Do Bluetooth Headphones Work With Xbox One
The many perks of a Bluetooth headset/headphones are evident in the convenience of uninterrupted gameplays backed by an impactful sound system. Players can effortlessly navigate in-game with their teammates, in-tune with even the slightest footsteps echoing off the barren concrete.
Bluetooth headphones serve to amplify a gaming experience with their quality of sound and superior wireless connectivity.
Xbox One, with its plethora of immersive games and soundtracks, brings a whole new gaming world to life. With the addition of Bluetooth headphones to complement the player’s game-time, what more could a gamer ask for?
In this context, there does exist a prevalent query. Can you use a Bluetooth headset with Xbox One or Can I connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One? Read on to discover what all is there to know about connecting your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One.
Are Bluetooth Headphones Compatible with Xbox One?
Unfortunately, Xbox One does not include a built-in Bluetooth module for all gaming enthusiasts for Bluetooth connectivity.
This one-liner piece of information has struck a melancholy chord among the many fans of the Xbox consoles. However, it should get emphasized that Bluetooth headphones cannot directly connect with the Xbox One console. Luckily, there are other ways to connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One.
In short, Bluetooth headphones are not compatible with Xbox One but can connect through indirect means, either wired or wireless.
Why Are Bluetooth Headphones Not Supported by Xbox One?
It is not merely Xbox One lacking Bluetooth ubiquity, but the entire Xbox platform series works without Bluetooth. Any device that requires a Bluetooth connection to function will not pair with the Xbox One, be it a keyboard, mouse, or controller.
To furnish its customers with the best-in-class audio experience, Microsoft renounced the common Bluetooth use. Instead, a proprietary radio signal system called the Xbox Wireless Protocol fills in for the Bluetooth void.
According to this in-house technology, a radio frequency module embedded in all Xbox devices tap into the wireless protocol. The module boasts of a high-frequency signal, superior in performance over the general 2.4GHz Bluetooth frequency.
The prime benefits of this module for all Xbox customers are the reduced latency, lags, and an amplified stereo/audio system. Many specialized features of Xbox controllers, like the impulse trigger, receive a performance boost through the Wireless protocol.
Is the lack of Bluetooth headphone connection convenient for Xbox One?
Microsoft forewent the need for the standardized Bluetooth facility to provide a potential gaming experience unique to its specifications. While there are evident benefits for the customers, many skeptical thoughts point to domination over the Xbox accessories compatibility.
The introduction of the Wireless protocol gives Microsoft an edge in terms of dictating the wireless category compatibility with its platform. It makes for a highly debatable topic, causing specific inconvenience for many gamers and Microsoft’s business convenience.
Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One?
Yes, you most certainly can. There is an indirect method to resolve the issue even without a compatible Bluetooth module in the Xbox One. The Xbox One console has no facility to allow Bluetooth connections, but the Xbox One controller furnishes Bluetooth affinity.
How Do Bluetooth Headphones Work with Xbox One?
Microsoft does not provide accessories to manage the Bluetooth connection, but many reputed aftermarket solutions help integrate your Bluetooth headphones. The Xbox One sports a USB port and a 3.5 mm jack to connect through a Bluetooth Dongle.
Other options include specialized headsets and controller attachments that enable seamless wireless audio response. However, there are always a few compatibility issues to keep an eye out for with aftermarket devices.
Arriving at A Convenient Bluetooth Headphone Solution for Xbox One
Chances are, there is already a new Bluetooth device at your disposal waiting to get utilized. Or you explicitly bought a Bluetooth headphone for added convenience during gaming. Nevertheless, connecting the device to the Xbox controller might not be as straightforward.
Bluetooth Affinity Challenges with Xbox One
Compatibility with Xbox One is challenging to acquire. If the device does manage to connect well, it might merely allow audio input and no audio output. In this case, utilizing a dongle will ease a few snags and, in turn, create some more.
Additionally, even the option of attaching a compatible device through an aftermarket controller is slightly complicated. Older versions of the Xbox controller did not include a 3.5 mm jack compared to the newer versions. They merely featured a USB port for extra connectivity.
Here, a gamer has the option of connecting their Bluetooth headphone through the 3.5 mm jack for appropriate audio receiving. For the older versions of the Xbox One, Microsoft supplies their Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter for connectivity ease.
The adapter is difficult to acquire but satisfies the requirement of a headphone jack.
Even with a wide range of indirectly compatible devices, there is a perpetual issue of audio transmission. Bluetooth transmitters allow audio to filter through a headset or speaker effectively. The underlying trouble lies in engaging with your teammates through voice chat.
The Ideal Solution to Counter Bluetooth Incompatibility with Xbox One
So, while you will be able to hear every sound, responding to it is not possible. A sure-fire solution is an Xbox branded headset when availing of both the audio input and output facilities. Since the headset is backed by Xbox manufacturers, working seamlessly with Microsoft wireless transmission is a given.
Again, the challenge here is not locating the Xbox branded headset but the actual purchase. There are multiple headsets offered by reputed companies that furnish the specifications of voice chatting and hearing. It is the sky-high costs that pose hesitations from the customer end.
Nevertheless, Xbox branded headsets are the most agreeable solution when seeking to connect a Bluetooth headphone to Xbox One.
How do you connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One?
Wireless Bluetooth headphones merely require provision for a headphone jack to connect to the Xbox One controller. Since the controller has a USB port and headphone jack facilities, a wireless audio transmitter or the Xbox One Adapter satisfies the connection.
Connecting via the Wireless Audio Transmitter
A Bluetooth wireless transmitter is a handy device that fits the Xbox controller’s 3.5 mm jack. This portable transmitter assists seamless connectivity and audio facilities limited to game audio transmission.
Here are the simple steps to get the transmitter connected to make use of your wireless Bluetooth headphones.
- The transmitter consists of a multi-function button that indicates on/off status, charge status, and pairing status. Merely press and hold the button for 3-5 seconds to switch it on after the initial charging.
- A blue flashing light indicates its working status.
- Open up the right auxiliary input prong and insert it into the headphone jack on the controller.
- Alternatively, the extension cable provided will furnish extra wiggle room for the transmitter, if needed.
- Next, switch on your wireless Bluetooth headphones and allow them to enter the pairing mode, indicated by alternate red-blue lights.
- Press and hold the multi-function button of the transmitter for 5 seconds to start the pairing.
- Once paired, the same gets indicated by consistent flashing blue lights on both the devices.
Connecting via the Xbox One Headset Stereo Adapter
For the older models of Xbox One without a headphone jack, Microsoft provided their Xbox One Headset Stereo Adapter to enable connectivity.
The adapter itself connects to the controller via the USB port. Thus, offering the option of a headphone jack to connect your required Bluetooth headphone.
While availing of the Xbox Adapter is a challenge due to production closing down, aftermarket adapters work just fine. These adapters provide multiple more perks other than mere connectivity.
They allow adjustment of in-game volume as well as chat volume and muting the microphone as needed.
Wireless headphones with Xbox One compatibility
An intriguing fact about wireless headphones is their latency factor. The primary reason gamers tend to purchase wireless headphones is due to the range they have. Otherwise, the wireless devices are known to have a higher latency rate than USB or analog facilities.
Even with the applicable cons, wireless headphones are compatible with Xbox One that scales the latency issues. A few such cost-effective and not-so-cost-effective suggestions for Xbox One are as follow
SADES Gaming Headset
Besides being an ideal fit with Xbox One, this gaming headset costs merely $30, the cheapest on the market. It furnishes all necessary features and facilities to assist online games while being comfortable to use.
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Gaming Headset
Priced well under $100, the Arctis 1 serves all necessities of being a budget-friendly and well-featured product. Its low-profile design and a detachable noise-canceling mic make it a perfect complement for in-game audio.
Cooler Master MH670 Wireless Headset
One among the best-in-class wireless headsets, the MH670 offers comfortability and quality with its surround system. At $120, the device furnishes audio with zero latency, audio control, and pain-free usage during intense games.
Razer Thresher Stereo Wireless Headset
The Thresher headset is another delightful asset at $120, furnishing reliable gaming features. An immersive gaming experience gets backed by superior surround sound, lag-free 12 m connectivity, and a retractable digital microphone.
LucidSound LS35X Wireless Stereo Headset
At $180, the LS35X is an ideal combination of compatibility and convenience. With a simple configuration, the Dual mic system supplies all the noise cancellation and boom mic when needed, respectively.
Final Thoughts
The query, ‘Can you connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One?’ has a simple solution but various facets of the discussion. From compatibility issues to affinity solutions, Xbox One furnishes quality food for thought with its gaming popularity.
Even with the limitations of Bluetooth absence, Xbox One has adequate facilities in place for gamers to relish its gaming experience. In short, Xbox One gaming is worth all the side-detours to ensure Bluetooth connectivity, the only con of the gaming platform.