.99 at HP (Save $500!)
• 🎧Sennheiser Momentum 4 ANC | $274.95 at Amazon (Save $125!)
• 📺LG C4 OLED 4K TV (42-inches) | $999.99 at Best Buy (Save $400!)

A welcome refresh

It's impossible to judge the refreshed Xbox Wireless Headset against the best wireless headsets until we can get our hands on the new accessory, at least fully. Two pairs of headphones with the same specs can sound rather different in real-world testing.

To the extent that you can judge a headset off a spec sheet, the new Xbox Wireless Headset does well. It supports Bluetooth 5.3, Dolby Atmos, and gets up to 20 hours of battery life. The Xbox Wireless Headset's speaker response of 20Hz - 20kHz is what you'd expect for a headset in this price range.

The extended battery life and support for Bluetooth 5.3 should help the Xbox Wireless Headset compete with modern headsets from Turtle Beach, HyperX, and SteelSeries. Microsoft released the first Xbox Wireless Headset in 2021, making this year's new model a welcome refresh.

While Microsoft highlights that Dolby Atmos support comes at "no additional cost" in its post announcing the refreshed Xbox Wireless Headset, there is a price jump from $99.99 to $109.99. Presumably, that increase is due to improved microphones, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and other improvements in the newer headset.

I've reviewed a lot of products, and I don't hand out perfect 5/5 scores very often. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro wireless gaming headset has actually earned that lofty score twice now, one for the original 2023 refresh and again for its Xbox-specific variant. It's still one of my favorite gaming headsets of all time, but does have one flaw... It almost never goes on sale.

This headset is rarely discounted and when it is the price cut is modest. A last-minute addition to Amazon Prime Day's deals lineup has changed all of that, however. Right now, you can pick up the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox for only $149.99 at Amazon, the lowest price ever on a headset that works best with Xbox and PC (but will connect to every other device you own, too).

• Shop all of Amazon's October Prime Day deals

🎃The best early Black Friday deals🦃

• 💾Seagate Xbox Expansion Card (1TB) | $129.99 at Best Buy (Save $70!)
• 📺LG Curved OLED Monitor (32-inches) | $849.99 at Amazon (Save $675!)
• 🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) | $499.99 at Best Buy (Save $150!)
• 🔊2.1ch Soundbar for TVs & Monitors | $36.99 at Walmart (Save $63!)
• 💻Dell G16 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070) | $1,299.99 at Dell (Save $450!)
• 📺LG C4 OLED 4K TV (42-inches) | $899.99 at Best Buy (Save $500!)
• 💻Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge (X Elite) | $799.99 at Best Buy (Save $550!)
• 💻Dell XPS 13 (X Elite) | $999.99 at Best Buy (Save $500!)
• 🎧Sennheiser Momentum 4 ANC | $219.95 at Amazon (Save $280!)
• 💻HP Envy 2-in-1 14 (Ryzen 7) | $649.99 at Best Buy (Save $400!)

The lowest price ever for my favorite headset ever

When I reviewed the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), my single largest complaint was that the headset didn't support Xbox consoles. A year later, and Razer fixed that weakness. My Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox review highlights out everything that makes the original great was perfectly ported to the Xbox-specific version, immediately making it one of the absolute best Xbox and PC gaming headsets you can buy.

Just to recap, the BlackShark V2 Pro rocks Razer's highest end 50mm drivers specially tuned for competitive gaming, an iconic and comfortable design inspired by pilot headsets, the best headset microphone Windows Central has ever tested, battery endurance so long (up to 70 hours) that I wrote an article on it, and impeccable wireless performance whichever version you get. Oh, and there's also Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile devices, and, yes, the BlackShark V2 Pro sounds good enough to listen to music.

The problem with this headset is that we've never really seen it go on sale beyond occasionally dipping 10% below its MSRP. It's definitely curious that the first major sale for the BlackShark V2 Pro is a last-minute and short-lived addition to Amazon Prime Day, but I'm certainly not complaining. In fact, I'll celebrate even harder because the best version of this headset for me is the one that's currently discounted.

There are three versions of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: the original 2023 refresh that only works with PC via its HyperSpeed Wireless and uses Bluetooth or a wired connection for everything else, and the newer console variants that add HyperSpeed Wireless support for Xbox and PlayStation, respectively. The BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox is one of the greatest headsets for those who game on both Xbox and PC because of that added support, and that's the version of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro that's on sale for $149.99 at Amazon.

If you only play on PC, the original 2023 version has better software support for gaming PCs and two more pro-tuned EQ profiles, but it's only on sale for the same $179.99 at Amazon we've seen in the past. The PlayStation-specific version (which does not support Xbox at all) shares the same meager discount of $179.99 at Amazon, too. The best version (and the one I still use every day) is the only one that's breaking the mold with a steeper discount, although it is only in the all-black colorway and not the "panda" design I own.

More Prime Day deals and anti-Prime Day deals

We at Windows Central are scouring the internet for the best Prime Day deals and anti-Prime Day deals, but there are plenty more discounts going on now. Here's where to find more savings:

• Xbox controller deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Xbox SSD storage deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Gaming headset deals: Walmart | Dell | Target | Best Buy | Amazon 
• MicroSD storage deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Gaming handheld deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Laptop deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Copilot+ AI laptop deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Monitor deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Mini PC deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Gaming keyboard deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell | Newegg 
• Gaming mice deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell | Newegg

For a lot of people, Turtle Beach is the first company that comes to mind when they think of a reliable, quality gaming headset. It's not hard to see why when you look at some of the products Turtle Beach has released in the last few years, like the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX, a mid-range wireless gaming headset that's compatible with basically every device under the sun. For a limited time, it's also discounted to $119.99 at Best Buy, a savings of $60.

🔥The hottest post-Prime Day deals🔥

• Seagate Xbox Series X|S Expansion Card (2TB) | was $359.99 now $249.99 at Best Buy
• Lenovo Legion Go (512GB) | was $699.99 now $599.99 at Best Buy
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) | was $49.99 now $31.99 at CDKeys
• Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3423DWF) | was $899.99 now $699.99 at Dell
• ASUS 65W USB Type-C charger | was $64.99 now $29.99 at Best Buy
• HP Victus 15.6 (Ryzen 5, RTX 4050) | was $979 now $599 at Walmart
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Xbox Wireless Controller + Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (1-month) | was $119.98 now $78.90 at Amazon w/ Amazon Prime
• Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse | was $149.99 now $79.99 at Amazon
• Samsung Class QE1C QLED TV (85-inch) | was $2,799.99 now $1,229.99 at Samsung
• Razer DeathAdder V3 Wired Gaming Mouse | was $69.99 now $54.99 at Best Buy
• Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX (Cobalt Blue) | was $179.99 now $119.99 at Best Buy
• Samsung Class S90C OLED TV (83-inch) | was $5,399.99 now $2,699.99 at Samsung
• Razer Blade 15 (Core i7, RTX 4070) | was $2,799.99 now $1,599.99 at Best Buy
• ZOTAC Gaming RTX 4080 SUPER AMP | was $1,199.99 now $959.99 at Newegg w/ code FANDUA5748

A wireless headset to work with all your devices

Having a great gaming headset that can move with you between platforms can be a game changer, especially if that wireless headset is also good enough to use with your phone as an everyday pair of headphones. That's the exact category the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX falls in with its high-quality construction, great comfort, punchy sound, and wide wireless compatibility. It's the evolution of the first gaming headset I truly fell in love with (the non-MAX Stealth 700 Gen 2), and it's amazing.

Turtle Beach is a trustworthy brand that consistently puts out good products, which you can still see with brand-new releases like the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3. That's also a great headset for the price, but right now you can get the decidedly superior Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX for just $20 more, thanks to this Amazon Prime Day deal. For a limited time, this wireless gaming headset is only $119.99 at Best Buy, and that's for the beautiful blue-and-copper colorway.

With USB wireless and Bluetooth under the hood (and multi-source audio mixing), the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX is the perfect headset to use with your Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Windows PC, smartphone, tablet, and basically anything else. It'll sound great and last forever no matter what you're doing, too, although the built-in mic isn't the best in the category. With $60 off, this is one of the better deals I've seen on one of the best Xbox gaming headsets this Amazon Prime Day.

Finding a high-quality headset for under $100 can be challenging if you're looking for budget-friendly Xbox accessories. Enter the HyperX CloudX headset, which has consistently topped our list of best Xbox headsets in the value category, usually retailing for $69.99. Recently, it featured on my “7 Xbox Accessories Under $50” list, when it was on sale for $49. But today, thanks to an Amazon voucher, you can snag the HyperX CloudX for an unbelievable $29.99.

This price is so incredible that when the deal first surfaced, only two units were left at this price. Thankfully, Amazon has restocked, but you’ll need to act fast!

MORE GREAT GAMING DEALS

• Amazon Games Promotion | Buy two, get one free
• JSAUX 90 Degree USB-C Adapter: $8.99 at Amazon
• JSAUX Docking Station: $35.99 at Amazon
• Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox controller:  $47.99 at Target
• Anker Power Bank 25600mAh: $119.99 at Amazon
• Nintendo Switch Lite Aloha Edition: $159 at Walmart

Why the HyperX CloudX is a must-have

The HyperX CloudX offers impressive value for its MSRP of $69.99, even before taking into account sales prices. In fact, while researching for our best Xbox headsets we revisited it recently and found that it's still unmatched in the value category years after release.

Firstly, the HyperX CloudX is extremely comfortable during long gaming sessions due to its minimal and lightweight design, and the build quality with its aluminum mounting mechanism and leatherette ear cups really belies its real cost. Most importantly, the sound quality is on par with much more expensive headsets. You'll get a clear treble, good mid-range and impressive bass response whether you're gaming on Xbox or listening to music.

The detachable microphone is also a plus and something I appreciate with headsets as I don't like having the unnecessary bulk of a mic if I'm not planning on going in party chat. Overall, if you're not fussed about having a wireless headset, and want the convenience of not worrying about charging an extra accessory, the HyperX CloudX should be on your radar when considering your wired Xbox headset options, and it won't be beaten on price for $30.

Check out our full review of the HyperX CloudX, but don't dally too much, as at last check there were only a few left in stock. If Amazon do run out, Newegg has the next best price at $49 which I still believe it worth every dollar.  

After I finished reviewing the updated Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) wireless gaming headset, I never set it aside. No matter how many gaming headsets I've used, tested, and reviewed since then, I always return to the BlackShark V2 Pro immediately after. It's genuinely my favorite gaming headset of all time, but my biggest complaint levied against it has — since the beginning — been the unfortunate lack of Xbox console support.

When I traveled to San Francisco for GDC 2024, I met with Razer and heard in person how the gaming company answered my prayers. I had the opportunity to be among the first outside of Razer to go hands-on with the brand-new Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox, and weeks later, I got a headset of my own to review at home. Now I'm ready to share my full thoughts, and they shouldn't surprise you — the Xbox version of the BlackShark V2 Pro is incredible, even if gaining console support does mean losing a little bit of Windows PC compatibility.

This review was made possible with a review sample provided by Razer. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

BlackShark V2 Pro (Xbox): Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox (and PlayStation) retails for $199.99 at Razer, the same price as the Windows PC version of the headset.
• You can get the BlackShark V2 Pro in both black and white, with the Xbox version having green accents and the PlayStation version having blue accents.
• Regardless of which version or color you get, the console version of the BlackShark V2 Pro still supports Windows PC and Bluetooth-connected devices.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox or PlayStation is priced identically to its Windows PC counterpart, meaning it retails for $199.99 at Razer. The nearly indistinguishable design, audio quality, and capabilities more than justify the same price tag, but there is a trade-off for gaining console support.

The Xbox or PlayStation versions of the BlackShark V2 Pro don't support Razer Synapse on PC for added customization, nor do they have the Valorant or Counter-Strike 2 esports audio profiles. The Xbox version of the BlackShark V2 Pro is fully supported by the free Razer Audio Setup Xbox app, though, and both console versions support the mobile Razer accessory app.

You can buy the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro in the classic black, and the elegant white Razer sent me to test, with the Xbox version boasting Razer's classic green accents and the PlayStation version trading the green for blue (which I personally prefer, but I game on Xbox so I don't have much choice here).

In the box, you get the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox (or PlayStation), the Razer HyperSpeed Wireless USB Type-C dongle, the detachable Razer HyperClear Super Wideband microphone, and color-matched USB Type-C to USB Type-C and USB Type-A to USB Type-C adapter cables, the former for charging and the latter for connecting the Type-C dongle to a device without a Type-C port (like the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, for example).

• Back to the top ⤴

BlackShark V2 Pro (Xbox): The good

The pros highlights

• Everything that made the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) one of the best gaming headsets is also true of its console versions.
• That means you're enjoying top-notch build quality, comfort, audio quality, mic quality, battery life, and wireless performance.
• Like the PC version, the BlackShark V2 Pro is well-suited for competitive games and boasts three esports audio profiles.

I don't have to go into too much detail about all the advantages of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox because I already did an in-depth breakdown of the PC-specific version. By that, I mean that the console version of this headset is, in most areas, totally identical to the PC version, and that's a good thing.

Starting with the design, the BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox retains the pilot-inspired aesthetic with the prominent volume dial and thin metal headband sliders. The headband and earcup cushions are made of soft memory foam surrounded by high-quality, durable, and breathable fabric. It's a comfy headset with finely tuned clamping force, even if it's not the lightest at 320g. The few headset controls are well-placed and easy to identify by touch alone, and the build quality overall is befitting of the headset's premium price tag.

Turning to audio quality, Razer's 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers are a known quantity by now, and they sound excellent. Yes, there are better-sounding gaming headsets out there, but in this category the BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox stands with the best. That's especially true if you're a competitive gamer, as this headset is definitely tuned toward detail, responsiveness, and a wide, dynamic soundstage more than it is warmth and deep bass.

The SmartSwitch button on the right earcup still switches the headset between several onboard audio profiles, with standard profiles with spatial audio for music, gaming, media, and a customizable profile on one side, and esports-tuned profiles for Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Apex Legends on the other. You can change between these profiles on the fly and nearly instantaneously, ensuring you always have the best EQ for whatever you're doing.

Audio quality doesn't mean much if the wireless connectivity isn't stable enough, and here, the BlackShark V2 Pro delivers again. I expect nothing less at this point from Razer with its HyperSpeed technology, with this headset having one of the most stable, reliable, and responsive 2.4GHz connections of any wireless Xbox headset I've used. Bluetooth support is also here, and there are no complaints about the Bluetooth quality, either.

Whether you're using 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or both, you won't have to worry much about battery life, too. I wrote about how the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) shocked me with its endurance, and matters are the same with the console version. Razer quotes up to 70 hours of continued usage, and that feels like a very accurate (if even a little conservative) estimate. When you do need to charge your headset, Type-C fast charging means you'll be up and running again in no time.

Finally, I can't talk about the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox without mentioning its microphone. This unidirectional, detachable mic looks like a standard headset mic at first glance, but Razer poured a lot of resources into making it the very best microphone on any mainstream gaming headset. Over a year later, and that's still true with the console version.

Razer's HyperClear Super Wideband microphone captures detailed, full, and beautifully isolated audio, and the fantastic 32KHz sampling rate means very little of that quality is lost along the wireless journey to your device. The only headset I've used that comes close is the Logitech Astro A50 X, but even with a higher 48KHz sampling rate, the Astro A50 X's mic still isn't as consistently excellent as the BlackShark V2 Pro.

• Back to the top ⤴

BlackShark V2 Pro (Xbox): The bad

The cons highlights

• The BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox is a nearly flawless headset, but it shares the same flaws as its PC counterpart.
• It also trades one con for another, gaining console support but losing some Windows PC compatibility.
• Furthermore, there's still no multi-source audio mixing here, which is important to some gamers.

Just like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox shares all its advantages with its PC sibling, the reverse is also true. Fortunately, that means this will be a very short section. After all, I had very little negative to say about the original BlackShark V2 Pro, and that hasn't changed a year later. That being said, the console version does lose something in exchange for the Xbox and PlayStation support it gains.

For one, the BlackShark V2 Pro for consoles does not support Razer Synapse on Windows PC, meaning you'll lose a lot of customization if you're primarily a PC gamer. Secondly, it drops the Valorant and Counter-Strike esports audio profiles without gaining any new console-specific replacements, which is especially unfortunate considering that Valorant is now coming to Xbox and PlayStation.

Sadly, that means you have to compromise if Xbox support is important to you. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is still the better PC gaming headset if you don't need console support, even if the console version does still work with Windows PC without any issues. On top of that, there's still no multi-source audio mixing; that means the headset can connect to two devices at once via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, but it can't stream audio from both. It can switch between the two, but if you want to have a phone call or voice chat on one device and game on another, you won't be able to.

• Back to the top ⤴

BlackShark V2 Pro (Xbox): Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a great all-around wireless headset that works with Xbox and PC

One of the best PC gaming headsets getting an Xbox version makes it an easy recommendation right away. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox may lose a little bit of PC prowess, but it's still an excellent headset regardless of which platform you game on.

✅You play a lot of competitive online games

The BlackShark V2 Pro's greatest strength is competitive, online multiplayer games like Call of Duty. Excellent wireless performance and dynamic, responsive spatial audio makes this headset a fantastic choice for any hardcore gamer wanting to gain an edge over their opponents.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You primarily play on Windows PC

If you do most of your gaming on Windows PC, then the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) may still be the better choice for you. It costs the same, offers greater levels of customization through Razer Synapse, and gains Valorant and Counter-Strike audio profiles. Of course, that does mean you lose Xbox support.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox is exactly what I'd hoped it would be when I first laid hands on it, and exactly what Razer says it is: the best PC gaming headset I've ever reviewed, but with full Xbox support. It's not an upgrade or even an update, but rather trading a little bit of PC support for some highly requested console support. The result is immediately one of the best Xbox headsets you can buy right now.

Everything about this $200 headset is high quality: the design, the construction, the audio, the mic, the wireless performance, the battery life. There are better headsets if you're willing to splash a lot more cash, but in this price range there's honestly nothing I would recommend more. That's especially true if you're a competitive or hardcore gamer that values responsive and dynamic audio quality that lets you perform at your very best.

I've reviewed a lot of amazing gaming headsets during my time at Windows Central, but there's a reason I still use the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) every single day with my gaming PC. Now, I'll be able to use the same headset with my Xbox Series X, too. It's going to be difficult for any company to firmly take that position away from Razer now. In my opinion, this isn't just the greatest headset Razer has made — it's simply the greatest you can get for less than $300. More specifically, you can pick up the BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox for $199.99 at Razer.

• Back to the top ⤴

If you love video games, chances are you also have a gaming headset to help you get the most out of your gaming experiences. People who game on multiple platforms may have multiple headsets, too. Logitech set out to do away with that particular issue, designing a premium wireless gaming headset that also acts as a hub to connect all your gaming hardware together.

The Astro A50 X is an impressive gaming headset that's comfortable, offers solid audio quality, and boasts a great list of features. Its main draw, however, is the docking station with USB and HDMI pass-through, which lets you cycle between Xbox, PlayStation, and Windows PC without ever needing to take your headset off. It's incredibly convenient once you set it up, but that process can be frustrating. For those just looking for a great gaming headset to use with one platform, too, the added cost of the Astro A50 X probably isn't worth it.

I've been using the Logitech Astro A50 X as my primary gaming headset for weeks. Here are my thoughts.

This review was made possible with a review sample provided by Logitech. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Astro A50 X review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Logitech Astro A50 X retails for $379.99, and comes in both black and white colorways.
• That cost includes both the headset and docking station, but you'll only get one USB cable and no HDMI cables in the box.
• That means you'll need to supply your own cables if you want to take full advantage of this headset's capabilities.

The Logitech Astro A50 X will give any premium wireless gaming headset competition when it comes to cost, retailing for a wildly high $379.99 at Logitech. When considered by itself, the Astro A50 X frankly doesn't compare to similarly priced gaming headsets in design, audio quality, or features. That high price tag is due to two reasons: the included docking station, and the advanced multiplatform syncing feature.

You can pick up the Astro A50 X in two colors (black or white), and use it equally with Xbox, Windows PC, PlayStation, or all of those combined. Its combination of 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and HDMI pass-through makes this headset a more capable multiplatform solution than practically anything else on the market, which may offer a lot of value to certain gamers. Unfortunately, you don't get everything you need in the box.

When you unbox this headset, you'll find the Logitech Astro A50 X, its synced docking and charging station, a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, a USB Type-C to split USB Type-C (combo power and PC connection) cable, and a charging brick. That means, in order to use the HDMI pass-through or connect to Xbox and PlayStation consoles, you'll need an extra HDMI 2.1 cable like this one for $9.99 at Amazon and another USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable like this one for $15.99 at Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 X review: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• The Astro A50 X doesn't have the most premium design nor is it the lightest headset around, but it's still great.
• The iconic Astro design language returns with extremely soft cushions and a comfortable fit.
• Controls are fairly intuitive, too, with an audio mix rocker embedded in the right earcup.

Astro has always had a distinct design language, and that hasn't changed now that the brand is under the Logitech umbrella. The Asto A50 X is a premium headset by the company's standards, but it doesn't quite stand up to the very best we've seen from other brands like Razer, Turtle Beach, and SteelSeries. Still, build quality is what you'd expect for such an expensive headset (that is to say: excellent).

The Astro A50 X is built mostly from matte black plastic, with some glossy accents and high-quality metal pillars on either side that make for a very smooth, luxurious adjusting experience. The cushions are extremely soft, and the fabric is just as comfortable, but it does have a tendency to pick up dust and hair, and I'm concerned how much wear and tear this fabric will be able to handle. Fortunately, the earcup cushions are attached via simple magnets and can be easily replaced.

At 363g, the Logitech Astro A50 X is far from the lightest headset around, but it's honestly quite comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The controls are intuitive, as well, with all buttons aligned on the back of the right earcup. From top to bottom you have the power switch with LED indicator, the PLAYSYNC button to switch between platforms, the Bluetooth button (which also handles media and call controls), and the volume wheel. The right earcup is actually a large rocker for adjusting the voice and game audio mix.

This all works really well, and the Astro A50 X doesn't fail at any of the basics. It's well-designed, built to last, and is comfortable to wear.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 X review: Sound quality

Sound quality highlights

• The Astro A50 X has a built-in Dolby Atmos license on Xbox and Windows PC, and supports Tempest 3D Audio on PlayStation.
• Sound quality is clear and detailed, with great surround sound and an overall pleasing listening experience.
• The soundstage isn't the widest, however, and similarly priced headsets can impress a lot more on the audio front.

When you're paying so much money for a headset, it better sound good. The Logitech Astro A50 X has the audio experience handled on paper, at least, with premium 40mm drivers, support for hi-fi audio, and a built-in Dolby Atmos license with Xbox and Windows PC (PlayStation users get Tempest 3D). When you put the headset on, it does deliver... Mostly. This is the sound quality of a premium wireless gaming headset, but not the sound quality of a nearly $400 wireless gaming headset.

Games, movies, music, and everything in between come through with great volume, clarity, and detail. The Astro A50 X has a balanced sound with excellent responsiveness, and the surround sound effect is more than good enough to dominate in competitive games or obtain a truly cinematic experience. However, the overall sound stage isn't as wide and the noise isolation isn't as good as similarly priced headsets, like the Audeze Maxwell.

If I had to compare, I'd say the Astro A50 X is similar in overall audio quality to the RIG 900 MAX HX, which is a $250 headset that still includes a docking and charging station.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 X review: Microphone quality

Microphone highlights

• The Astro A50 X has one of the best microphones of any gaming headset I've ever used.
• Great length and flexibility makes finding optimal positioning a breeze, and the headset does a fantastic job filtering out background noise.
• Overall, the Astro A50 X almost challenges the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for the best headset microphone, an impressive achievement.

One area where the Logitech Astro A50 X does actually challenge the very best headsets is in microphone quality. It's a standard flip-to-mute, omnidirectional microphone, but is long and flexible to make it easy to position close to your mouth. Most impressively, though, this microphone boasts a 48KHz sampling rate, which is actually higher than the current headset microphone champion, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), at 32KHz.

This means the Astro A50 X can stream incredibly high quality audio with minimal compression, and the results are amazing. This headset efficiently filters out background noise, is clear while retaining a ton of detail, and boasts responsive dynamic range. The only weakness is with depth, with the Astro A50 X sounding more flat overall than the BlackShark V2 Pro. Still, I can't imagine anyone being disappointed by this microphone.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 X review: Docking station and connectivity

Connectivity highlights

• The Logitech Astro A50 X relies on its docking station for almost everything, and it's the core of the headset's experience.
• You can connect your TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and Windows PC to the docking station for HDMI pass-through and wireless audio via USB.
• However, setting up the Astro A50 X can be convoluted, and the cables you need aren't included in the box.

The Logitech Astro A50 X doesn't actually connect directly to any of your devices. It only connects to its docking station, which handles all the wireless and wired connections. Yes, this even includes Bluetooth, which means your Bluetooth source device needs to stay close to the docking station, not the headset. The docking station is the core of the Astro A50 X's experience, and setting it up can take both time and effort.

The docking station features one HDMI 2.1 out port, two HDMI 2.1 in ports, two USB Type-C ports, and one dual USB Type-C / charging port. Using these ports, you can connect your TV, your Xbox, your PlayStation, and your Windows PC, and use the headset's PLAYSYNC button to switch between inputs and take advantage of the HDMI 2.1 pass-through, which supports 4K @ 120Hz, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Variable Refresh Rate.

However, the only cables included in the box are one USB Type-C to Type-A cable and one split USB Type-C cable. The former is used to connect to one console, and the latter is used to connect to power and your PC. If you want to use HDMI pass-through, you'll need to source a second HDMI 2.1 cable in addition to the one that comes with your console. If you want to connect a second console, you'll need its HDMI 2.1 cable and a second USB Type-C to Type-A cable. Even after you've secured all the cables you need, it takes time to tie everything together, and all your devices need to be relatively close to the docking station in order to work with the Astro A50 X.

When you're fully set up, the docking station handles all wireless connections. You use the PLAYSYNC button on the headset to switch between devices, and the docking station will switch inputs, connections, and audio formats automatically. Impressively, the docking station will also mute your TV speakers or soundbar automatically, as the headset is actually treated like a soundbar when in HDMI pass-through mode (this does mean you need to make sure your Xbox isn't trying to mute your soundbar when a headset is connected, or you won't have any audio).

It's all very impressive, and works mostly seamlessly. The Astro A50 X simply works with all your devices, and less than 1ms of audio latency in addition to hi-fi audio support means everything sounds amazing. You can also connect to Bluetooth simultaneously, using the Astro A50 X for calls or chat while gaming. However, wireless connectivity isn't flawless. I had many instances of wireless interference, distortion, and sound cut-out when using the Astro A50 X.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 X review: Battery experience

Battery highlights

• The Astro A50 X is rated for around 28 hours of usage, although actual numbers seem a little bit lower than that.
• However, keeping the Astro A50 X charged is a breeze thanks to the docking station, which is quick and effortless.
• Be careful to line the Astro A50 X up properly, though, as the magnets in the docking station are weak.

Is the Logitech Astro A50 X the new battery champion with 60, 70, or even 80 hours of battery life? No, no it is not. This headset boasts around 28 hours of continued usage, despite weighing more than some longer lasting headsets and lacking power draining features like active noise cancellation. In my usage, the Astro A50 X also didn't seem to quite reach the advertised 28 hours of battery life, either.

That being said, this headset consistently lasts over 20 hours on a charge, which is more than enough for even the longest gaming session. When the session is over, simply pacing the Astro A50 X down on its docking station is all you need to do to charge. It's pain-free and charging is fast, so I never once worried the Astro A50 X would die on me. My only nitpick is that the magnets in the docking station are quite weak, so there were times where the Astro A50 X didn't sit properly in the dock at first, and I had to adjust it to get it to charge. Just something to be aware of.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 X review: Everything else

All other highlights

• The Astro A50 X supports both Logitech G Hub and the Logitech G mobile app, both of which are good for configuring various settings.
• However, the Astro A50 X's reliance on its docking station means it's not a suitable option as an everyday pair of headphones.
• There's also no software for Xbox or PlayStation, which is a real shame.

If you want to fine tune the Logitech Astro A50 X, your options are the Logitech G Hub or the Logitech G mobile app on Android and iOS. Both apps do their job well, with clean interfaces and a solid number of options for customizing the Astro A50 X, including sleep settings, sidetone monitoring, EQ, and even advanced band modification. However, there's no such app for Xbox or PlayStation, which means you'll need to rely on your phone or Windows PC.

On top of that, the Logitech Astro A50 X is not a good choice as a mobile pair of headphones, despite its solid sound quality. That's because of its reliance on its docking station for Bluetooth connectivity, meaning it won't function too far away from the dock itself. That's a shame, but an understandable one given how complicated the Astro A50 X's wireless connectivity needs to be.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 X review: Competition

There's no headset quite like the Logitech Astro A50 X. Sure, any of the best Xbox headsets would make an excellent partner for your Xbox or Windows PC, but none are as adept at multiplatform gaming as the Astro A50 X. A docking station that ties together Xbox, PlayStation, and Windows PC with the press of a single button, plus Bluetooth connectivity to catch the stragglers, means there's not a lot of competition if you're in the niche group that values these features.

However, most gamers don't need those multiplatform features. For them, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro remains our #1 wireless gaming headset pick, with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro being a close second place. If you love the idea of the docking station and want to save some cash, the RIG 900 MAX HX is an excellent headset for the money. But if sound quality is your biggest priority, then no gaming headset can compete with the luxurious audio of the Audeze Maxwell.

• Back to the top ⤴

Astro A50 X review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You game on multiple platforms and want one headset for all of them

The biggest draw of the Logitech Astro A50 X is what sets it apart from practically all other gaming headsets. If you game on multiple platforms and don't want to have to switch headsets, the Astro A50 X will handle it all. You can quickly and easily switch between consoles without breaking a sweat, and have a premium audio experience with every platform.

✅You really value the docking station

Not many gaming headsets come with a docking station nowadays, so options are limited. The Logitech Astro A50 X is far from the most affordable wireless gaming headset with a charging dock, but it's still a fantastic overall option that can also work with basically every gaming platform under the sun.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You only game on one or two platforms

If you're primarily an Xbox and Windows PC gamer (or one or the other), then there are far better gaming headsets for your money than the Logitech Astro A50 X. If you have a sizeable budget and want a premium headset, you can get better build quality, greater comfort, superior audio quality, and more features for around the same price as the Astro A50 X... You'll just have to give up the multiplatform compatibility.

The Logitech Astro A50 X is an aspirational product, the kind you couldn't believe didn't exist... But also the kind you probably won't buy. That's because this premium wireless gaming headset by design only appeals to a small fraction of the gaming population — Those that game on multiple platforms in the same setup. For the hardcore gamers that love Xbox, PlayStation, and Windows PC equally (and Switch and mobile, because why not?), then the Astro A50 X is almost unbeatable.

By itself, the Astro A50 X is a solid premium gaming headset with a comfortable design and respectable audio quality, but it's the docking station that really makes it stand out. It's the perfect example of an extremely complicated product that's so easy to use it feels simple, and the end result is a headset that really can switch between platforms with the press of a single button. For some, that's all they'll need to hear to pull the trigger on the Logitech Astro A50 X. For the rest of use, you might get more value out of a more traditional gaming headset.

You can buy the Logitech Astro A50 X right now for $379.99 at Logitech or Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

During my time at Windows Central, I've reviewed dozens of products and games, and only a handful have earned a perfect 5/5. It makes sense that to earn a "perfect" score, a device or product needs to be incredible in every category and stand out from its competition in some way. One such product is the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), a wireless PC gaming headset so good that I still use it every single day — even after reviewing many other headsets.

At GDC 2024 in San Francisco, I got an opportunity to meet with Razer and go hands-on with a new wireless gaming headset, and it was one of the most exciting parts of my GDC trip. The BlackShark V2 Pro is finally getting a dedicated console version, and it takes everything amazing from the PC version I already know and love. I have the Xbox version in for review, of course, but those who need no other convincing need not wait — the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox is already available for $199.99 at Razer.

Travel to and from and accommodation at GDC 2024 in San Francisco, California was paid for by Windows Central. Razer did not see the contents of this article before publishing.

Razer at GDC: The headset we already love

In my Razer Blade 18 (2024) hands-on from GDC, I regularly talked about familiarity. In that case, it was because Razer's latest high-end gaming laptop outwardly changed little from its predecessor. In this case, that sense of familiarity is because the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox is in practically all ways utterly identical to the its PC-specific counterpart. In fact, you can go ahead and read my glowing Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) review for all the in-depth information you could need on this headset.

The overall design and even internal hardware are indistinguishable. You still get the iconic pilot-inspired rounded matte plastic design with the thin steel headband sliders, textured cushions, protruding volume dial, and subtle headband stitching. On the inside, Razer's 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth 5.2, and that glorious Razer HyperClear Super Wideband detachable microphone ensure a premium and performant experience.

Even the weight and expected battery life (a comfy 320g and up to 70 hours, respectively) are identical between the BlackShark V2 Pro PC and console versions. As such, I can say with great confidence that users can expect a similarly incredible gaming experience with this headset, an assurance that's further bolstered by the hands-on time I've gotten with Razer at GDC and with my review sample at home. Everything I love from the BlackShark V2 Pro I reviewed last year is here, except the best wireless PC gaming headset now works with Xbox.

And that comes with some extra perks... And a few downsides.

• Back to the top ⤴

Razer at GDC: New features for Xbox

One of my only criticisms of the original Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) was that it lacked any Xbox support and only worked with PlayStation via Bluetooth. It's absolutely a PC-centric headset, and that includes the esports-tuned audio profiles for games like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. Razer has now delivered what I asked for, and very little has changed about the headset. That doesn't mean nothing has, though.

For one, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro now uses a USB Type-C Razer HyperSpeed Wireless dongle rather than a blocky USB Type-A adapter, with a Type-C to Type-A cable in the box for device compatibility. The PlayStation version is just a simple dongle, while the Xbox version is a little thicker and features a switch to change between Xbox and PC wireless inputs. Like before, Bluetooth is still here as an alternative option (especially for other platforms like mobile devices and Nintendo Switch), but there's still no simultaneous multi-device audio mixing.

When you're connected, the experience is also largely the same. The volume dial is fully functional, as is the Smart Switch button that lets you toggle between HyperSpeed and Bluetooth connections with a double press, switch between standard and esports audio profiles with a long press, and rotate between each individual audio profile with single presses. On Xbox, you can also use the volume dial as a game and chat mixer by double pressing the power button first, a function that's not available on PlayStation.

All of this works great, just as I expected. On the console version, however, there are only three esports audio profiles: Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Fortnite. There's one custom audio profile you can tweak yourself, but there's still no way to customize the game profiles. At least everything is onboard, so there's no added software needed to use any of these features. If you want to customize your headset, you can use the Razer Audio App on mobile devices — Xbox also has the Razer Audio Setup app, which works well in my limited testing (PlayStation platform limitations mean Razer can't bring their audio app to the console).

Unfortunately, though, this headset's major weakness is that it loses a lot of its PC-centric support. It still works with PC but lacks Razer Synapse support, so you won't be able to tweak the headset's settings through your gaming PC. There's also no THX Spatial Audio support, with the headset relying on Windows Sonic on Xbox and PC (yes, that also means no Dolby Atmos support). You'll have to wait for my full Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox review for all the details on the full headset experience.

• Back to the top ⤴

Razer at GDC: A cheaper, wired version too

Something Razer did not tell me about or show me in GDC but did in the accompanying press materials is the existence of another Xbox-bound Razer headset. The Razer BlackShark V2 X is the considerably more affordable, wired alternative to the BlackShark V2 Pro, saving you a hefty sum of cash on an esports-centric gaming experience.

I haven't had hands-on time with this headset, but it does look to be practically identical to its PC counterpart, meaning you can expect solid surround sound quality and performance in exchange for an always-present wired and largely reduced build quality. It works with almost everything and has a 3.5mm audio jack, too, so you really don't have to stress about which device you want to game on.

Just a quick recap: the Razer BlackShark V2 X for console boasts Razer's 50mm TriForce drivers, a Razer HyperClear cardioid mic, memory foam cushions with simply leatherette fabric, a volume dial and mic mute switch, and a feather-light 240g of weight. Of course, there's no internal battery to worry about here. You can pick up the Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox for $49.99 at Razer starting today.

Razer did not announce a Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed (a more affordable mid-range alternative to the V2 Pro) for consoles today, sadly, but there's always the chance we'll see that in the future to round out the lineup and give players options in every price bracket.

• Back to the top ⤴

Razer at GDC: Available to purchase now

Maybe I should've been more excited about the Razer Blade 18 when meeting with Razer at GDC, but playing a match of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III on an Xbox Series X while wearing the headset that has helped me win so many games of Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant made me incredibly happy. Razer didn't take this opportunity to really improve anything about the BlackShark V2 Pro, but that's okay — I had very little to complain about in my initial review.

I'll be doing a lot of testing to ensure that the quality and performance I expect match the PC version of this headset, so stay tuned to Windows Central for my full review of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox. Right now, though, my impressions are very positive. I can tell this isn't quite the perfect solution I wanted it to be, though; ideally, I wouldn't have to sacrifice some PC-specific features to gain console support, I still have very limited control over the onboard audio profiles and voice prompts, and multi-source audio mixing isn't here, either.

When gaming sounds this good, though, I find any criticisms falling by the wayside. Even after a few hours, I found myself having a blast gaming with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox, and I can't wait to use them even more. There's a very good chance this headset will firmly land on our list of the best Xbox headsets in the future. You don't have to wait for my review, though — the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox is available now for $199.99 at Razer, and it'll help you get an edge over your opponents.

• Back to the top ⤴

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, a marvel of gaming audio engineering, has long reigned as our top pick for Xbox headsets. Typically priced at a premium $329.99, I nearly fell off my chair when I stumbled upon it on Woot for a limited time at just $219.99. Why so surprised you ask? I scoured the Xbox accessories over Prime Day, Black Friday and post-holiday to find the best deals for Xbox gamers, and I never saw this headset that low. Seriously, there wasn't a retailer left in the US I hadn't checked for headset prices. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro only hit its previous low of $279.99 during Black Friday. This is, without a doubt, the lowest it has ever been. Plus, you know how it goes with Woot deals — they're here today, gone tomorrow, and the best prices are 1 unit per customer. So, if you're itching to grab one, I'd suggest you sprint over there pronto.

More great Xbox accessory deals

• SteelSeries GameDAC Gen 2 Audio Amplifier | was $129.99 now £69.99
• 8bitdo Arcade Stick for Xbox | was $119.99 now $74.99
• Razer Kishi V2 Pro Mobile Controller | was $149.99 now $89.99
• Seagate 1TB Expansion Card | was $219.99 now $159.99

Why is the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro our top Xbox headset?

It's exceptionally rare for our Managing Editor Jez Corden to award a headset 5 stars in fact the only others on our list with this accolade are the much older SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and the LucidSound LS35X. Neither of which are on sale currently.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro has more than earned its acclaim on Windows Central as the headset that finally toppled the SteelSeries off the top spot, and for good reason. In a headset market that has somewhat stagnated over the past couple of years and lacks real innovation, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro decided to launch a top-of-the-range premium headset with a feature set packed with everything you need and the kitchen sink, something that would normally spell disaster. Instead of doing too much and performing mid in every testing category, it bowled us over.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro follows the recent trend of higher-end headsets by including Bluetooth, allowing users to mix sound from a secondary mobile source with Xbox gameplay. This is beneficial for content creators who may need multiple sound sources for streaming, as well as for general users whose friends play on other platforms. Typically, this feature is susceptible to interference due to the proximity of Xbox wireless radios to Bluetooth radios. However, the Stealth Pro is the first headset our Editor used in his heavily congested radio office that maintains a solid signal across both sound sources for extended periods.

The build quality is also top-notch, offering a broader size range for those 'larger of skull' than its competitors.. The over-ear cups are more spacious than other headsets, and provide a broader soundstage. The audio quality is astounding and uses Turtle Beach's knack for tactical tuning to enhance sound ranges that reveal enemy positions in your games. You can also disable it for a more cinematic, bass-heavy sound, which truly enhances movies, music, and single-player games.

The only area that didn't meet all of our Editor's needs was the lack of SPDIF optical audio-in port on the transmitter, something wholly specific to his requirements for content creation and dislike for using multiple Bluetooth signals. Not really an issue for most consumers looking for a premium headset. Also, a feature that would no doubt push that price up even more. You should read the entire Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review if you want to know more, but don't take too long as the deals on Woot are notoriously short-lived, and that $219.99 price is truly remarkable.

The sub-$100 market for gaming headsets is incredibly competitive and is where the majority of headsets are sold. NACON is well aware of this, with its iconic RIG brand offering several affordable and feature-packed gaming headsets for every platform. The RIG 600 Pro HX is one such headset, offering wireless connectivity for Xbox, Windows PC, and practically any Bluetooth-enabled device for just under $100.

Dual wireless connectivity is normally reserved for more expensive headsets, so does the RIG 600 Pro HX sacrifice too much to achieve that? After a few weeks of using it as my primary headset, I can safely say the 600 Pro HX is among the best Xbox gaming headsets for those on a tight budget, especially if you want one pair of headphones for gaming, work, and everything else. There are inevitable compromises thanks to that low price point, but RIG mostly cuts the right corners here.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by NACON. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The RIG 600 Pro HX costs $99.99 and offers both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections.
• It's going directly against similarly priced headsets from Turtle Beach and Xbox.
• The 600 Pro HX is well-priced and offers a balanced mix of features and quality for the price.

Many companies strive to become the champion of the sub-$100 headset market, with countless wired and wireless options from which to choose. The RIG 600 Pro HX takes the quantity-over-quality route, giving players a list of features usually only found in more expensive headsets. It's a wireless Xbox and Windows PC headset via a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, but it also features Bluetooth 5.1 for connectivity with practically any other device.

You can connect to your Xbox or PC and phone simultaneously to take phone calls while gaming, too. On top of that, you also get an included Dolby Atmos license for enhanced surround sound, and there's a dedicated mobile app to help you customize your EQs, edit settings, and more. In the box, you get the RIG 600 Pro HX, a USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable, a USB Type-a to Type-C extender cable, and a USB Type-C wireless dongle. The retail price of the RIG 600 Pro HX is $99.99 at Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• RIG's distinct design language returns here with an ultralight all-plastic construction.
• The 600 Pro HX doesn't look or feel premium, but it is durable, and the controls are smartly placed.
• The limited snap adjustment still isn't great, though, and buttons are hard to find by touch alone.

If you've seen one RIG headset, you've seen every RIG headset. The company has a very distinct, consistent design language that continues with the 600 Pro HX. That means you can expect a supremely low weight and durable construction, but you're not going to get premium looks or materials. This is an all-plastic headset with simple fabric padding and headset controls aligned along one side.

Those controls are difficult to feel via touch, thanks to the lack of texture being overwhelmed by the earcup's texture, but they do work well. You get a simple power button, a mode button for Bluetooth pairing and switching between the three wireless modes, a volume wheel, and a multifunction button for playing and pausing media and handling phone calls. I wish the multifunction button could also skip or replay tracks with double and triple taps, but you at least get a long press to activate your phone assistant. The mic is flip-to-mute and neatly stashes itself inside the headset when not in use.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Comfort

Comfort highlights

• An extremely light weight makes the 600 Pro HX very easy to wear for long periods of time.
• It's also pretty comfortable, with soft cushions and solid headband padding.
• However, the earcups are cramped, the headset is overall small, and the three-tier snap adjustment is too limited.

The RIG 600 Pro HX is going to lose some points for its comfort. It's not an uncomfortable headset by any means, but those with larger heads probably aren't going to enjoy their time with it that much. An extremely low weight can only do so much, even when the earcup and headband padding are soft and comfy. The physical earcups are quite small, though, and so is the headset itself — making it feel a little cramped for my average-sized head. RIG's three-tier snap adjustment system returns again, and it's still too limited and unintuitive. Even at its largest, this headset is still on the small side.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Sound quality

Sound quality highlights

• The 600 Pro HX isn't the best-sounding headset in this price range, but it does offer decent clarity and detail.
• It sounds more than good enough for gaming and is also good enough for casual music listening (especially if you tinker with the EQ).
• Dolby Atmos support is nice to see in a headset this affordable, and it does result in decent surround sound.

The RIG 600 Pro HX isn't going to blow you away when it comes to audio quality, but that's expected at this price range. It's still a good-sounding headset — especially when you're gaming. It's clear and detailed, and Dolby Atmos being included does lead to improved surround sound. You can customize EQs via the mobile app, which can help the headset sound better for consuming music (the default EQ muddies up mids too much for my liking). It's good enough to be your one and only pair of headphones if you're really looking to spend $100 in total.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Microphone quality

Mic quality highlights

• The flip-to-mute mic looks fine on paper, and it is mostly... Fine.
• The mic sounds barely average in quality, though, and the short arm keeps it far from your mouth.
• It's clearly one area where corners were cut to make this price happen.

The RIG 600 Pro HX features an omnidirectional mic with built-in noise suppression, but "okay" is the peak of praise I can offer it. I do appreciate the flip-to-mute design that neatly stashes the mic inside the headset for a subtle look (although you do need to open it for phone calls), but the mic arm is very short. The mic will always be a decent distance away from your face, and the recording quality suffers from lackluster clarity, detail, and dynamics. You can listen to the sample above for more info.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Battery life

Battery life highlights

• RIG promises up to 24 hours of use with the 600 Pro HX, an estimate that feels only slightly optimistic.
• That endurance isn't best-in-class, but it's a very solid showing from a budget headset.
• It's easy to charge the headset via Type-C, too, but there's no 3.5mm audio jack for a wired fallback.

Budget headsets tend to compromise when it comes to battery life, especially when an obvious focus for the headset is its low weight. Fortunately, RIG did a good job balancing endurance with weight here. The RIG 600 Pro HX can last up to 24 hours (via Bluetooth), according to the company. This feels a little optimistic to me, but only slightly. 15-20 hours of solid usage is very possible with this headset, no matter how you're using it.

USB Type-C makes charging the 600 Pro HX a breeze, but there is one con — No 3.5mm audio jack. That means if your headset dies, you have no way to plug in directly to continue playing or listening to music. I wish RIG had included the classic audio jack here.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Other features

Other features highlights

• As a budget headset, the RIG 600 Pro HX isn't swimming in extra features.
• There's no docking station, included DAC, or swappable batteries, for example.
• However, you do get a solid mobile app, Dolby Atmos, and multidevice wireless connectivity.

The RIG 600 Pro HX is decently well-featured for the price range. Its headlining feature is, of course, its multi-device wireless connectivity. A 2.4GHz USB Type-C wireless dongle handles connections to Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and performance is solid. I experienced a handful of drops and failed connections, but the vast majority of the time, there was no noticeable latency or interference.

Bluetooth 5.1 is also solid, with the headset able to connect to your phone for calls simultaneously. No, there is no simultaneous audio mixing. The headset is connected to two devices at once, but audio can only be played through one (and if you want to use the mobile app or do anything but take phone calls on your smartphone, you'll need to switch to the dedicated Bluetooth mode, as the USB dongle takes priority). Fortunately, it's easy and quick to switch wireless modes with the dedicated button.

The RIG 600 Pro Navigator is also surprisingly good. It's fast, reliable, and has a solid number of features, like editing your headset's settings, customizing EQs, and learning how to use your headset. It's a little strange that RIG has separate apps for different headsets, but most people will never notice or care. My only complaint is that there's no equivalent Xbox or PC app, and you can't be connected to 2.4GHz while using the mobile app.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Competition

The RIG 600 Pro HX essentially has three major competitors at this price point. The HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless has a mouthful of a name, but for $100, you're getting a headset with audio quality that punches well above its weight, but you're sacrificing PC support, Bluetooth connectivity, and a bit of battery life. There's also the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2, which adds PC support over the Stinger Core Wireless and superior build quality, but you do sacrifice a little bit of sheer audio quality.

In my opinion, though, there's one clear, direct competitor to the RIG 600 Pro HX. The official Xbox Wireless Headset also hits that sub-$100 price and offers a stellar feature set with a high-quality and comfortable design, integrated Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth with dual-source audio mixing, and intuitive onboard controls. Its biggest weakness is the average audio quality, however, so those who prioritize that over all else may still prefer the 600 Pro HX and its Dolby Atmos integration.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 600 Pro HX review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

You should not buy this if ...

It's clear at a glance that the 600 Pro HX is made by the same team as the premium RIG 900 MAX HX I reviewed, but that headset costs over twice as much as this one. With the 600 Pro HX, RIG compromised on some features and overall quality to deliver a balanced wireless gaming headset. It works with practically every device imaginable, offers solid audio quality and wireless performance, and still throws in Dolby Atmos for good measure.

I wish the headset was more comfortable for more people, the mic was higher quality, and a 3.5mm audio jack was included, but those complaints aren't enough to write off the RIG 600 Pro HX entirely. It's one of the best Xbox headsets in this price range now, going up against behemoths like Turtle Beach and putting up a great fight. If Bluetooth support on top of Xbox and PC wireless support is important to you, the 600 Pro HX should be one of the first gaming headsets on your list.

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze is on a mission to marry its audiophile legacy to the expanding gaming market, and the Maxwell wireless headset is the company's latest attempt to do so. With the Maxwell, Audeze has crafted one of the best-sounding and most premium wireless gaming headsets on the market that — on paper, at least — is capable of doubling as your everyday pair of headphones. All the right pieces are here, too, getting the Maxwell so close to delivering on its promises.

Let me preface by stating that the Audeze Maxwell is a great gaming headset for use across Xbox, Windows PC, and anything with Bluetooth connectivity. If you care about sheer audio fidelity above all else, it even counts among the best Xbox headsets in the world; what the Maxwell gets right, it gets very right. However, odd design designs and baffling limitations keep Audeze from achieving that perfect, highly desirable balance once again. Let's get into it.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Audeze. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Audeze Maxwell review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Audeze Maxwell comes in two forms: one for PlayStation (and everything else but Xbox) and one for Xbox (and everything else but PlayStation).
• The former retails for $299 and the latter for $329, as the Xbox version comes with a built-in Dolby Atmos license.
• This is undoubtedly a premium headset with incredible sound quality, but there's very steep competition in this price range.
• Value rating: 4/5

This is the most expensive wireless gaming headset I've ever used, and it's simply one of the most premium on the market in general. Audeze's latest offering is going toe-to-toe with serious industry heavy hitters, so it needs to stand out in order to justify that frighteningly high price tag. It's hard to say any headset this expensive is a good "value," but the Maxwell admittedly makes a fair case for itself... As long as you deeply care about audio fidelity.

The Audeze Maxwell starts at $299 at Audeze, but that's for the PlayStation-specific version, which doesn't work with Xbox consoles. The Xbox-specific variant of the Audeze Maxwell is actually $329 at Audeze, but you're not just paying extra for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One compatibility. The Audeze Maxwell for Xbox comes with a built-in Dolby Atmos license, meaning you can enjoy industry-leading spatial audio without any extra fuss or fees. The PlayStation version is still Dolby Atmos-compatible, but you'll have to pay extra for that (Sony's Tempest 3D is still pretty solid, though).

Unfortunately, the Audeze Maxwell is rather elusive to get your hands on, constantly going on backorder. You'll need to move fast whenever it's in stock to purchase one. Once you get it, you'll find the Audeze Maxwell wireless gaming headset, the detachable boom microphone, a USB Type-C 2.4GHz wireless dongle, a USB Type-A to USB Type-C adapter cable, a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable in the box. There's no carrying case included here.

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• The design of the Maxwell isn't anything spectacularly attractive, but the build quality is exceptional.
• An aluminum build with a steel spring headband and replaceable head strap and earcup cushions ensure great durability.
• The actual usability of the design isn't perfect, though, with adjustment being frustrating and onboard controls being confusing.
• Design rating: 4/5

The Audeze Maxwell isn't the flashiest, most obviously premium gaming headset on the market. Well, at least the normal variant you're likely to buy isn't. Audeze sent me the Ultraviolet Limited Edition that was included as part of the Xbox Summer 2023 Collection; it's sold out now, but I have one here, and it definitely stands out. I love the color, but this is a reflective, fingerprint-and-smudge magnet. For the most part, though, the Maxwell looks like a fairly standard closed-back pair of headphones (just with oddly massive earcups).

Build quality is exceptional, though. The fit and finish, the construction, it's all basically perfect. The Maxwell feels every bit like an ultra-premium headset, and I have no doubt it can survive years of wear and tear and outright abuse. Maxwell also made the leather-esque suspension strap, foam earcups, and microphone detachable and replaceable, should you need to. The Maxwell gives me confidence in its durability, and that's no small matter when you're spending this much. It also looks great but is understated enough that you can use it anywhere, even when you're not gaming.

All the headset controls being squeezed onto one earcup is frustrating, though. For one, everything is awfully close together, but these controls also barely make sense. I actually have the Audeze Maxwell user guide open on my phone for reminders because this system isn't intuitive and also holds the Maxwell back from being a true everyday-use pair of headphones. You have the microphone mute switch and power/play-pause/Bluetooth pairing button on the outside of the earcup, the volume dial/previous-next track/EQ preset wheel, the game chat mix/sidetone monitoring volume/sidetone monitoring toggle wheel and, for some reason, an entire button dedicated to the microphone AI noise cancellation along the edge of the earcup.

If that sounds confusing and convoluted, you would absolutely be right. I'm not even going to explain why this is awful for the sake of time, but I will give Audeze some advice: make the power button a way to manually switch between wireless connection modes and the Bluetooth pairing button (hold for power, tap for connection modes, double tap for pairing mode); have a dedicated "smart" button that features all media and call controls via Bluetooth (play/pause and answer calls on single, next track and hang up call on double, previous track on triple, and voice assistant on hold), and the mic mute switch, volume dial, and chat mix dial (using a dial to switch between EQ presets is clever, but do we really need onboard controls just for sidetone monitoring and toggling the AI background noise suppression?).

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Comfort

Comfort highlights

• The Audeze Maxwell is about as comfortable as it can get, with supremely soft cushions and a suspension strap for head comfort.
• None of this can change how heavy the Maxwell is, though; it feels very comfortable to wear, but your head and neck can feel fatigued after a while.
• Limited strap adjustment and a soft clamping force can also make finding the perfect fit difficult.
• Comfort rating: 3.5/5

Audeze has done almost everything in its power to make the Maxwell as comfortable as possible, and it shows. The earcups are spacious, and the cushions are incredibly soft, for one. I still believe a suspension strap is the best way to avoid discomfort on the top of your head, and Audeze included a cushion on the headband for even more head comfort. When you first put the headset on, it feels great — but nothing can make this weight disappear. The Maxwell weighs a whopping 490g (to put that into perspective, the also-premium RIG 900 MAX HX weighs just 243g). That's inevitable given the planar magnetic driver technology Audeze is using, but it also means that you will feel this headset on your head and in your neck after a while.

Adjustment is also a little lacking. Audeze went for a soft clamping force (likely overcompensating for criticisms of too-tight clamping forces in previous headsets) and limited all adjustments to just three tiers via the suspension strap. Not only is it frustratingly difficult to yank the suspension strap off its bolts and push it back on at lower or higher tiers, but it provides very little granular control. The Maxwell sits just a tiny bit too low on me, but one tier up, and it sits far too high. Audeze can definitely improve matters here.

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Sound quality

Sound quality highlights

• The Maxwell sells itself with its massive, unique planar magnetic drivers for superior sound quality, and it shows.
• This headset sounds ridiculously good, with as wide of a soundstage as you can get with closed-back headphones.
• Everything sounds wonderfully detailed and balanced, although you don't get a lot of noise isolation.
• Audio rating: 5/5

We're finally to what really matters with the Audeze Maxwell: sound quality. Audeze is a company well known for producing premium, "audiophile" grade audio equipment, and its latest foray into gaming is just a side interest. The Maxwell is all about audio fidelity, and it has the hardware and processing chops to truly sit on top of the heap. I'll save you a little bit of time — if you care about sound quality above all else, the Maxwell should be at the top of your list. "Luxurious" is one word that comes to mind when listening to, well, anything with this headset.

One major reason why is that Audeze does away with the dynamic drivers that are standard in most headphones in favor of its planar magnetic drivers. I won't get into all the technical details, but the short rundown is this: planar magnetic drivers are flat (versus the "cone" shape of traditional speaker drivers) and far more precise and responsive. That means less sound distortion at high volumes or with complex sounds, a wider soundstage approaching that of open-backed high-end studio headphones, and a very balanced sound profile that excels at everything from lows to highs.

The Audeze Maxwell headset sounds crystal clear with immense detail, a vast soundstage that fully separates each instrument or sound source and blesses your ears with lovely deep bass, distinct mids, and unimpeded highs. The default sound profile works wonders with practically any medium already, but the app lets you tweak that sound with equalizer presets. The Maxwell also has one of the best implementations of Dolby Atmos spatial audio I've heard in a headset, likely because of that wide, dynamic soundstage that already gives everything so much room to breathe.

Planar magnetic drivers aren't without compromise, of course. They're more expensive to produce (this is a premium headset, after all) and are considerably larger and heavier than regular drivers, hence the sizeable earcups the Maxwell boasts. Ostensibly, these drivers are more fragile, too, so maybe be a little extra careful not to drop your Maxwell on hard surfaces. Another small complaint with the Maxwell is the lack of noise isolation (and there's no active noise canceling here). You can still hear practically everything going on around you, which can detract from the marvelous listening experience if background noise is obtrusive enough.

Overall, though, it just sounds delightful. You also get 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio support over wireless and wired, thanks to advanced Bluetooth codecs and USB Type-C dual-audio endpoints (more on connectivity later). The Audeze Maxwell is by far the best-sounding headset I've ever had on my head, bringing unparalleled detail and clarity to my gaming and all my favorite songs.

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Microphone quality

Microphone highlights

• A detachable boom hypercardioid microphone is your primary microphone on the Maxwell, and it actually sounds pretty great.
• Your voice comes in full and clear with plenty of detail, and background noise suppression works well and reliably.
• You can remove the boom mic whenever and instantly switch to the internal dual-array microphones, which still work fine for phone calls.

A lot of headsets — even those that focus on audio fidelity — stumble when it comes to the mic, but I have to applaud Audeze for not skimping in this category. The hypercardioid boom microphone attaches to the Maxwell via the 3.5mm mic jack with a satisfying click, is flexible to get the perfect positioning, and actually sounds quite wonderful. It doesn't quite topple the reigning champion, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), but I'd be lying if I said this mic doesn't get awfully close. Recording quality is clear and detailed, your voice sounds full, and the AI-powered noise suppression does a great job filtering out unwanted background noise without clipping your voice.

At any point, you can detach the boom microphone and the Maxwell will instantly switch to its dual-array, beamforming internal mics, which obviously downgrade the audio quality by a decent amount. They're still just good enough for phone calls and casual chats, though, so you can leave the boom microphone at home when using the Maxwell as a general-purpose everyday pair of headphones. The only minor flaw I've noticed is that the Maxwell's mics often take a moment to turn on when beginning a chat or recording. You can hear an audio sample of the Maxwell above.

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Wireless connectivity

Connectivity highlights

• On paper, the Audeze Maxwell has all the connectivity options you could ever want, and it almost delivers.
• The 2.4GHz offers fantastic performance and reliability. The latest and greatest Bluetooth version is here, with support for every high-res codec under the tree, and there are two different ways to plug in.
• No way to switch between wireless modes manually, and some odd connection priorities make the Maxwell more annoying to use than it should be.
• Connectivity rating: 4/5

The Audeze Maxwell has one of the most impressive spec sheets for connectivity I've ever seen on a pair of headphones or a gaming headset, but it falls short of greatness because of one egregious omission. You get ultra-low-latency 2.4GHz wireless on Xbox and Windows PCs that is stable and responsive; you get Bluetooth 5.3 with support for basically every high-end audio codec. You get true high-resolution audio playback via USB Type-C, and you can even fall back on the 3.5mm audio jack in a pinch (although you won't get hi-fi audio then).

There's no multi-source audio mixing, unfortunately, but the Maxwell does connect simultaneously to 2.4GHz and Bluetooth... But only for phone calls. You see, there is absolutely zero way to manually switch wireless modes, so whenever your Maxwell is connected to your Xbox... That's it. You can't listen to music or anything else via Bluetooth unless you unplug the 2.4GHz wireless dongle or turn off your Xbox. Connectivity priorities are strange for PCs, too. It's a huge, baffling miss that massively hurts the everyday convenience of this headset. The Maxwell gets connectivity so close to absolute perfection with its support for everything under the sun but frustratingly stumbles in the last few feet by making it needlessly difficult to actually make use of multiple connectivity options.

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Battery life

Battery highlights

• Audeze promises up to 80 hours of wireless playback with the Maxwell, and that estimate feels accurate.
• When you need to recharge, USB Type-C fast charging means you can go from 0-100% in less than 3 hours.
• Away from a charger, you can also fall back on USB Type-C wired (hi-fi digital) or 3.5mm audio jack (analog).
• Battery rating: 5/5

I definitely don't need to spend much time on this. Audeze rates the Maxwell for up to 80 hours of continued usage with 2.4GHz wireless (while connected to Bluetooth), and that estimate feels incredibly accurate. Hours of gaming, listening to music, and using the Maxwell in Xbox Party Chat only made tiny dents in the Maxwell's battery percentage, which you can easily check in the app. When you need to charge up, the USB Type-C port can do so in around 2 1/2 hours. Finally, you can always resort to that same Type-C port for true hi-fi audio (even better than via either wireless mode) or the 3.5mm audio jack.

Just keep in mind that the audio jack is TRRS, which means it's a four-ring jack rather than the more common 3-ring jack on cheaper headphones. Because of that, some devices may not be able to run the Maxwell at all. This is a higher impedance headset than many competitors, so it needs extra juice to make some noise.

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Other features

Other features highlights

• The Audeze HQ app lets you configure mic sidetone monitoring, different EQ presets (which are saved to the headset), and simple settings for the auto-shutdown time and voice prompt volume.
• The PC version also lets you update firmware and review the headset's controls, but overall, these apps are pretty light on features.
• There's no active noise cancellation or fancy features on top of that; the Maxwell is all about the sound quality.

There's not a lot to talk about here. The Audeze Maxwell is undoubtedly a very premium gaming headset, but its app is a little barebones, and there aren't a ton of extra features to discuss. The mobile app gives you very basic volume and mic controls and lets you switch between different EQs that are saved to the headset. There are also exactly two options for the headset's auto-shutdown feature and voice prompt volume, and that's it. The PC app adds firmware updates and a simple graphic of the headset's controls on top of that.

You won't find active noise cancellation here, or an included DAC or mixer for extra control, or a charging base station, or even a carrying case in the box. The app isn't going to give you in-depth controls to configure the headset exactly the way you want it. The Maxwell gets really far based on its connectivity prowess, battery life, and audio fidelity, but it doesn't stretch too far beyond that.

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Competition

From what I can tell, the Audeze Maxwell has three main competitors in this price sector and category. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is our current #1 pick as the best Xbox gaming headset due to its stunning sound quality, premium build quality and industry-leading comfort, intuitive headset controls, active noise cancellation, great software customization, and true multi-source audio mixing. It's a phenomenal gaming headset, but its design isn't the most "everyday use" appropriate. Its swappable battery packs only last 12 hours a pop, and its mic isn't detachable.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro also gives you luxurious build quality, an included DAC, swappable batteries, active noise cancellation, and multiplatform connectivity. Its streamlined and premium design, combined with its stashable mic, make this a fantastic headset for everyday use, but the SteelSeries app could use some work, and the overall gaming experience isn't quite as lavish as the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro. Finally, there's the new Logitech Astro A50 X, a true multiplatform savant with a premium charging base station and more gaming features than you can shake a stick at. It's very much designed for gaming, though, and Windows Central hasn't reviewed it (yet).

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Score card

• Back to the top ⤴

Audeze Maxwell review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

You should not buy this if ...

I love using the Audeze Maxwell to listen to basically anything. It sounds wonderful when I game, when I listen to music, and even when I watch TikToks. This is the best-sounding gaming headset I've ever used, and it'll make you very happy if audio fidelity holds the highest priority for you. The rest of the headset isn't bad, either; the design is premium and well-constructed, there are endless ways to connect to your devices and enjoy hi-fi audio, the battery lasts a long time, wireless performance is impeccable, and the mic is actually quite great.

This is an expensive headset, though, and you're taking on a lot of excess weight versus other premium gaming headsets and sacrificing extra features like active noise cancellation. Audeze also has more work to do when it comes to its software and crafting an intuitive control system for its wireless headsets because it's frankly ridiculous that there's no way to switch to a Bluetooth-only mode without physically shutting off my Xbox or disconnecting the 2.4GHz dongle. If you can forgive those weaknesses in exchange for these luxurious soundwaves, though, the Audeze Maxwell is an excellent Xbox and Windows PC wireless gaming headset... Good luck finding it in stock, though.

• Back to the top ⤴

HyperX are known for providing gamers with high-quality gaming headsets for a budget price. We have seen this with our HyperX CloudX review as well as our HyperX Cloud III Wireless review, which are both some of the best headsets you can get in their respective categories. The HyperX Cloud III Wireless isn't cheap, though. What if there's a more affordable option?

In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at one of HyperX’s other, more affordable wireless headsets, the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless. It probably won't land on any best Xbox headsets or best PC gaming headset lists, but if you're looking for absolute pure value, perhaps this would be a good option. Does HyperX nail its value proposition? Let’s take a look.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by HyperX. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

HYPERX CLOUDX STINGER CORE WIRELESS: PRICING & SPECIFICATIONS

HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless: Pricing and specifications summary

• The HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless is reasonably priced at $99.99.
• There is a wired version of the headset, which is around $24.99.
• It doesn't come with a dongle to use it with a PC.

As a premium wireless gaming headset, the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless isn’t a cheap one, coming in at around $99.99, which I believe to be a fair price for a wireless headset – making it relatively low-end.

It’s worth noting that HyperX does offer a wired version of this headset that sounds and looks the same for a fraction of the price, so if you prefer wired headsets – or just aren’t bothered about having wireless connectivity, then check out its far more affordable wired cousin.

Inside the box itself, you will find the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless headset, as well as a USB type-C charge cable and a user manual. Sadly, the headset doesn’t come with a dongle, so it can be used with a PC, although it is available to purchase separately for $24.99.

HYPERX CLOUDX STINGER CORE WIRELESS: DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY

HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless: Design and build quality summary

• Build quality suffers with the headset feeling quite cheap and insanely light.
• Swivel-to-mute microphone is great.
• Very comfortable headset to wear, with their signature memory foam ear cups.
• Headset controls are simple and easy to use.

If there's one thing I noticed about the Stinger Core Wireless as soon as I unboxed it, it didn't look how my experience with HyperX headsets usually is. Trading their signature rounded ear-cups for more of an oval shape and making them more of a sharper headset, if that makes sense – more edges and fewer curves.

Let's talk about the second thing I noticed. The Stinger Core Wireless feels, dare I say it, very cheaply made. It's extremely lightweight, which would usually be a good thing, but here, it doesn't come across as a decision to benefit gamers but just a fallback of an entirely plastic headset. The construction doesn't have that reassuring density higher-grade materials often offer, making me question how long it will last in the coming months. Sadly, we don't have a time machine on that front, so I'll be back to let you know if they spontaneously combust in the coming weeks.

Don't get me wrong, they are super comfortable, fitted with those memory foam ear cups that we all know, wrapped in leatherette that feels light on the ears but can also become a little sticky.

One thing I'm super glad that HyperX included on the Stinger Core Wireless is the swivel-to-mute noise-cancelling microphone – although it isn't without its issues.

There's nothing better than being able to push your microphone up to mute it. Call me lazy, but I'd much rather do that than have to look down and push a button. It's just so simple. One thing I have to mention, though, is the fact that the microphone is very shaky, almost like it's not fitted correctly. As you move the headset into position, it will move left and right – it's very subtle, but it's still noticeable.

All headset controls are on the ear cups, and they're relatively easy to recognize with the headset on. There's the power button, the pair button, a volume dial, and a dial to alter the game audio vs chat audio ratio. My only gripe here is that the latter doesn't have an endpoint; it will just keep turning and turning and make it hard to differentiate where it lay before putting the headset on. If you alter it with the headset on, you will hear a sound alerting you to it being 'full' either way.

It's pretty apparent that HyperX has traded build quality for sound quality, which is a little disappointing considering its price – but at least it is comfortable, right?

HYPERX CLOUDX STINGER CORE WIRELESS: SOUND QUALITY

HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless: Sound quality summary

• Sound quality is great. Even better when used in conjunction with Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos
• Directional sound is good
• Ear cups don't block out too much outside noise, but that's okay

Coming with 40mm drivers along with the use of Windows Sonic for deeper immersion and directional sound, the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless really does sound fantastic. It doesn’t come with full surround sound, which is a little disappointing. Windows Sonic only acts as a software sound solution, but it does the job.

With the use of Windows Sonic (or Dolby Atmos, if you prefer), the Stinger Core Wireless is a great headset to use while playing any first-person shooter. They allow you to pinpoint where specific sounds are coming from or even enemy footsteps behind you. Alternatively, this is a fantastic headset to use with games that have immersive sound or just a great soundtrack. They allow you to appreciate all the different sounds that appear in games that you can easily miss if you weren’t using a headset at all.

The ear cups don’t really block out a lot of outside noise like that of the HyperX CloudX, but it’s enough to remain focused on the game while also still being able to be aware of what is going on around you – a great option if you have children.

HYPERX CLOUDX STINGER CORE WIRELESS: SOUND QUALITY

HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless: Mic quality summary

• Mic quality is good, but not great. It's what you'd expect from a budget headset.
• Noise cancellation works well.
• Mic monitoring is a useful feature.

Regarding how the mic sounds, it's good but not great. There are definitely other headsets out there that make better use of the microphone, such as the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed or the Steel Series Arctis 7X – but as you may imagine, these have much higher price points.

It's not that the microphone on the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless is terrible, not by any means. It does what it aims to do to a standard, but it seems to have the same quality as a much cheaper headset, such as the wired version, the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core. You won't be using it for any kind of content creation, and that's okay.

The noise cancellation within the mic works fantastically, though. It does very well at keeping outside noise out and only picks up the noises you want to be heard – your voice.

The Stinger Core Wireless also allows you to turn the mic monitoring on so that you can hear your own voice, letting you know exactly what is being picked up and being able to alter the volume of your voice if you find yourself becoming too loud. Suitable for the kids while the parents are trying to sleep, yes?

HYPERX CLOUDX STINGER CORE WIRELESS: CONNECTIVITY

HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless: Connectivity summary

• Connects easily to your Xbox Series S|X or Xbox One consoles.
• No dongle to connect to a PC making it not good for use on anything but Xbox consoles.

There’s nothing more annoying than a wireless headset that is incredibly demanding to connect, and I’m glad to say that this wasn’t a problem in any way with the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless.

As it is an Xbox-certified headset, it connects seamlessly with whatever Xbox console you use using via a 2.4GHz gaming-grade wireless connection. A simple press of the power button after the first pairing and it will connect within seconds. There are no dongles you need to connect, no wires – nothing.

This brings me to my next point: seamless connectivity is excellent when you only want to use it with your Xbox consoles, but when it comes to connecting via a different source, it’s a bit more challenging. As I mentioned earlier, to use the Stinger Core Wireless on your PC, you will need an extra dongle, which will cost you $25. So, bear that in mind when choosing your next gaming headset.

HYPERX CLOUDX STINGER CORE WIRELESS: BATTERY LIFE

HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless: Battery life summary

• The HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless has around 15 hours of battery life.
• Charges quickly via a USB-C cable.

HyperX claims that their Stinger Core Wireless headset has up to 17 hours of battery life when used at 50% volume, and after thorough testing, I can confirm that this is close. I got around 15 hours of battery out of a full charge, which I was pretty happy with.

Charging it is straightforward, too, with it only requiring you to plug in the provided USB-C cable, and within around an hour, you have a full battery again.

HYPERX CLOUDX STINGER CORE WIRELESS: FINAL THOUGHTS

You probably won't find the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless featuring in any of our "best headsets" articles, but that's not to say it isn't worth getting. It just means that there are much better alternatives if you're willing to spend a little extra.

You should buy this if...

• You are looking for an affordable wireless headset.
• You want a comfortable gaming experience.
• You want a gaming headset that doesn't block outside noise too much.

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You prefer a wired gaming headset.
• You want a gaming headset with the best mic and sound quality.

The HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless is a reasonable "budget" wireless headset that is simple in its approach. But for those who want a cheaper alternative with effectively the same specs, check out the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core.

In my time at Windows Central, I've reviewed quite a few gaming headsets (and the number is still growing). Right now, though, there's on headset I regularly turn to when I want to do a spot of Xbox gaming — the RIG 900 MAX HX. This is an ultra-light, ultra-comfortable, ultra-premium wireless gaming headset with great audio quality and multiplatform connectivity, and right now it's on sale for its lowest price ever... just $199.99 at Best Buy! Oh yeah, did I mention this headset also comes with a charging docking station?

Best Buy also has another solid deal on a wireless Xbox gaming headset that I haven't reviewed... yet. I actually have it in the box right behind me, and it's on my list  to review for Windows Central in the near future. It's a very affordable multiplatform wireless gaming headset that supports Xbox and Windows PC, but also rocks Bluetooth support for everything else. Right now, it's even cheaper than ever for a limited time, running just $79.99 at Best Buy.

This deal also has a benefit of being offered through Best Buy. As a trusted, reputable retailer, you're getting easier returns and better customer support when buying through Best Buy. Depending on your area, you may be able to get your new headset in as little as two hours thanks to in-store pickup, too. A My Best Buy membership can net other benefits like faster (free) shipping, longer 60-day return windows, exclusive deals, and more! For more information, you can check out our in-depth guide on My Best Buy memberships.

More great Black Friday deals

• Walmart: Black Friday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• Top individual deals:
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + free $75 Target gift card for $634.99 $449.99 at Target
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $46.29 at Walmart
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III for $639.99 $489 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • HP OMEN 27qs for $429.99 $299.99 at Best Buy
  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless for $169.99 $129.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series S + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99 $249 at Walmart
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $1,029.99 $749.99 at Lenovo
  • HP OMEN 34c for $479.99 $329.99 at Best Buy
  • Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K 27-inch monitor for $1,599.99 $1,299.99 at Best Buy

Why I still use the RIG 900 MAX HX after reviewing it

At the end of my RIG 900 MAX HX review, I concluded that RIG had crafted a "high-end wireless headset with fantastic, balanced sound and great features." There's one feature in particular that kept the 900 MAX HX as my go-to Xbox gaming headset, though, and that's the docking station. It may sound like a small thing, but that base station is incredibly convenient and makes the RIG 900 MAX HX one of the best Xbox headsets for me.

Sure, the RIG 900 MAX is incredible light and very comfortable to wear for hours at a time. It's also true that it sounds lovely, with detailed audio bolstered by fantastic Dolby Atmos surround sound support. Yes, it's a great headset to use with all platforms, thanks to the inclusion of 2.4GHz wireless for Xbox and Windows PC and Bluetooth for everything else. It even works great with your phone, with a well-featured mobile app that is surprisingly useful. All of that is true, but the charging dock is what helps the 900 MAX HX stand out in a vast, unending crowd of great gaming headsets.

You simply plug the base station into your Xbox Series X|S console (it also works with Xbox One, too), and the dock handles charging, connecting, and displaying your 900 MAX HX. I never have to worry about the battery life on my headset (although it is impressive on its own), because it's always fully charged when I easily lift it off the dock. I never have to worry about connecting my headset to my Xbox, because it automatically turns on and connects through the dock, which acts as a wireless transceiver. There's no hesitation when I'm done gaming regarding where to set my headset, either, because the dock station proudly displays upright via simple magnets.

• Recommendation: The charging cable included with the RIG 900 MAX HX is really short! If you want to display your headset a little farther away from your Xbox, invest in this 6ft USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable for $16.99 at Best Buy that'll handle all your charging and wireless connectivity needs, but at a distance.

The RIG 900 MAX HX isn't perfect, though. While it can connect via 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth simultaneously, it can only use one at a time; you can connect to your Xbox and your phone at the same time, but you can only hear audio from one or the other. The wireless connectivity wasn't as stable as some other competitors like Razer, too. Finally, the design and build quality are simply lackluster at this price point, which is the biggest drawback for me, personally. At the full retail price of $249.99, those cons may be enough to deter some buyers.

Now the RIG 900 MAX HX is available for the lowest price I've ever seen, though, making it much easier to forgive the headset's weaknesses. For just $199.99 at Best Buy, I can't recommend this wireless gaming headset for Xbox and Windows PC enough. It sounds fantastic when playing any of the best Xbox games, and it has served me very well during and after my review.

If you'd like to save even more money, I also linked the RIG 800 PRO HX above, which also features the docking station alongside Xbox and Windows PC support, but drops multiplatform connectivity via Bluetooth and loses out on sheer quality in a number of areas. For the even more price conscious, the RIG 600 PRO HX linked above is even more affordable, giving you an incredibly well-rounded and well-featured multiplatform wireless gaming headset for well under $100 — but you do lose the docking station. Whichever headset you choose, though, RIG will treat you right.

Welcome, friends, to Black Friday 2023. What was once a day is now basically a week, or longer, of non-stop deals great for the holidays. Nab yourself, or a loved one, a great gift at reduced prices — and we're here to curate and advise on the best buys throughout. 

To that end, say hi to a personal favorite. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is currently enjoying a tidy $50 saving at various retailers, including Amazon. This is presently my favorite Xbox headset and sits at the top of our best Xbox headsets list for 2023. While it's not the headset I currently use as my daily driver (for reasons I'll explain below), this is absolutely the headset I would use if I didn't need one niche feature for game streaming and content creation. 

More great Black Friday deals

• Walmart: Black Friday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• More individual deals:
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + free $75 Target gift card for $634.99 $449.99 at Target
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $46.86 at Walmart
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III for $639.99 $489.99 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless for $169.99 $129.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series S + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99 $249 at Walmart
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $1,029.99 $674.99 at Lenovo

So why is the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro such a great headset?!

So, why exactly don't I use the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro if it is so great? 

The reason is simple: it doesn't have SPDIF optical audio inputs. 99% of you won't care about this, but SPDIF optical audio allows me to inject audio directly from my TV while having the headset itself hooked up to my PC for streaming games on my YouTube channel. For that, I instead use my battered, aging Astro A50 (which by the way, is also on sale right now.) 

I could connect the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro to my TV via Bluetooth to get the same multi-device scenario I need, but my Samsung TV's Bluetooth signal just isn't very good. Cables are more reliable in that scenario. The Stealth Pro Bluetooth is excellent when connected to devices that have similarly excellent Bluetooth signals, though, like your modern smartphone likely has. But I digress. 

The reasons you should buy this headset are legion. This is simply the best Xbox and PC gaming headset on the market right now. In my Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review I outline in more detail exactly why I believe this, but I've tested dozens upon dozens of headsets over the years, particularly on the high-end. I'd choose this over the Astro A50 if I didn't need SPDIF, since the Stealth Pro has better sound overall, is more comfortable, and has a better microphone. It also has on-board ANC, which eliminates external sound incredibly well, making it a great option for music and travel use as well (and yes, you can detach the mic if you want to go fully mobile with Bluetooth.) 

I also prefer it personally over the similar SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which is the headset I use when I'm visiting my parents and I'm back in my old bedroom. The Nova Pro is superficially similar, with hot-swappable batteries, similar Bluetooth and USB sound mixing, and active noise cancellation. However, it's quite small. If you got a large head like me, the Stealth Pro I feel is a bit more generous on the ears, with thicker cushioning overall, with more reassuring build quality. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (which I also reviewed) has an awesome digital audio controller with a retro pixel-style display, though, which is awesome. 

It can also mix two USB devices, meaning you don't have to swap cables around to play on multiple consoles or PCs. It is, however, not on sale this holiday season. The fact the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro comes in $50 cheaper with this deal makes it a no-brainer win in most scenarios, unless you were specifically looking for something on the high-end that can easily switch between two devices without alternating USB. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro sadly, is not on sale, though.  

We've witnessed some outstanding deals grace our screens in the lead up to Cyber Monday, and here's the most the most impressive mid-range headset offer yet — the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max. Despite its lengthy name, its 48+ hours of battery life almost matches the word count. Both the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max and its predecessor stand out as the most comfortable headsets I've ever experienced. Now, you can grab one for under $90 as a few retailers have slashed the prices of the new colors to $89.99 and $59.99 in the Cyber Monday sales that end at midnight, so if you want a great Xbox headset without breaking the bank, go fast!

More great early Cyber Monday deals

• Walmart: Cyber Monday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• Top individual deals:
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $45.18 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • Xbox Series S (512GB) + Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) for $299.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) from $1,029.99 $674.99 at Lenovo
  • HP OMEN 34c for $479.99 $329.99 at Best Buy
  • Microsoft Audio Dock for $249.99 $48.61 at Amazon
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for $349.99 $297.49 at Amazon
  • Keychron C3 Pro keyboard for $49.99 $27.74 at Amazon
  • WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox (1TB) for $149.99 $124.99 at Best Buy
  • ASUS ROG Ally (AMD Ryzen Z1) for $599.99 $449.99 at Best Buy
  • LG Class A2 OLED (48-inches) for $1,299.99 $549.99 at Best Buy
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (Ryzen 9 7940HS, RTX 4060) for $1,599.99 $1,199.99 at Best Buy

Why this is one of my favorite headsets

I own the previous model of this headset, the only difference being that the MAX has an increased battery life to a whopping over 48 hours, and it's so incredibly comfortable to wear with my glasses which is normally the make-or-break moment for a headset for me. The original scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5 in our Turtle Beach Stealth Gen 2 review, and still sits comfortably on our best Xbox headsets list.

The Pink and Teal colors that were added to the MAX range earlier this year also represent Turtle Beach's commitment to more sustainable efforts with its periphials, as they are the brands first certified Carbon Neutral products. Turtle Beach has achieved this goal by drastically reducing the plastics used in its packaging, using sustainably sourced paper trays and boxing materials, and substantially reducing the size of its packaging for accessories. These adjustments are said to lower carbon output when transporting their goods, and they have committed to being a member of the Million Mangroves program. An ecological restoration project to restore mangroves in areas of wildlife around the world. Microsoft is already leading the way in big tech's commitment to positive climate goals, and it's great to see companies like Turtle Beach joining in the movement.

While the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX is compatible with both Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, it is specifically marketed as 'Designed for Xbox' with the familiar seal of approval on the headset packaging. So you needn't worry about it's compatibility as Microsoft crack down on unlicensed third party accessories. It includes a 2.4GHz wireless USB transmitter means you can switch between console and PC with the flick of a switch, and the microphone is a familiar flip-to-mute system. Simply put, this a great headset and the best you can get in this price range, so go quick either for an upgrade for yourself or a holiday gift for the Xbox gamer in your life. 

Say whatever you want about RIG, the company is consistent in its design language and focus. Now under the NACON brand, RIG is well-known for its distinctive gaming headsets that prioritize being ultralight and ultra-comfortable. RIG headsets also span every conceivable platform and price range, and the new RIG 900 MAX HX sits at the very top of the heap.

This premium wireless gaming headset is Designed for Xbox (and Windows PC), but it's also compatible with PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. It's extremely comfortable to wear, boasts amazing audio quality with a wide sound stage, and its long battery life is of no concern with the charging dock base station included in the box. There are a lot of features packed into this headset, which make up for the high price tag and the awkward, cheap-feeling design that works wonders at lower prices but feels a little out of place here.

Here's my full review of the RIG 900 MAX HX.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by NACON. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• Despite being a premium-priced headset, the 900 MAX HX is actually well-featured at this price range versus its competitors.
• Design concerns aside, the headset is built well, and you get extra features like a full-sized charging base station, Dolby Atmos support, a surprisingly thorough mobile app, and more.
• Cost-cutting measures can be found in the materials, the packaging, and the lack of niceties like extra cables (or a USB Type-A extender) or travel bag.
• Value rating: 4/5

The RIG 900 MAX HX is a premium wireless gaming headset (couldn't you tell by the large number in its name?), so it comes with an equally premium price tag. At a penny under $250, you need to be certain this is the headset you want before pulling the trigger. Premium headsets of this caliber are really a "deal," but RIG has done a fair job undercutting the competition.

For the price, you're getting excellent sound quality and plenty of features, including two forms of wireless connectivity, a supremely comfortable build, a fleshed out mobile app, and Dolby Atmos with Dolby's new Personalization service. The main reason to consider this headset over others, though, is that base station. The 900 MAX HX comes with a base station in the box, which displays the headset, charges it through magnetic pins, and provides storage for the 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle.

It's a luxury convenience, for sure, but one that many people still value highly. Most other high-end headsets don't include a base station, including more expensive alternatives from SteelSeries, Turtle Beach, and Audeze. This headset also costs up to $100 less than the flagship options from those aforementioned companies, although that cost reduction isn't without compromise. The headset's design and build quality, including the materials used, are a considerable step-down versus the flagship competition.

You can also see the efforts to lower the price tag as much as possible in the barebones packaging, and the lack of other hardware niceties like extra cables or a carrying bag. In the box, all you get is the RIG 900 MAX HX, the 2.4GHz wireless USB Type-A dongle, the RIG 900 MAX HX base station, and the power cable for that station.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• The 900 MAX HX follows RIG's iconic design language, being an angular headset constructed of plastic, soft fabric, and a metal headband.
• The design both looks and feels far cheaper than the headset actually is, with off-putting uses of textures.
• It is functional, though, achieving a low weight without sacrificing the mic or on-headset controls.
• Design rating: 3.5/5

If you're at all familiar with RIG headsets, then the 900 MAX HX won't stand out in the slightest. This premium peripheral adopts the exact same design language RIG uses across its entire lineup, from sub-$100 budget headsets to the upper echelons dominated by the 900 MAX HX. That means angular earcup designs, fabric cushions, a stylized reinforced headband, and a suspended fabric strap often preferred by headsets promising the best comfort.

There aren't many ways the 900 MAX HX really differentiates itself from other RIG headsets. The materials used aren't noticeably higher quality, nor do we get a more refined or premium design. Unless you knew what to look for, the 900 MAX HX could easily be mistaken for basically any other RIG headset. Many RIG fans love the company's design language, but it does present some concerns at this lofty price range. Considering feel, looks, and intuitiveness... The RIG 900 MAX HX simple doesn't compare to other premium wireless gaming headsets.

There's a distinct lack of polish here. The use of lightweight plastic does its job of shaving off grams, but it feels cheap in your hands. There's a ridged texture along the plastic earcups, but it only serves to obfuscate the location of the on-headset buttons, which are soft, lack texture, and are nearly flush with the headset (leading to brief moments of searching until you master where the buttons are). The mic is nondetachable, secured via a hard plastic arm that pivots down to activate the mic, and flips up to mute it and stow it away — but it feels concerningly fragile, with a decent amount of wobble and give. Even the way you adjust the headset's headband feels cheap and even a little unsettling, requiring that you forcefully snap the earcups off the headband and press it into one of the other two slots.

None of the fundamentals are missing here, and this headset design is functional. I'm also not too concerned about the overall build quality, as the headset does feel well constructed in spite of the choice of materials (and the steel headband is rock solid). Fortunately, some of these tradeoffs are worth it when you put the headset on.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Comfort

Comfort highlights

• Soft cushions and a suspended fabric headband ensure comfort and breathability.
• The lightweight design also makes sure you don't notice the headset, even after hours of gaming.
• Too-soft clamping force and that odd headset size adjustment approach are cons in this area.

For all the weaknesses this headset has in the design department, it excels at comfort. After all, many of those compromises in materials were made to achieve a weight of just 241 grams. That's approaching the weight of the average smartphone, and when distributed across your head means you hardly notice the RIG 900 MAX HX. Weight does matter, but the 900 MAX HX enhances this comfort in other areas, too.

The earcups are nice and roomy, surrounding by simple fabric-wrapped cushions that are soft and breathable. It's not my favorite texture for an earcup cushion, but I still never noticed my ears getting stuffy or sore while wearing this headset. The suspended fabric headband is also fantastic, dynamically adjusting to your head without applying extra pressure. It's extremely comfortable, a sentiment I've echoed with other suspended headband headsets I've worn.

There are minor cons, though. I already mentioned the odd snap headset adjustment. Aside from design and build quality concerns, it also limits adjustability to just three tiers and the flexible fabric headband, rather than the far more granular, traditional sliding adjustment seen in most other gaming headsets (and headphones in general).

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Sound quality

Sound quality highlights

• The 40mm drivers are loud, detailed, and offer a crisp and wide soundstage with great stereo separation.
• It's not clear how much of a difference Dolby Personalization does, but Dolby Atmos 3D does make for excellent surround sound.
• The headset is well-balanced for gaming of all kinds, music, video conferences and calls, and more, with equalizers and sound profiles in the app to finetune the sound.
• Audio rating: 4.5/5

The single most important thing for any high-end headset to nail is sound quality. I was a little concerned to see that, at least on paper, the 900 MAX HX uses the same 40mm drivers as RIG's much more affordable headsets. However, after extensive usage, I can say this headset does sound as good as its price suggests it should. Sound is dynamic enough to adjust to anything you listen to, from competitive first-person shooters to cinematic adventure games to video conferences to music.

It's crisp and detailed, the sound stage is wide enough to lend an epic feel when appropriate, and the headset has more than enough volume (honestly, it almost gets too loud). There are plenty of options to customize the sound experience for both the speakers and the microphone through RIG's NAVIGATOR app, too, so you can get exactly the kind of sound you want. Is it the best-sounding headset I have ever heard? No, but it does feel appropriate for the $250 price range.

A lifetime license for Dolby Atmos 3D is included with every RIG 900 MAX HX. To make full use of it you'll have to have the accompanying Dolby Access app on your Xbox or Windows PC, but I do believe it makes a difference. The surround sound experience is gorgeous, with the headset able to realistically and believably move sounds around you in real-time. It's one of the better examples of surround sound in headphones that I've seen.

This is also the first headset to feature Dolby's new Personalization service, which uses your smartphone with a mobile app to record your head and ears shape and size, and create a custom profile to enhance the 3D audio effect. How much of a difference does it make? I honestly couldn't tell you, but I did genuinely love using Dolby Atmos with the 900 MAX HX.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Microphone quality

Mic quality highlights

• The mic sounds decent, with solid clarity, detail, and background noise suppression.
• It doesn't compete with the very best headset microphones, but it's more than good enough for game chats and phone calls.
• The nondetachable mic arm doesn't feel very sturdy, though, and keeps the mic quite far from your mouth.

Headsets, even in the premium category, often stumble when it comes to the microphone. Fortunately, the RIG 900 MAX HX doesn't make the same mistake, even if it's not going to push the category forward in any way. This microphone is a simple affair with no fancy tricks, but it does sound pretty good. It's clear, the details are there, it responds well to sudden changes in pitch, and background noises are reasonably suppressed. Is it the best at any of these things? No, but it's also not bad in any area.

Overall, I think this mic is more than suitable for most people who will buy it. It can handle game chats, video conferences, and phone calls with aplomb. If you're looking to do content creation, though, I'd still suggest investing in a standalone mic or a better all-in-one solution like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023). You can check out a sample of the RIG 900 MAX HX's mic above.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Connectivity

Connectivity highlights

• The RIG 900 MAX HX is equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 for multiplatform connectivity, but works best with Xbox and Windows PC via 2.4GHz wireless.
• There is no wired connectivity, but you can toggle a Dual wireless mode to connect to 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously.
• It isn't true multi-source audio mixing, though, and there are very oddities surrounding wireless connectivity.
• Connectivity rating: 4/5

At first glance, it seems the RIG 900 MAX HX has everything it needs for an impeccable wireless experience. In practice, things are slightly less polished. You do get Bluetooth 5.1, which provides a stable and high quality connection to PlayStation, Switch, Android, and iOS devices. Xbox and Windows PC get a more gaming-oriented, lower latency 2.4GHz wireless connection via a USB Type-A dongle (with a switch to change between Xbox and PC). No, there's no direct Xbox Wireless support here.

The 900 MAX HX has three separate connection modes. Game connects solely to the 2.4GHz dongle. Bluetooth connects to, well, Bluetooth. Finally, Dual connects to both simultaneously, but this isn't multi-source audio mixing. Your headset is connected to two devices, sure, but the 2.4GHz connection takes priority. While the USB is connected, you can't actually use the Bluetooth connection for any media consumption. What the Dual connection does is allow you to take phone calls while gaming — you'll be able to accept or reject a call via the multi-function button, and take it via the headset and its mic. However, there's no audio through the 2.4GHz connection while you're doing this. Ultimately, it's one or the other.

The Dual connection doesn't even let you customize the headset using the Dolby Personalization or NAVIGATOR mobile apps, for some reason. You have to be in Bluetooth mode. There are no options to use the headset wired, either, which may disappoint some people. Finally, my connection wasn't always perfect. On PC, I encountered fairly frequent wireless interference when connected to my laptop (which had nothing else, but a wireless mouse connected), something I haven't experienced with any other wireless PC headset I've tested. My connection via Xbox was far more consistent, but I did have one instance when the headset suddenly disconnected entirely, and then reconnected a few moments later.

Overall, this experience is fine. Bluetooth works great, and 2.4GHz wireless is (usually) great, too. Oddities with the Dual mode and the lack of a wired connection aren't dealbreakers, and the few issues I had with stability weren't frequent enough to make the headset unusable for gaming.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Battery life and charging

Battery highlights

• The 900 MAX HX isn't the longest-lasting headset around, but still beats other more premium headsets.
• The battery life is consistent, reliably reaching around 50 hours of use on a single charge.
• You'll never have to worry about it, though, because the base station makes it incredibly easy to keep your headset fully charged.
• Battery rating: 4.5/5

Let's keep this simple: The RIG 900 MAX HX has great longevity. No, it's not best in class, nor does the headset support fancy hot swappable batteries. It is consistent and reliable, though. You can expect around 50 hours of battery life when using the 900 MAX HX, with perhaps a few hours less if you do the entire run while in Dual mode. If you're just using the 900 MAX HX for media consumption or gaming on your phone, you can squeeze a few more hours out of it.

What makes this headset great, though, is the charging experience. Sure, it can charge via USB Type-C like most other modern headsets, but it also features a base station in the box. Set the 900 MAX HX on the base station, and it'll magnetically attach and wirelessly charge via pogo pins. It's effortless and seamless, and ensures that your headset is always fully charged whenever you need it. Honestly, it's a small convenience — but one you miss when other headsets don't have it.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Other features

Other features highlights

• The 900 MAX HX features its aforementioned base station with docked charging, and it can also act as the wireless transceiver.
• You also get the NAVIGATOR mobile app with tons of options, and Dolby Atmos with its unique Personalization service.
• There's no active noise-cancelling and the onboard media controls are missing one important feature.
• Other features rating: 4.5/5

The base station is obviously the headlining feature of the RIG 900 MAX HX. Included in the box, it's a simple plastic base in which you can magnetically dock your headset to display it upright and keep it charged. That alone is an added convenience, of course, but the dock can actually connect directly to your Xbox via a USB Type-A port. If you do that, you can stash the 2.4GHz wireless dongle in the dock via a handy silo, and the base station will act as a wireless transceiver. It doesn't save you a USB port, by any means, but it does keep your setup as clean as possible.

Elsewhere, the RIG 900 MAX HX NAVIGATOR app is surprisingly well-featured. You can install firmware updates, edit mic gain and volume level protection, enable mic monitoring, switch between various sound profiles or set a custom equalizer (EQ), and even customize the start mode when powering on the headset, toggle the voice prompts and tones in the headset, and more. The app can be a little slow to start, but once you're in it's nicely laid out, performs well, and is reliable. Dolby Atmos is also easy to set up and use with the mobile, Xbox, and Windows PC apps.

The onboard controls aren't quite as thorough. You get the mode button to switch between the three wireless modes, the power button, a multi-function button, and a dial. The former two are self-explanatory. The multi-function button depends on the mode. When connected to Xbox, a single press changes the dial between volume and the chat mixer (changing the balance between game audio and chat audio). When in Dual or Bluetooth modes, a long press prompts your phone's digital assistant, a single press answers or ends a phone call, and a long press rejects an incoming call. When just connected via Bluetooth, a single press plays/pauses media. This is all perfectly fine... But there's no way to skip to the next/last track when listening to music. The 900 MAX HX sounds good enough to be a multipurpose headset, but that one feature would be really nice to have.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Competition

If you specifically want a premium wireless Xbox and Windows PC headset that has a charging base station, the RIG 900 MAX HX is hands-down the best Xbox headset you can buy right now. It's genuinely good. If you want that same experience but for a lot less, you can consider the RIG 800 PRO HX, but you'll be giving up some sound quality, a lot of battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and the extra features from the NAVIGATOR and Dolby Personalization apps.

At a similar price point but without docking, the Razer Barracuda Pro is a far better multipurpose headset with active noise-canceling, but it doesn't work with Xbox. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal is a great multipurpose headset with incredible sound quality and ANC that does work with Xbox, and it can be found at even less than the 900 MAX HX thanks to heavy discounts — but it's not as gaming focused. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 are even more affordable, and is an awesome wireless Xbox headset that does support true multi-source audio mixing and direct Xbox Wireless.

If you'd like to spend more, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are both more premium headsets, but you're getting far better design and build quality, superior sound quality, and active noise-canceling in both headsets. At the $250 sweet spot, though, the RIG 900 MAX HX is a compelling choice.

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Score card

• Back to the top ⤴

RIG 900 MAX HX review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

You should not buy this if ...

Review scores are difficult. Their usefulness is suspect at best, but it's also complicated trying to condense a product down to a simple, hard number. I went back and forth with the RIG 900 MAX HX, because there's a lot of good here offset by just a few compromises. Overall, this is a really great wireless gaming headset that works well with a lot of platforms, especially Xbox consoles.

Whether they'll be worth the $250 versus other excellent alternatives comes down to how much you want that base station. I have to be honest, I'd miss it if it was gone; any time I review a headset that doesn't have one, I'll think about it. If you don't care as much and would like to save some money, there are absolutely other options (even if you do care, RIG actually makes a cheaper dockable wireless Xbox headset, if you don't need the multiplatform features). RIG has taken everything that makes its fans love its products, though, and condensed them into one high-end wireless headset with fantastic, balanced sound and great features.

• Back to the top ⤴

We reviewed the HyperX CloudX when it was released way back in 2016, and spoiler, it reviewed exceptionally well. It even featured in many of our 'best of' articles, including best Xbox headsets and best PC gaming headsets over the years. But, with this value option headset still on the scene today, how does it fare against the plethora of other gaming headsets out there?

Well, it still holds its own — with very few fallbacks to note.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by HyperX. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

HYPERX CLOUDX Review: PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS

HyperX Cloud X Review: Pricing and specifications summary

• The HyperX CloudX offers a lot in the way of quality for the price, with a $59.99 price point.
• One of the best gaming headsets in its price range. 

The HyperX CloudX offers an unbelievable amount for such a small price: comfort, good build quality, as well as excellent sound quality — if you're looking for a cheaper headset without all the bells and whistles, then this is your guy.

HyperX has priced their mid-range gaming headset fairly at just $59.99, although it's often discounted.

In the box itself, you will find the HyperX CloudX gaming headset, along with the detachable microphone. There's no longer a case included like there was when it was originally released which was a little disappointing, but what did I expect for such an affordable price point?

HYPERX CLOUD X Review: DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY

HyperX CloudX review: Design and build quality summary 

• The design hasn't faltered much from the original release, but that's totally fine. 
• An aluminum frame and memory foam earcups help to make this one of the comfiest mid-range headsets out there. 
• No changeable earcups anymore is quite disappointing. 

Over the years since the HyperX CloudX's release, it really hasn't changed much — if at all. This isn't bad, though; if it's not broken, don't fix it, right? It is kitted out with an aluminum frame that's both sturdy and flexible, 100% memory foam earcups that are light and fluffy, and a 3.5mm braided cable that won't get tangled every chance it gets. 

So, let's talk about those memory foam earcups. Yes. They're incredibly comfortable, but they are a leatherette material that can often become quite sticky, for lack of a better word. The disappointing thing here is that HyperX used to offer an extra set of velour earcups in the box (which, personally, I would have preferred), but sadly, this appears to be another thing we miss out on in the trade of a lower price. It's all down to personal preference, though. If you like leatherette cups, they do the job. 

Now, as soon as you put the CloudX onto your head, you will notice just how lightweight it is, making it extremely comfortable during long gaming sessions. This is where the "CloudX" ultimately earns its namesake. I can't tell you the number of times I have had to remove other headsets because my ears are hurting after a few short hours. But, these seemed to fit well, with minimal discomfort. 

With the CloudX's being priced as low as they are (especially right now), it's surprising to me just how good their quality is. Honestly, I expected them to feel relatively cheap and be particularly easy to break. But that's not the case, and I have been pleasantly surprised. 

HYPERX CLOUDX Review: SOUND QUALITY

HyperX CloudX review: Sound quality summary

• The HyperX CloudX has decent sound for an entry-level gaming headset. 
• Good mids, highs, and lows across the board. 
• No onboard surround sound, only stereo, or software surround via Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos (activated separately). 

Coming as standard with 53mm drivers and enhanced bass reproduction, the CloudX's isn't at all bad. You've got to remember that these aren't high-end gaming headsets, so you can't expect the sound quality to be anywhere close to that. But, for what you pay, you're getting as good sound as is possible at this price range. Indeed, this is arguably the best "entry-level" gaming headset in terms of sound reproduction. 

These aren't surround sound headsets like some of the pricier offerings from competitors; the CloudX only has stereo sound, meaning if you're heavily into your first-person shooters like Call of Duty or Apex Legends, then these may not be the best fit for you. Stereo can offer some positional awareness, of course. But it wasn't enough to accurately pinpoint where a particular sound was coming from. You can elevate this aspect of the headset using a software surround solution, such as Windows Sonic on PC or Xbox, or the arguably superior Dolby Atmos solution — the latter comes with a fee though, sadly. 

Related: Windows Sonic vs. Dolby Atmos

It's worth noting, too, that the earcups themselves do exceptionally well at blocking out the outside noise around you. As soon as they cover your ears, you can hear very little other than what is going on inside them, and again, that wasn't something I was expecting from a headset priced this low. 

HYPERX CLOUD X: MIC QUALITY

HyperX CloudX review: Mic quality summary

• The detachable mic is extremely welcomed.
• Noise cancellation works pretty well.
• Mic can be moved into any position that works for you.

You will rarely get studio-quality mics on gaming headsets, even on the most expensive offerings, and that's fine. Ultimately, they do what they're supposed to. That's how I feel about the HyperX CloudX; it does what it should at an adequate level. You won't want to use it to record any audio, but why would you? 

One thing it does do well is within the noise cancellation. The CloudX does a fantastic job at keeping outside noise out of your microphone, which your friends will be grateful for, especially if you are around a particularly busy household. 

Let's talk about the one thing I adore about the CloudX's mic: the fact that it is entirely detachable. When you're finished gaming, you can quickly and neatly pack it away without fear of bending the mic out of place or damaging it. 

Speaking of which, the CloudX allows you to bend the microphone in any direction you like to suit your preference better. 

HYPERX CLOUDX: FINAL THOUGHTS

There's a reason we generally recommend the HyperX CloudX as our top pick for entry-level gaming headsets, and this review reiterates the fact that this is still one of the best headsets for raw value on the market. Despite having virtually zero major revisions over the years, the HyperX CloudX is still the "value" option to beat, with solid build quality, great audio quality, and a rock-bottom price point. 

You should buy this if...

• You are looking for an affordable, good quality headset for Xbox or PC.
• You want a comfortable gaming experience.
• You want a simple-to-use gaming headset without all the bells and whistles.

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You're looking for a more higher-quality sound.
• You prefer a wireless gaming headset.

The HyperX CloudX is hands down one of the best "budget" headsets there are available, with excellent sound quality not sacrificed for build quality. Yes, there are obviously much better alternatives out there if you're willing to spend the money on them, but if you're looking for something to do the bare minimum for the bare minimum, this one is for you.

Starfield is Bethesda's latest entry into the RPG market that many would say they've helped define. Hitting high marks around the world with reviews and reaching over a million players across all platforms in less than a week, Starfield has come out swinging as one of the best games in 2023. With that said, you might wonder how to enhance your experience or get more Starfield in your life. Look no further: we've got the lowdown on some of the best companion peripherals I've ever seen to go alongside a game!

The official Starfield Xbox controller

Let's start with the controller first. I own 7 Xbox Series X|S controllers, from the standard black, the Series S white, a couple of fabulous colored controllers, as well as a Thrustmaster eSwap Pro X. Without a doubt, the Starfield controller is the best looking one I've ever seen.

I mean, look at this thing. It's gorgeous; there's no other way to explain it. The color scheme is not only helpful in detailing the controller layout but also sleek enough to leave holders starstruck. Controllers don't get better looking than this.

The more drastic control bindings easily stand out, like PWR and THROT. More humorous sections on the handles of the controller state GRIP HERE with arrows pointing downward. Every quick little scan leaves the holder smiling at the attention to detail.

What about these triggers? Usually, I strongly dislike controllers, cases, and electronics with a clear casing, but this controller found a way to make its usage pop. The gold emanates from underneath, pulling the owner towards some eye candy that makes you want to locate and thank the designer of this handsome thing.

Even the touch is superb, reminding me of the diamond grips on Microsoft's Elite series of controllers. While you may not find yourself getting as sweaty in Starfield as in Call of Duty, it adds a layer of plushness to the senses that tops off the premium feel this controller provides.

For a controller that doesn't add any extra competitive features, it checks off every other box you'd want it to. Not to mention the gorgeous dynamic background.

Starfield's $130 headset

Now, the headset. This thing surprised me. For $130, I wasn't sure what I was getting. I'm generally the weird guy who buys headsets in the $200-$300 range. To top it off, I stay away from wireless technology and stick to corded. That was until this pretty thing.

Immediately, I felt the positives of having a wireless headset. The pairing was an absolute breeze, intuitive to the point that I didn't even need to check the instructions. I was hearing the sounds of Starfield within seconds. Both in-game and from the built-in sound effects. The menu sound from ingame plays when players first boot the headset up.

No cord meant true freedom; no longer was I tangling myself up, nor did I have to worry about creating too much tension on the cable. If I wanted to grab something, I could place the controller down without taking off the headset. There are so many benefits I neglect in the name of sound precision.

The comfort is excellent once you properly adjust the headset to your head size. It feels plush against the sides and allows players hours of continual use without needing a break. Simply pleasant to the touch.

If you're a genuine audiophile and need an accurate sound down to the millisecond, this isn't the headset for you. There are issues with the bass being overly 'boomy,' and a noticeable latency if you look for it. Leaving players who want the fastest reaction times to footsteps in competitive games at a slight disadvantage.

The only other slight knock I have to give it is the light-up microphone. While it's initially fantastic to see and lights up to tell you that the microphone is active, it can be a nuisance during late hours. TV on, not another light on in the house, suddenly the rays of the cosmos will beacon from your microphone if you need to use it.

Should you buy them?

After buying these on hype during the Xbox showcase event, I'm glad I did. These are two of the coolest items I now own in my gaming collection, and they're some of the few items that are actually usable. I'm looking at you, Halo 3's 'legendary helmet.'

So, get these if you're in the market for a new controller, headset, or something that's simply nifty. They're amazing, and I'm proud to own them. Find where to buy them if you are lucky enough to find them both in stock!

What you need to know

• RIG, now a subbrand of NACON, has manufactured gaming accessories for over a decade.
• On Thursday, the company announced the RIG 900 MAX HX, its latest flagship wireless gaming headset.
• Designed for Xbox, it combines premium audio, a charging base station, and multi-device connectivity.
• It's the first gaming headset with Dolby Personalized Audio through Dolby Atmos, using a compatible smartphone to create a personalized sound profile.

Xbox gamers, this one is for you. NACON has announced a new ultra-premium wireless gaming headset through the RIG brand, and it's a flagship peripheral of the 'Designed for Xbox' program, boasting a sleek base station and showcasing a brand-new audio standard from Dolby.

The RIG 900 MAX HX is an impressive piece of audio kit. It's a high-end wireless gaming headset through and through, and while the focus is certainly on Xbox, you're not limited to that platform.

This headset features both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, providing support for Xbox, PlayStation, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. You also have a dual wireless mode that lets you mix audio from both wireless connections, allowing you to listen to music, take calls, or stay in a voice chat while playing games.

Of course, you get a base station to dock the RIG 900 MAX HX when it's not in use, making it easy to keep your headset charged. Even without that, you're still looking at up to 50 hours of playtime via Bluetooth or an even greater 60 hours via 2.4GHz wireless. So far, this wireless headset is ticking all the boxes it needs to, but it has one more ace up its sleeve.

This is the very first headset to market featuring Dolby's Personalized Audio. It's an elevated form of Dolby Atmos spatial audio that uses your smartphone with Dolby's companion app to create a personalized, unique profile based on your ears, head, neck, and shoulders. It sounds great in theory, but we'll have to see how well Dolby's latest audio standard delivers. RIG is also releasing the 900 MAX Navigator mobile app, giving you access to more advanced customization like a full equalizer, microphone sensitivity options, wireless modes, and more.

All of this makes the RIG 900 MAX HX one of the most well-featured wireless gaming headsets for Xbox. If the complete experience lives up to the premium price tag, this could very well be one of the best Xbox gaming headsets. And, while the best experience with the 900 MAX HX will undoubtedly be found on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One, multiplatform connectivity may also make this headset one of the best PC gaming headsets around.

The RIG 900 MAX HX is now available from Best Buy, retailing for a whopping $249.99. It's no budget gaming headset, gunning straight for the high-end segment alongside competitors like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and Turtle Beach Stealth Pro. Both these headsets are critically acclaimed and have earned their premium designation, but it remains to be seen if RIG's latest headset can do the same. Fortunately, I'll be writing an in-depth review of the RIG 900 MAX HX for Windows Central, so stay tuned.

It's a great day for gaming headsets with another wireless announcement, although this alternative from Razer won't work with Xbox: The BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is now available and aims to offer an excellent esports-focused wireless gaming experience on Windows PC without breaking the bank. At just $130, it may be one of the greatest values of the year.

A good headset can mean the difference between a comfortable gaming session and a ruined evening, but there's a confusing wealth to choose from. Wired variants offer their own benefits to offset the cable downsides, but not every wireless headset supports Xbox compatibility either.

Over the past decade, I've personally reviewed dozens of Xbox and PC headsets, building up a huge collection that makes it easy to compare and contrast models in depth.

This hands-on (or is it ears-on?) experience gives me a unique perspective on recommending the best Xbox headsets, the vast majority of which are also compatible with Windows PCs and, increasingly, PlayStation and mobile devices too.

Ultimately, my goal is to make sure you get the best product for your specific needs. Truth be told, there's no single 'best Xbox headset' for every single person, of course. Everyone's needs are different, whether it's features, budget, or whatever else. With this article, I aim to help you find the best Xbox headset for you, based on a variety of factors.

Let's dive into our latest rankings for the best Xbox headsets, refreshed and updated. Here’s what you need to know before making your pick, whether it's a treat for yourself or a gift for someone else, during any deal events offering tempting discounts.

February 18, 2026: My standard healthcheck shows good availability for our picks as we move further into the new year! — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor

The best headsets for Xbox in 2026

These are our top picks for every major category and user scenario. Whether you're going for something wireless, something wired, or the best overall bang for your buck.

For this section, we've focused on those three main categories, looking at the headsets that go all the way up to a premium price point (while still making sense), as well as our top headsets for practically anybody and everybody.

Right now, I'm dropping our top accolade on the new Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) launched last year, for its sheer value and versatility.

I've also added a new category for the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, which I've actually fully replaced my Samsung Galaxy Buds with. If you have any further questions on any of these, of course, drop them in the comments below.

The best overall Xbox headset

An absolute savant of Xbox headsets, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) takes the crown as our best Xbox headset to buy as of 2026, owing to its sheer price-to-performance ratio, versatility, and absurd 80-hour battery life.

When I received my Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) unit for our review, I was honestly not expecting to be totally blown away. The Stealth 700 range from Turtle Beach has generally been unimpressive, sitting somewhere between their 600 models and their "Pro" models — performing slightly better than the $50 cheaper option and notably worse than their $250+ models.

All of that changed with last year's Gen 3 refresh, which not only beats far more expensive headsets on pure audio, but delivers an overall experience that makes it, what I consider to be, perhaps my favorite Xbox headset of all time.

Monster 60mm "eclipse" dual drivers hide comfortably inside this elegant and understated headset, which looks at home on your sofa as much as it does on your daily commute.

A flip-to-hide mic and stable, high-quality Bluetooth receivers, and truly insane 80 hour batteries make it a great option for using for music, travel, movies, and multimedia. But where it truly delivers is in its gaming prowess.

This headset can be connected simultaneously to multiple gaming devices, with two USB dongles in the box for one PC and one console. The headset can hot-swap between them with a quick on-ear button press, and also feed in simultaneous Bluetooth audio if you want to chat on Discord or listen to music while fragging noobs.

Those 60mm drivers also offer a cavernous soundscape, which deliver pin-point surround for enhanced tactical play. You can take the tactical play even further with Turtle Beach's strategic sound profiles, which sacrifice some cinematic quality for emphasis on footsteps and enemy positional tells.

Robust software on Windows PC and mobile devices make it easy to configure and set up, and the high adjustability and premium-feeling earcups make for lasting comfort across your cranium and skin alike.

What really blew my mind is that this headset retails for $199, and is often on sale for even less. This headset beats far more expensive headsets, and should be seen as the first headset anyone considers for their gaming experience, whether you're on Xbox, PC, PlayStation, or beyond (or all at the same time!). Fantastic.

Best budget wireless Xbox headset

Here's a headset that I wasn't particularly impressed with first time around, but second time seems to be the charm. For those of you who don't fancy dropping $199 on a headset like the above, the second best Xbox wireless headset option is right here, and typically hovers around $99 depending on where and when you look for it.

Last year, the official Xbox Wireless Headset from Xbox itself (thanks for the SEO confusion there Microsoft!) got a bit of a refresh, although the differences are quite subtle, they do coalesce into what is ultimately a far better product.

The previous model was among the first to offer simultaneous Bluetooth audio mixing, which has become pretty much a standard feature. However, the 4.2 signal wasn't shielded particularly well from interference, making it middling in general usage. Now, it has been upgraded to 5.3, and coupled with a better overall design it becomes far more usable over long periods.

Although if you're looking for Bluetooth quality as a main sticking point, you might want to consider a more expensive headset like the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) above. The new model also comes with Dolby Atmos surround onboard, no subscription or additional purchase required, although I do think that's why the headset retails slightly higher than the previous model. It's more than worthwhile, though, I would say.

The new model does away with the gaudy green trimmings for something a little more modern and neutral looking, with an all-carbon black design. The new model also has boosted battery life, hitting 20 hours on a charge instead of 15.

All of these improvements make this the best "entry level" wireless headset for Xbox. Most wireless headsets generally start at around $99, and while this one is effectively "no frills," it does set the quality bar for budget wireless Xbox headsets to a fairly high standard.

The best budget headset for Xbox

What year is it? I feel like this has been on this list for years and years at this point, but it's simply true that this remains the best Xbox headset for those who don't want to break the bank.

There's a reason HyperX has been manufacturing this headset non-stop for the better part of a decade at this point — its the pinnacle of "no frills" budget-best for those who simply want a headset that works, and won't fail them.

The HyperX CloudX has barely changed in almost ten years, and it frankly doesn't need to. I did a re-review of the HyperX CloudX fairly recently, and found it still has everything you need in an Xbox headset.

It's a 3.5mm wired option, with an airy, light-weight design, but impressively powerful cans, delivering a bassy, cinematic soundstage on a relatively svelte price point. Leatherette cups, on-ear controls, and a braided cable really is the epitomy of "it does what it says on the tin," offering affordability as its headline feature.

This headset retails generally for around $70, but you can often get it for less during sales events. I would generally always recommend against going cheaper than this, if for no reason other than the fact cheaper, no-brand headsets will fall apart on you, forcing you to simply buy something again later.

If you're going to end up spending $30 or $40 multiple times on a cheaper headset, you might as well spend a bit more and get something that will last for a seriously long time. Perhaps even forever if you treat it well.

The most premium headset for Xbox

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is my go-to headset when I'm staying at my folks' place, and after years of endless use, I'd say it remains arguably the best option overall for most gaming set ups. It is, however, not cheap.

It's a $350 RRP package that nets you not only a powerful, and comfortable headset with Bluetooth and a retractable microphone, but also a multi-device digital audio controller with its very own LED display.

Indeed, it's quite absurd how potentially "over-engineered" this headset could be described as, which comes complete with active noise cancelling and hot-swappable rechargeable batteries for good measure. However, if you are someone who will actively use all of the features contained herein, it might just be the best headset money can buy for your set up.

An update to the headset's design last year fixed one of the only flaws it previously had, which was a strange plastic protrusion in one of the earcups. It was the ANC microphone sticking into people's ears, but SteelSeries heard the feedback and now has an updated model for 2026 use.

As someone who has a desk-based set up across PC and Xbox, having a device that can incorporate multiple endpoints simultaneously is something I always enjoy. The audio profile is pretty solid out of the box, but comes with robust EQ software to help you get it perfectly right for your preferences.

You can easily control audio levels, mic monitoring mix, ANC, noise gate, and various other functions from either the software or the digital audio controller directly too. The DAC has a dial that also functions as a button, and it has a capacitive touch "back" button as well to help with navigation, flush with the façade.

The DAC also houses a dock for a rechargeable battery, which lets you swap them on the fly to ensure you're never out of juice. It's a really nice touch as someone who does spend a ton of time inside a headset.

Leatherette cups and high adjustability make them very comfortable too, and the retractable microphone and muted design make them a viable option for travel use. Bluetooth and ANC support make them a truly great option for use on planes and trains, and the ability to mix sound between multiple devices is a great option on top.

But yeah, it's certainly not cheap. You can get a lot of the same functionality, honestly, with the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) above for almost half the price — but the active noise cancellation and DAC controller really sets it apart.

The best Xbox headset for pure audio

Audeze has a pedigree for delivering top-class, professional-grade audio gear with peerless fidelity to audiophiles, audio engineers, music producers, and more. The core of the company's legacy rests in its planar magnetic technology, unique drivers that provide clearer, more detailed, and more responsive audio than your average pair of headphones.

The Audeze Maxwell brings that technology to Xbox, PC, and PlayStation games in a modern, wireless package.

Former staff writer Zachary Boddy reviewed a ton of gaming headsets across a wide variety of price ranges, but not one has even approached the level of audio quality the Audeze Maxwel delivers.

In their Audeze Maxwell review, they couldn't stop gushing about how amazing this headset sounds; if you care about sound quality above all else, the Audeze Maxwell is almost certainly the best-sounding wireless gaming headset in the world. Whether you're gaming, watching movies, listening to music, or even just talking on the phone, the Maxwell excels.

Planar magnetic technology has its drawbacks, though. For one, the Audeze Maxwell is a heavy headset, so those sensitive to the weight of their headset may want to steer clear. The Maxwell is also expensive, coming in at $329 for the Xbox-specific version and $299 for the PlayStation-specific version.

If you're curious why Xbox gamers need to pay more, it's because that version includes a Dolby Atmos license for enhanced spatial audio.

You're also getting a full-featured wireless gaming headset with ultra low-latency 2.4GHz connectivity across Xbox and Windows PC, and Bluetooth 5.3 for hi-fi wireless audio across the rest of your devices. Wireless performance is genuinely flawless with no signs of interference or latency, and you can still fall back on the high-resolution USB Type-C port or tried-and-true 3.5mm audio jack.

Build quality is also excellent, and while the Maxwell is heavy, Audeze clearly worked hard to make the headset as comfortable as possible. If you can find one of the special edition colorways, too, your gaming headset will stand out.

If you're worried about those planar magnetic drivers sucking up a lot of juice, the Maxwell actually boasts one of the long-lasting batteries I've tested, with up to 80 hours of actual usage on a single charge.

Audeze also nailed the microphone, which frankly shocked us considering the company's lack of experience with mics — the Maxwell competes with the best in terms of microphone quality.

Brilliant audio quality and spatial sound performance, a solid mobile app for customization, multi-device connectivity, and excellent build quality make the Audeze Maxwell a fantastic choice, as long as you can bear with that price tag, the excessive weight, and its admittedly awkward onboard controls.

The best Xbox earbuds

I didn't expect to end up loving this headset as much as I did, but here we are, adding it to our illustrious "Best Xbox Headsets" list for 2026.

SteelSeries is a great headset manufacturer. I use the Arctis Nova Pro as a daily driver when I'm visiting the UK, as the firm really understands the multi-modal future gamers are rapidly heading into.

What if there was a headset that could do do everything that most of the products on this list can do, albeit in a more traditional, portable, earbuds form factor? The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds are here to offer exactly that.

Complete with features you'd expect to find on Galaxy Buds or AirPods, like active noise cancelling and on-ear controls, the Arctis Gamebuds can also connect directly to an Xbox or PC via its USB-C dongle (with USB-A adaptor included).

Switch to Xbox, PC, or Bluetooth on the fly with on-ear controls, and access deeper configuration tools with its Arctis app.

The sound quality is very good too, at least on par with my Samsung GalaxyBuds, with good separation. You lose some positional awareness potentially from the narrower soundstage, but I was still able to get directional audio adequately while playing Overwatch and Call of Duty coupled with Windows Sonic or (not included) Dolby Atmos.

This headset also excels with comfort, delivering perhaps the most comfortable in-ear experience I've ever had. I wore these for hours while raiding in World of Warcraft without even noticing they were still in. They also have beefy battery life for earbuds, at 10 hours per charge, with a further 30 hours inside the carry and Qi Wireless charge case.

Honestly, were it not for the poor microphone experience, I might even consider these as one of, if not the best Xbox headset worth recommending in 2026. Obviously the microphones were never going to compete with a dedicated boom mic, but they're still decent enough for party chat and comms.

The most convenient wireless headset for Xbox

The Astro A50 was my go-to personal Xbox headset for years and years, and was only very slightly supplanted by the Arctis Nova Pro due to the Nova Pro's Bluetooth capabilities. Last year, Astro closed the gap, with the latest version of the Astro A50 headset.

The Astro A50 is a pure Xbox and PC headset with a convenient wireless charging dock, which houses the headset and charges the batteries when it's not in use. The battery life is generous at around 24 hours, up around ten hours from the previous gen.

It will generally satisfy the vast majority of marathon gamers in most scenarios. The battery however isn't swappable, which means if it ever goes completely flat, you may need a replacement. I've had my past-gen Astro A50 for several years at this point, though, and found that it still maintains a charge extremely well. Astro doesn't get cheap on its cells, thankfully.

In my Astro A50 review, I found that the Gen-5 model has improved on the overall sound experience, dropping their on-board surround solution in favor of Dolby Atmos licensing.

The audio profile on the A50 is balanced and pleasant out of the box, although admittedly not what I would call mind-blowing. Using the apps though you can set up dedicated profiles for specific games, which elevates the experience by a large amount.

What is mind-blowing is the mic experience on the new Astro A50, which might be the clearest sound delivery I've ever had on a "gaming" headset. This is potentially content-creation grade quality, which often eludes headsets.

The main reason I ended up using this headset for so long above everything else is convenience. A dedicated dock for constant recharging makes this a big winner in my book, ensuring I'm never without power for streaming or podcasting.

The Arctis Nova Pro edged it out thanks to its Bluetooth support, but now, the Astro A50 supports not only Bluetooth, but also fully wired platform switching via USB-C cables. I criticized Astro for only including one USB-C cable in the box to that end, though.

Also, its perhaps a slight downside that the headset dock now requires a dedicated power source too, whereas the previous model didn't.

Still, overall it's still a staple in the gaming headset market. It's a fantastic product that over-delivers potentially in key ways. The Arctis Nova Pro has it beat on versatility potentially, with its retractable mic and ANC for travel, but for pure gaming set ups (particularly within the living room where you can't reach for the Nova's DAC), the Astro A50 might be the overall winner for you.

How to choose the best Xbox headset

These are the best Xbox headsets as of 2026, but as we move through the year, other options may become available. There are many headsets that are likely overdue for a refresh, and other options that we haven't included in this list because, they most likely have competitors that either offer slightly better value or slightly better features.

While writing this guide, I paid careful attention to the fact that not every headset is ideal for every person.

There's certainly not a "one-size-fits-all" approach to choosing the best Xbox headset for you, especially when you consider things like features you want (or need), and what your general setup is like — although, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) comes closer than ever to truly being an "everything" headset for most people.

The two main differences between Xbox headsets in 2026 boil down to wired, and wireless. Although in a way, all Xbox headsets are wireless, since you even connect wired headsets directly up to your wireless controller, generally.

Most headset manufacturers these days do focus on wireless-ness for the convenience. However, the upside of a wired headset is that they're generally cheaper than the wireless counterparts since they don't need batteries or wireless radio transmitters to connect to your console.

They use a 3.5mm cable that plugs into the underside of your Xbox controller. The downside is, powering the headset from your controller can drain the battery, and plugging the controller in to charge it while using the headset jack can introduce interference.

I would suggest that, unless you absolutely are on a tight budget, that you gun for a wireless headset as your first on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S.

Wireless headsets can be more expensive for sure, generally starting at around $100, but you most likely will get a boatload of added features as a result. Wireless headsets almost always come with Bluetooth as of 2026, often with the ability to mix sound from two different sources into one headset.

Using something like the Arctis Nova Pro or the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) for example, you can feed comms from Discord on a phone or PC, while using the Xbox signal for your game sound.

All the wireless headsets we've listed on this best Xbox headsets list come with this functionality. As Microsoft explores multi-platform capabilities more and more, these types of experiences will become more standardized. Being able to use the same headset across both Xbox, PC, and for cloud gaming via mobile is something Microsoft envisions for the future of its ecosystem.

Wireless headsets often come with onboard software too for configuring things like equalization, mic-monitoring volume, and even active noise cancellation at the higher end. The downside is, again, the price, but also the fact that you often have to keep them charged up. Over very long periods of time (years), lower-quality wireless headset batteries may completely dry up, too, with no way of replacing them easily.

Although we are seeing a trend of swappable batteries coming to wireless headsets, and the options on this list have been heavily tested, in some cases for years, with battery degradation in mind. My old Gen-4 Astro A50 headset is still chugging along, despite being in active use for over half a decade.

Picking out the best Xbox headset can sometimes be a bit subjective, too. What the headset actually looks like might be important to you, and some may prefer a different design from others.

Sound reproduction can be a bit subjective to the listener, too, as things like age, general preferences, and even skull and ear shape can affect how we perceive sound.

Headsets that go beyond the standard 20Hz to 20kHz range may offer a richer sound experience as frequencies that dissipate beyond the standard range sound more natural as they slip out of your perception, but we're getting into almost philosophical levels of soundscaping here.

This "best Xbox headsets" guide focuses on headsets that deliver good audio, comfort, features, and value as the four key pillars. Every headset on this list will at least give you a baseline high-quality audio experience, and gradually step up in quality as you go to higher price points.

I would avoid picking up anything cheaper than the HyperX CloudX at $70-ish dollars, since no-brand cheap headsets from the likes of Wish or Temu are just going to break on you, forcing you to buy multiple sets anyway.

You might as well save a bit and get something that will truly last, and everything on this list will survive a fair degree of punishment, as long as you give them at least some respectable treatment.

For the vast majority, I do recommend the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3), if you can punch your budget up that high. The Official Xbox Wireless Headset above offers a decent experience now too at a much more affordable price point, while the Audeze Maxwells, Astro A50, and Arctis Nova Pro all give premium payers something to shoot for on the high end.

For those who just want the best entry-level sound experience with zero frills and a low price, the HyperX CloudX remains, even after years upon years, a truly great option.

If you don't care about having super high-quality microphones, the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds might be a great option too.

They are at least on par with Samsung GalaxyBuds for audio and active noise cancelling with your phone, and provide far better comfort and battery life on top. I've fully replaced my GalaxyBuds with the Arctis Gamebuds, I've been that impressed with them.

As always, you can hit me up on X (Twitter) @JezCorden or in the comments below for any questions or further advice!

Shopping advice

1. Check Amazon listings against CamelCamelCamel

Artificial discounts come from retailers raising the price of a headset just before major events, which can make the percentage saving amount seem higher than it really would be. CamelCamelCamel can take an Amazon US (or UK) product link, and show you the lowest price over various time frames, including the lowest-ever recorded price.

2. Utilize store membership where possible

Exclusive discounts can sometimes appear with My Best Buy memberships, with equivalents available via Walmart Plus and Target Circle. It might not be as common for headsets, but sometimes, prices can change if you're logged into a retailer's web store with a valid account and active membership. Always check your membership perks before buying.

3. Read our reviews and hands-on insights

Customer reviews are helpful, but there is an undeniable problem with bots. Fake, AI-generated commentary is becoming widespread, and particularly problematic on Amazon, but it is spreading to other platforms. Read our reviews of any particular headset first, where you'll see real-world imagery and hear genuine insights. Each year, this part becomes more important.

If you're a gamer, there's a very good chance you've already heard of SteelSeries. The manufacturer of a vast assortment of gaming accessories and peripherals, SteelSeries rose to fame with its excellent Arctis gaming headsets and expanded into keyboards, mice, and more. Now, SteelSeries' flagship line of headsets falls under the Arctis Nova brand, and I've been using the mid-range, Xbox-specific Arctis Nova 7X as my primary gaming headset for a few weeks.

Priced below $200, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X aims to offer a premium audio experience to gamers without breaking into the premium price sector by focusing on the basics and leaving behind extraneous features. It's a very good headset with solid audio quality, and it's weirdly nice as an everyday-use, multiplatform pair of headphones. It's not the most exciting wireless gaming headset, though, and it doesn't excel in every category that matters.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by SteelSeries. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Arctis Nova 7X: Price and availability

The Arctis Nova 7X is priced at $179.99 and is widely available from SteelSeries and other retailers. The headset undercuts other popular $200 wireless gaming headsets, and I personally think the price is fine for this headset's capabilities, quality, and its viability as a general-use headset. If you're just planning on using the Arctis Nova 7X for gaming (especially if it's exclusively with Xbox), this headset may feel a little overpriced. For those buyers, I've seen this headset go on sale for as low as $150, which feels like a sweet spot.

Arctis Nova 7X: Design and build quality

Spiritually, the Arctis Nova 7X (and its other 7-series variants) is very much the successor to the hugely popular and much-beloved SteelSeries Arctis 7, one of our favorite gaming headsets from the time. Physically, it closely follows the new design language set by the hyper-premium (and expensive) SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, a flagship wireless headset that still sits near the top of the best Xbox gaming headsets of all time.

This means a thinner, lighter two-tiered earcup design constructed of matte plastic, with all the headset controls lined up on the upper tier of the earcups. You also get removable (replaceable) magnetic plates on top of the earcups, an adjustable metal headband, and a suspended strip of gently elastic fabric to take the place of headband padding. While the Arctis Nova 7X understandably doesn't quite compare to the premium fit and finish of its more expensive sibling, it's obvious at a glance that it's part of the same family of headsets.

The build quality is also very good. Everything is perfectly pieced together, and the headset has a decent amount of flex and adjustability for comfort and fit, but there's no creaking, and everything feels rock solid. It feels every bit like a premium mid-range $200 headset. My only build quality concern is that the retractable mic feels a little bit on the flimsy side, making me wonder how well it will retain its tension and function over years of use.

SteelSeries also provides some avenues for customization, as you can swap out the headband strap and magnetic speaker plates for a variety of different colors SteelSeries sells. The company sent me its rose gold booster pack (it's pink), and I can see a lot of people really enjoying this feature.

Comfort-wise, SteelSeries has made a great headset. The headset "floats" on top of your head thanks to the suspended strap, and the earcup cushions are soft and breathable. There are certainly lighter gaming headsets, with the Arctis Nova 7X clocking in at 325g, but I could wear the headset for hours of gaming without discomfort in my neck or the top of my head.

I think the physical earcups are a tiny bit too small (I wear earrings, so it feels a little cramped compared to some of the other headsets I have lying around), though. I also think the headset's clamping force is ever so slightly on the weak side, as the headset tended to slide around my head quite a bit with any sudden movements. Headbanging while listening to music is a no-go with this headset, sadly.

Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is not the most comfortable headset I've ever used — that honor still goes to the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) — but it's certainly a very comfy, well-designed, beautifully constructed headset.

Arctis Nova 7X: Playback quality

SteelSeries is no stranger to building a great-sounding headset, and its Arctis Nova Pro is a prime example of this. That premium headset fully embraces hi-fi audio, and it sounds incredible. The Arctis Nova 7X does not offer that same audio experience, but the DNA is there. The 40mm drivers inside this headset sound clean and clear, with a decently wide soundstage that helps you hear everything as it's intended. It's a good sound if a little boring.

That's because SteelSeries went for a more neutral, natural sound profile. Some people prefer this sound, especially audiophiles, but most people would rather have a more dynamic, poppier audio experience with deeper bass and clearer highs. I enjoyed using the Arctis Nova 7X for all manner of things, and it sounded really nice with everything I threw at it. It's not tuned like a gaming headset, though, at least not to my ears.

Other, similarly priced headsets like the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) sound better in games, flat out. I can hear more detail, and the things I need to hear stand out more. The Arctis Nova 7X feels more like a general-use pair of headphones that happens to be pretty good at gaming, not a gaming headset that happens to be good at all the other stuff. I almost preferred to listen to music on this headset than to use it to play competitive games like Valorant.

Of course, there are ways to tweak that sound profile to your needs, which I'll cover more below. SteelSeries' GG software and its Sonar component provide a lot of tools, but it only really helps if you're gaming on a PC. This is presumably an Xbox gaming headset first, and you lose all of that control there. The Arctis Nova 7x also doesn't have onboard memory to store different sound profiles, so you really are stuck with the headset's good (but not great) default audio sound profile and tuning.

Contributing to this good-but-not-great consensus, there is a very noticeable static in the background of the Arctis Nova 7X at higher volumes. I rarely had the headset loud enough to hear the static, but it is there and should be noted. The Arctis Nova 7X does not support active noise cancellation (a rarity in this price range), but it also has next to no passive noise cancellation.

The earcup cushions are nice and breathable for long play sessions, but they also do very little to block out external noise. I could hear absolutely everything around me, even while gaming or listening to music, to the point where I almost felt like the Arctis Nova 7X was acting as an echo chamber and amplifying outside noise rather than dampening it.

Arctis Nova 7X: Microphone test

I didn't have high hopes for the bidirectional mic on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, but I was pleasantly surprised by its quality. Again, though, it's just good and not great. I sounded perfectly fine in audio recordings, games, and in video conferences with the Windows Central team, with my voice coming in clear and sounding mostly natural.

This is SteelSeries' ClearCast Gen 2 mic. It's bidirectional, supports background noise canceling, and is retractable. You can listen to an audio recording of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X mic below.

I believe most people would be perfectly happy with this mic, although content creators and professional gamers will almost undoubtedly still prefer a standalone mic or something better. It doesn't hold a candle to the consistency and quality of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), for example, which is more responsive, sounds less compressed, and is far better at filtering out background noise.

That's the biggest weakness of the Arctis Nova 7X's mic — its tendency to pick up background noise. There is AI noise canceling options on PC with SteelSeries Sonar, but not with any other platform like Xbox. The mic regularly picked up the noises of my daughter talking while playing Minecraft in the next room (sounds that I could also hear, thanks to the lack of passive noise canceling on this headset). Apart from that, though, this is a solid headset mic; not the best, but very far from the worst.

When the mic is retracted, it is still active, so you can use it for phone calls without having to drag it out. The audio takes a hit like this (you'll sound more distant and compressed,) but it's serviceable for quick calls.

Arctis Nova 7X: Wireless connectivity

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is a true multiplatform wireless gaming headset. The only difference between this variant and the normal Nova 7 is support for Xbox through the 2.4GHz wireless dongle (there's a switch to change between PC and Xbox on the dongle), which means this headset supports Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, PlayStation, and Switch, and other mobile devices. This is thanks to the inclusion of 2.4GHz wireless (PC and Xbox), Bluetooth (everything else), and even the option to plug in directly when you need to go wired.

You also get simultaneous source mixing, which is a great feature and a must-have for many players. This means you can be connected to a PC or Xbox through 2.4GHz and another device through Bluetooth at the same time and hear audio from both at the same time. Want to play PC games while talking on the phone? You can do that. Playing on Xbox with Discord on your phone? You can do that, too. How about listening to music while playing games? Yup. It's a very nice feature, and SteelSeries has done a good job implementing it.

That's because there are basically two power buttons. One (actually labeled the power button) strictly turns on 2.4GHz, connecting your headset to the USB dongle automatically. The other is the Bluetooth button, which strictly turns on Bluetooth (I had to manually connect the headset to my phone each time, though). You can choose which wireless signals you need when you need them or turn on both for simultaneous audio. It's intuitive and works well.

One surprising, nice-to-have feature that further enables the Arctis Nova 7X as an everyday-use headset is multimedia controls when connected via Bluetooth. You can pause/play media and pick up / hang up calls with a single press of the Bluetooth button, skip forward a track with a double tap, and go back with a triple tap. With a volume wheel on the other side, you have everything you need to use the Arctis Nova 7X for listening to music and taking calls while on the go without needing to get your phone out each time.

I did have a few complaints about wireless connectivity, but nothing too serious. Besides needing to manually connect the headset to my phone each time I turned Bluetooth on, I also had issues getting the Arctis Nova 7X to connect to my Xbox after each time I used Bluetooth. For some reason, it would just refuse to connect via 2.4GHz until I unplugged the USB dongle and plugged it back in, then it worked.

Finally, the Arctis Nova 7X relies on a USB Type-C dongle that not only takes up one of the very limited ports on my Xbox Series X but also requires the Type-A to Type-C extender cable to connect (which isn't SteelSeries' fault, the Xbox Series X should have a Type-C port).

I don't think an Xbox-specific version of the Arctis Nova 7 was necessary since it's utterly identical in every way (including price) other than the USB dongle not supporting Xbox — Just make one version with the same platform support. A "7X" alternative should have native Xbox Wireless support, in my opinion, but that's pretty uncommon in wireless gaming headsets, sadly.

Arctis Nova 7X: Battery life

SteelSeries rates the Arctis Nova 7X at 38 hours of battery life over 2.4GHz wireless and 26 hours of battery life with simultaneous source mixing (2.4GHz and Bluetooth). After using this headset as my primary Xbox gaming headset for a couple of weeks, this estimate seems pretty accurate. The Arctis Nova 7x has great longevity, although not best-in-class (again, that honor goes to the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro). Still, it's an improvement over its predecessor and does sit among the upper ranges of battery life in wireless gaming headsets.

When you do need to charge the headset, you can do so via the USB Type-C port, which does support fast charging. Six hours of playtime will cost you 15 minutes of charging, and you probably get a full 0-100% charge in around an hour and a half. This is pretty standard for a modern gaming headset, and I don't really have any complaints in this category. The Arctis Nova 7X has good endurance and a good charging experience. You can always use the 3.5mm audio port and plug in directly if you run out of juice, too (a cable is included in the box).

Unlike the Arctis Nova Pro or some other high-end headsets, the Arctis Nova 7X does not feature swappable batteries or a charging dock. At this price, that's perfectly reasonable and expected.

Arctis Nova 7X: Extra features

The Arctis Nova 7X doesn't have a lot of extra features or niceties to its name. It's a straightforward, well-rounded wireless gaming headset. The only thing it really has is SteelSeries GG, a software platform for SteelSeries products that includes Engine (for lighting customization and firmware updates, among others) and Sonar, a comprehensive audio customization and equalizer platform that you can use with most headsets.

This software is...decent. There are quite a few options, which can be overwhelming but also provide granular control for users to tweak the audio profile of the Arctis Nova 7X to their heart's content, with a bunch of presets for specific games and tasks. You can also find various settings, such as noise cancellation for mics and even a feature to filter out background noise from your friends' voice chat from apps like Discord, which is very neat.

However, none of this is exclusive to the Arctis Nova 7X or even SteelSeries headsets. You can use all of these features with the headset you own now. What it is exclusive to is PC, which is a real shame. This is an Xbox gaming headset, but you don't have any control over the headset beyond its physical onboard controls when you're playing on Xbox. Hopefully, this will change in the future.

Arctis Nova 7X: Competition

There are a lot of sub-$200 wireless gaming headsets, but the top of the bunch is easily the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023). I've already mentioned it a lot in this review and for good reason. It's more comfortable, sounds better, lasts longer, has more features, and has a far better mic than the Arctis Nova 7X for just $20 more. The only compromise? You'll lose Xbox support, and it's not able to do simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections (you have to switch between them). It's a far superior gaming headset, but it's not as good as a general-use pair of headphones.

If you need Xbox support, you can also consider the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX. This headset is very similar to the Arctis Nova 7X in that it supports Xbox and PC via a USB dongle and all other platforms via Bluetooth and has simultaneous source mixing. The Turtle Beach sounds better overall, though, with a more fun sound profile better suited to gaming and superior passive noise canceling. It lasts just as long (if not longer) than the Arctis Nova 7X and is also mighty comfortable. The Arctis Nova 7X has a better mic, though, and its Bluetooth connection is more stable and provides a better audio experience than the Turtle Beach.

You could also consider the LucidSound LS50X, another great multiplatform wireless gaming headset with a better overall audio experience than the Arctis Nova 7X. This headset was a lot more expensive, but now you can regularly find it heavily discounted, making it a high-value alternative to the Nova 7X. LucidSound headsets have some quality control concerns, though, with SteelSeries having a better reputation for durability.

Arctis Nova 7X: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You need a multiplatform wireless gaming headset that supports Xbox
• You want a headset that you can use for far more than just gaming
• You want audio source mixing with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless

You should not buy this if ...

• You plan to only use this headset for gaming and nothing else
• You value great sound quality above everything else

I really like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X. It's a great multiplatform, multipurpose wireless headset that's also very enjoyable to use for gaming on Xbox and PC. It's well-designed, lasts a long time, and doesn't have any major flaws or drawbacks. The biggest failing of the Arctis Nova 7X is just that it's not better than the best Xbox headsets in any area — It's just the same level of good all around. If you want one headset that can do everything for you, this is a fantastic choice.

If you just want a wireless headset for gaming, especially on Xbox, there may be better options for you with superior audio or feature sets. If you don't even care about Xbox support, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is quite simply the better gaming headset. Still, anyone picking up the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X as their next wireless gaming headset is bound to be happy with what they get... A headset that's good for gaming and for everything else.

One of the best wireless gaming headsets you can buy for under $100 is the official Xbox Wireless Headset from Microsoft, thanks to its multiplatform support and unique features. If it's good at $100, though, how amazing is it at less than HALF of that? Right now, you can pick up this fantastic Xbox and Windows PC wireless gaming headset for just $49 at Walmart.

Windows Central has reviewed a lot of gaming headsets for Xbox and Windows PC. Our list of the best Xbox gaming headsets is filled with our favorites in every category. Not one of those headsets can compete with the sheer value on offer with this discount. The Xbox Wireless Headset is basically a steal at $49, which is less than 50% of its full price.

In our Xbox Wireless Headset review, we praised Microsoft's debut entry in the space, as "The features are without peer in this price range, and the headset construction and ergonomics are top-notch." Incredible competition in the $100 price range means the Xbox Wireless Headset isn't a total knockout across the board, as its mic and sound quality aren't best-in-class. At $49, though, there's absolutely nothing that comes close.

The Xbox Wireless Headset boasts a premium, high-quality design with excellent comfort and incredibly intuitive controls similar to the Surface Headphones 2, with lovely dials baked into the earcups letting you quickly control audio mixing and volume. It also includes Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth support, letting you connect directly to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and basically any other Bluetooth-enabled device. Yeah, it's a fantastic, comfortable gaming headset that works with multiple platforms, and it's less than $50 right now. What are you waiting for? Buy it before it goes out of stock.

In the market for more deals? Stay tuned to Windows Central, as Amazon Prime Day is coming, and we're already finding all the best deals across Windows PCs, Xbox, accessories, and much more.

Welcome to our Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review! Turtle Beach has stayed away from the high-end premium headset market for a while, and perhaps for good reason. The firm's last $300+ headset was the Elite 800, which delivered on sound but fumbled with its internal microphones. Fast forward a few years, and Turtle Beach is back with a vengeance. 

Say hi to our Stealth Pro review. The Stealth Pro encompasses all of the firm's learnings in recent years, replete with design sensibilities that showcase a capacity to listen. I feel as though the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro has absorbed all of my negative feedback on the firm's products over the years, addressing them with confidence while over-delivering in many, many ways. As a long-time fan of the Turtle Beach brand, it's frankly exciting to see them nail a premium product this hard right out of the box, with minor complaints doing little to sully its near-perfect delivery. 

The Stealth Pro is quite arguably the best Xbox headset and best PC gaming headset on the market right now.

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review: Specs

No Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review would be complete without a run down of the spec sheet. Turtle Beach impresses with a no-compromises set up here, with impressive ANC sound suppression, solid battery life, and an impressive array of features.