Best overall alternative: Logitech G Astro A50 X, because one headset can connect to Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC/Mac and switch between them with PLAYSYNC. Best premium alternative: Audeze Maxwell 2, provided you buy the correct Xbox or PlayStation version. Best value-oriented Arctis option: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, whose Xbox model is designed for Xbox and belongs to an Arctis family documented as compatible with PS5 and Xbox.
The deciding issue is not merely sound quality. It is whether the exact console variant, connection method and switching behavior fit the way you play. The guide below separates those details from claims that manufacturers have not independently measured.
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Quick answer: which headset should you choose?
| Use case | Recommended model | Why it fits | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| One headset for Xbox Series X|S and PS5 | Logitech G Astro A50 X LIGHTSPEED | Logitech says it connects to Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC/Mac, with PLAYSYNC for switching among systems. | Its console-switching design uses HDMI 2.1 connections, so your setup must accommodate the required base-station connections. |
| Premium headset when you mainly use one console | Audeze Maxwell 2 | It is available in separate Xbox and PlayStation versions; the Xbox guide documents wireless-dongle and 3.5 mm controller connections. | The Xbox and PlayStation editions are not interchangeable assumptions. Choose the correct version before buying. |
| Lower-cost Arctis-family option | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless | The 7X model is intended for Xbox, and SteelSeries documents next-generation Arctis compatibility with Xbox Series X|S and PS5. | Check the suffix and the connection instructions for your console. Xbox support is model-specific. |
Comfort, microphone quality, battery life and measured latency are not independently ranked by the manufacturer material available for these models. Treat those characteristics as open questions rather than established advantages.
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A headset can look similar on a specification sheet and still fail the practical test of serving both consoles. Start with four questions:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Does the exact edition support your Xbox? “Xbox compatible” can apply only to a suffix or console-specific variant, not every product in a family.
- How does it connect? A headset may use a wireless dongle, a base station with HDMI, a controller’s 3.5 mm jack, or a combination of those methods.
- Can it switch without moving cables? A headset that works on both systems is different from one that can actively change between them from a button or control.
- What is documented rather than assumed? Console support, software features and licensing can differ between Xbox and PlayStation versions.
The Astro A50 X is the only option in this comparison whose manufacturer explicitly presents simultaneous Xbox, PS5 and PC/Mac connectivity with a dedicated switching feature. Maxwell 2 takes a variant-first approach, while Nova 7X is the more economical route within the Arctis range.
Comparison of the three alternatives
| Category | Logitech G Astro A50 X | Audeze Maxwell 2 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Console support | Xbox Series X|S and PS5; Logitech also lists PC/Mac. | Buy an Xbox version or a PlayStation version. Audeze’s Xbox guide covers Xbox Series S|X. | 7X is intended for Xbox. SteelSeries describes next-generation Arctis headsets as compatible with Xbox Series X|S and PS5; verify the exact model for your setup. |
| Switching | PLAYSYNC switches among connected Xbox, PS5 and PC/Mac systems. | No cross-console switching function is established in the supplied manufacturer material. | No cross-console switching function is established in the supplied manufacturer material. |
| Wireless connection | Wireless headset with a base-station setup; Logitech documents HDMI 2.1 connections for Xbox Series X|S and PS5. | Xbox model works through its wireless dongle. | Wireless headset; the supplied material does not specify a single switching method for PS5 and Xbox. |
| Wired connection | HDMI 2.1 console connections are documented; a separate 3.5 mm headset path is not stated. | Xbox model can use a 3.5 mm AUX connection through a compatible gamepad. | A wired console path is not stated in the supplied material. |
| Bluetooth or simultaneous-device use | Not stated in the supplied manufacturer material. | Not stated in the supplied manufacturer material. | Not stated in the supplied manufacturer material. |
| Microphone | Not independently ranked in the supplied evidence. | Not independently ranked in the supplied evidence. | Not independently ranked in the supplied evidence. |
| Battery claim | Not stated in the supplied evidence. | Not stated in the supplied evidence. | Not stated in the supplied evidence. |
| Software | PLAYSYNC is the defining console-management feature. | Dolby Access activates for the Xbox model. | Xbox connection requires no extra pairing according to the Nova 7X support information. |
| Price position | Premium. Logitech’s 2023 launch release listed $379.99; that is a historical launch figure, not a current price. | Premium positioning; current price is not established here. | Value-oriented within the Arctis family; current price is not established here. |
Prices, stock and regional model names can change. Check the current listing and the console suffix immediately before purchase.
Logitech G Astro A50 X: the closest functional substitute
Why it is the strongest two-console choice
Logitech describes the A50 X as a headset made for “groundbreaking PLAYSYNC” that can connect to “XBOX + PS5 + PC/mac at once and tap through all three systems.” That directly addresses the problem many dual-console owners have: a headset may support both platforms but still require unplugging a dongle or changing a cable each time you change systems.
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Logitech also documents HDMI 2.1 connections to Xbox Series X|S and PS5. In practice, that makes the base-station wiring part of the buying decision. The A50 X is not simply a generic USB accessory that you move from one console to another; plan where the base station, console HDMI cables and display connections will sit.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Who should buy it
- Players who regularly alternate between an Xbox Series X|S and PS5.
- Households that also want the same headset available on a PC or Mac.
- Anyone who values a physical or dedicated switching workflow more than the lowest purchase price.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone whose display or home-theater layout cannot accommodate the documented HDMI 2.1 base-station connections.
- Buyers looking for a low-cost headset rather than a multi-device switching system.
- Players who need independently verified microphone, comfort, battery or latency rankings; the available evidence does not establish those comparisons.
Basic connection plan
- Confirm that your consoles are Xbox Series X|S and PS5, the platforms named by Logitech.
- Place the A50 X base station where its HDMI 2.1 and other required cables can reach both consoles and the display.
- Connect the Xbox and PS5 using the HDMI 2.1 arrangement described in Logitech’s current manual for your region.
- Connect the headset and complete the platform setup shown by the base station or on-screen instructions.
- Test audio on each console separately, then use PLAYSYNC to move between them. Check that game audio and chat are routed to the intended system before starting a session.
Audeze Maxwell 2: premium sound hardware with a variant decision
Choose the console edition first
Maxwell 2 is not a single universal purchase for Xbox and PlayStation. Audeze’s Xbox support guide specifically describes the Xbox version working with Xbox Series S|X through the wireless dongle or through a 3.5 mm AUX connection on a compatible gamepad. Dolby Access activates for the Xbox model.
That means a buyer who owns both consoles must decide which platform matters most before ordering. Do not assume that buying the Xbox edition automatically gives you the same licensed or software behavior on PS5, or that the PlayStation edition will provide Xbox support. The supplied documentation establishes separate versions, not a universal cross-console license.
When Maxwell 2 makes sense
- You want a premium headset and are willing to select a console-specific edition.
- Your primary console is Xbox and you value having both a wireless-dongle route and a controller-based 3.5 mm fallback.
- You want Dolby Access support on the Xbox model.
When it is a poor fit
- You need one button to switch an active headset between Xbox and PS5.
- You are buying online without a clearly identified Xbox or PlayStation suffix.
- You expect the same software features on both console editions.
Xbox connection procedure
- Confirm that the listing is the Xbox version of Maxwell 2.
- Connect the wireless dongle to the Xbox Series S|X and follow Audeze’s current pairing instructions.
- If wireless setup is unavailable or unsuitable, connect the headset through the 3.5 mm AUX jack on a compatible gamepad.
- Install or activate Dolby Access when prompted for the Xbox model.
- Test game audio and voice chat with the controller connected before relying on the headset for a long session.
The 3.5 mm method is a useful fallback, but it is a wired controller connection, not a second wireless console-switching system.
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What the 7X designation tells you
The Nova 7X is the Xbox-oriented model in the Nova 7 family. SteelSeries states that Xbox connection requires no extra pairing on the Nova 7X support page. SteelSeries also describes its next-generation Arctis headsets as compatible with Xbox Series X|S and PS5.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Those statements make the 7X attractive to buyers who want to stay within the Arctis ecosystem without paying for a more elaborate multi-console base station. They do not establish that every Nova 7 or every regional listing has identical console behavior. Read the suffix printed in the product title and confirm that the listing identifies the 7X rather than a PlayStation-focused or PC-focused sibling.
Best use cases
- Xbox players who want an Arctis-family headset with a straightforward Xbox connection.
- Buyers who want a value-oriented alternative rather than a premium HDMI switching setup.
- Players who may use PS5 as well but are prepared to verify the exact PS5 connection procedure before purchase.
What it does not establish
The available manufacturer information does not provide an independent ranking for Nova 7X microphone quality, comfort, battery endurance or measured latency. It also does not document a PLAYSYNC-style active switch between two consoles. If instant console switching is your main requirement, the A50 X has the clearer documented advantage.
Setup checklist
- Verify that the headset is specifically labeled Nova 7X.
- On Xbox, use the documented no-extra-pairing process and confirm that the console recognizes the headset.
- For PS5, follow the current Nova 7X instructions for the exact regional model rather than assuming the Xbox procedure applies unchanged.
- Set the console’s audio output and chat device to the headset, then test both game sound and microphone input.
- If the headset is not detected, remove other wireless accessories temporarily, restart the console and repeat the model-specific connection process.
How to choose by console combination
You own Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and switch every day
Choose the Astro A50 X first. Its documented PLAYSYNC workflow is the only one here explicitly designed to connect both consoles and move among them. Confirm that the HDMI 2.1 base-station arrangement fits your display before ordering.
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You mainly play on Xbox and occasionally use another device
Compare Maxwell 2’s Xbox edition with Nova 7X. Maxwell 2 offers the documented wireless-dongle and 3.5 mm controller paths, plus Dolby Access on Xbox. Nova 7X is the simpler value-oriented Arctis choice and requires no extra Xbox pairing according to SteelSeries.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
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You mainly play on PS5
Do not order Maxwell 2 until you have selected the PlayStation edition. If you are considering Nova 7X, verify the exact PS5 compatibility and setup instructions for the listing you are buying. The A50 X remains the least ambiguous option if Xbox support must also be ready without changing headset editions.
You need PC or Mac in the same setup
The A50 X is the only model here whose manufacturer explicitly lists PC/Mac alongside Xbox and PS5. For the other two, confirm computer compatibility and simultaneous-device behavior in the current product documentation rather than inferring it from the word “wireless.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Buying checklist before you place the order
- Read the full model name. Look for “A50 X,” “Maxwell 2 Xbox,” “Maxwell 2 PlayStation,” or “Nova 7X,” not only the family name.
- Match the console generation. The documented console references are Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Series S|X and PS5. Do not assume older Xbox One or PlayStation 4 behavior without checking the current manual.
- Decide whether switching or compatibility is the priority. Compatibility means the headset can work on a platform; switching means you can move between active systems without rebuilding the connection.
- Check the physical connection requirements. The A50 X uses a base-station design with documented HDMI 2.1 console connections. Maxwell 2’s Xbox documentation includes a wireless dongle and 3.5 mm controller option.
- Confirm software and licensing. Dolby Access is identified for the Maxwell 2 Xbox model. Console-specific software behavior should not be generalized to another edition.
- Check current price and stock. The A50 X’s $379.99 figure was its 2023 launch price, not a current price guarantee. Current prices and regional availability need a live check.
- Inspect the return policy. This is especially important when comfort, microphone performance and battery life are not supported by independent comparative measurements.
Troubleshooting common failures
The headset works on one console but not the other
First check the model suffix. Maxwell 2 requires the appropriate Xbox or PlayStation version, and Nova 7X is the Xbox-oriented model. For the A50 X, recheck every base-station connection and confirm that the selected PLAYSYNC source matches the console producing audio.
Game audio works but chat does not
Open the console’s audio settings and select the headset as both output and chat device. On a controller-based Maxwell 2 connection, reseat the 3.5 mm plug and verify that the controller itself is recognized. Then test the microphone in the console’s input meter before joining a party.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The A50 X does not switch cleanly
Check that both consoles are connected through the documented HDMI 2.1 arrangement and that the display is receiving the expected source. Select the correct PLAYSYNC input, then restart the affected console and base station if the source remains silent.
Nova 7X is not detected on Xbox
Use the no-extra-pairing process documented for Nova 7X, disconnect unnecessary wireless accessories, restart the Xbox and repeat the setup. If the product title does not actually contain “7X,” confirm that you did not receive a different Nova model.
Bottom line for PS5 and Xbox buyers
The Logitech G Astro A50 X is the clearest replacement for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless when one headset must serve Xbox Series X|S and PS5 with convenient switching. Audeze Maxwell 2 is the premium alternative when you are comfortable choosing a console-specific edition, while SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is the value-oriented option for buyers who prioritize an Xbox-friendly Arctis model over a documented cross-console switch.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
