Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones on Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X is the latest gaming console from Microsoft, promising a new level of performance and features. One of the most exciting things about this console is its support for wireless controllers, wireless audio, and even headphones with Bluetooth connectivity. But can you indeed use Bluetooth headphones on Xbox Series X?
In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details of using Bluetooth headphones on your Xbox Series X, exploring what kind of headphones are compatible, how to set them up, and what you should know before making the switch.
Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Series X Directly?
A straight answer to this question is yes! The Xbox Series X natively supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair and connect your Bluetooth headphones wirelessly. However, there are some key points to consider:
- Wireless Audio Format (WAF) is necessary: To connect your headphones wirelessly, you’ll need devices that support WAF, which encrypts audio data to ensure a secure, latency-free connection.
- Limitations on Wireless Audio Quality : The Xbox Series X natively supports 2-channel PCM (uncompressed Pulse Code Modulation) audio, which restricts the audio quality to 8 kHz or 16 kHz @ 48 kHz. This limited frequency response may not be sufficient for those seeking high-fidelity audio.
Bluetooth Headphone Types Compatible with Xbox Series X
In summary, you can connect the following type of Bluetooth headphones to your Xbox Series X directly:
- Wireless headphones designed for gaming: Many contemporary wireless gaming headphones, such as Astro Gaming’s A50 or the SteelSeries Arctis, natively support WAF, Bluetooth 5.0, or aptX Low Latency – the perfect combination for seamless compatibility.
However, not all headphones are created equal:
• Non-gaming earphones: Some Bluetooth headphones are designed for music listening instead of gaming. These may not work reliably due to limitations in their chipset and audio processing capabilities, possibly resulting in poor audio synchronization.
• Older Bluetooth headphones may not support WAF (check your headphones’ features). If your headphones fail the WAF test, explore additional options (see below).
If you’re unsure about your headphones, there are alternative methods available; however, these may require additional set-ups and potential latency issues:
- Bluetooth to Bluetooth adapter: You can use third-party adapters that convert your analogue Bluetooth audio to digital, allowing you to hook it up to your Xbox Series X wirelessly. Keep in mind additional lag and potential audio quality degradation risks.
Connection Procedure for Bluetooth Headphones with Xbox Series X
Connect your Bluetooth headphones to your Xbox Series X using the following steps:
• Power on your headphones and set them to pairing mode
- Refer to your headphones’ instructions for specific pairing procedures or LED indicators.
• Insert your wireless headphones into the Xbox Series X Bluetooth pairing menu
• To do this, navigate to Devices and Audio > Audio Devices within your Xbox settings.
• Use your Xbox controller to select the "pair a new device" option.
• Confirm the pairing process• Your headphones might be displayed as "Found devices" or "New Pair" depending on the device.
• Make sure to select the correct head set and confirm the pairing is complete.
Videos and Audio Settings Explained
Upon connecting your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox Series X, you’ll notice your game audio is now transmitted via headphones:
• Audio Settings Adjustment : Adjust your audio output as needed by navigating through Audio > Audio Settings. Enable/disabled features like DTS:X, Dolby, Surround sound, and more.
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Setting | |
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Audio Sync and Audio Delay | Eliminate audio lag (<25 ms) by adjusting timing according to your preference.
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