Xbox One Headset Roundup & Comparison

Microsoft’s Xbox One entertainment console is a whole new animal. It provides users with Microsoft’s vision of what entertainment is like for users in the age of smartphones, tablets and other connected devices that simply weren’t as popular before the debut of the Xbox 360.

Everything in the world has a price and the price of getting that modern entertainment vision is that Xbox One buyers will need to reinvest in the ecosystem. Like games, accessories for the Xbox 360 might not work on the Xbox One. Understandably, users are looking to buy a new headset with their Xbox One.

Those users are in a bit of an interesting situation. There weren’t many available during the console’s launch. Now suddenly, there are a ton of them all vying for the empty space near the Xbox One.

Xbox One Chat Headset

Every Xbox One comes with the Xbox One Chat Headset. As such, it’s not exactly what you’d call a premium experience. It’s not that the sound quality coming through the single mono earpiece isn’t loud, it’s just that the headset is rather uncomfortable. Users can retract the boom microphone so that’s it’s not always in their face, and the Xbox One Chat Headset also includes volume and mute buttons on its connector. These allow users to control their settings right in the middle of multiplayer events. Users who need an extra or have broken their original set can pick up the Xbox One Chat Headset for $24.99.

[ Buy the Xbox One Chat Headset for $24.99 from the Microsoft Store ]

Xbox One Stereo Headset

The super-sized premium version of the Xbox One Chat Headset is the Xbox One Stereo Headset. The retractable boom microphone is still there, however that single mono ear piece is replaced by two giant noise-isolating earphones. The entire system is still wired so users will need to plug them into the USB port on the bottom of their Xbox One Controller. Since the controller has to be paired with the Xbox One Headset Adapter to work, which is included in the box, users could,  also use them with their smartphone if they aren’t too worried about the retractable microphone getting in the way.

[ Buy the Xbox One Stereo Headset for $74.99 from the Microsoft Store ]

Turtle Beach Titanfall Ear Force Atlas Headset

Turtle Beach’s Titanfall Ear Force Atlas Headset is a strange beast. It’s meant to bring the Titanfall aesthetic to a pair of high-end headphones. The cups are shapely and should fit around anyone’s ears, and the headset includes a small dongle that allows users to control volume and mute the headset. The problem here is that they’re $149.95 a set – and they’re wired headphones. Users who are really into Titanfall may want to pick up the headphones to complement the special edition Titanfall controller, but that nice paint job might not be worth it for some folks. The boom microphone is detachable.

[ Buy the Turtle Beach Titanfall Ear Force Atlas Headset from the Microsoft Store for $149.95 ]

Turtle Beach Ear Force XO SEVEN Headset

Featuring customizable faceplates, the Ear Force XO Seven: Premium Xbox One Gaming Headset doesn’t just have the name of some headset a professional gamer would use; it actually is what professional gamers who compete in the MLG use. The same isolating foam of other gaming headsets is here too, but joining it is a removable microphone cable that allows users to pair it with their smartphone and answer calls while on the go. It sets buyers back $159.95.

[ Buy the Ear Force XO SEVEN: Premium Xbox One Gaming Headset from the Microsoft Store for $159.95 ]

Polk 4 Shot

The Xbox One marks Polk’s first really serious foray into the gaming headset market. The company’s done this in a decent way, its 4 Shot Xbox One Gaming Headset looks slightly strange but features the same isolating ear padding as other headsets and also has some wired controls. One thing users do get with the 4 Shot that they don’t get other places is color choice. There are blue, green and back versions of the headphones that cost $159.95 each. Again, that seems a bit steep for a pair of wired cans, but the company is known for the great sound quality of its sound bars and speakers.

[ Buy the Polk 4 Shot Xbox One Headset from the Microsoft Store for $159.95 ]

Of course, there are other options too. Microsoft includes a Kinect 2 sensor with every Xbox One. This allows users to chat with their friends in multiplayer games without an extra purchases. There’s also the Xbox One Headset Adapter. For just $24.99 some gamers can use the wired Xbox 360 gaming headset they already own or a pair of earbuds they received with their smartphone.