In the standard Xbox One setup, headphones must connect with your wireless controller to work. That specification makes it incompatible with standard Bluetooth connectivity.
Although Microsoft makes Bluetooth-enabled controllers, the technology sends an outgoing signal for playing games on other devices. It doesn’t read the headphones or earbuds that you try to connect to the console.
Even if you can get around that barrier, the Xbox One console is a security obstacle that prevents external third-party devices.
With a little creativity and an audio transmitter, you can still use your favorite Bluetooth headphones while playing games or streaming shows.
Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Series X?
Bluetooth headphones by themselves cannot connect to Microsoft’s Xbox One or Series X console. They are designed for proprietary wireless streaming instead. You can bypass this design issue by plugging a Bluetooth audio transmitter into your controller or console before connecting your headphones to it instead.
You have two options to get your favorite Bluetooth headphones to work with your Xbox One.
- You can plug a Bluetooth audio transmitter into your controller using the 3.5mm AUX built into the product.
- The Xbox One Stereo headset adapter that comes with console-branded headphones can also give you wireless capabilities.
The second option doesn’t allow a generic Bluetooth headset to connect to your Xbox One. You’d need to use the first setup for an authentic experience.
If you have an Xbox 360 gaming headset, you can get game audio or streaming sounds by connecting it to the S/PDIF port or the receive by using RCA cables. You’d get chat audio through the 2.5mm connection on your equipment.
Since the Xbox One doesn’t have Bluetooth features built into the console as the PS4 does, this option is the only way to use your favorite headphones.
When you use the Bluetooth audio transmitter for the connection, you’ll receive audio-only. Even if your headphones have a microphone, that data doesn’t transmit to the game.
Best Bluetooth Headphones to Use with Xbox One and Series X
After you purchase a Bluetooth audio transmitter to use with your console, it is possible to connect your favorite headphones or headsets to your Xbox One or Series X.
Because this option provides one-way connections, it works best for one-player gaming experiences.
If you don’t have gaming headphones or earbuds to use with this connection, these options can help you stay in the game without destroying your budget.
- It lets you connect to your Bluetooth device and Xbox at the same time
- The bidirectional microphone offers incredible military-grade noise cancellation
- Excellent soundscape
- More than 20 hours of battery life
- Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, smartphones via Bluetooth
1. Steelseries Arctis 9X
When you put these Bluetooth headphones on for the first time, you’ll hear all the immersive sounds from the Xbox One or Series X that you love. They connect just like a wireless controler. So, you can say goodbye to your old cables.
The Hi-Fi design delivers rich bass tones with its 40mm drivers, while the isolation pads and closed-back design work to keep the ambient noise out of your environment.
If your battery runs out while playing, you can switch to the wired option with this dual design to keep playing. This option enables your standard connection to the wireless control to maximize the functionality of your equipment.
The manufacturer uses soft memory foam aka. AirWeave ear cushions to create a gentle wearing experience with the SteelSeries Arctis 9X to keep your ears from sweating.
The amazing design ensures the correct fit, while the padded headband works well for all-day wear. You’ll feel comfortable in any gaming or watching situation.
| DRIVER SIZE AND TYPE: | 40mm high-density neodymium magnets |
| IMPEDANCE: | 32 Ohms |
| SENSITIVITY: | 98dB SPL |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE: | 10 – 22,000 Hertz |
| BLUETOOTH AND WIRELESS INFO: | Wireless 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| BLUETOOTH PROFILE: | A2DP / HFP / HSP |
| RANGE: | 20 ft / 6 meters |
| WATERPROOF RATING: | NA |
| NOISE REDUCTION: | NA |
| CHARGING PORT: | mUSB |
| PLAYBACK TIME: | 20 hours (10 hour per battery) |
| COMPATIBILITY: | Xbox One & Xbox Series X, PC, Mobile |
- Offers Razer Hypersense Haptic Feedback technology
- Auto-adjusting headband and cooling gel in the cushions making it perfect for long gaming sessions
- Features a retractable microphone, a volume adjustment wheel, and a mute button
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
2. Razer Nari Ultimate for Xbox One and Series X
Wanna take your gaming experience to the next level? Then Razer’s next-gen haptic feedback feature might be just the thing you’re looking for.
The ear cups will vibrate when there’s an explosion or a crash, even footsteps will cause slight vibrations thus giving you a more immersive experience, and the sound, don’t get me started on that! It’s probably the most lifelike one I’ve heard.
The headphones 7.1 surround sound to deliver that incredible audio realism I’ve mentioned.
You’ll immediately notice an authentic sound with its 40mm drivers, while the bass response remains accurate throughout the user experience.
When you choose the Razer Nari Ultimate, you’ll get the best of both worlds. The intelligent vibrations technology coupled with great sound quality, means that you can’t go wrong with this headset.
The mic is retractable and to be fair, it offers good quality but not quite like the Steelseries Arctis 9X, which shouldn’t be a huge issue unless you’re using it constantly.
| CONNECTIVITY: | Native 2.4Ghz Wireless Connection |
| BLUETOOTH: | Not needed thanks to the native wireless connectivity |
| HAPTIC FEEDBACK: | Yes! |
| SURROUND SOUND: | 7.1 |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE: | 20 – 20,000 Hertz |
| BATTERY: | Lithium-Polymer 600 mAh |
| CHARGING TIME: | Up to 4 hours |
| PLAYBACK TIME: | Up to 20 hours |
| COMPATIBILITY: | Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC (with Microsoft wireless adapter) |
- High-sensitivity microphone
- Active noise cancellation
- Simultaneous connection to your Xbox and other Bluetooth device
- Can be customized and updated with the Audio Hub Android and iOS app
- 10 hours of battery life
3. Turtle Beach Stealth 700
You’ll love the deep bass and the high-definition sound that comes from this comfortable true wireless Xbox headset.
When fully charged, you’ll get up to ten hours of gaming each session thanks to the 1000 mAh Lithium Polymer battery, and it can also be charged during your battle sessions without any annoying static sound.
But you could normally get away with plugging them in every other day for an uninterrupted gaming experience.
You’ll have independent volume controls for chat and in-game sounds, which is great if you want to lower one more than the other.
It also includes mic monitoring, enabling you to listen to your own voice when gaming in a party or raid, to always keep your voice at the proper level. Your friends will thank you!
But where’s the mic mute button? You can simply flip up the mic to mute it, it’s far easier than looking for a mute button only to click on the wrong one…
You may want to update the firmware once you connect them to your Xbox One or Series X, to get the best experience.
Oh! And don’t forget to plug them into your computer, download the driver, and turn off the mic gate settings, otherwise, you’ll notice a slight delay.
The Stealth 700 is also quite comfortable, even after long gaming sessions, thanks in part to its synthetic leather earpads, cushiony headrest, and adjustable headband.
If you’re looking for the perfect headset for people with glasses, this is it! Make sure to read my post on how to wear glasses with headphones to make them even more comfortable.
| DRIVERS: | 50mm with Neodymium Magnets |
| SURROUND SOUND: | 7.1 |
| MIC MONITORING: | Yes |
| TRANSMITTER FREQUENCY RESPONSE: | 5 Ghz |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE: | 20 – 20,000 Hertz |
| BATTERY: | 1000 mAh Lithium Polymer |
| CHARGING PORT: | mUSB |
| PLAYBACK TIME: | Up to 10 hours |
| CUSTOMIZATION: | Via the Audio Hub for Android and iOS |
| COMPATIBILITY: | Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC (with the included transmitter) |
- Incredible Noise Cancellation
- 30 Hours of Playtime on a Single Charge
- 5-Minute Charge Will Give You 5 Hours of Playback
- BONUS Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- Alexa Built-in
- All-Day Comfort
- Foldable Design
4. Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones Bundle
If you prefer a premium Bluetooth audio encounter with your Xbox One, these headphones provide this category’s premier experience.
You’ll receive a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker in this set with the over-ear main product, offering virtual sound through smart listening with the adaptive sound control technology.
The high-resolution audio reaches up to 40 kHz to reach all of the sounds you want to hear when playing games. You’ll find the Sony WH-1000XM3 bundle is an incredible deal that gets better with the added wire connection.
With a maximum transfer rate of 990 kbps, you’ll get three times more data coming to your headphones than on a conventional Bluetooth connection.
You can use a companion app to customize your presets or preferences for added convenience.
The carrying case you need for extra portability comes in the box. The earmuffs only fold flat instead of bundling, so storage isn’t as convenient as other models.
It does do an excellent job of transmitting authentic sounds with your secure connection.
| BLUETOOTH PROFILE: | 4.1 AVRCP, A2DP, HSP, HFP |
| WATERPROOF RATING: | Not Rated |
| NOISE REDUCTION: | Active Noise Cancellation |
| BATTERY: | Lithium-Polymer 600 mAh |
| CHARGING PORT: | USB-C |
| CHARGING TIME: | Up to 3 hours |
| PLAYBACK TIME: | Up to 38 hours (30 hours with noise-canceling) |
| STANDBY TIME: | 200 hours |
How to Care for Your Bluetooth Headphones
It may be tempting to leave your Bluetooth headphones connected to your transmitter, but it is better to disconnect them. This step is especially true for those using the wired connection with the controller. Cords can be pulled from the jack, get tangled, or break.
If you are using a Bluetooth transmitter with your Xbox One, please remember to disconnect it from the controller when putting your headphones away.
■ Cleaning Your Bluetooth Headphones
It helps to keep a small towel available to remove any lingering moisture that may be on your Bluetooth headphones.
When dirt, dust, or debris get into the unit, a dry toothbrush is helpful for cleaning the mesh screens and ear pads.
If stubborn areas don’t improve after brushing, try using a toothpick or a cotton swab to dislodge the item.
Baby wipes do a decent job of cleaning any lingering items that could still be bothersome. Don’t forget to clean the silicon tops on your Bluetooth earbuds if you went in that direction for playing your Xbox One.
■ Storing Your Bluetooth Headphones
Your Bluetooth headphones will do better if you can keep them in a clean and dry place. The best spot is in the case that comes with most products, although a third-party container is still suitable.
The goal is to avoid extreme temperatures with this technology. Keeping them in your vehicle is not a good idea.
Each set of Bluetooth headphones will come with the manufacturer’s instructions on caring for the item correctly. It helps to reference those suggestions first to ensure you can maximize this investment.
■ Handling Your Bluetooth Headphones
Most Bluetooth headphones do not come with a significant drop rating. If they fall from your head to the pavement, they’ll likely break.
Earbuds have more resiliency because of their size, although they’re still vulnerable to a fall.
If you use the wired connection with some Bluetooth headphones, please remember to pull from the jack instead of the cord.
Although most models use copper wire, it is a thin gauge. Using plenty of force can cause it to snap.
■ Using Your Bluetooth Headphones
Although it may be tempting to listen to your favorite Xbox One games at a high volume, doing so may prematurely wear out your battery. Most units have less playback time when producing louder sounds, which also means you have less game time to enjoy.
Listening to loud sounds through your Bluetooth headphones can damage your hearing. Anything you hear above 85 dB for an extended time could be problematic. If the volume is making your head throb, it is time to change some settings.
■ Sharing Your Bluetooth Headphones
Keep your Bluetooth headphones to yourself. Although it may be tempting to share them with others, each person in the family needs their own set because of our world’s current circumstances.
If you must share, use an alcohol wipe to clean the headphones thoroughly. The product must contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. You’ll want to allow the materials to dry for about ten minutes before wearing them again.
Are Bluetooth Headphones for the Xbox One a Reasonable Investment?
If you don’t like being connected to your controller with a Microsoft-branded headset, Bluetooth headphones are an excellent choice to consider.
With several affordable options available right now, you can enhance the solo gaming experience. Don’t forget to grab your Bluetooth transmitter to make this connection work!
Although it may have extra steps than an Xbox headset, the sound quality may be better. For many gamers, that’s a trade worth making.