Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are okay for mixed usage. While they're comfortable and their boom microphone is retractable, they aren't suited for commuting or offices as they barely reduce background noise and they don't support Bluetooth. They're not very portable and may not be the best choice for sports. Although their audio reproduction varies across users, once you get a proper fit, these headphones produce a fairly balanced sound. These are gaming headphones and their low latency, high battery life, and compatibility with most consoles make them a great choice for wired or wireless gaming.
- Well-built, durable design.
- Low latency for wireless gaming and video streaming.
- Great companion software with graphic EQ and presets.
- Impressive retractable microphone.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Can have a tight fit for some users.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are good for neutral sound. Their audio reproduction varies greatly between users however, as the inconsistent bass and treble delivery depend on a proper fit, position, and seal. Luckily, the adjustable headband can get you closer to a neutral sound profile if you take the time to adjust them. Once achieved, these headphones have a slightly overemphasized bass sound but otherwise balanced sound profile. You can easily tweak it using the companion software's graphic EQ.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are passable for commuting. They reduce very little background noise and while they're comfortable enough to be worn for hours, they're bulky and not very portable. They also need to be within the range of their USB transmitter if you want to use them wirelessly. However, you can use them passively with their audio cable.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are okay for sports. Their bulky design isn't very portable and if you want to use them wirelessly, you'll need to plug in the USB transmitter into a PC. You can use them passively with their audio cable but it can be snagged on objects. They're stable, comfortable, and breathable enough to wear during light physical activity. However, they're not designed for intense workouts.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are fair for office use. While they're comfortable, even for multi-hour listening sessions, and their battery life can easily get you through a work day, they do a poor job of reducing background noise around you. You can turn up the volume to drown out noise without disturbing your coworkers too much. Their boom microphone also retracts, which helps these headphones transition into a more formal environment.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are great for wireless gaming. These comfortable headphones have a low latency that keeps you right in the middle of gameplay while their long battery life means you don't have to worry too much about recharging them. They also have a great boom microphone that captures voice clearly, even in loud environments. Although they have some troubles with consistent audio reproduction, once you get a proper fit, you shouldn't have much of a problem. You can also EQ them using their companion software.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are great for wired gaming. These comfortable headphones can be used wired on PC, PS4, and Xbox One with full audio and microphone capability. Their microphone captures voice clearly and even in loud environments, you'll still be understood. However, their audio reproduction is inconsistent and can vary across users. It's easily fixed when you find a proper fit though and you can further tweak their balanced sound profile with the companion software.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are good for phone calls. Their retractable boom microphone is malleable and captures voice clearly, even in louder environments. On the downside, they don't isolate much background noise, so you'll hear everything happening around you.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Sep 05, 2019: We've updated the Base/Dock box and Connectivity section of the review to show this headset isn't wirelessly compatible with the Xbox One.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 is a great gaming headset. Like other headphones in the SteelSeries lineup, they have a durable build quality and a unique ski-band headband. Unfortunately, this design can also produce inconsistent bass and treble reproduction across users but with a proper fit, these headphones reveal a well-balanced sound. Unlike some other gaming headphones, however, they lack a charging dock. If you're still looking for gaming headsets, check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best wireless gaming headsets, and the best gaming headsets for PC.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are better gaming headphones than the Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset. They are wireless, offer channel mixing, and they are noticeably better-built than the G Pro. The Arctis also have a more accurate and well-balanced sound profile, which can be customized inside their app. On the other hand, if you prefer a wired headset and don’t want to manage a battery-life, the G Pro are a better option.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless. While both headphones are well-built, the SteelSeries are more customizable, thanks to their companion app, and can be used wired. However, the HyperX are more comfortable, and their boom mic offers a slightly better overall performance.
The Steelseries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are better for mixed usage than the Corsair VOID ELITE. The SteelSeries are better built, have a more comprehensive companion app, and are easier to carry around, courtesy of a retractable boom microphone, which also provides better recording quality than that of the Corsair. The SteelSeries are also more versatile, with full wireless and wired compatibility, the latter via an included 1/8” TRRS audio cable. Conversely, the Corsair provide a more consistent, marginally more spacious listening experience.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are better wireless gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero Wireless. The SteelSeries are more comfortable and feel much better-built. They also have a better-balanced sound profile, a slightly better boom microphone, and work wirelessly with both PS4 as well as PC, while the Turtle Beach only work wirelessly with PC. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach last longer off a single charge, and have a virtual soundstage feature.
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