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In brief: The wireless headset that Microsoft introduced shortly after launching the Xbox Series consoles was well regarded for offering a relatively impressive feature set for its $99 price. For $10 more, the updated version improves battery life and gains new features for added convenience.
Microsoft has introduced a new version of its wireless headset for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. The improved gaming headset, now available from the Microsoft Store for $109.99, updates the audio and wireless functionality.
One of the most important changes is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos out of the box. Although the $59 wired Xbox headset and the previous wireless version also support Atmos, enabling the feature requires an additional $15 purchase through the Dolby Access app. Microsoft likely refused to pay the Dolby licensing fee for every unit before relenting with the updated model.
However, as with the older models, activating DTS Headphone: X still incurs an additional cost. Windows Sonic, Microsoft's in-house spatial sound alternative, is also supported.
Moreover, Microsoft added voice isolation and auto-mute features. The new headset can minimize background noise to make the speaker's voice clearer, and flipping the microphone into the up position automatically disables it. The company also switched to Qualcomm's S5 Gen 2 sound platform, decreasing audio latency.
Furthermore, the new Xbox headset upgrades the Bluetooth functionality from version 4.2 to 5.3. The updated specifications introduce various features to improve energy efficiency, which might be behind the increased battery life. Although the charging speed remains unchanged, battery life has lengthened from 15 to 20 hours.
Other aspects of the headset are mostly unchanged. It weighs 312 grams (11 ounces) and includes 40mm neodymium magnet speakers with paper composite diaphragms. The speaker impedance is 32 ohms with a 20Hz to 20kHz response. The volume and other settings are adjustable through earcup dials and the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox or Windows. Both Xbox wireless headsets also support multiple simultaneous Bluetooth connections so users can receive calls on mobile devices while playing games on Xbox or PC.
At $110, Microsoft's new gaming headset might be a reasonable alternative to TechSpot's 2023 pick for the best budget gaming headset – the SteelSeries Arctis 7+. While the Arctis supports all modern platforms and boasts 30 hours of battery life, it costs more and lacks Bluetooth functionality.