Can You Use Beats With An Xbox One?
Everyone knows the disappointment that comes with making an expensive hardware purchase only to find out that it isn’t compatible with your other devices. However, there is usually a workaround to get any two devices to work together. All it takes is a simple accessory to achieve a great gaming experience with your Xbox One and Beats headphones.
Can You Use Beats With An Xbox One?
Beats will not work with an Xbox One straight out of the box. The Xbox One controller and Beats headphones use different protocols for handling microphone signals. It will require a workaround to get them to work correctly. Keep reading to learn exactly how to connect your Beats headphones to your Xbox One.
The good news is, it’s easy to get Beats headphones to work with the Xbox One.
Unfortunately, the Xbox One doesn’t support Bluetooth.
This means you won’t be able to use your Beats with your Xbox One straight out of the box.
You’ll require a Bluetooth adapter.
Alternatively, newer models of Beats headphones have 3.5mm jacks.
Gamers can simply connect their Beats to their Xbox One controller via a 3.5mm cable.
However, connecting your Beats to your Xbox One isn’t quite that simple.
Connecting with a simple 3.5mm cable will get you audio, but you won’t be able to use the microphone.
This means all you need is a 3.5mm cable if all you want to do is get audio feedback through your headphones.
Getting the microphone working is a completely different task in itself.
Bluetooth Adapter
The Xbox One uses a proprietary wireless connection protocol called Xbox Wireless.
It’s how the controller connects to the console without receiving interference from other Bluetooth devices.
This proprietary protocol ensures gamers always have a smooth gaming experience; however, it introduces problems when you want to use Bluetooth devices with your console.
Any gamer has likely had to make use of a Bluetooth adapter at some point in their life.
Most PC gamers likely already have a Bluetooth adapter or two laying around.
There are many Bluetooth adapters that plug into the Xbox One controller via the audio port.
There are many brands and styles to choose from, and most of them are extremely affordable.
Plugging a Bluetooth adapter into your controller is one of the easiest ways to connect your Beats headphones to your Xbox One.
It bypasses the different wiring protocols that the two devices use, guaranteeing both the microphone and audio work on your Beats headphones when paired with the Xbox One.
Enabling Microphone Function
Beats was purchased by Apple a few years ago, and as we all know, Apple likes to do things differently than other tech companies.
Everyone knows they use different charging cables, but Apple headphones use different wiring techniques for their microphones too.
This makes Apple products work flawlessly with other Apple products; however, it introduces problems when you are trying to pair an Apple product with anything else.
The Xbox One and its controller use the CTIA standard for headphone wiring.
Beats headphones use OMTP wiring for headphones.
Neither type is really better than the other, but it does mean the two devices are incompatible out of the box.
Apple is constantly updating their products too, making it more difficult to use Apple products with products from other companies.
In theory, all you need is a CTIA to OMTP adapter.
This adapter flips the ground wire and the microphone wire.
However, this doesn’t always work.
The Turtle Beach Audio Controller
It’s easy to get audio to work with your Beats headphones and Xbox One controller; however, full microphone functionality is a completely different problem.
Some people report success with certain CTIA to OMTP converters, but if you want to ensure you get compatibility between your Beats and Xbox One, you will want to pick up a specialty product.
While working similarly to a simple CTIA to OMTP converter, this product is much more.
It not only enables Beats headphones and microphone to work flawlessly with the Xbox One, but it comes with a long list of other features as well.
Gamers will be able to toggle their own voice in their headphones, making sure their teammates hear them at a reasonable volume.
It also allows gamers to adjust both their audio and microphone volume in one convenient place.
The Turtle Beach Audio Controller also allows gamers to hear more during their game.
It increases the volume of other players’ footsteps, giving you a slight edge in competitive games.
You can also adjust game volume and chat audio individually.
Even if you aren’t interested in using Beats headphones with your Xbox One, the Turtle Beach Audio Controller is still useful to have.
Bluetooth vs Audio Controller
Both a Bluetooth adapter and the Turtle Beach Audio Controller have their own advantages.
The Bluetooth adapter is far cheaper than the pricey Turtle Beach Audio Controller, but you get more bang for your buck with the audio controller.
You get a lot more than an adapter with the Turtle Beach product.
One disadvantage to using a Bluetooth headset while gaming is battery life.
You may find yourself with a dead headset during an important moment in game.
It could even cost you a match.
Consider picking up a Bluetooth adapter and the audio controller.
It’ll cost you more, but you will be prepared for any moment.
Alternative Headset for Gaming
Another option is to simply purchase a different headset for gaming.
Sure, you won’t be able to use your high-quality Beats headphones with your Xbox One, but there are plenty of reliable headsets made specifically for the Xbox One.
Most headsets will list Xbox One compatibility right on the packaging, and they are easy to find.
Many gaming headsets come equipped with features specifically designed for gaming.
You might even end up having a better experience with a custom gaming headset over your Beats headphones.
You’ll still be able to use your Beats alongside your iPhone, and having two different sets of headphones will extend the life of both products.
Consider picking up a specialized gaming headset and you won’t be disappointed by incompatible hardware.