Why You Can Trust CNET Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Headset promises immersive gaming for $100
But its earcup design might be the best part.
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Microsoft's new Xbox Wireless Headset does away with little dials and turns the outer edge of the earcups into volume and game/chat audio balance controls.
The new $100 Xbox Wireless Headset seems like an amazing deal compared to even the best Xbox gaming headsets on the market. Using the Xbox Wireless protocol, the headset promises low-latency, lossless audio without the need for a dongle as well as Bluetooth, up to 15 hours of battery life and a clever control design. Pricing for UK and Australia wasn't immediately available but $100 converts to about £70 or AU$130.
The headset will support Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X for precise surround-sound experiences. Its retractable microphone has dual beamforming elements to separate speech audio from surrounding sound and can isolate your voice from ambient background noise, according to the announcement. The mic also has an auto-mute option so it's active only when you're talking, and it has an indicator light so you know when it's active.
Features including the auto-mute sensitivity, equalizer and bass boost settings and even the brightness of the mic's mute light can be controlled through the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S and Windows 10 devices. Bluetooth wireless is also available so you can simultaneously connect to a phone for chat, calls or music.
The headset is built with a durable frame using an inner metal headband with a thick cushion to spread pressure more evenly. Microsoft also turned the outside of the earcups into volume and game/chat audio balance dials so you're never struggling to find little dials on the headset during a battle.
A 3-hour charge gives you up to 15 hours of battery life, but you can also charge it for just 30 minutes to get about 4 hours of use, Microsoft says.
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The Xbox Wireless Headset will be available beginning March 16 in most worldwide Xbox markets and can be preordered starting today from the Microsoft Store and elsewhere.