Microsoft Xbox One Stereo Headset Review

     It has taken some time, but Microsoft has finally released their much anticipated headset adapter, making a bevy of headsets available for use with the Xbox One system. Along with the adapter, Microsoft has also released their Official Microsoft Stereo Headset. So how does it stack up and compare on its own? Quite well, actually.

      Like all Microsoft products lately, I was impressed with the packaging. While not as artfully packaged as say, Astro, the headset sits nicely in the tactfully simple green box. Upon opening it I was happy to see the simple black design fits very nicely with the look of the One itself. There are no amplifiers or presets on this headset, in fact there is no power source at all. The headset was designed to plug directly into the Xbox One controller (via included adapter, see below). The headphones get all the power they need from the controller. The headset is simple to set up, requiring an easily downloadable update before initial use, and after that it is ready to go.
 
     Another nice touch is the ability to balance the chat and game volume to your liking, so that you can more easily hear your friends while in a party. Side note: One fantastic addition to the package is the inclusion of the headset adapter itself. This was a smart move by Microsoft because it also allows the user to plug in any other headset without having to shell out another 25 dollars.

     The build quality is average if not slightly above. While the headset won’t likely snap in half (unlike the problem with some early models of the Sony Pulse Elite Headset), it doesn’t feel particularly sturdy in hand. It bends and bows to fit any size head however, and should stand up to normal wear and tear. The Stereo Headset is comfortable and light to wear, offering a cloth-covered earpiece that covers the ear. I never felt the infamous “ear ache”, even after lengthy gaming sessions.
 
     Of course none of this matters if the end result isn’t fantastic sound, and on this point Microsoft thankfully delivers. Much like the budget prices Sony Gold headset released earlier, the Xbox One official Stereo Headset is marketed as an entry level headset designed for people who want good sound, yet don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a top of the line pair. Surprisingly, the sound quality from this pair exceeded my expectations and sounds just as good as many headphones twice their price. I own a pair of Astro A40 headphones that I use primarily with my Playstation 4, and while I can certainly tell the difference between the two, the difference is smaller than you would think. An audiophile could find flaws of course, but the stereo sound, effects, and even the bass are excellent regardless of price point. For an unpowered headset, the amount of “crash and boom” I got while playing Titanfall amazed me. The bass does not overpower, but you know it is there, and the simulated surround sound works well enough to detect directional gunfire as you make your way across a map.
 
     Headsets are one of the most important decisions that a gamer can make when buying accessories for a new console. After all, a person is going to spend many hours with this piece of equipment, and with the cost involved it is important to make a good decision with your purchase. I can say that after dozens of hours of use, the overall value of the Microsoft Stereo Headset far outweighs it’s cost. At a MSRP of $79.99, the sound is easily on par with $150 dollar Turtle Beach headsets. If you are budget minded, or just want a good set of headphones for your Xbox One, the Official Stereo Headset is definitely worth your while.
 
8.5/10 – Excellent
 
Pros:                                         Cons:
- Easy to set up                           - Still can't compete with $200+ headsets
- Great sound                              - No presets or amp settings  
- Excellent value                          - No "true" 7.1 Surround
- Comfortable


This review was based on 20+ hours of use under normal “in home” conditions with a retail pair of Microsoft Stereo Headphones.

Written by: Ghost