Xbox Upgrades Wireless Headset After Three Years

On Tuesday, Microsoft unveiled enhancements to its Xbox Wireless Headset. The new version features improved audio quality, longer battery life, and a refined microphone, all for a price of $110—$10 more than the previous model. It is now available for purchase.

In their announcement on the official Xbox website, the company referred to the updates as a “refresh.” While the overall design remains similar, the headset now sports an entirely black exterior, abandoning the previous green ring around the earcups.

The standout feature of this version is the enhanced battery life, boasting up to 20 hours of usage compared to the 15 hours offered by its predecessor. The microphone also benefits from upgrades, including advanced auto-mute technology and voice isolation options to minimize background noise. Additionally, the headset includes Dolby Atmos for immersive spatial audio at no additional cost, which is particularly beneficial for games with rich audio landscapes, such as Hellblade 2. It also supports Bluetooth 5.3 for improved connectivity between devices.

The previous Xbox Wireless Headset, which launched in 2021, was a solid budget option. While it lacked some of the advanced features found in competing wireless gaming headsets, it delivered clear audio, allowed for on-earcup adjustments, and included a retractable microphone. At $100, it provided a cost-effective alternative to many other Xbox headsets, including wired options. The Bluetooth capability also enabled connectivity to PCs or mobile devices when needed.

The new Xbox Wireless Headset will take the place of the 2021 version in stores and is currently the only model available on the Xbox Store. Priced at $110, it reflects a modest increase but is still a competitive option. For those looking for first-party audio gear, the only other option is the wired Xbox Stereo Headset, which is currently out of stock.