The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are the wired version of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless and are decent gaming headphones with an excellently-performing boom microphone. However, their build quality reflects their entry-level price point as they feel plasticky and fairly fragile. They also don't support the SteelSeries Engine for customization options. On the upside, they're very lightweight, and thanks to their 1/8” TRRS connector, they offer audio and microphone support on pretty much all gaming platforms. They can be a good option for people who are looking for a straightforward and versatile headset.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are alright for neutral sound. While they fall a bit flat of reproducing a thumpy bass, they bring a bit of boom to their sound. Their mid-range is also well-balanced and neutral, although their treble is underemphasized across the range, resulting in dull and dark vocals and lead instruments. They also reproduce bass and treble inconsistently across users, and due to their closed-back design, have a somewhat unnatural and closed-off soundstage.
- Decently comfortable.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are poor for commuting. These headphones have porous cloth pads that let a lot of ambient noise seep into your audio. They don’t do much against the rumbling of engines, so they won’t be a good option for public transit. On the upside, they're fairly comfortable and don’t leak too much, so you might be able to mask some ambient noise by raising your listening volume.
- Decently comfortable.
- Cheap, plasticky build.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are poor for sports. These headphones shouldn’t be used for sports as they aren’t stable on the head. They easily sway around and can fall off with head movement. The over-ear design is also quite bulky and won’t be ideal for working out. They are also wired-only and won’t offer the freedom of wireless headphones.
- Decently comfortable.
- Cheap, plasticky build.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are disappointing for office use. While they're decently comfortable, they struggle to reduce noise around you such as ambient chatter. They also don't have any music controls, so you have to rely on your desktop or phone to change tracks or play/pause. On the upside, although they leak a bit of sound, those around you shouldn't hear too much of it, even if you're listening to audio at max volume.
- Decently comfortable.
- Cheap, plasticky build.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are wired-only headphones, and can't be used for wireless gaming.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are decent for wired gaming. They're decently comfortable and can be used with full audio and mic compatibility with most consoles that have an AUX port. Their boom mic does an excellent job of capturing your voice, even in demanding environments. However, they offer extremely limited controls and don't have companion software to tweak their sound.
- Excellent microphone performance.
- Decently comfortable.
- Comes with a Y-splitter.
- Cheap, plasticky build.
- Lacks software support for customization options.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are decent for phone calls. Their boom mic does an excellent job and your voice sounds clear and natural, even if you're talking in a noisy environment. That said, they struggle to cut down ambient noise around you, so it may be a little hard to hear whoever is on the other line.
- Excellent microphone performance.
- Decently comfortable.
- Cheap, plasticky build.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
Changelog
- Updated Oct 20, 2022: We've updated this review with a comparison of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 in the Compared section.
- Updated Jul 22, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Nov 20, 2020: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
- Updated Mar 24, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 come in one variant: 'Black'. If you come across a differently equipped variant of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are entry-level gaming headphones from the Arctis lineup. Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless, these headphones use a 1/8" TRRS cable that gives them full audio and mic compatibility on most consoles. While they have very good audio and microphone quality like the rest of the lineup, their build quality feels a bit cheaper, especially when compared to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. They also don’t have access to a companion app for customization options.
See our recommendations for the best gaming headphones, the best Xbox One headsets, and the best PS4 headsets.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 offers a marginal improvement over the SteelSeries Arctis 1. The Arctis Nova 1 are more comfortable and better built. However, both headphones offer a fairly similar overall performance.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are marginally better than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. The HyperX are slightly more comfortable, and are better-built than the Arctis 1 as materials don’t feel as cheap. That said, they perform quite similarly across our tests and most people won’t notice a big difference in sound. However, the SteelSeries have a detachable mic, which gives them a more outdoor-friendly look if you want to use them with your phone.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are slightly better wired gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken X. The Arctis have a much better-balanced sound profile and leak less audio. On the other hand, the Razer feel slightly better-built and more durable, and feel much more stable on the head.
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition Wireless are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. While their sound and microphone quality is practically the same, the Arctis 3 are better built and feel slightly more comfortable. Additionally, they are also Bluetooth compatible for you to use with your phone, which is useful. On the other, the Arctis 1 have a fully detachable microphone, which is more convenient than the retractable one on the Arctis 3. Overall, the Arctis 3 offers more features and better value than the Arctis 1.
The Logitech G335 are slightly better for wired gaming than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. The Logitech are comfier, better-built, more stable on the head, and deliver audio more consistently. Meanwhile, the SteelSeries block out more ambient noise, leak less audio, and offer superior mic recording quality and noise handling capability.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are more versatile headphones than the HyperX Cloud Stinger S. The SteelSeries leak less noise and they come with a detachable boom microphone. On their companion software, you can access a graphic EQ and presets, and also adjust more of the microphone settings. That said, the HyperX are more comfortable and better-built. They also come with a 7.1 virtual surround sound feature.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 and the Turtle Beach Battle Buds are similarly performing wired gaming headphones. While the SteelSeries have a more comfortable over-ear design, the Turtle Beach are in-ears that are more portable and breathe better during longer gaming sessions. The microphone of the SteelSeries performs a lot better, and their sound profile is much more accurate and better-balanced.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are better wired headphones than the SteelSeries TUSQ. The Arctis 1 have a better overall mic performance and can create a more wide and spacious passive soundstage. However, the TUSQ are better built and have more consistent audio delivery.
The Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 are slightly better wired gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. While they're both decently comfortable, the Turtle Beach are better built, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have a virtual soundstage feature that's powered by a battery with over 16 hours of continuous playback time. However, the SteelSeries have a detachable boom mic that offers better overall performance.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are better wired gaming headphones than the Xbox Stereo Headset. The SteelSeries have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, a better passive soundstage, and their mic offers superior overall performance. However, the Xbox headphones are more comfortable and feel better built. They also have a virtual soundstage feature.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are slightly better wired gaming headphones than the Corsair HS60 PRO SURROUND. The SteelSeries have a better-balanced sound profile, a much better-performing microphone, and leak less audio. On the other hand, the Corsair look and feel significantly more durable, and are much more comfortable and stable. Also, unlike the SteelSeries, the Corsair have companion software that gives you access to a graphic EQ as well as presets.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless are very similar in design to the wired SteelSeries Arctis 1. However, the wireless model is compatible with the Engine software, which allows for more customization options. Also, the wireless model has slightly more neutral sound profile, but the wired model's microphone sounds a lot better.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 and the Cooler Master MH630 are very similar wired gaming headphones. Both the SteelSeries and Cooler Master are fairly well-matched in build quality and comfort. They both also have limited controls and no companion software. However, the SteelSeries have a better-balanced sound, and they leak less sound, whereas the Cooler Master's microphone has a better recording quality.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 and the SteelSeries Arctis 1 each have their advantages. The Arctis 7 are more versatile gaming headphones since you can use them wirelessly or with a wired connection. The Arctis 1 only support wired use, but their microphone recording quality is significantly better. You also don't have to worry about battery life or latency issues with wired headphones. However, they aren't compatible with the SteelSeries Engine software, and they don't have a channel mixing feature or adjustable mic control. The Arctis 7 are much more customizable, have a great battery life, and their USB dongle keeps latency to a minimum, so they provide better value if you like wireless gaming.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 and the Corsair HS35 are both wired gaming headphones with their own pros and cons. The SteelSeries feel more cheaply made than the Corsair but have a better microphone performance. The Corsair sounds muddier, and their mic isn't as good, but they're more comfortable for long gaming sessions.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 are much better wired gaming headphones than the RUNMUS RGB K1 Gaming Headset. The SteelSeries have a more comfortable design with easier-to-use controls. Though their microphones perform similarly in quiet environments, the SteelSeries mic has better noise handling too.
The Beats Solo Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis 1 have different strengths, and you may prefer either. The SteelSeries are wired gaming headphones. They don't feel as tight, which may be more comfortable, and they have a much better overall mic perfomance. On the other hand, the Beats are Bluetooth-only headphones. They have a much better build quality, a more stable fit, and a more neutral sound profile that some may prefer. They isolate you from much more ambient sound too, thanks to their ANC feature.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless are better overall gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. The 7 2019 Edition are more versatile since you can use them wirelessly or wired, while the 1 are for wired use only. The 7 2019 Edition are also customizable with the SteelSeries Engine software and have adjustable channel mixing and microphone level control features. However, the Arctis 1's mic has a much better recording quality. You also don't have to worry about battery life or latency issues since they're wired. That said, the 7 2019 Edition have a remarkable battery performance, though their non-Bluetooth latency is quite high.
The Corsair HS50 and the SteelSeries Arctis 1 are two decent gaming headphones that have different strengths. The Corsair have a more neutral sound profile, are noticeably better-built, and feel more durable. Some may also prefer their large cups and find the padding to be more comfortable. On the other hand, the microphone of the SteelSeries is noticeably better and sounds clearer. If you play single player games and don’t need a boom microphone, get the Corsair.
The Logitech G433 are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. The Logitech are more comfortable, thanks to their larger cups, and the materials used feel more durable. You also get an additional pair of pads with the G433. Additionally, thanks to their USB dongle, you get access to G HUB for customization options, which the Arctis 1 lack. On the other hand, the noise isolation of the Arctis 1 is slightly better but is still pretty sub-par.
We've upgraded our Headphones Test Bench to 2.0! This update brings several key changes to our tests and usages, making it easier than ever to interpret our sound results based on your personal preferences. You'll also find a brand-new interactive graph tool featuring multiple targets (including our own!) for you to explore and compare.
For a full breakdown, check out our changelog, which includes detailed commentary from our test designer explaining the rationale behind our update.
We'd also love to hear your thoughts: your feedback helps us keep improving, so join us in the comments!
Test Results
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 look similar to the rest of the Arctis lineup, but have a much cheaper look. They have a slightly different headband design that resembles more straightforward headphones and doesn’t have styled joints and yolks like the other Arctis headsets. The padding of the ear cups is made from a mesh-like fabric just like the rest of the lineup. They also have a detachable boom mic that can give them a more casual look.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired are decently comfortable gaming headphones. Their padding is similar to that of other headsets in the Arctis lineup but feels a bit less cushiony. They feel quite light on the head, but their ear cups aren't as deep or well-padded as the Corsair HS35, which are more comfortable gaming headphones. On the upside, their headband still distributes their weight effectively. The cups also have a good range of motion, so you should be able to find a good fit quite easily.
The control scheme of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is very simple and effective. On the left cup, there's a volume wheel and a mic-mute switch. The wheel is easy to use and stops scrolling when you reach the minimum or maximum volume, but it doesn’t have notches. The mic-mute switch is also quite easy to use, but it may be a bit harder to know which setting you're on without taking them off. Unfortunately, if you want to use them with your phone, you won’t be able to control your music or take calls directly from your headphones.
These headphones aren’t the most breathable and shouldn’t be used during physical activity. They hold in heat and can make you sweat more than usual if you wear them while working out. However, the breathable and porous pads help a bit, so this shouldn’t be an issue during casual gaming sessions.
Like most gaming headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 are quite bulky and aren’t easy to carry around. They have large cups that don’t fold into a more portable format, but they do rotate to lay flat, which makes them a bit easier to slide inside a bag. They also don’t come with a traveling case to protect them. On the upside, since they're for gaming, you shouldn’t be on the move too often with them, since they’re more likely to stay around your gaming setup most of the time.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 have an acceptable build quality. These entry-level gaming headphones are made from thin plastic, which doesn't feel very sturdy. The padding of the headband isn’t stitched, and even after very minimal use, is already coming out of its slot on our unit. The hinges seem okay but feel hollow and don’t have a wide range of motion, which suggests that they could easily break with a bit of physical stress. If you want a pair of wired gaming headphones that look and feel significantly more durable, check out the Corsair HS60 PRO SURROUND or the Xbox Stereo Headset.
These gaming headphones aren’t very stable on the head. You shouldn’t use them for running as minimal head movement can make them fall off. This shouldn’t be an issue for casual gaming sessions unless you move a lot when playing games. Also, the cable isn’t detachable, and you could yank them off your head if they get hooked or stuck on something.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 have a warm and boomy sound profile. They deliver a touch of extra boom but lack some thump and rumble. They also have an underemphasized treble, so vocals and lead instruments seem dull and lacking detail as well as presence. These headphones also have inconsistent bass and treble delivery and are sensitive to fit, positioning, and seal.
The frequency response of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is poor. Like many gaming headphones, their bass and treble delivery varies greatly across users and is sensitive to the fit, seal, and positioning of these headphones on your head.
These headphones have great bass accuracy. While they lack low-bass and struggle to deliver thump and rumble, they have a balanced mid-range, which adds punch and body to your mixes. The high-bass, in contrast, is overemphasized, which makes them sound boomy. That said, their bass delivery varies significantly across users, and is sensitive to fit, seal, and positioning. The response here represents the average bass response, and your experience may vary.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 have decent mid-accuracy. The low-mid is fairly even, but the rest of the range is underemphasized, resulting in vocals and lead instruments that lack detail and clarity. They're also nudged to the back of the mix.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 have alright treble accuracy. The whole range is underemphasized, so vocals and lead instruments sound veiled and lack presence. Sibilants like S and T sounds are also slightly dull and lispy. However, their treble delivery varies noticeably across users. The response here represents the average response and your experience may vary.
These headphones have good peaks and dips performance. There's a small dip in the low-bass that lowers thump and rumble. It's followed by a bump in the high-bass that adds boom and some muddiness to your mix. There's also a dip between the high-mids, which weakens the intensity and clarity of vocals and lead instruments. However, the low-treble is uneven, which can affect the detail and presence of instruments while the sharp peak in the mid-treble makes sibilants piercing.
These headphones have great imaging. The entire group delay is below the audibility threshold, suggesting a tight bass and a transparent treble. Additionally, the L/R drivers of our test unit are well-matched in amplitude, and phase response, which is important for the accurate placement and localization of objects (voices, instruments, video game effects) in the stereo field. While there's a small mismatch in frequency, it shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. However, these results are only valid for our unit, and yours may perform differently.
These headphones have a sub-par passive soundstage. While the soundstage feels somewhat wide and as if coming from out in front of you, it's a bit unnatural and closed-off, due to its closed-back enclosure.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired Gaming Headset doesn't have any virtual soundstage features.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 have a good weight harmonic distortion performance. Even at higher volumes, your audio should sound clean and pure.
These are the settings we used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when using these settings.
These headphones have poor noise isolation. They don't really block out any bass-range noise like bus or plane engines. They do a slightly better job of cutting down mid-range sounds like ambient chatter, but it most likely won't be enough for an office setting. They can reduce a lot more high-pitched noise like the humming sounds of an AC unit, though.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 have a satisfactory leakage performance. Most of the leakage is spread within the mid-range. If you're listening to audio at max volume, those around you may be able to hear part of it, even in noisier environments like an office, but it shouldn't be too noticeable.
These headphones have a detachable boom microphone.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1’s microphone has an excellent recording quality. Your voice sounds full-bodied, present, and detailed, although a little bright. If you're looking for a microphone with a more neutral sound and a slightly better overall performance, check out the Cooler Master MH630.
The microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 has amazing noise handling. It can separate your voice from very noisy environments.
The SteelSeries Arctis One don’t have active features and don’t require a battery.
These headphones are not compatible with the SteelSeries Engine software. For a budget SteelSeries headset with compatibility with the software, check out the SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition.
These headphones aren't Bluetooth-compatible.
These headphones can't be used wirelessly. If you want a similar option that can, check out the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless.
These headphones have a 1/8” TRRS connector that can be used on all gaming platforms that have the appropriate jack. You can also use them wired with your phone if yours has a headphone jack. For PC users, you may have to use the included Y-splitter to use the mic and headphone ports.
These headphones are compatible with the Xbox One by plugging in their TRRS cable into your controller. You have full audio and microphone compatibility.