Even as we approach the release of the next-generation Xbox Series X, people are often confused as to whether or not the current Microsoft Xbox One series of consoles can connect to Bluetooth headphones. Xbox platforms have always maintained an intentional lack of Bluetooth support for both good and potentially greedy reasons. That means players can't connect Bluetooth devices but that doesn't exclude other wireless headphone options.
Microsoft made the decision to forego Bluetooth back in 2005 with the launch of the original Xbox 360. Instead, that system and its predecessors use a proprietary radio signal for wireless communication with controllers. This signal is actually stronger and provides lower latency than most iterations of Bluetooth, so it benefits players to a degree. The obvious flip side of that coin is that it also means Microsoft can control the Xbox accessory ecosystem by dictating which wireless devices will work with the platforms. It's debatable if this is good or bad for gamers but it's certainly inconvenient, at least.
Ironically, the official Xbox One controller does have Bluetooth support built-in but, since the console doesn't, the feature is mainly reserved for connecting the gamepad to PCs and mobile devices (a major selling point of Microsoft's xCloud service). Without the option of any Bluetooth connections, Xbox One users have to find other ways to use wireless headphones and headsets with the console, and, fortunately, options are plentiful. From USB dongles, to controller attachments, to specialized headsets, there's no shortage of ways to chat and listen wirelessly on Xbox One, but there are some issues to watch out for.
Ways To Use Bluetooth Headphones on an Xbox One
If your preferred wireless connection type is Bluetooth or if you already have some Bluetooth headphones you want to use with an Xbox One, things are going to be complicated. Xbox One does support some USB Bluetooth transmitters but which ones are compatible can be a crapshoot, and even if you find one that works with the system, it will likely transmit only game audio and not allow you to party chat. There are, however, dongles that can attach directly to an Xbox One controller, which will make it possible to use existing Bluetooth headphones.
That said, going the route of attaching a device to a controller is complex as well. In 2015 Microsoft released an updated version of the Xbox One gamepad that included a headphone jack. Most Bluetooth transmitters will use that headphone jack and work fine for sending audio to a pair of Bluetooth-enabled headphones. For people using the older Xbox One controller, which lacks a headphone jack, the best choice is to purchase Microsoft's Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter, which is becoming increasingly hard to find. This device serves a number of functions including adding a headphone jack to the older model controllers, thus enabling a connection to a Bluetooth dongle.
The problem with all of the above options is most Bluetooth transmitters only send audio out to a speaker. That means you'll likely be unable to engage in voice chat using any of the above methods, even though you'll be able to hear everything. Therefore, the best solution for wireless audio (input and output) on Xbox One will be purchasing an Xbox-branded headset that works with the Microsoft wireless communication signal mentioned earlier. These products – which are typically easy to find since they're made by noteworthy companies like Turtle Beach and Razer – will let you hear game and voice chat audio while also allowing you to voice chat. They can get expensive (and, at this point, this isn't even Bluetooth anymore) but they're the most convenient wireless option, by far.