Here’s what you need to know when choosing earbuds for Xbox, plus our recommendations for a top-notch gaming experience.
| Name | Compatibility | Sound Quality | Microphone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Beach Battle Buds Best Overall | Straight 3.5 mm plug | 10 mm drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Boom and inline microphone | BUY |
| JBL Quantum 50 Strong Runner-Up | Angled 3.5 mm plug | 8.6 mm drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Inline Voice-Focus microphone | BUY |
| Linsoul BLON BL01 Budget Pick | L-type 3.5 mm plug | 10 mm biology fiber diaphragm drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Optional inline microphone | BUY |
| Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed Earbuds Best Wireless | 2.4 GHz wireless; Bluetooth 5.2 | 10 mm drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Dual environmental noise-canceling microphones | BUY |
| Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds Best Noise Isolation | L-type 3.5 mm plug | 22 Hz–17.5 kHz | N/A | BUY |
| ASUS ROG Cetra II Core Most Comfortable | L-type 3.5 mm plug | 9.4 mm drivers; 20 Hz – 40 kHz | Inline microphone | BUY |
| 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones Best Sound Quality | L-type 3.5 mm plug | Two balanced armatures and one dynamic driver in each earbud; 20 Hz to 40 kHz | MEMS inline microphone | BUY |
| Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro Most Durable | L-type 3.5 mm plug | Four balanced armatures and one dynamic driver in each earbud; 7 Hz to 40 kHz | Optional inline microphone | BUY |
How to Choose the Best Xbox Earbuds
The official Xbox store offers many licensed headsets but only one pair of licensed earbuds.
These limited options mean that if you prefer the comfort of earbuds, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Additionally, finding compatible earbuds with high-quality sound and a good microphone for in-game communication can be challenging.
In this article, we’ve compiled key buying factors and recommendations for the best Xbox earbuds to help make the canvassing process easier. Let’s dive in!
Are the earbuds compatible with your Xbox console?
Xbox consoles don’t support Bluetooth audio. Instead, they use the Xbox Wireless Protocol to connect wirelessly to certified controllers and audio devices. Unfortunately, only one model of earbuds—the Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed—has been certified for this so far.
Other wireless earbuds will require workarounds, such as pairing them with your smart TV, utilizing a Bluetooth USB dongle, or connecting through the Xbox Console Companion app to use them with your Xbox.
For lower latency, opt for 3.5 mm wired earbuds that connect to your controller.
Do the earbuds sound good?
Sound quality is subjective; what appeals to one person may not to another. Some may prefer bass-heavy sound, while others value precise positional audio for a competitive edge. Ultimately, this depends on your gaming preferences and desired experience.
Even so, there are certain factors that’ll give you an idea of how good the earbuds will sound:
- Driver type: The type of drivers in earbuds can provide insight into sound quality. Dynamic drivers, which are common, deliver strong bass. While balanced armature drivers offer precision and accurately reproduce a wide range of frequencies.
- Noise isolation: Passive noise-isolating earbuds, like the Shure and Linsoul models on our list, feature designs that block the ear canal to reduce external distractions. Other earbuds, like the Razer Hammerhead, offer active noise cancellation, enhancing audio quality by canceling specific frequencies.
- Frequency response: Frequency response represents the range of frequencies the earbuds can produce without distortion. Ideally, it should cover the human hearing spectrum, from 20 Hz (low bass) to 20,000 Hz (crisp, clear sound). A broader range allows you to hear subtle game sounds like footsteps or distant voices.
Do the earbuds have a decent microphone?
A quality microphone is essential for games requiring communication with other players online. As with sound quality, there are certain factors to consider if you want earbuds with a decent mic:
- Microphone type: Earbuds can feature boom mics and inline mics. Boom mics, attached to an adjustable arm near your mouth, better capture your voice and reduce ambient noise. Inline mics, built into the earbud cable, make earbuds more compact.
- Dedicated mic controls: Easy-to-reach mic controls means you don’t need to navigate through menus or use separate devices to access microphone settings. In other words, you don’t have to interrupt your gameplay to adjust the volume or use the mute function.
- Noise reduction technology: When it comes to mics, noise cancellation technology reduces background noise, so your voice comes through clearly. Your commands and callouts are easier to understand, which can be especially useful during fast-paced gameplay.
Are the earbuds comfortable?
If you’re a dedicated gamer, you probably spend hours glued to your console. Thus, it’s crucial to have comfortable earbuds that don’t require frequent adjustment, which can be a buzzkill.
While it’s hard to assess comfort without trying the earbuds on, certain factors can increase the likelihood of a snug fit:
- Optional ear tips: If the earbuds come with multiple ear tips, you can choose the ones that match your ears’ unique shape and size. The right-sized tips provide a secure seal and are less likely to fall out. Moreover, they don’t lead to ear fatigue during extended gaming sessions.
- Optional ear fins: Ear fins are small attachments sometimes included with earbuds. They usually wrap around the outer ridge of your ear or fit in the crevices of your ear, creating a more stable fit.
- Ergonomic design: Ergonomic earbuds, designed for comfort, allow extended wear without pressure or pain. That said, opt for earbuds with tilted or angled designs for a better ear canal fit or those with over-ear hooks or wings for added comfort and stability.
Are the earbuds durable?
In high-action gaming, players frequently make quick head movements and sudden gestures. Your earbuds should withstand these stresses and potential accidents, so consider these three factors before buying:
- Materials: Plastic is a common, affordable earbud housing material, but ceramic and metal (aluminum or stainless steel) housings resist wear better. Gold-plated connectors provide reliable audio connections, and braided cables are durable and resist tangling. Some earbuds feature Kevlar reinforcement for extra strength.
- Replaceable accessories: Cables are the most vulnerable part of the earbuds since they are prone to accidental tugs and pulls. This makes detachable cables ideal since they reduce the risk of damaging the earbuds’ internal components. It’s also easy to replace if it gets damaged.
- Warranty: A good warranty reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality and reliability of the earbuds and protects you from manufacturing defects. The longer the warranty, the more confident the manufacturer is that the earbuds can withstand regular use over an extended period.
8 Best Xbox Earbuds in 2023
Turtle Beach Battle Buds
Key features
- Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
- Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
- Sound quality: 10 mm drivers, 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency
- Microphone: Detachable boom mic; inline mic; inline controls
- Comfort: Multiple silicone ear tips and stabilizers
- Durability: Solid build; 1-year warranty
- Additional features: N/A
The Turtle Beach Battle Buds are our top pick due to their versatility, detachable boom mic, sound quality, and excellent value.
These earbuds are compatible with multiple gaming platforms and deliver bass-rich sound, perfect for games with lots of explosions. The clarity and separation is also quite good, allowing you to hear more subtle sounds like distant gunfire and footsteps.
They come with both an inline and a detachable boom mic, plus inline controls for easy volume adjustment. The detachable mic sits partway on your cheek, not reaching your mouth. Though it’s a bit sensitive, it captures voice commands clearly without excessive ambient noise. This makes the Battle Buds excellent for multiplayer games, allowing you to communicate clearly.
The earbuds, though slightly bulky due to their design, fit snugly when used with the correct ear tips and stabilizers. The detachable mic side is also heavier, so you might have to re-adjust it now and then, but it’s not too bothersome. Overall, the earbuds have a solid and stylish build.
In the nice-to-have category, you get a pouch for tangle-free storage. However, one downside is that the cable is short. This makes the earbuds suitable for Xbox controller connection but potentially inconvenient for PC use, depending on your setup.
JBL Quantum 50
Key features
- Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
- Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
- Sound quality: 8.6 mm drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency
- Microphone: Inline microphone and controls
- Comfort: Multiple silicone ear tips
- Durability: Braided cable up to the inline controls; 1-year warranty
- Additional features: Twistlock technology; JBL QuantumSOUND
The JBL Quantum 50 earbuds almost made it to the top of the list thanks to their comfortable and practical build. They’re only in second place because we couldn’t resist the Turtle Buds’ detachable mic, and the drivers on these are slightly smaller.
That said, the sound quality is good, with the earbuds boasting a balance of bass, midrange, and treble. You can easily hear footsteps and subtle game sounds.
The Quantum 50’s bass is less prominent than the Turtle Buds but still decent for explosive sounds. They offer excellent passive noise isolation with the right-sized tips and have convenient inline mic controls.
Additionally, the inline mic controls are handy, and the microphone captures commands without needing to be held close to the mouth, as is sometimes required with wired earbud microphones.
The earbuds use Twistlock technology, which requires twisting them into your ears for a perfect fit. They may feel uncomfortable at first, but once positioned correctly, they’re barely noticeable, even during extended gaming sessions.
Linsoul BLON BL01
Key features
- Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
- Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
- Sound quality: 10 mm Biology Fiber Diaphragm Drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency
- Microphone: Inline mic (optional)
- Comfort: Ergonomic design; over-ear hooks
- Durability: 4-strand anti-tension cable; metal shell; gold-plated plug; wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant; 1-year warranty
- Additional features: Detachable cable
For budget Xbox earbuds, consider the Linsoul BLON BL01 offer excellent value. They offer decent sound quality with a durable, stylish design that looks premium.
The sound quality is balanced and clear, with strong bass. The cable includes a functional mic that does the job well. You can also opt for a cable without a mic, but that means the earbuds will be less versatile.
Users will likely appreciate the Linsoul BLON BL01’s ergonomic design. While they’re comfortable to wear, the cable ear hooks are stiff and might bother you after extra long gaming sessions. Additionally, those with small ears may find it challenging to get a snug fit, even with five ear tip options.
The standout feature is the sturdy build, including a polished metal shell and a detachable braided cable for easy replacement. You also get a range of accessories in the box, including a soft pouch.
All in all, these are a solid choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much on earbuds but still wants to get some bang for their buck, especially in terms of sound quality.
Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed Earbuds
Key features
- Type: Wireless (2.4GHz USB-C dongle; Bluetooth 5.2)
- Compatibility: Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices
- Sound quality: 10 mm drivers; 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency; ANC
- Microphone: Dual environmental noise-canceling (ENC) microphones
- Comfort: Lightweight build; multiple ear tips
- Durability: Flip-top case; solid build; 2-year warranty
- Additional features: Razer Audio app
If you’re a fan of untethered freedom, the Xbox-licensed Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed Earbuds are for you. They connect to your Xbox via an included USB-C dongle for lag-free gaming, and their 10 mm drivers provide accurate sound with optional active noise cancellation (ANC).
The earbuds deliver crisp, immersive sound with excellent directional audio for games that need it. Plus, the ANC effectively isolates the outside world.
The microphone is clear and loud, even for soft-spoken users. However, it doesn’t reject environmental sounds well, which may only be an issue for on-the-go phone calls. However, it’s above average for home gaming.
The earbuds’ battery life is limited, lasting about 2 hours with ANC on when connected to Xbox. Turning off ANC and lighting extends it to around 3 hours per charge, with the case providing four additional charges. While insufficient for avid gamers, casual players shouldn’t have too many reasons to complain.
Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds
Key features
- Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
- Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
- Sound Quality: 22 Hz–17.5 kHz frequency
- Microphone: N/A
- Comfort: Multiple ear tips, over-the-ear design
- Durability: Kevlar reinforced cable, sweat-resistant construction, 2-year warranty
- Additional features: Detachable cable
If you don’t need a mic for gaming but want earbuds that’ll help keep out noisy distractions, look no further than the Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds. Though designed for music, they’re compatible with any 3.5 mm jack gaming platform, including Xbox.
The SE215 PROs offer exceptional passive noise isolation, blocking up to 37 dB of noise for an immersive gaming experience. The earbuds also deliver detailed, bass-enhanced sound, ensuring you won’t miss in-game audio cues.
Comfort-wise, the over-ear design suits long gaming sessions. They also come with three sizes of silicone and memory foam tips for a perfect seal. And though the cable may feel stiff initially, it becomes unnoticeable after 20-30 minutes of use.
The build is robust and likely to last a long time, thanks to a detachable Kevlar-reinforced cable and gold-plated connector.
ASUS ROG Cetra II Core
Key features
- Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
- Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
- Sound Quality: 9.4 mm Neodymium drivers, 20 Hz – 40 kHz frequency
- Microphone: Inline, omnidirectional mic and controls
- Comfort: Multiple ear tips and ear fins
- Durability: Aluminum housing, 2-year warranty
- Additional features: N/A
The ASUS ROG Cetra II Core earbuds are designed for comfort, ideal for gamers who lose track of time. Their ergonomic build features slightly tilted earbuds for a better fit, multiple ear tip pairs, and soft ear wings for stability during gameplay, making them ideal for fidgety players.
The liquid silicone rubber drivers in the earbuds ensure stable speaker performance. You get incredibly strong bass and an impressive level of passive noise isolation. The inline mic, equipped with noise-suppression technology, ensures clear voice communication.
While the lightweight metal housing looks striking, the paint may chip over time, which is frustrating, given the price. However, this doesn’t affect functionality and is a minor inconvenience if you prioritize comfort over aesthetics.
As a drawback, users report that the volume controls don’t work when you use the earbuds with a PS5 console. If you only have an Xbox, however, it won’t be an issue.
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones
Key features
- Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
- Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
- Sound Quality: Three drivers, 20 Hz – 40 kHz frequency
- Microphone: MEMS Mic with inline controls
- Comfort: Ergonomic design, multiple ear tips
- Durability: Lightweight aluminum alloy design, Kevlar cable, 1-year warranty
- Additional features: THX® Certified
Gamers seeking clear, high-quality sound will love the 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones. With two balanced armatures and a separate dynamic driver in each earbud, they deliver a stunning audio experience featuring deep bass and sizzling highs.
The earbuds reproduce sound with exceptional fidelity. In fact, they were tuned by Luca Bignardi, an award-winning sound engineer, making them ideal for both gaming and music. Unfortunately, they do suffer from sound leakage, even at moderate volume levels.
The 1MORE earbuds feature oblique angles that fit well into your ear canals and come with multiple ear tips, ensuring a secure fit. Moreover, the microphone is located right below your jawline and captures your voice well, with the inline controls a welcome addition.
Constructed from aluminum, the earbuds are durable. They also have a fabric-sheathed cable up to the Y-connector. The cables from the connector to the earbuds are rubber, which can snag on clothing but is a minor drawback considering the impressive sound quality.
Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro
Key features
- Type: Wired (3.5 mm)
- Compatibility: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, mobile devices, and more
- Sound Quality: 4 balanced armatures and one dynamic driver per side, 7 Hz – 40 kHz frequency
- Microphone: Inline mic (optional)
- Comfort: Multiple silicone ear tips
- Durability: Stainless steel faceplate, raising cavity, gold-plated cable, 1-year warranty
- Additional features: Detachable cable
While all earbuds on this list are durable, the Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro earbuds take the cake. Made from resistant materials, they should appeal to users who like to deal with game-related tension by fiddling with their equipment.
The earbuds are durable and stylish, with a stainless steel faceplate and a cavity made from imported resin. They feature a detachable gold-plated cable with plastic sheathing for extra protection, which boasts a premium feel.
In terms of audio, these earbuds deliver powerful, dynamic bass and accurate sound across the board. However, the upper frequencies might be too sharp at high volumes for some users. Luckily, the ergonomic design offers excellent passive noise isolation, allowing you to lower the volume while still enjoying audio nuances.
On the same note, the earbuds are comfortable to wear, even for hours on end. Like the Linsoul BLON BL01 earbuds, you can opt for a cable with or without an inline mic. Choose wisely, as you’ll likely be using these for years to come.