How to pick the right Xbox gaming headset for you

Astro A40 TR with MixAmp (2019) Source: Windows Primal

And then you're in the market trying to detect the all-time Xbox 1 headset for you. What exactly does that mean, and what exactly should you be looking for?

Headsets are a vibrant and abundant market place, but the spec sheet is oftentimes packed with disruptive terms, which often aren't clear. Even now, you can notice audiophiles on YouTube who fence over the minutia and nuance of high-level audio reproduction. What are the basic rules of thumb, though?

This is how to choice the right Xbox headset for you, and the key things to await out for.

Related: Best Xbox One headsets
Related: All-time Xbox One wireless headsets

Interfacing and compatibility

Source: Windows Key Modern Xbox controllers accept a three.5mm jack underneath for headsets.

Kickoff of all, you lot need to know that the headset you're looking for is actually compatible. For instance, headsets that rely entirely on Bluetooth are a no-get for Xbox. Instead, you demand to look for headsets that have listed wireless compatibility with Xbox, or headsets that utilise 3.5mm jacks. Headsets that have their own wireless signals tend to use USB dongles attached to your Xbox to connect, or may have directly-to-console Xbox Wireless signals, such as the LucidSound LS35X.

The electric current Xbox 1, Xbox Ane S, and Xbox One X consoles all support SPDIF optical as well, but the next-gen Xbox Serial X does non. All the same, some of the best SPDIF-reliant headsets like the Astro A50 are being updated for the Xbox Serial X to apply USB instead. Additionally, you lot should exist able to simply plug the same SPDIF optical cable into your TV to get Xbox audio that way.

Nigh gaming headsets say loud and proud on the box what their compatibility is, but it's merely something to be enlightened of and so that you don't accidentally selection upwards the wrong matter.

Audio

LS35X and SteelSeries 9X Source: Windows Central

Audio is a tricky one since everybody has a different sense of hearing acuity. Diverse ecology factors, including things like head shape, age, hearing damage, and much more, can impact how each individual perceives the audio from whatever given source. There are a few rules of thumb you tin can follow when trying to pick the right Xbox headset for y'all, though.

I discover that *gaming headsets oft emphasize audio in the high-range, reducing mids to create clarity around sound effects that might give you a tactical advantage.** For example, the clicking of a player reloading around the corner, or their footsteps. Bass might also get a big accent on creating a sense of impact, although likewise much bass can often drown out those earth-shaking highs. Not many gaming headsets I've used are particularly astonishing at separating details compared to high-end music or studio headphones. Still, as a trade-off, you'll as well get a microphone and other features necessary for a dandy all-round gaming feel.

Frequency response: Determines the range of frequencies the speakers in the headset tin can put out. The standard range most headsets cover is twenty Hz to xx KHz, although yous may detect some headphones that get beyond this for various reasons. Low frequencies are associated with bass typically, and loftier frequencies are associated with higher-pitched sounds. The human ear supposedly can't detect audio outside of these ranges, merely a wider frequency response notwithstanding might give a more impressive soundscape through subharmonic resonance.
Speaker size: Most gaming headsets listing either 40mm or 50mm neodymium magnets. For headsets, the size of the commuter doesn't exactly determine the quality, but in that location are other features worth beingness enlightened of beyond this.
Surround sound: Surroundings sound is obviously crucial for gaming headsets since it helps you determine where your enemies are in competitive play and may also assistance immerse you in the game's earth. Microsoft's Xbox consoles come with Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos virtual surroundings, which helps produce a sensation like to a total 5.1 or seven.ane environment sound prepare even in stereo headsets. Some headsets also come up with 7.i virtual surround sound baked in, which in my experience often produces a meliorate soundscape.
Other features: Some headsets have on-lath controls to help you alter the volume on the wing, conform the mix between game audio and these sorts of things. Some headsets might fifty-fifty take wirelessness, including charging docks, or USB cables for charging instead. In those instances, you may want to look at bombardment life equally a factor. Typically, the more features a headset has, the more than expensive it will be. Generally, you'll get what you pay for, though.

Mic quality

LucidSound LS35X Source: Windows Fundamental

In my experience, at that place's no real way to decide mic quality only from looking at a spec sheet. Still, for gaming headsets you lot desire to utilise just for chat purposes only, information technology basically doesn't really matter, since Xbox Live and other chat programs will limit the quality of the output anyhow. This is why well-nigh gaming headset microphones typically max out at 16-fleck sample rates, whereas music or podcasting-form microphones may go up to 24-chip, for example. The vast bulk of gaming headsets don't have particularly stellar microphones for this reason. Withal, there are a few that go a little flake across average if you desire a bit of versatility. For streaming or content cosmos, you'll want a dedicated microphone like those found in our Best Microphones for Streamers commodity.

Mic monitoring: One feature to wait out for is mic monitoring, which is sometimes too chosen sidetone. Mic monitoring lets you hear yourself speak while speaking, which can be handy if you find yourself speaking unnecessarily loudly, which can happen if you can't hear yourself. Some people don't like sidetone, though. Most headsets out at that place let y'all disable it if you're not a fan, usually through PC software or some on-ear control scheme. It's worth checking reviews for this information when you come to purchase.
Retractable/detachable: If you desire a headset that you can utilise both for Xbox and when you're out and about, you may desire to ensure that the microphone tin exist retracted or removed, so that it'due south not poking out when you're on the train or the bus, for example.

Comfort and Construction

Atlas Aero Source: Windows Central

This 1 will prove itself to be subjective to the wearer. Anybody'due south ears, head, and sensitivity is different, and it's difficult to decide simply past looking at or reading about a headset to figure out if it'll exist the correct Xbox headset choice for you. Some headsets have thick padding, which helps with comfort but may increment the sense of isolation across what you adopt. Manufacturers are always pushing new ways to increment condolement, too. The LucidSound LS35X has coolant gel in the earcups, for example, which feels peachy in the summertime, or if you peculiarly dislike having warm ears! The Turtle Beach headsets likewise come with a unique aqueduct for glasses wearers, which tin can be handy if you like your spectacles on the thick side.

On the construction side, effectively, you become what you pay for. More expensive headsets take a denser, higher-quality structure that should run into them final longer and be more than resistant to accidental drops or harm.

Option the right Xbox headset for you!

LucidSound LS35X Source: Windows Central

There are dozens upon dozens of options out there, from manufacturers of all shapes and sizes. The biggest brands tend to be the most reliable — their brands became big due to their reliability and consistent quality. It's simply when you get down into the details where choosing becomes a lilliputian chip more difficult. Brands nosotros typically recommend for best Xbox I headset and all-time Xbox One wireless headset are usually from companies similar Astro, SteelSeries, Turtle Beach, HyperX, Razer, and LucidSound. There are many, many more than options out in that location to consider, though.

Utilize the in a higher place examples to guide you through the different features to look out for, and let us know in the comments what yous're using!

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