Shopping around for headphones can be confusing, and there’s lots to consider. While there’s plenty of reading on those questions, we’re here to give you a quick and easy breakdown of DTS Headphone:X 2.0, DTS virtual surround, and DTS headphone for gamers.
What Is DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Virtual Surround Sound?
It’s a software method that recreates a three-dimensional field using ordinary headphones. It applies head-related transfer functions so that footsteps, voices and effects appear around you, not just left and right. In terms of performance, it’s not bad — there are plenty of affordable models — but better results can be found if you’re willing to spend.
It’s refreshing to hear an audio tune that acknowledges what its target market needs. Rather than a bass-heavy presentation, the profile stays mostly neutral, with an emphasis on the mids and lower high end that makes the audio sound bright and clear. Sound separation is good at a medium volume level, allowing you to accurately pick out directional cues. It’s not as effective as it could be when the stage is narrow, but compared to other solutions at this price range performance is above average.
How DTS Headphone:X Works
Most headphones use dynamic drivers, also known as moving coil drivers. A fixed magnet creates a static magnetic field. This interacts with the voice coil’s electrical current, which is forced to move back and forth with the applied signal. The voice coil is attached to a diaphragm which acoustically amplifies vibrations and, thus, sound waves are produced. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 maps those signals into a virtual space and delivers positional cues to standard stereo outputs. The result is a clean, bright presentation that keeps voices and midrange information clear.
You can still use Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos or DTS sound processors. It’s not as effective as it could be on every title, though. The soundstage can feel quite narrow on some headsets. Sound separation is good at a medium volume level, allowing you to accurately pick out directional cues, but gauging distance isn’t as easy as it could be, as everything sounds quite close.
Logitech G PRO X 2 Lightspeed and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are frequently used as examples. The frame is clean, lightweight and can withstand twisting with next to no issues, while the base stations and software allow EQ and profile switching. Dual audio streams and long battery life make them practical, and they remain well suited to DTS Headphone:X.
How to Enable DTS Headphone:X on Windows 10/11 and Xbox
How to enable DTS Headphone:X on Windows 11
What’s in the box?
– DTS Sound Unbound (app download)
– Trial or license activation
– Spatial sound selection in Windows
All of the controls are located in the system Sound menu, and they are easy to locate and operate. I like how it only takes a single press to turn things on rather than a press and hold; it’s a very minor quality of life improvement, but it’s one of those things that once you try it, you wonder why that isn’t the standard. Select Spatial sound: DTS Headphone:X, apply, and you’re done.
How to enable DTS Headphone:X on Xbox
Users will appreciate that setup is a very simple plug and play connection. Simply connect the dongle to the USB port on your console or controller, power up the headset, and the format will automatically connect through the app. Although it has a USB-C connector, this is only used for charging and does not transmit audio on some units, so the headset uses 2.4GHz or 3.5mm. Navigate to the headset format and pick DTS Headphone:X. Wireless range is above average, maintaining connection without drops in a typical room.
Is DTS Headphone:X Good for Gaming?
Much like gamer-focused tunings on popular headsets, DTS Headphone:X 2.0 has a very specific goal. Rather than the bass-heavy tune many manufacturers use, the profile has a mostly neutral balance that makes footsteps, gunfire and voices bright and clear. Here, the bass is still punchy, but it’s not overwhelming, allowing the mids and treble to shine through. The second version improves bass control, positional cues and latency.
It competes with Dolby Atmos and THX Spatial Audio. It’s not as effective as it could be in every environment, though. At full volume some headsets can show a moderate amount of distortion, which makes the resultant sound messy and lacking definition. Keep the volume at a reasonable level and it performs very well.
DTS Headphone:X vs Dolby Atmos is a common question. In terms of results, you have to make a cost-benefit analysis. Most consumers will be perfectly happy with a well-tuned DTS Headphone:X profile on a closed-back headset.
DTS Headphone:X vs Dolby Atmos vs DTS:X Ultra
DTS Headphone:X vs Dolby Atmos
The audio overall is fairly good on both systems. Dolby Atmos expands height and width, while DTS Headphone:X 2.0 keeps a bright, clear stage with strong midrange focus. It’s very comfortable for long sessions when the headset has soft foam pads and a proper seal, but you can lose warmth compared to cinema mixes.
DTS Headphone:X vs DTS:X Ultra
DTS:X Ultra is positioned as a higher-end option on PCs. Due to the more complex structure of processing and device support, these models often cost more and are heavier on system resources. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 is the practical pick for Windows and Xbox headsets.
Comparison table
| Feature | DTS Headphone:X 2.0 | Dolby Atmos | DTS:X Ultra |
| Spatial Accuracy | High | Medium | Very High |
| Gaming Latency | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Supported Devices | Windows, Xbox | Windows, Xbox | PC only |
| Customization | DTS Sound Unbound app | Dolby Access | DTS:X Ultra app |
Best Gaming Headsets with DTS Headphone:X 2.0 in 2025
The following models are compatible and well suited to this format. Each one supports DTS Headphone:X 2.0 processing and is tuned for low latency and clear positional cues.
Logitech G PRO X 2 Lightspeed
The Logitech G PRO X 2 Lightspeed follows the same design logic seen in previous Logitech headsets. The frame is clean and flexible, with a suspension headband that distributes weight evenly across the top. The earcups are dual-layered with memory foam and finished in a sport-like fabric that is extremely breathable and reduces sweat. It is comfortable for long gaming sessions, and the 2.4GHz wireless connection is stable even when moving around. Sound performance remains balanced, with clear midrange and crisp directional accuracy when DTS Headphone:X 2.0 is active.
The headset supports DTS Headphone:X 2.0 and THX Spatial Audio, both designed to deliver a wide and accurate soundstage with precise positional cues. Sound performance remains balanced, with clear midrange and crisp directional accuracy when spatial audio is active. The microphone is clear and detailed, suitable for communication during long sessions, and battery life easily exceeds a full day of use.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium model that combines active noise cancellation, dual audio streaming, and the Infinity Power System with hot-swappable batteries. The earcups are made of hardened plastic with a metal frame that provides a solid structure without being heavy. Comfort is excellent, and the clamping force feels balanced. When using DTS Headphone:X 2.0, the spatial soundstage is wide, and every movement in games is easy to locate. The microphone is clear and provides accurate voice pickup, and the overall presentation is bright without harshness.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless focuses on reliable performance and simple operation. The earcups are stuffed with plenty of soft foam and coated with supple leatherette, creating a firm but comfortable seal. The headset connects via 2.4GHz and maintains a consistent signal with minimal latency. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 adds depth and distance, giving a better sense of space in competitive games. Sound balance is slightly warm, but voices stay clear and natural. Battery life reaches up to 30 hours, which makes it suitable for daily use without frequent charging.
ASUS ROG Delta S Core
The ROG Delta S Core is lightweight and flexible, with a suspended headband that adjusts to different head sizes. The oval earcups feature fabric cushions that remain cool during extended sessions. It supports both USB and 3.5mm connections, and DTS Headphone:X 2.0 can be enabled through the DTS Sound Unbound app. The tuning emphasizes precision over bass weight, with clean treble and midrange definition. It’s particularly effective for FPS titles, where directional sound helps track player movement with clarity.
Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless
The Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless combines a durable frame with soft-touch materials. The suspension headband keeps pressure low, and the earcups have memory foam pads covered in breathable fabric. It offers dual connectivity and integrates directly with Windows spatial audio. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 produces a wide, open soundstage with consistent imaging and smooth panning. The microphone delivers natural speech with minimal background pickup. The RGB accent lighting is subtle and can be disabled to extend battery life.
Each of these headsets benefits from DTS Headphone:X 2.0 in similar ways. The processing adds depth, clarity, and directionality without introducing distortion or delay. Wireless stability, comfort, and microphone quality remain consistent across all models. Dual connectivity, long battery life, and adjustable EQ profiles make them practical for mixed gaming and entertainment use.
You can still use Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, or DTS processors alongside each device’s native software, but DTS Headphone:X 2.0 remains the most consistent option across platforms.
How Much Is DTS Headphone:X?
There is a free trial through the Microsoft Store, followed by a one-time license in the DTS Sound Unbound app (around $19.99). Some headsets include a lifetime code in the box. Charging is relatively fast for wireless models and the app remains lightweight. For more detailed information and the latest updates, you can visit the official DTS Headphone:X page
on the DTS website.
Final Thoughts – Is DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Still Worth It in 2025?
I’m impressed with what this format achieves, especially at this price. It has great results and solid platform support that give it a premium feel beyond what you’d expect from a budget license. Overall, DTS Headphone:X 2.0 is a brilliant virtual surround option within its range. If you’re on a budget and want a solution that won’t let you down, this is a great choice — particularly for users of Logitech and SteelSeries headsets.
Common Questions (FAQ Section)
What is DTS Headphone:X on Xbox?
It is a headset format option that enables virtual surround processing for stereo headphones.
How to disable DTS Headphone:X?
Open Spatial sound and select Off or Windows Sonic.
Is DTS Headphone:X better than 7.1 surround?
Because the thin film of virtual processing has no resonances or energy storage like room speakers, it avoids some distortion and provides clean cues; traditional 7.1 needs multiple speakers.
Can I use DTS Headphone:X without the app?
You need the app to activate licensing and select profiles.