- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Headphones
- Conclusion
- Discussions
We've currently tested 15 SteelSeries headphones. This brand is known for its gamer-oriented design that focuses on low latency, sound reproduction, and microphone performance.
Updates
- 10/27/2021 SteelSeries TUSQ reviewed
- 07/15/2021 SteelSeries Arctis Prime reviewed
- 05/04/2021 SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless reviewed
- 03/09/2021 SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless updated
- 12/17/2020 SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless reviewed
Best SteelSeries Headphones
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Best SteelSeries Headset For PS5
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best SteelSeries headset for PS5 that we've tested is the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless. Like most other SteelSeries headphones, they have a comfortable ski-band headband design and are well-built. Out of the box, their boomy, v-shaped sound profile adds extra warmth and boom to mixes, which can help emphasize sound effects. Vocals and lead instruments are also present and bright. However, if you prefer a different sound, they're compatible with SteelSeries Engine software, which offers a graphic EQ plus presets, so you can tweak them to suit your needs. Thanks to their USB dongle, they also have very low latency, which is great for gaming. They have over 24 hours of continuous battery life too, and you can even use them while they're charging. If you like to chat with others while you game, their boom mic does a great job recording your voice, ensuring that you sound clear and natural, even in a noisy environment.
Unfortunately, they're very prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, and you may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses. They also struggle to block out background noise, which could be annoying if you game near an open window with a lot of traffic. That said, they offer a good overall gaming performance with low latency and are even among the best PS5 headsets that we've tested too. If you're looking for SteelSeries headphones that support Bluetooth and work well with PlayStation consoles, consider the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless.
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Best SteelSeries Headset For Xbox Series X/S
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best SteelSeries headphones for Xbox Series X/S that we've tested are the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless. These comfortable, well-built headphones come with Xbox Wireless technology, so you receive full audio and microphone compatibility when wirelessly connected to an Xbox One or Xbox Series X console. This wireless connection also has low latency, so you shouldn't experience audio lag. They come with a retractable boom microphone with 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 that's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content, though they lack some low-bass. Fortunately, there's a graphic EQ and presets available in the SteelSeries Engine software to help you customize their sound. They also last for 28 hours off of a single charge, which is incredible.
Unfortunately, like most gaming headphones we've tested, they offer poor noise isolation, so you may be distracted by background noises if you're gaming in a lively setting. Also, their audio delivery isn't very consistent, so 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. That said, if you're looking for a headset for your Xbox consoles with low latency, they're a solid choice.
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Best Budget SteelSeries Headset
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe SteelSeries Arctis 1 is the best budget SteelSeries headset that we've tested. These wired headphones offer a virtually latency-free gaming experience and are compatible with consoles that have an AUX port. Unlike other headphones in SteelSeries' lineup, they have a simple headband design that's lightweight and decently comfortable. Their warm sound profile adds an extra touch of boom to your mixes, which can help emphasize sound effects in your games. Their boom mic does an excellent job recording your voice and can separate speech from moderate ambient noise.
Unfortunately, their price point is reflected in their build quality. These headphones are made from thin plastic, which doesn't feel very sturdy, and the hinges seem like they could break with a bit of tension. They're also not compatible with SteelSeries Engine software, and they're prone to inconsistencies in their audio reproduction, so you may need to adjust their fit and positioning each time you use them to ensure a more consistent sound. That said, if you don't mind their simple, no-frills design, these wallet-friendly headphones are a suitable choice.
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 should clearly hear your voice.
- Limited fit. Most SteelSeries headphones use a ski-band style headband, which can make 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 those with large heads.
Recent Updates
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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.
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Apr 29, 2021: No changes in product picks after verifying their accuracy and availability.
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Jan 29, 2021: No changes made to product picks after verifying their availability and suitability.
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.
If you're still shopping around for gaming headsets, check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets and the best wireless gaming headsets.