- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Headphones
- Conclusion
- Discussions
We've currently tested 17 SteelSeries headphones. This brand is known for its gamer-oriented design that focuses on low latency, sound reproduction, and microphone performance.
Updates
- 03/16/2022 SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless reviewed
- 01/18/2022 SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless reviewed
- 10/27/2021 SteelSeries TUSQ reviewed
- 07/15/2021 SteelSeries Arctis Prime reviewed
- 05/04/2021 SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless reviewed
Best SteelSeries Headphones
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Best SteelSeries Headphones For PS5
Neutral Sound7.2Commute/Travel6.0Sports/Fitness6.3Office7.0Wireless Gaming7.7Wired Gaming7.8Phone Calls6.9Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best SteelSeries headset for the PS5 that we've tested is the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless. These comfortable headphones are compatible with Sonar, which is software in beta testing from this manufacturer. It offers even more customization features than the default SteelSeries GG companion software, including a parametric EQ and presets to help you adjust their overly boomy sound to your tastes as well as chat mixing and microphone levels with their own EQs. If you like to chat with others while you game, their boom mic offers decent performance, so your voice sounds clear and natural. Your teammates shouldn't have any problems understanding you clearly if you're gaming in a moderately noisy environment, either. Although the manufacturer advertises them to last over 30 hours continuously, we measured over 60 hours, which is quite similar to other headphones from this manufacturer like the SteelSeries 7P+ Wireless. Additionally, they have low wireless latency, so you shouldn't notice your audio and visuals fall out of sync while gaming.
Like most other headphones from this manufacturer, their ski-band headband design means that they're prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery, so you should take the time to ensure a good fit, seal, and positioning to ensure a more consistent sound. They also struggle to block out ambient noise like the low rumble of car engines and ambient chatter. If you're a PS5 gamer, they offer a customizable performance with low latency.
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Best SteelSeries Headphones For Xbox Series X/S
Neutral Sound7.8Commute/Travel6.8Sports/Fitness7.1Office7.2Wireless Gaming7.8Wired Gaming8.0Phone Calls7.6Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best headphones from SteelSeries for the Xbox Series X/S we've tested are the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless. These comfortable, well-built headphones support 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 syncing issues between your audio and visuals. 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 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. 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
Neutral Sound7.3Commute/Travel4.7Sports/Fitness5.1Office6.0Wireless Gaming5.1Wired Gaming7.1Phone Calls7.1Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe SteelSeries Arctis 1 is the best SteelSeries headset at the budget level that we've tested. These wired headphones offer a virtually latency-free gaming experience and are compatible with consoles with 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 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. 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, 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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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.
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Apr 29, 2021: No changes in product picks after verifying their accuracy and availability.
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.