You probably have at least one corded headset tangled-up mess if you are an Xbox enthusiast.
You are likely wondering if Beats Flex are a good decision if you are looking for a wireless, Bluetooth headset for your Xbox.
Connectivity between Beats Flex and Xbox is possible?
A Bluetooth transmitter or transmitter and receiver must be purchased to connect Beats Flex to an Xbox. These adapters are not designed for Xbox in particular, rather they are designed to connect to any device that has a 3.5 mm audio jack. Bluetooth is not a feature available on Microsoft’s Xbox gaming consoles.
With the Xbox controllers, wireless connections are made using wireless signals affectionately known as Xbox Wireless, which use radio frequency to pair with the Xbox for low latency controls.
All Xbox wireless capabilities are enabled by Xbox Wireless, a proprietary protocol.
Although it may appear that Microsoft chose poorly by excluding Bluetooth connectivity from its console, the fact is that Xbox Wireless boasts a considerably higher frequency than Bluetooth, which means a more stable connection that can transmit higher quality audio with far less latency.
On Xbox, this is the only option for using Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, such as the Beats Flex, which are not the best choice for high-quality audio.
These adapters do not cost a lot of money and are available at a growing number of retailers including Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart.
A 3.5mm audio jack is used to connect these adapters.
Therefore, you will need to plug the adapter into the controller jack of your Xbox One.
It is further recommended that you purchase an Xbox Stereo Headset Adapter if you own an older Xbox One controller that does not have a 3.5mm audio jack.
In my opinion, one should search for a refurbished or pre-owned adapter, since a new adapter can be as much as $60, which is considerably more than some Xbox One headsets.
This document explains how to pair your Beats Flex with your Xbox
The Xbox One’s latest controllers are equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack on the bottom.
A wired headset such as the one included in the console can be connected to this port.
Fortunately, this port is a standard audio jack that will accept any wired headset that has a 3.5mm connector.
With the purchase of an audio jack adapter, you may also use studio headphones.
To add a 3.5mm jack to older Xbox One controllers, the Xbox Stereo Headset Adapter must be purchased separately.
If purchased new, this piece is very expensive.
For a retail price of $65, it is worth considering just purchasing an Xbox compatible headset for less than $40-60, or even purchasing an Xbox One controller for less than the above price point.
To connect your Bluetooth transmitter or Bluetooth transmitter/receiver, you will need to plug it into the 3.5mm jack on the controller.
Connect your Beats Flex to your device following the instructions provided on your transmitter.
The wireless audio should now be working.
This method has some disadvantages.
You will need to attach a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver to the controller since these devices are not small.
Upon connecting the controller to the box, you will be left with a small box hanging from it.
Note that, if you wish to use the Beats Flex microphone for an in-game chat or a party, you will need a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver which costs approximately $40.
Because Bluetooth transmits only audio, a transmitter can only send the audio to a headset.
The audio jack on a transmitter is surrounded by only two lines.
There are two audio connections left and right.
Typically, Bluetooth transmitters/receivers are equipped with three audio lines on the jack.
There is also a microphone connection on the unit, as well as left and right audio connections.
You can transmit your audio from the microphone through the adapter to the Xbox via the receiver portion of the adapter.
This workaround will allow you to connect your Beats Flex, however, I cannot guarantee the excellent sound quality since this is a workaround rather than a supported feature.
Is it possible to use my Beats headphones on the Xbox One?
One of the good things about this method is that it isn’t limited to your Beats Flex.
Bluetooth audio devices, including stand-alone Bluetooth speakers, can be used with a Bluetooth transmitter or receiver.
You can, however, utilize your wired Beats headset without the need for any additional adapters by plugging the audio jack into the Xbox One controller.
It is that simple.
It is possible to use a wired headset connection.
Moreover, you will benefit from higher sound quality, a stable connection, and reduced latency.
If you are prone to get animated when you are playing games, the cable can be quite annoying.
In summary, Beats headphones and earphones can be connected to your Xbox via a wired or wireless connection. To pair your controller and therefore your Xbox, you will need to purchase a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver. Your Xbox One controller only requires a 3.5mm audio jack if you wish to use your Beats headphones.
Beats has switched its product offering to exclusively wireless.
If you wish to connect a new pair of Beats to your Xbox, you will have to use the workaround that involves a wireless connection.
However, there are still wholesalers and resellers who offer wired Beats headphones on sites such as Amazon and eBay.
Does the Xbox One support wireless Beats?
The Bluetooth transmitter/receiver mentioned in the previous section regarding connecting your general Beats to your Xbox One can also be used to connect wireless Beats to your Xbox One.
This solution is only recommended for those who already own a pair of wireless Beats that they wish to connect to their Xbox One.
It is important to note that if you are interested in purchasing a new set of Beats headphones or earbuds, they will be wireless, which means that the only way you can connect them to your Xbox One is through Bluetooth transmitter and receiver.
It can cost upwards of $50 for an adapter unless you look for a cheaper quality receiver and transmitter online.
It is possible to purchase alternatives online that are cheaper, but I have not personally tested them and cannot vouch for their quality.
I have decided to create a list of inexpensive Bluetooth transmitters and receivers that are available from Amazon.
- 30 dollars for the 1Mii Bluetooth 5.0 receiver and transmitter
- 2 in 1 Bluetooth Audio Adapter for Hsoipn, $27.99
- TRON Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter and Receiver, $37.99
It would be my pleasure to recommend a product that I have personally tested, which is the Aluratek Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter and Receiver.
Best Buy is the primary seller of the device, which sells for $39.99.
According to my observations, this device is a solid technological advancement.
Look for both the words Transmitter and Receiver if you wish to purchase one in person.
Also, there is an Aluratek transmitter that is incapable of utilizing a microphone.
An audio transmitter can only transmit audio to a Bluetooth device, while a transmitter/receiver can do both.
You will be able to connect your transmitter and receiver to send and receive audio to your Bluetooth device and receive audio from your microphone to send across in-game or party chat.
Conclusions
I would never recommend using your Bluetooth Beats headphones with your Xbox.
Keeping your Xbox controller attached to a box can be quite inconvenient.
The wireless connection may also be unstable or suffer from poor audio quality.
I do not see a problem with transmitters and receivers as a technology.
These devices are intended to be used in televisions, cars, and stereos.
If you have the means, I would recommend investing in a good Xbox One gaming headset.