Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset EP2-42285

The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset EP2-42285 is a Forza Horizon 6 themed gaming headset with direct Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. It has a good mic and a fun design, but comfort is one of the worst we've seen, and battery life is mediocre. For most people, there are better wireless headsets at this price.

Let's talk numbers. The mic scores at the 76th percentile, which is actually the strongest part of this headset. That's well above average, and for a gaming headset, a decent mic matters. Your squad will hear you clearly, and the boom mic design helps with that. Connectivity lands at the 66th percentile, which is solid. The dual connection setup is nice: you can be on Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth simultaneously, so chatting on your phone while racing works without swapping devices.

Sound quality sits at the 57th percentile, right in the middle of the pack. With Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X support, the spatial audio features are there, but the actual drivers don't blow us away. It's fine for hearing engine roars and tire squeals, but don't expect audiophile detail. Battery life is 20 hours, which lands at the 20th percentile. That's disappointing for a wireless headset in this price range. And the ANC score is 32nd percentile, so noise cancellation is mediocre at best. The build quality at 34th percentile is underwhelming too, and comfort is the real killer at the 2nd percentile. That's one of the worst comfort scores we've seen in this category.

Compared to the Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B, the Xbox headset loses on comfort, battery, and ANC. The Sony is a more well-rounded headset for everyday use, though it lacks the direct Xbox Wireless connection. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 is in a different league for sound quality and build, but it's also more expensive. If you want a gaming headset with better comfort and battery, the JBL Tune 670NC is worth a look, though it doesn't have the Xbox Wireless integration.

The Technics EAH-A800 and Soundcore Life Q20 also beat the Xbox headset on comfort and battery life. The Soundcore is especially notable because it's often cheaper and has much better ANC. But none of these competitors have the direct Xbox Wireless connection, which is the Xbox headset's one real advantage. If you're on Xbox and hate dongles, that matters. If you're on PC or Android only, there's no reason to pick this over the alternatives.

Value is tricky here because the price varies a lot depending on where you shop. In EUR, you're looking at a spread from 169 to 215 across three listings in Germany, Spain, and Italy. That's a 46 EUR difference for the same headset, so if you're in Europe, shop around. The 169 EUR listing is the best deal by far. At 119 USD in the US, it's more palatable, but even then, you're paying for the Forza branding and the direct Xbox connection. For the same money, you could get a Sony ULT WEAR or a JBL Tune 670NC with better comfort and battery life. The Xbox headset's gaming focus is its main selling point, but the comfort issues make it hard to recommend at full price.

The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset EP2-42285 is a limited edition Forza Horizon 6 themed gaming headset that sits in the budget to mid-range price bracket, with EUR listings ranging from 169 to 215 and a USD listing at 119. It's an over-ear wireless headset built primarily for Xbox consoles, with Bluetooth support for PC and Android thrown in. The pitch is simple: direct Xbox Wireless connection, no dongles, spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, and a flashy Forza design with a transparent blue boom mic and hot pink accents.

If you're searching for a wireless Xbox headset that looks like it belongs at the Horizon Festival, this one nails the aesthetic. The headband has a bold HORIZON graphic, the earcup dials have silver accents, and there are custom start-up sounds tied to the game. But looks only get you so far. Our database scores this thing at 26.6 out of 100 overall, which is rough. It's best for gaming at 39.2, and that's still not great.

So is the Xbox Wireless Headset good for gaming? It's functional, and the direct Xbox Wireless connection is genuinely convenient. But comfort is a serious problem, battery life is mediocre, and the sound quality is just okay. We'll dig into all of that below.

Skip this if you're not on Xbox. The direct Xbox Wireless connection is the main selling point, and without it, you're left with a mediocre wireless headset. Also skip it if comfort matters to you, because the 2nd percentile comfort score is a real problem for anyone who games for more than an hour. If you need strong ANC or long battery life, look at the Sony ULT WEAR or Soundcore Life Q20 instead. And if you're buying in Europe, don't pay the 215 EUR price when the same headset is available for 169 EUR.

Should you buy the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset EP2-42285? If you're a die-hard Forza Horizon fan who plays on Xbox and wants a themed headset with direct wireless connection, maybe. The design is fun, the mic is good, and the dual connectivity is handy. But the comfort score is a dealbreaker for long gaming sessions. At the 2nd percentile, this headset is going to hurt after an hour or two, and that's a problem for a gaming headset.

For most people, there are better options at this price. The battery life is mediocre, the ANC is weak, and the sound quality is just okay. If you can find it at the lower end of the EUR range or at 119 USD, it's less painful, but you're still compromising on comfort. Unless the Forza branding and Xbox Wireless connection are must-haves, skip this one.