The right headset makes a big difference in multiplayer games, and the options for Xbox and PlayStation are not the same. This guide explains which headsets work with Xbox Series X|S and PS5, whether you can connect AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones to an Xbox, and our picks for the best Xbox headset and PlayStation headset in 2026.
Does Xbox have Bluetooth audio?
No. Xbox consoles do not support Bluetooth headphones. They use Microsoft’s own Xbox Wireless protocol for controllers and headsets, which has lower latency and better range. That is why you cannot connect AirPods to an Xbox directly. Wireless headsets for Xbox must be “designed for Xbox” and either connect directly with Xbox Wireless or use a USB dongle made for Xbox.
Can you connect AirPods to an Xbox?
Not directly, but there are workarounds:
- Xbox app on your phone: pair AirPods to your iPhone, open the Xbox app, start a party chat and use your phone for voice. Game audio still comes from your TV.
- Remote Play: stream your Xbox to your phone with the Xbox app and listen through AirPods connected to the phone. See Remote Play setup.
- Bluetooth transmitter: a 3.5mm Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the controller’s headset jack can send audio to AirPods, but expect noticeable delay and no microphone.
- TV Bluetooth: some smart TVs can send their audio to Bluetooth headphones.
The same steps answer how to connect Bluetooth headphones to an Xbox Series X and whether you can connect AirPods to an Xbox One. The Spanish search “como conectar unos audifonos a Xbox” usually refers to wired headphones: plug any 3.5mm headset into the bottom of the controller and it works immediately.
How to connect a headset to Xbox
- Wired: plug a 3.5mm headset into the controller. Adjust volume and chat mix in Settings > General > Volume & audio output.
- Xbox Wireless headset: turn on the headset, press its pair button, then press the console’s pair button.
- USB dongle headsets: plug the dongle into the console’s USB port; make sure it is the Xbox version.
Best headsets for Xbox Series X|S
| Headset | Type | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless Headset (Microsoft) | Wireless, Xbox Wireless + Bluetooth | Connects straight to Xbox and to your phone at the same time; dial controls for volume and game/chat mix |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X | Wireless with USB-C dongle | Works with Xbox, PlayStation and PC; long battery life |
| Turtle Beach Stealth 600 / 700 (Xbox) | Wireless | Good value, strong mic |
| HyperX CloudX | Wired | Comfortable, cheap, works with any controller |
The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset is the simplest choice for most players, because it pairs like a controller and also connects to a phone over Bluetooth. Gamers who also play on PS5 should look for multi-platform “X” versions of headsets, which include both Xbox and PlayStation support.
Best headsets for PS5
| Headset | Type | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Pulse Elite | Wireless, PlayStation Link + Bluetooth | Sony’s best headset: planar magnetic drivers, retractable mic, works with PS5, PS Portal, PC and phones |
| PlayStation Pulse 3D | Wireless USB dongle | Tuned for PS5 Tempest 3D audio, good value |
| PlayStation Pulse Explore | Wireless earbuds, PlayStation Link + Bluetooth | The official PlayStation earbuds; tiny and great on the Portal |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P | Wireless dongle + Bluetooth | Long battery, works on PS5, Switch and PC |
What is PlayStation Link?
PlayStation Link is Sony’s lossless, low-latency wireless audio technology. The Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds use it. The PS5 needs the small PlayStation Link USB adapter (included with both), while the PlayStation Portal has PlayStation Link built in. You can also plug the adapter into a PC or Mac. Standard Bluetooth headphones still do not work on PS5 directly, so PlayStation Link is how Sony offers wireless audio without the lag of Bluetooth.
Can you use Bluetooth headphones or AirPods on PS5?
Not directly. Like Xbox, the PS5 does not support Bluetooth audio. Options are a USB Bluetooth audio dongle that is designed for PS5, plugging wired earbuds into the DualSense controller’s 3.5mm jack, or using Remote Play on a phone. For PlayStation 5 headphones, a wired pair into the controller is the cheapest route and supports 3D audio.
Xbox mic tips
The Xbox mic on wireless headsets is usually good enough for party chat, but clear voice depends on settings. Turn on the console’s “Party chat output” for headset only, set mic monitoring to a low level so you can hear yourself, and enable noise suppression in the headset app if it has one. If friends say your Xbox mic is quiet, check the mic volume in Settings > General > Volume & audio output.
Xbox One wireless headsets
Every “designed for Xbox” wireless headset, including the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset, works on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Older Xbox One headsets with a chat adapter connected to the controller also work on Series X|S because the controller port is the same.
Xbox VR headset and PlayStation VR2 headset
If you searched for an Xbox VR headset, note that Xbox consoles do not support VR. The closest thing is the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, which plays Xbox Cloud Gaming on a virtual screen. On PlayStation, the PlayStation VR2 headset connects to PS5 with one USB-C cable. More in Xbox VR and Kinect and on the PS VR2 page.
How to choose a gaming headset
- Platform first: check the box says Xbox, PlayStation or both. Many brands sell separate Xbox (X) and PlayStation (P) versions.
- Wired vs wireless: wired is cheaper and never needs charging; wireless gives freedom from the controller cable.
- Comfort: look for light weight and fabric or memory-foam cushions for long sessions.
- Mic quality: a detachable or flip-to-mute mic is useful.
- Battery: 20+ hours is good for wireless models.
For other add-ons, see the best PS5 and Xbox accessories.
Wired vs wireless gaming headsets
A wired headset plugs into the 3.5mm jack on the Xbox Wireless Controller or the DualSense, so it works on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PS5 with no setup, no charging and no extra lag. It is the cheapest way to get good audio and a working mic. A wireless headset gives you freedom to move and usually better battery-powered features, but it must support the console’s own wireless system: Xbox Wireless for Xbox, or a 2.4GHz USB dongle or PlayStation Link for PS5. Many multi-platform headsets include a switch or two dongles so one headset covers both consoles.
Spatial audio on Xbox and PS5
Both consoles support 3D audio, which helps you hear where footsteps and shots come from. On PS5, Tempest 3D Audio works with any stereo headset; turn it on in Settings, Sound, Audio Output and use the personalization test to tune it. On Xbox Series X|S, Windows Sonic is free, while Dolby Atmos for Headphones and DTS Headphone:X are paid apps that some headsets include for free. For competitive shooters, spatial audio is worth more than expensive drivers.
Headsets for kids and long sessions
For children, choose a headset with a volume limit around 85 decibels and use console parental controls to manage voice chat. For long sessions, look for light weight under 300 grams, fabric or memory-foam ear cushions and a headband with even pressure. Glasses wearers should try cushions with soft foam that does not press the arms of the frames into the head.
Caring for your headset
Wipe ear cushions with a slightly damp cloth once a week, let them dry before storing, and replace them when the foam goes flat, since worn cushions leak sound and reduce bass. Store wireless headsets on a stand rather than on the floor, and avoid leaving them charging all day: most modern batteries last longer if you charge them when they reach about 20 percent and unplug when full. If the mic starts to crackle, check the connector and the mute switch before buying a new headset.