Official Xbox Wireless Headset (2024) review — Is this new budget option worth the money, or simply a headache?

After extensively testing and comparing various headsets across multiple platforms, I must say that the Xbox Wireless Headset (2024) has found a special place in my heart, or rather, my ears. Coming from someone who spends countless hours gaming on a variety of devices, this headset offers an exceptional balance between affordability and performance.

I found the initial Xbox Wireless Headset not particularly appealing to me. During our assessment of the previous-generation headset, some audio quality problems caused irritation, despite the fact that many other aspects functioned rather well in general.

I didn’t particularly enjoy using the first-generation Xbox Wireless Headset. During our assessment, some audio quality problems were rather annoying, despite the fact that many of its other aspects performed fairly well overall.

Back in its time, it was quite pioneering, coexisting with early headsets that endeavored to merge Bluetooth audio signal blending with your Xbox console. Yet, as we approach 2025, most headsets have adopted the distinctive feature of the Xbox Wireless Headset.

The 2024 Xbox Wireless Headset delivers straightforward, quality at its core. It serves as a useful benchmark for manufacturers, demonstrating the essential elements of a wireless Xbox headset: good sound, functional microphone, comfortable materials, and versatility across platforms.

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.

Featuring enhanced sound quality, advanced software capabilities, and effortless connectivity, this gaming headset is as straightforward and reliable as it gets. However, just like any headset, it’s not perfect. Here’s a look at the new 2024 Xbox Wireless Headset.

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Specs & Price

Compared to its previous model, the Xbox Wireless Headset provides a reasonable value at its current price, albeit with a $10 increase in cost.

A portion of that additional expense could be due to the “complimentary” Dolby Atmos certification, enabling you to add software-based surround sound on compatible Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows 10+ PCs. It’s far more affordable compared to their exorbitant monthly subscription fees.

For approximately $110, you will receive a sound source equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and onboard direct-to-Xbox wireless connectivity at 2.4 GHz. Included is a USB-C charging cable, providing up to 20 hours of power, an improvement from the 2020 model for the 2024 version.

Apart from the high-quality leatherette ear cups, there’s an added feature now – onboard microphone monitoring for a more immersive experience. These ear cups are equipped with 40mm standard drivers that provide a luxurious feel.

This device can be connected to a computer using the USB-C cable or Bluetooth, but for the best 2.4 GHz signal, you may need to make an additional purchase. While Microsoft’s “Xbox Wireless Dongle” for PC can be quite pricey, there are more affordable alternatives like 8Bitdo’s Wireless USB dongle, which costs around $20.

At present, our inventory is plentiful as we approach the holiday season and continue into 2025. The Xbox Wireless Headset for 2024 is available on Amazon, priced approximately at $110.

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

Initially, when the Xbox Wireless Headset debuted, it stood out as one of the first serious headsets to include Bluetooth technology directly within the device itself. However, as we move towards 2024 and beyond, this feature is no longer as distinctive as it originally was due to other products incorporating similar technologies.

Nowadays, most headsets include Bluetooth 5.x or higher versions, along with features like mic monitoring that have become commonplace. Interestingly, what sets the Xbox Wireless Headset apart is its simplicity – it offers almost everything you’d expect in a basic wireless headset, making it an unassuming yet reliable “entry-level” choice.

For the 2024 model, the design remains largely the same. Microsoft has opted to eliminate the prominent green accents (a smart move) and replace them with more understated, contemporary hues. As time goes by, neutral colors have become favored in headsets because users want products that can seamlessly blend into their gaming environments but also function effectively outside, paired with Bluetooth and a mobile device. The Xbox Wireless Headset excels in this regard, with its logo featuring a subtle, embossed gloss motif instead of a larger, flashier design. Kudos for the design!

As a tech enthusiast, I found the controls on the ear cups of these headphones to be thoughtfully designed, with large dials conveniently placed on each side – one for fine-tuning the chat mix (left) and another for adjusting volume (right). However, there’s one aspect that could use some improvement: the Xbox volume control increments are set at 10. This means going from silent to quite loud can happen rather quickly, which might drown out secondary audio sources when mixing Bluetooth sound. I suspect this issue lies more with the Xbox console than the headset itself, but it’s something Microsoft should consider addressing for a smoother user experience. Ideally, I’d prefer volume increments up to 100 instead of just 10, especially considering that many mobile and PC devices allow for percentage-based audio control.

One distinct advantage of this headset lies in its automatic muting feature. This function automatically muffles the microphone when it detects loud background noise, making it particularly useful for various environments. I had mine set at a low level and found it effective at reducing unnecessary sounds that might annoy my teammates during communication. However, if it doesn’t suit your needs, you can easily turn it off. Additionally, it comes with onboard mic monitoring and adjustable volumes. You can control the volume settings using the Xbox Accessories app on an Xbox console or through a USB-C cable when connected to a PC. Just remember, to connect the headset to a Windows 10+ PC, you’ll need an Xbox Wireless USB Dongle, which unfortunately must be purchased separately.

As a researcher, I’ve noticed that the Dolby Atmos license isn’t sold separately, which might be the reason for the $10 price hike compared to previous models. The headset will automatically identify itself as Dolby Atmos-certified, and you can activate software surround sound through Windows settings or via the Xbox sound settings menu. I’ll delve into its effectiveness in terms of sound quality in the following section.

Regarding the quality aspect, surprisingly, the Xbox Wireless Headset offers a premium touch even though it’s categorized as a budget option. The use of leatherette material (a must for all headsets by 2024, in my opinion) provides comfort. The padding on top is also comfortable for extended usage. However, I found that the headset was quite snug, even at its maximum adjustment. It might loosen up over time to fit my notably expansive skull, but potential buyers should keep in mind this tightness if they prefer a more spacious or loose-fitting headset.

In summary, the Xbox Wireless Headset offers a decent range of functions and generally comfortable design for most users. However, its audio quality was previously considered somewhat average. I’d heard that updates and adjustments to the equalizer (EQ) and firmware improvements were made to enhance sound quality, reduce distortion, and so on. So, how does it perform in reality? Quite well, indeed.

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Audio and Mic Experience

Previously discussed was the somewhat unremarkable audio experience on the original Xbox Wireless Headset model. Now let me share some good news about its successor, the Gen 2. Microsoft appears to have made significant enhancements in sound quality for this version. While individual opinions about sound can vary greatly, it’s clear that there are noticeable improvements here – though don’t expect a revolutionary transformation.

Despite having a powerful EQ configuration platform available through the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10 or higher, I found the Xbox Wireless Headset to provide an enjoyable sound environment right out of the box. The bass has a warm tone that gives it a cinematic feel, and you can amplify this even more using the app if desired. This headset excels in immersive experiences like single-player RPGs or music listening, offering a well-balanced audio profile with robust bass from the get-go. I noticed that the treble might be slightly too prominent, but it’s effortless to adjust if you prefer a different tone. While there are minor issues, they’re not significant enough to warrant much attention, and nothing stands out as particularly exceptional either.

I greatly appreciate expansive audio landscapes as they create a more engaging experience. It appears that many modern headsets are focusing on larger drivers such as 50 or 60mm, which makes the smaller 40mm in this model seem less robust when it comes to soundstage performance. However, despite its size limitation, it still provides decent spatial awareness thanks to the built-in Dolby Atmos license, which can give you an edge in tactical situations within games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and similar titles.

This headset has a decent microphone, though not particularly outstanding. It may suffice for entry-level live streaming or podcasting, but you probably won’t use it for content creation. The auto-mute feature is a thoughtful addition, and the built-in mic monitoring works well. However, at higher volumes, it tends to introduce unwanted noise, which can be bothersome. Including AI-driven active noise cancellation would have been beneficial in this case, especially considering Microsoft’s focus on AI technology nowadays.

The microphone features an LED light on its body itself, which signals when it’s muted. Additionally, there’s a mute button on the backside of the microphone arm that is convenient to access. However, I find the placement of the LED slightly inconvenient. Although it should be easily visible in your peripheral vision, it tends to distract a bit because it’s located at the very edge of your vision, becoming blurry as a result. Extending the length of the microphone arm a bit would help make the LED more visible without causing distraction. Moreover, I wish the microphone was detachable or retractable, which would give it a more stylish look when used in public settings.

https://w.soundcloud.com/player/

As an analyst, I would recommend experiencing the audio quality by playing the embedded sound sample provided above, if your adblocker allows it. To put it simply, this microphone performs its intended function admirably, making it a reliable choice overall. The essence of the product lies in its effectiveness, and that’s exactly what this microphone delivers.

Despite its potential to be addressed via software updates, one significant concern with this headset is its seemingly delicate Bluetooth signal. It appears vulnerable to interference when used simultaneously on Xbox with its main radio and another device using Bluetooth. In contrast, other contemporary Bluetooth-enabled headsets such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, new 2024 Astro A50, or Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) do not exhibit these issues under similar conditions. Fortunately, previous instances of this problem have been resolved with firmware updates, suggesting that a solution might be on the horizon for this headset as well. It’s worth noting that the interference was infrequent, occurring only for brief moments every half an hour or so. Therefore, while it’s not a major issue, it’s something to keep in mind.

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.

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Competition

The Xbox Wireless Headset seems like a worthwhile investment, but it’s important to note that there are numerous other quality products within the same price bracket that could potentially offer an equally good, if not better, user experience.

In this scenario, the main rival is the updated Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Version 3), launched in 2024. The Stealth 600 offers a comparable feature set but is generally considered a better bargain. It’s less expensive and can connect with multiple devices using Bluetooth or a USB dongle. However, it doesn’t support simultaneous Bluetooth audio like the Xbox Wireless Headset. If you want that capability, you’ll need to spend more to get the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Version 3). The Stealth 600 (Version 3) outperforms the Xbox Wireless Headset in battery life, offering up to 80 hours instead of the 20 hours provided 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.

Xbox Wireless Headset (2024): Should you buy?

2024’s New Xbox Wireless Headset shows modest improvements over its previous model, with the addition of a Dolby Atmos license being a notable plus. The headset also benefits from subtle adjustments like removing the green circular accent. While the soundstage might be slightly confined, it delivers a well-balanced audio experience that’s great for beginners, featuring rich cinematic bass and adequate spatial awareness during tactical gameplay. In truth, you could find yourself in a much less favorable situation with other options available.

You should buy this if …

✅ You’re looking for a reliable Bluetooth headset that won’t cost you too much.

You should not buy this if …

❌ You’re looking for top-level sound experience.

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.

The Bluetooth sensitivity, which cannot be hidden or concealed, appears to interfere slightly with the primary 2.4 GHz Xbox wireless signal due to insufficient shielding. However, this issue could possibly be resolved through a future software update.

As a tech enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Xbox Wireless Headset 2024 delivers an unassuming yet significant upgrade. The responsive control, comfortable design with quality materials, robust build, user-friendly packaging and layout, and all-around impressive sound quality make it a solid choice for entry-level Xbox headsets. However, given its affordable price point, it does have its limitations that one should be aware of. I’m eager to see what Microsoft’s high-end engineering could bring in the future!

2024-12-10 17:46