Nintendo Switch headphones are created specifically for gaming, helping you fully immerse yourself into the on-screen action in your favorite Nintendo Switch games. With a gaming headset, you can pinpoint the location of enemy fire in shooting games, while also hearing the enemy try to sneak up on you. When the Nintendo Switch arrived a year ago, you couldn't connect a wireless headset at all. Your only private listening option was a pair of wired headphones, plugged directly into the 3.5mm.
When it comes to listening to music or movies on your mobile devices, there's no better option than a great pair of Bluetooth headphones. They're wireless, convenient, and provide great audio quality for every activity. However, the handheld Nintendo Switch doesn't natively support Bluetooth headphones, which can be frustrating since pretty much every other modern device does. Thankfully, there are a number of headphones and accessories that make wireless listening possible with the Switch--and they're pretty great, too.
To help combat this annoying quirk, we've rounded up the best Bluetooth headphones and adapters that will work with the Nintendo Switch straight out of the box. They don't require any extra fiddling or setup: Simply plug them in, and you're off to the races. Of course, some of these transmitters require a pair of Bluetooth headphones to connect to, so we've also provided a number of quality pairs that are definitely worth buying.
For more of the best Nintendo Switch accessories to buy in 2020, see our guides to the best Switch carrying cases, screen protectors, and grips that make handheld play easier. Plus, check out more of the best gaming headsets we've tested.
Note: The prices shown below indicate a product's standard list price and may not reflect any current discounts or other fluctuations.
$100
© Provided by Gamespot SteelSeries Arctis 1 WirelessThe SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless gaming headset comes with everything you need to have a great experience. It includes a 2.4GHz wireless USB-C transmitter that you plug into the bottom of the Switch handheld, and it connects to the Arctis 1 headset immediately. You can also remove the microphone, which makes for a great experience with all of Nintendo's games. The Arctis 1 Wireless works with the Switch, PS4, PC, and Android devices. There's also an Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox that works with all of the aforementioned platforms as well as the Xbox One and Xbox Series X.
$40
© Provided by Gamespot Creative SXFI AirThe Creative BT-W3 is a premium Bluetooth transmitter that works great with the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode and any pair of Bluetooth headphones you own. It supports four different Bluetooth codecs, including a low-latency one that works best for gaming and others that excel with music, movies, and more. The package also comes with a wireless 3.5mm microphone. That means you can plug the wireless transmitter into the bottom of the Switch and the 3.5mm microphone into the Switch's headphone jack to communicate wirelessly with friends in supported games like Fortnite and Smite.
$35
© Provided by Gamespot Creative SXFI AirThe HomeSpot USB-C Bluetooth transmitter is an Amazon user favourite, with an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 reviews. It features two buttons that help you sync your headphones and switch the codec from low-latency ones to the standard codec most Bluetooth adapters utilize. The HomeSpot transmitter also comes equipped with a built-in microphone that allows for voice chat in Switch games that support it.
There's no particular requirement that makes a pair of Bluetooth headphones specifically great for Nintendo Switch. Any pair of Bluetooth headphones will work with the transmitters above, though the quality will, of course, vary by brand. Here are some of the best Bluetooth headphones available right now that you can use with Nintendo Switch--thankfully, great headphones can also be quite affordable.
$33
© Provided by Gamespot Creative SXFI AirTribit is a great audio company with a host of products you can only find on Amazon. The company's products come with cheap prices, which you might assume means they're low quality; however, you'd be wise to not make that mistake. Tribit's XFree Tune headphones cost less than $40, but they're incredibly comfortable and produce impressive sound; plus, they have a 40-hour battery life. If you're looking for a budget pair of Bluetooth headphones for the Switch, then look no further.
$60
Cowin's headphones are also popular on Amazon, boasting over 30,000 reviews with a rating of 4.5 stars. The pair is worth it for its excellent active noise canceling, 30-hour battery life, and comfortability. If you're looking for a great pair of headphones that'll truly block outside noise, Cowin's E7 has you covered.
$140
© Provided by Gamespot Creative SXFI AirCreative's Super X-Fi technology is impressive, making it sound like you're actually listening to external speakers positioned around a room as opposed to a pair of headphones, adding depth and richness to the audio. The SXFI Air utilizes this tech and works great with the Nintendo Switch's Bluetooth transmitters. Whether you're trotting around your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons or soaring through the air in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the sound quality is incredible and brings the game world to life. If you're looking for one of the most unique--and best--audio experiences, then there's no better choice than the SXFI Air.
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