- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Review Updates
- Comparison
- Best Headphones
- Page Updates
- Conclusion
- Discussions
We've currently tested 22 SteelSeries headphones. This brand is known for its gamer-oriented design that focuses on low latency, sound reproduction, and microphone performance.
Updates
- 10/21/2022 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 reviewed
- 10/20/2022 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 reviewed
- 09/29/2022 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless reviewed
- 07/18/2022 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro reviewed
- 07/15/2022 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox reviewed
Best SteelSeries Headphones
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Best SteelSeries Headset
Neutral Sound6.9Commute/Travel7.4Sports/Fitness7.1Office7.4Wireless Gaming7.7Wired Gaming7.8Phone Calls7.6Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling YesMic YesThe best SteelSeries headset we've tested is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. These headphones have a wireless transmitter that comes in Xbox and PlayStation variants, so it's important to get the right one to match your console. The transmitter offers low latency, which is great when the timing is everything, and it has an interface that puts controls like EQs, volume, and chat mix directly at your fingertips. Since the headphones also come with two swappable battery packs, you can use one while the other charges inside the transmitter. Each battery has about 25 hours of continuous playback time, and you can even use the headphones wired when not in use. If you prefer a completely wired design, you'll want to check out the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which come with a GameDAC.
Out of the box, these headphones have a somewhat neutral sound profile. Their sound has a bit of extra boom to help emphasize sound effects in gameplay. You can also finetune their sound using their companion software's robust features, including a parametric EQ. They also support Bluetooth, which is great if you want to stay connected to your console and smartphone simultaneously, and their boom mic offers a very good overall performance, ensuring you're heard clearly. They have an ANC system too, and while it doesn't block out sound as well as more casual-use over-ears, it can still help tackle ambient chatter.
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Best Upper Mid-Range SteelSeries Headset
Neutral Sound7.8Commute/Travel6.8Sports/Fitness7.1Office7.2Wireless Gaming7.8Wired Gaming8.0Phone Calls7.6Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic YesThe best SteelSeries headphones in the upper mid-range we've tested are the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless. SteelSeries creates different models depending on whether you're gaming on PlayStation or Xbox. These over-ears are specifically designed for the Xbox but are also compatible with PCs and PlayStations, making them very versatile. They support Xbox Wireless technology for full audio and microphone compatibility. This wireless connection also has low latency, so you won't experience syncing issues between your audio and visuals. Their retractable boom microphone has impressive recording quality, and your voice is transmitted clearly and accurately to your teammates on the other end of the line, even if you're gaming in a noisy place.
Out-of-the-box, they have a pretty neutral sound profile, but they lack some low-bass. Their audio delivery isn't very consistent either, and their bass and treble delivery may vary depending on their fit, seal, and positioning on your head, especially if you wear glasses or have curly hair. Fortunately, there's a graphic EQ and presets available in their companion software to help you customize their sound. They also last for 28 hours off a single charge, which is incredible. Unfortunately, unless you're shopping in a higher price bracket, like that of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox, it's unlikely that gaming headphones will have ANC. Without noise cancelling, they offer poor noise isolation, so you may be distracted by background noises if you're gaming in a lively setting.
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Best Mid-Range SteelSeries Headset
Neutral Sound7.4Commute/Travel4.6Sports/Fitness5.7Office5.9Wireless Gaming5.6Wired Gaming7.6Phone Calls6.8Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic YesThe best SteelSeries headphones in the mid-range are the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3. At this price point and below, you'll mostly find wired headphones. However, this doesn't mean that they lack in features. Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless, these over-ears have full audio and mic compatibility, whether you're using the default wired USB connection or analog. They also support customizable RGB lighting, so you can make them reflect your own own personal style. They're not as well-built as their upper mid-range counterpart, but they still feel sturdy and solid. They also have a comfortable fit but have a small range of adjustability, so if you have a large head, they may not fit you correctly.
Out of the box, these over-ears have a warm sound that helps bring sound effects like footsteps. However, we noticed a warping sound coming from our unit when using the USB connection, and this sound wasn't present when using the TRRS cable. You can customize their sound to your liking using their companion software's parametric EQ and presets. Their mic offers good overall performance, ensuring that your voice is clear to enemies and teammates alike.
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Best Budget SteelSeries Headset
Neutral Sound7.3Commute/Travel4.6Sports/Fitness5.7Office6.0Wireless Gaming5.1Wired Gaming7.2Phone Calls6.9Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoTransducer DynamicNoise Cancelling NoMic YesThe best budget SteelSeries headphones we've tested are the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. While most headphones tend to dive in build quality at this price, these retain a similarly well-built design as their mid-range counterpart, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3. Instead, they're lighter on extra features, so don't expect companion software, customizable RGB lighting, or wireless connectivity. If you don't mind their no-frills design, these wired headphones offer solid performance.
These over-ears have the same warm sound profile as the Nova 3. However, they don't have any EQs or customization features, so you can't adjust their sound. Although their ski-band headband design ensures a comfortable fit, they're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, so it's important to take the time to adjust them on your head each time you use them. Their boom mic offers good overall performance, so you sound clear and intelligible.
Compared to other brands
- Xbox-compatible. Fairly uncommon among gaming headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X and SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless are fully compatible with Xbox consoles using Microsoft's proprietary Xbox Wireless Connection.
- Great audio reproduction. SteelSeries headphones produce a well-balanced sound profile that's great for gaming, but they're also versatile enough to be used for listening to other audio genres like pop or podcasts.
- Clear-sounding microphone. The SteelSeries have good microphones. Their solid recording quality and noise handling mean those on the other end will clearly hear your voice.
- Limited fit. Most SteelSeries headphones use a ski-band style headband, making getting the right fit hard. If your head is too big for the elastic headband and it reaches the frame, there's no way to further adjust these headphones to accommodate a larger size.
- Inconsistent frequency response. Due to Steelseries' unique ski-band style headband, you might not get a consistent sound each time you wear these headphones. If they don't fit you properly, you might notice deviations like a drop in bass.
- Poor noise isolation. If you're using these headphones at a gaming tournament, you'll hear a lot of background noise, including cheering fans and clicking keyboards.
The SteelSeries are good gaming headphones. Most of their headphones have balanced audio reproduction and solid microphones, making them suitable for gaming with others. Generally well-built, SteelSeries only makes over-ear headphones, and many of their designs have their unique ski-band headband for comfort. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone, especially large heads.
Recent Updates
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Oct 21, 2022: We've added the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3, and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1.
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Apr 27, 2022: Replaced the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ with the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless as the 7+ have even more customization features than the 7P+, thanks to their Sonar software support.
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Jan 27, 2022: Replaced the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless with the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless as the 7P+ have a better battery performance.
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Oct 26, 2021: Renamed 'Best SteelSeries Headset For PS4' to 'Best SteelSeries Headset For PS5' and 'Best SteelSeries Headset For Xbox One' to 'Best SteelSeries Headset For Xbox Series X/S'. Also replaced the SteelSeries Arctis Pro with the SteelSeries 7P Wireless.
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Jul 28, 2021: Checked product availability and text accuracy. There hasn't been a change in our recommendations.
Conclusion
SteelSeries offers headphones catered to gamers. Their unique design and good battery life make them great for long gaming sessions. Most of their headphones have impressive sound reproduction, too. However, you might not get a consistent sound each time you wear them, and users with larger heads might not find the unique ski-band headband comfortable or fitting.
