Can you use a USB headset on Xbox One?

Gamers know that having a good headset can make all the difference during intense gaming sessions. A quality headset enhances the immersive experience through surround sound and clear communication with fellow players.

When it comes to choosing a headset for the Xbox One gaming console, compatibility is key. The Xbox One has specific requirements when it comes to connecting headsets. So an important question many gamers have is: can you use a USB headset with an Xbox One?

The short answer is no, you cannot directly connect a USB headset to an Xbox One console. The Xbox One is designed to only work with headsets that connect via the 3.5mm headphone jack on the wireless controller.

But why is that? And is there any workaround that allows using USB headsets with the Xbox One? Let’s take a deeper look.

Why USB Headsets Don’t Work on Xbox One

The Xbox One gaming console relies on a proprietary wireless communication protocol to connect controllers and headsets. This wireless signal is different from Bluetooth and other standards used by most USB gaming headsets on the market.

The Xbox One controller does not support USB audio connections. The only headset connectivity option is the 3.5mm headphone jack built into the bottom of the wireless controller.

So if you try connecting a USB headset directly to one of the USB ports on the console, it simply won’t work. The headset won’t be recognized by the Xbox One system software.

This limitation is by design from Microsoft. It forces Xbox One players to use officially licensed Xbox One headsets or standard 3.5mm audio headsets.

Using a USB to 3.5mm Adapter

Since the Xbox One relies on the 3.5mm headset jack connection, one workaround is to use a USB to 3.5mm headphone adapter.

This type of adapter has a male USB connector on one end and a female 3.5mm headphone jack on the other end. It converts the USB audio output from a headset into a 3.5mm headphone plug signal.

Here are the steps to use a USB gaming headset on Xbox One with this adapter method:

  1. Obtain a USB to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter. These can be purchased online or from most electronics stores.
  2. Connect the USB end of the adapter into the USB port on your USB gaming headset.
  3. Plug the 3.5mm end of the adapter into the stereo headset jack on the bottom of your Xbox One controller.
  4. Power on your Xbox One console and USB gaming headset. The headset should now work as if connected directly via 3.5mm.
  5. You can adjust the headset volume and mute controls using the Xbox guide menu.

This USB to 3.5mm adapter method allows you to use a wider variety of USB headsets and gaming headphones with the Xbox One. The adapter converts the headset audio into a format supported by the Xbox controller.

The main downside is having an extra inline adapter that needs to be connected. So there will be an additional cable running from your headset to the controller.

But for most gamers, this extra cable is a worthwhile trade-off to be able to use their favorite USB gaming headset with the Xbox One.

Using an Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter

Another option is to use the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter. This is an official accessory made by Microsoft designed for use with the initial launch versions of the Xbox One controller.

The first generation Xbox One controllers did not include a 3.5mm headset jack. So Microsoft created this adapter to allow connection of 3.5mm headsets.

Here are the steps to use a USB headset with the Stereo Headset Adapter:

  1. Obtain an Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter. These can still be found online and in some electronics stores.
  2. Connect the USB headset into the headphone jack on the adapter using a 3.5mm audio cable.
  3. Plug the adapter into the proprietary headset expansion port on the bottom of the Xbox One controller.
  4. Power on the USB headset and Xbox console. Audio should now play through the headset.
  5. Adjust volume and mute using the inline controls on the stereo adapter.

The Stereo Headset Adapter method is a bit more elegant since the adapter fits flush with the bottom of the controller. So there is no loose inline cable to deal with.

On the downside, this adapter can be harder to find nowadays since it was mainly produced during the first couple years of the Xbox One lifecycle. But if you can get your hands on one, it works great for connecting USB headsets.

Considerations When Using USB Headsets on Xbox One

When using either of these workaround methods to connect a USB gaming headset to the Xbox One console, keep these tips in mind:

  • Make sure your controller has a 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Some third party controllers may not include this even if they are marketed as “Xbox One” controllers.
  • The headset adapter will work even if your controller also has a built-in 3.5mm jack. But you can only use one connection at a time.
  • Wireless Xbox One controllers need to have fresh batteries installed. The adapter and headset draw additional power.
  • Headsets with virtual surround sound processing may lose this feature since the Xbox only receives a standard stereo signal.
  • Monitor headset battery life so you don’t lose audio mid-game when power runs out.
  • USB headsets with in-line microphone and volume controls will still work on Xbox One.
  • Consult your headset manufacturer if you experience any audio issues like buzzing or distorted game sounds.

As long as your USB gaming headset can output standard stereo audio over a 3.5mm jack, you should be able to get it working with your Xbox One using one of these adapter methods.

It just takes a bit of effort since Microsoft designed the console for direct wireless connections. But where there’s a will, there’s a way for dedicated gamers determined to use their favorite headset!

Why Can You Use USB Headsets on PS4 But Not Xbox One?

Now you may be wondering, if the Xbox One doesn’t support USB headsets, how come the PlayStation 4 has no issues with them?

This comes down to a fundamental difference in the headset connectivity methods employed by each console maker.

The PS4 utilizes standard USB audio class drivers that allow USB headsets to pair directly to the console using the USB ports.

USB headsets on PS4 work just like they would when connecting to a PC. The headset appears as a sound output device that you can select from the PS4 system settings.

By relying on generic USB audio class connectivity, the PS4 provides wide compatibility with most major gaming headsets on the market.

The Xbox One on the other hand uses those proprietary wireless protocols as discussed earlier. Microsoft designed these specifically for their own licensed Xbox One gaming headsets.

And they did not include USB audio class firmware that would have allowed USB headsets to pair directly with the Xbox console itself.

So in summary:

PS4 = USB headsets compatible

Xbox One = Only 3.5mm headsets compatible

This was likely an intentional move by Microsoft to limit headset options, incentivizing players to buy first-party Xbox One headsets.

Sony took a more open approach, giving PS4 gamers choice. But Xbox is now making amends with their newest console…

USB Headset Support on Xbox Series X and Series S

The recently launched Xbox Series X and Series S consoles have changed things when it comes to USB headset support.

These next-gen Xbox consoles include USB-C ports. And through these ports, the Xbox Series X/S now allows direct USB headset connections.

So any USB gaming headset that supports USB-C audio can pair directly with these consoles. No 3.5mm adapters or dongles required!

This is great news for Xbox gamers who prefer USB headsets. The Series X/S consoles now provide compatibility on par with what PS4 offers for USB gaming audio.

Microsoft smartly realized that by sticking with proprietary wireless protocols for headsets, they were limiting Xbox One owners unfairly. So they reversed course for the Series X and Series S generation.

The moral of the story is, don’t give up hope! If gamers make their preferences heard, the console makers will adapt. It just takes time for technology standards to change direction.

In Summary…

While you can’t directly connect a USB gaming headset to an Xbox One, there are a few workarounds using 3.5mm adapters and stereo headset adapters. It’s an extra step, but worth it to be able to use your favorite USB headsets.

The newer Xbox Series X/S consoles have built-in support for USB headsets connected through the USB-C port. So no adapters are needed.

Hopefully this guide gave you a better understanding of the headset connectivity options on Xbox consoles. Just remember to consider headset compatibility before purchasing headsets or consoles to avoid any surprises.

And no matter which Xbox generation you play on, a quality gaming headset helps take the experience to the next level. So equip yourself with a great mic and cans, and game on!


Meghan

The Editorial Team at AnswerCatch.com brings you insightful and accurate content on a wide range of topics. Our diverse team of talented writers is passionate about providing you with the best possible reading experience.