X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Microsoft Refreshes the Xbox Wireless Headset -- Just a Bit

The company dusts off its 2021 headset with a few minor enhancements.

Headshot of Lori Grunin
Headshot of Lori Grunin
Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography | PCs and laptops | Gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
microsoft-xbox-wireless-headset-new
Microsoft

Microsoft launched its Xbox Wireless Headset about three and a half years ago, and its competition has changed -- in every way -- since then. So Microsoft amped it up a little to keep it from looking quite so dusty. That goes for the price, too, which bumps up by $10 to $110.

The new model, named identically to the old one (ugh), has the same design, but Microsoft dropped the green stripe circling the earcups. So that's how you'll know the difference if some of the older models linger in the market. It's a little disappointing that it only comes in all black (for the moment?), given that Microsoft just launched white models of the Xbox Series X.

Watch this: Hands-On With the Refreshed Xbox Wireless Headset

Microsoft is also tossing in a license for Dolby Atmos -- that's probably responsible for the price increase -- but the company also increased battery life by about 5 hours (now up to 20) and updated the mic with improved auto muting and voice isolation, the latter to better decrease background noise.

It's not worth replacing your old one or switching from another brand, but if someone gives you this headset over the holidays you'll know which model you've gotten!