When it comes to finding the best wireless gaming headset for your console or platform, sometimes the first-party options offer the best experience. For example, the Pulse Elite for PlayStation 5 and the official Xbox Wireless Headset for Xbox stand out in terms of seamless integration with their respective platforms. Having used these headsets, I can vouch for their excellent sound quality and platform-specific features. Recently, Microsoft released an updated version of its flagship Xbox headset, and despite a slight price increase, it remains an excellent choice with some notable improvements in microphone quality and battery life.
Xbox Wireless Headset (2024) – Design and Comfort
The new Xbox Wireless Headset retains the sleek, minimalist design of its 2021 predecessor, now in a more subtle all-black colorway. Gone is the green trim around the earcups, making it more understated while still sporting the signature Xbox logo on the right earcup. This refined design is both attractive and practical, and I see no reason to change it.
A standout feature of the headset is the intuitive volume control dials on each earcup. The right earcup manages the master volume, while the left adjusts the balance between in-game and chat audio. The left dial includes a tactile notch in the middle, indicating the default 50-50 balance, which adds to the convenience. The headset features minimal buttons—just a small green power/pairing button and a microphone mute switch located at the base of the mic itself. Charging is handled via USB-C on the right earcup, keeping things simple.
The microphone has a flexible, snake-like design, curling into the left earcup when not in use and extending outward when needed. It stays close to your face without obstructing your mouth, ensuring your voice is picked up clearly.
While the headset’s frame is built from sturdy plastic, it remains flexible, offering a sense of durability without feeling fragile. However, it’s on the smaller side, and I had to extend the arms to their maximum length to achieve a proper fit, which may be an issue for those with larger heads. This is a minor concern, but it would have been nice to see improvements in this area.
The headset offers excellent comfort with plush padding on both the earcups and headband. The leatherette ear padding can cause some sweating over time, but this is typical for the material. Once on, the headset stays in place comfortably, even for extended gaming sessions.
For those seeking versatility, the Xbox Wireless Headset provides Bluetooth connectivity in addition to the Xbox console’s native, dongle-free connection. However, it lacks a 2.4GHz dongle, which could be a disadvantage for PC gamers who prefer lower latency and better sound quality. While you can purchase a dongle separately, it does add to the overall cost.
Xbox Wireless Headset – Software and Battery Life
As the official Xbox headset, there’s no need for third-party apps to adjust its core settings. On Xbox, you can fine-tune the audio using a five-band EQ, which is sufficient for most users. The headset also supports features like Windows Sonic, DTS Headphone:X, and Dolby Atmos, which enhance the sound profile for movies and TV, though I don’t find them as useful for competitive gaming, where a more natural sound is preferred.
Battery life on the Xbox Wireless Headset isn’t extraordinary compared to some other headsets, but it has improved over the previous version. You can expect up to 20 hours on a full charge, which is sufficient for a day of gaming. Charging is relatively quick, with 30 minutes of charging providing around four to five hours of playtime. While this means you’ll need to recharge more often than other headsets like the Pulse Elite, it’s not a significant drawback for most users.
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