- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Headphones
- Conclusion
- Discussions
We've currently reviewed 8 SteelSeries headphones. This brand is known for its gamer-oriented design that focus on low latency, sound reproduction, and microphone performance.
Updates
- 07/14/2020 SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless reviewed
- 06/04/2020 SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless updated
- 05/22/2020 SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC updated
- 04/24/2020 SteelSeries Arctis 7 updated
- 04/23/2020 SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition updated
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 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 the 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, 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're looking for a little more versatility, you can also pair these headphones with your phone or computer via Bluetooth. The microphone is great and it records voices clearly, so you should have no problems being understood by your teammates and opponents alike. While their classic SteelSeries ski-band headband and soft padding are designed for comfort, depending on fit, seal, and positioning, they can sound different depending on who's wearing them. 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 headset that we've tested so far are the SteelSeries Arctis 1. These entry-level wired headphones are more affordable than other models in the SteelSeries lineup and are a great choice for those gaming on a budget. They've got a sound profile that has just a touch of extra bass while their detachable boom microphone can capture voices clearly, even in more demanding settings like a loud gaming tournament. Although they don't use SteelSeries' signature ski-band headband, they're still fairly comfortable. On the downside, some may find their shallow ear cups create a less consistent sound. Their controls are barebones too and they lack a channel mixing button. They struggle to isolate background noise and won't be a good choice to use if you're trying to cut down bus or plane engines during your commute, but they should be more than enough if you're gaming at home. Still, if you're on a budget and want a pair of SteelSeries headphones without sacrificing too much in performance, these headphones are a suitable, wallet-friendly choice.
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 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.
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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