There are plenty of ways to chat with friends while playing a video game. You can talk directly to them using an in-game mic, or you can use a third-party voice chat application like Discord. However, many gamers prefer to use headsets so they have their hand’s free while gaming. If you’re thinking of buying a new headset for your Xbox One and are trying to figure out if they’ll work on the console in addition to your PC (or Mac). Well, read on because we’ll explain everything you need to know!
Can You Use a USB Headset On Xbox One?
Yes, you can use a USB headset with Xbox One. In order to use a USB headset on Xbox One, the headset must be compatible with both Xbox One and Windows 10. Additionally, you will need to connect the USB headset to your console and to your PC using a USB cable.
How To Use A USB Headset On Xbox One?
Create a Communication Channel
The first reason to use a headset is to create a communication channel that is separate from the party chat feature. While party chat is incredibly useful for quick exchanges or casual communication, it is not ideal for serious conversations. This could include coaching or training sessions, or simply a situation where you need to keep your voice down for the sake of your neighbors or family members.
Voice Chat
Voice chat makes it possible to communicate with other players during online multiplayer games. Without a headset, you can only type messages to your teammates. While this is certainly functional, it is much more efficient to simply speak to your teammates. This is especially true during intense moments when you need to issue commands quickly.
Hear What’s Going On
One of the best reasons to use a headset is to hear what’s going on. This is especially important if you’re playing a first-person shooter or are playing online with strangers who might be talking or using racial slurs. You can quickly mute your mic if you don’t want to hear what’s going on, and you can also adjust the volume of your teammates so you can hear all the important information coming your way.
Play Games Where Hearing is Essential
Certain games are played with a microphone, so using a headset is necessary for optimal gameplay. For example, if you’re playing a game like Cards Against Humanity or are part of a virtual tabletop RPG session, it is important to use a headset instead of a party chat. If you’re playing a game where communication is essential with Headphones Only
Some games are best played only with headphones, and a headset is the only way to play them this way. While you can switch between game audio and party chat, there is no way to switch between game audio and your microphone. This is especially true if you don’t have a premium version of the Xbox One console. Most games have settings that allow you to play with headphones only, but it is a good idea to check before playing.
Why Can’t You Use A USB Headset On Xbox One?
- When Xbox One launched in 2013, it featured a proprietary headset connection known as Stereo Headset Adapter.
- This connection is different from the standard 3.5mm jack you’ll find on most gaming headsets.
- The Stereo Headset Adapter lets you plug in a headset that also has an inline mic and volume/mute controls. However, it only works with headsets that were specially designed for Xbox One.
- The good news is that Microsoft has been working to expand headset compatibility ever since the launch. In 2016, they added the option to use a standard 3.5mm jack, and today, any wired headset should work with the Xbox One.
Where To Buy Headsets For Xbox One?
- The best place to buy a headset for your Xbox One is online. This way you can browse a wide selection of different models from the comfort of your couch. You can also read product reviews written by other customers so you can get an idea of what each product is like before buying it.
- Amazon – Amazon has a wide selection of both gaming headsets and non-gaming headsets. You can browse by brand, price, or customer rating to find the right one for you.
- eBay – If you’re on a budget, eBay has some great deals on both gaming headsets and non-gaming ones. You can peruse them by price, brand, or customer rating.
- Best Buy – You can also check out Best Buy for gaming headsets and non-gaming ones. You can filter your search by price, brand, and customer rating.
- Gamestop – Finally, you can also look on Gamestop’s website for Xbox One headsets. You can filter your search by price, brand, and customer rating. No matter where you shop, make sure to read reviews to see what other customers thought about the products. This will help you make an informed decision!
Which Headsets Are Compatible With Xbox One?
- There are plenty of USB headsets that work with Xbox One. You can find a wide selection online, but here are some of the most popular ones: Turtle Beach Recon 50 – This headset has 50mm speakers and a noise-canceling unidirectional microphone. It’s a great choice if you want something affordable that still sounds great.
- Turtle Beach Elite Pro – If you want to go all out on your headset, the Elite Pro is the way to go. It has a built-in sound processing unit, a high-quality microphone, and noise-canceling technology. If you want to be heard and not heard, this is the headset for you!
- Logitech G933 – This headset offers great sound and comfort for a reasonable price. It has 90-degree rotating ear cups, a noise-canceling microphone, and RGB lighting.
- Corsair Void Pro – If you’re looking for a high-quality headset that’s also wireless, check out the Void Pro. It has a USB transmitter that connects to your Xbox One so you can play wirelessly. Whatever headset you choose, make sure to read the product description to make sure it’s compatible with Xbox One.
Pros Of Owning A Headset For Xbox One
- Enjoy clearer communication with teammates. – Block out distracting sounds like loud environments, noisy neighbors, and/or small children.
- You can play games in a noisy environment like a library or office and still be heard by your teammates.
- Establish a more social experience with games like Fortnite where you can have a squad with whom you can talk to.
- Make the most out of Xbox One’s Mixer feature that lets you stream and interact with other players.
Cons Of Owning A Headset For Xbox One
- Takes up an extra USB port on your console.
- Some headsets are wired, so you have to sit close to the console.
- May be distracting if you’re used to playing without a headset.
- If you’re not careful, you may end up spending more money than you intended. In the end, a headset is just another piece of gaming gear that you can use to enhance your experience. If a headset is something you really want, go for it! Just make sure to do your research and get the best headset for you.
Final Words
With the exception of a few headsets, you can use any wired headset with the Xbox One. You can even use a pair of wired earbuds if you want a more compact headset. In general, wired headsets are more reliable than Bluetooth models. Bluetooth connections can be finicky and cut out if there’s too much distance between the headset and the console. If you’re buying a headset for your PC, Xbox One, and PS4, look for one that supports USB or Bluetooth. This will allow you to use the same headset on all three systems without having to buy new gear each time.