- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Headphones
- Conclusion
- Discussions
We've currently reviewed 9 SteelSeries headphones. This brand is known for its gamer-oriented design focusing on low latency, sound reproduction, and microphone performance.
Updates
- 08/01/2019 SteelSeries Arctis 1 reviewed
- 06/04/2019 SteelSeries Arctis 9X reviewed
- 05/30/2019 SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition reviewed
- 05/03/2019 SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition reviewed
- 03/19/2019 SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition reviewed
Best SteelSeries Headphones
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Best SteelSeries Headset For Gaming
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best SteelSeries headset for gaming that we've tested so far is the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. Comfortable enough to be worn for long periods and with a low latency, these headphones are a great choice for serious gamers. With its great microphone recording quality and noise handling, you should be heard clearly among your team. Whether you're enjoying cinematic cutscenes or dungeon crawling, these headphones also produce great sound with just enough rumble to hear whatever creature is coming your way. If you like more customization, the companion desktop app offers a graphic EQ with presets and DTS surround sound. The included base station offers an EQ, allowing you to adjust your sound as you play. Since these headphones have swappable batteries, you can also use the base station to charge up the included additional battery pack while you play.
While their high price point and bulky design might be a deal-breaker for some, these headphones are among the best gaming headsets and best wireless gaming headsets that we've tested so far.
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Best SteelSeries Headset For Xbox One
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicIf you're an Xbox One gamer, you know the difficulties of finding headphones compatible with this console. Enter the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless: the best SteelSeries headphones for the Xbox One that we've tested so far. Connecting via Microsoft's Xbox Wireless connection, these headphones easily connect to your Xbox One and they have low enough lag to make wireless gaming relatively smooth. If you want more connectivity, you can also pair these headphones with your phone or computer via Bluetooth. The microphone is great - your voice should be heard clearly by your teammates and opponents alike. While their classic SteelSeries ski-band headband and soft padding are designed for comfort, depending on how they fit on your head you might not get a consistent sound each time you wear. They're also not the best choice for those with larger heads and don't isolate noise well. However, if your preferred console is the Xbox One, these headphones are a great choice for wireless gaming.
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Best Budget SteelSeries Headset
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best budget SteelSeries headphones that we've tested so far are the SteelSeries Arctis 1 2019 Edition. More affordable than other models, these entry-level wired headphones are a great choice for gamers on a budget. For their price, they have good audio reproduction with added bass and their removable boom microphone is well-suited for noisy environments. Although they have limited controls, you'll able to control the volume and mic-mute with a flick of a finger. However, just like others on this list, these headphones don't have the best noise isolation - while they're not great for reducing the rumble of bus or train engines, they'll be good if you primarily game at home. Also unique to these headphones within the SteelSeries lineup is their lack of the ski-band headband. Their traditional headband, despite its thin, plastic build, is decently comfortable and distributes weight well. However, its shallow ear cups may cause less consistent sound.
Unfortunately, these headphones also don't support the SteelSeries Engine, so you won't be able to tweak the sound. Still, for their price point, these headphones are a wallet-friendly choice if you want a good pair of affordable SteelSeries headphones.
Compared to other brands
- Xbox One compatible. Fairly uncommon among gaming headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is fully compatible with the Xbox One using Microsoft's proprietary Xbox Wireless Connection.
- Great audio reproduction. Producing a well-balanced sound profile great for gaming, the headphones in the SteelSeries lineup are also versatile enough to be used for listening to other audio genres, from podcasts to blues and pop. Most headphones are compatible with SteelSeries Engine software as well, which makes it easy to tweak your sound to your gaming experience.
- Clear-sounding microphone. The SteelSeries have good microphones. Their solid recording quality and noise handling mean those on the other end should be able to clearly hear your voice.
- Limited fit. The SteelSeries 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 these headphones don't fit you properly, you might notice deviations such as 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; their unique ski-band headband is comfortable but might not be the best fit for everyone, especially those with large heads.
Conclusion
SteelSeries offer 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.
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