Xbox’s new Wireless Headset earns glowing reviews: ‘A new standard has been set’

The first reviews of the Xbox Wireless Headset have been published ahead of its release today, and they’re largely positive.

Microsoft first announced the Xbox Wireless Headset a month ago, promising to deliver “best-in-class audio and chat performance, outstanding design and comfort, and unique experiences that are tailored for each gamer”.

The headset supports spatial sound technologies including Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone: X. It can be used wirelessly across multiple devices including Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, and can connect to mobile devices via Bluetooth.

IGN calls the headset “a solid workhorse, thanks to a couple of really smart design ideas and better than average sound,” but adds that its microphone and battery life are “underwhelming”.

Windows Central gives it four stars out of five, concluding: “This headset has an impressive feature set for its price, with decent audio across the board. For those who seek a $99 option that combines Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless, there probably isn’t a better-value option on the market right now.”

The Verge says it’s a “mic drop moment”, even saying it betters the PS5 equivalent. “If Microsoft is to be judged compared to Sony on how well it designed a headset to accompany its latest consoles — as it inevitably will be — this one handily edges out the Pulse 3D even though they’re the same price,” it states.

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“Sony’s model is comfortable and looks equally dashing next to the console it was made for, and it has a 3.5mm headphone jack and 3D Audio support in its court. But it’s tough to compete with the Bluetooth support and button-lite design built into Microsoft’s model.”

GamesRadar awards the headset four and a half stars, concluding that “you won’t find a more rounded gaming headset on Xbox Series X for such a low price. The detailed soundscape and almost obscenely good bass boost options have something for all game types and the directional surround sound and mic are exceptional at this price point for online gaming.”

TechRadar is even more glowing, rating it 5/5 and stating that “a new standard has been set”, calling it “an exceptional gaming headset that’s brimming with features and clever design decisions”.

CNN praises the fact it lets users connect to both your game and your phone at the same time, saying: “With immersive gaming sound, a wonderfully comfortable design and a reliable microphone, the $99 Xbox Wireless Headset would be an easy recommendation even without its extra features.

“But its ability to pair to your Xbox and phone at the same time really puts it over the edge, turning Microsoft’s headset into a device that makes it easy to take calls or catch up on podcasts while you grind out some Gears of War.”

The Xbox Wireless Headset is available now, priced at $99.99/£89.99.