The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are the updated variant of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless. They're advertised to have a longer continuous battery life than their predecessor, and we measured under 60 hours, which is outstanding compared to the listed 30 hours. That said, they otherwise perform very similarly to the 7P as they have low non-Bluetooth wireless latency, a comfortable fit, and customization features like a graphic EQ and presets via their companion software. They also have a decent overall boom mic performance, which is handy if you like to chat with others while you game.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are satisfactory for neutral sound. They're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, and their sound profile depends on the headphones' fit, seal, and positioning. You may also experience a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses. That said, they have a boomy default sound profile that you can customize to your liking using their companion software's graphic EQ and presets.
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Graphic EQ and presets available.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are sub-par for commute and travel. Unless you're using them wired, you need to use their USB-C dongle to connect them to compatible smartphones as they don't support Bluetooth. They also have a gamer-centric design, and they struggle to block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines, which could be annoying during your commute or trip. That said, they have a comfortable fit, under 60 hours of continuous battery life, and great build quality.
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Comfortable and great build quality.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
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Poor noise isolation performance.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are passable for sports and fitness, although this isn't their intended usage. They have a bulky design, and they can fall off your head with intense head movements. They also lack an IP rating for water resistance, which is expected for gaming headphones. On the upside, they have a comfortable fit, have call and music-related controls, and are well-built.
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Comfortable and great build quality.
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Low non-Bluetooth wireless latency.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
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Bulky and not very portable design.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are alright for office use. Although they have a gamer-centric design, their boom mic is retractable, making them look a bit more casual. While they don't support Bluetooth, you can plug their USB-C dongle into compatible PCs with low latency. They also have a comfortable fit, a long-lasting continuous battery life, and a great build quality. Unfortunately, they struggle to cut down ambient chatter around you.
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Comfortable and great build quality.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
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Poor noise isolation performance.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are good for wireless gaming. They have very low non-Bluetooth wireless latency via their USB-C dongle, a long-lasting continuous battery life, and customization features like a graphic EQ and presets via their companion software. Their fit is comfortable for long gaming sessions, and their boom mic offers decent overall performance, ensuring your teammates hear you clearly, even if you're talking in a moderately noisy environment.
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Graphic EQ and presets available.
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Decent overall mic performance.
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Comfortable and great build quality.
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Low non-Bluetooth wireless latency.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are good for wired gaming. They have full compatibility when using their Mini B 8-pin to analog connection, their boom mic offers decent overall performance, and they have a comfortable as well as well-built design. They also have sound customization features via their companion software. That said, if you use a different analog cable with their AUX port, you can only receive audio and can't use their mic.
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Graphic EQ and presets available.
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Decent overall mic performance.
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Comfortable and great build quality.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are okay for phone calls. They have a retractable boom mic that can capture your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments like a busy street. They also have a comfortable fit. However, they have a poor noise isolation performance and struggle to block out background sound. They also have a gamer-centric design and don't support Bluetooth, so you need to use their USB-C dongle for a wireless connection.
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Decent overall mic performance.
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Comfortable and great build quality.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
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Poor noise isolation performance.
- 7.2 Neutral Sound
- 5.8 Commute/Travel
- 6.4 Sports/Fitness
- 6.9 Office
- 7.6 Wireless Gaming
- 7.6 Wired Gaming
- 6.9 Phone Calls
- Updated Aug 26, 2022: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless in the Noise Isolation test. The SteelSeries don't block out much ambient noise, but if you tend to game in busy settings and want to block out more background sound, the Sony are equipped with a great ANC system.
- Updated Jan 18, 2022: Review published.
- Updated Jan 12, 2022: Early access published.
- Updated Nov 12, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Nov 10, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Nov 05, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ come in two color variants: 'Black' and 'White'. We tested the white variant, and you can see our model's label here. These headphones are also the updated variant of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless and have longer continuous battery life.
If you come across another variant to these headphones, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P Plus are the upgraded variant of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless and have longer continuous battery life. That said, they otherwise offer a very similar overall performance to the 7P, with a comfortable fit, well-built design, and low non-Bluetooth wireless latency. Thanks to their USB-C dongle, you can connect them to consoles like the Nintendo Switch and compatible Android devices. On the downside, like most SteelSeries headphones with the ski-band headband design, like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, they're very prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, so it's important to take the time to adjust them to fit your head.
Check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best headsets for PS5, and the best wireless gaming headsets.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless are a bit more customizable than the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless. The Arctis 7+ support SteelSeries GG as well as Sonar software, the latter of which is integrated as a tab within GG. It offers a parametric EQ and presets as well as a variety of levels for chat and mic control. Unlike the Arctis 7P+, the Arctis 7+ have a channel mixing wheel instead of a sidetone wheel so you can adjust the level of in-game audio and chat audio. The Arctis 7P+ have slightly lower non-Bluetooth wireless latency.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are the updated variant of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless, with a longer continuous battery life. That said, the 7P+ have an otherwise very similar performance to the 7P with a comfortable and well-built design. They also have low non-Bluetooth wireless latency. However, the 7P's boom mic has a better recording quality.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless. While both are comfortable, the Arctis Pro have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, their boom mic offers better performance, and they support Bluetooth, meaning you can be connected to your smartphone and console at the same time. However, the Arctis 7P+ have significantly longer continuous battery life.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are somewhat better overall gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless. Both headphones are comfortable, well-built, have out-of-head passive soundstages, and their boom mics also have similar recording qualities. However, the 7P+ have a longer continuous battery life and lower non-Bluetooth wireless latency. In comparison, the Arctis 7 2019 Edition's mic is better at noise handling.
The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless have slightly different strengths. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Arctis 9's boom mic has better overall performance, and they support Bluetooth, which is handy if you want to connect to your console and smartphone at the same time. However, although they support an analog connection, this cable isn't included in the box, and you can only receive audio when connected this way. Conversely, the Arctis 7P+ have a significantly better battery performance. They also come with a 1/8" TRRS cable that offers full audio and mic compatibility when plugged into your PlayStation or Xbox console's controller.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. While both headphones are well-built, you can use the SteelSeries wired or wirelessly, making them more versatile. They also have lower latency, which is great for competitive gaming. However, the HyperX are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, and their continuous battery life is significantly longer. Their boom mic also offers better overall performance. Unfortunately, if you're using their companion app, its features can introduce high latency and interrupt your game flow.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC and the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer either one. While both headphones are comfortable, the Arctis Pro GameDAC are wired headphones with a GameDAC, which allows you to adjust settings like your EQ or surround settings on the fly. The DAC also offers inputs like optical-in and line-in. The boom mic also offers a better noise handling performance. However, the Arctis 7P+ are wireless headphones with low non-Bluetooth wireless latency via their USB-C dongle. They also have a significantly better build quality.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless. While both headphones are well-built and have low non-Bluetooth wireless latency, the SteelSeries have a longer continuous battery life and more customization features like a graphic EQ and presets in their companion software, and support an analog connection. However, the HyperX are more comfortable, and their boom mic offers a better recording quality.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Razer BlackShark V2. While both headphones are comfortable, the SteelSeries are wireless gaming headphones with long-lasting continuous battery life and low non-Bluetooth wireless latency. They're better-built, can be used wired with their mini B 8-pin to analog audio cable, and their mic offers a better recording quality. However, the Razer wired headphones are less prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
Test Results
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ look nearly identical to the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless with white ear cups and blue accents to match the PS5's aesthetics. Like most other SteelSeries headphones, they also have a ski-band headband design and a retractable boom mic. They come in two color variants: 'Black' and 'White'.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are comfortable. They have SteelSeries' ski-band headband design to help distribute the weight of their otherwise heavy build. The ear cups also have a good range of motion, and the padding feels soft. However, some people may not like the elastic headband, and it has a limited adjusted range that can't expand to fit larger heads.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have decent controls. They have a volume wheel and mic mute button on the left ear cup. The right ear cup has a power button and sidetone wheel. The power button also controls playback depending on how many times you press it, which is nice if you want to use the headphones more casually. That said, it can be hard to tell the difference between the sidetone and volume dial when you're wearing them, and both wheels lack a middle notch. If you're looking for gaming headphones with a dedicated channel mixing wheel, consider the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless.
Power button:
- Single press: Plays and pauses audio. Also answers and ends calls.
- Double press: Skips to the next track.
- Triple press: Returns to the previous track.
Like most gaming headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ aren't very portable. Although the ear cups can swivel to lay flat, they can't fold into a more compact form. In their default form, they take up a bit of space. They also don't come with a carrying case, and you need to have their USB dongle with you if you want to use them wirelessly. Luckily, they have a retractable boom mic, which helps reduce the chances of snagging on something.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+'s build quality is great. They're mostly made of dense plastic and have fabric padding as well as an elastic headband strap. They feel sturdy enough to survive an accidental drop or two without taking much damage. However, their hinges and yokes seem to be a weak point of their build.
These headphones have good stability. Although they're not designed for sports, they don't move around your head with low-intensity head movement, so they should stay in place while you're gaming on your couch or at your PC. However, they can fall off your head with more rigorous movement. Luckily, their wireless design reduces the risk of something snagging your headphones and pulling them off your head.
- SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ headphones
- USB-C dongle
- USB-C charging cable
- USB-A to USB-C cable (male to female)
- USB Mini B 8-pin to analog cable
- User Guide
Using the 'Flat' EQ preset, which is the flattest EQ preset, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have a boomy sound profile that helps emphasize sound effects like footsteps in your gameplay. At the same time, dialogue and lead instruments are bright and sparkly. That said, their sound profile can vary depending on the headphones' fit, seal, and positioning on your head, so you should take the time to get a proper fit. Luckily, they're also compatible with companion software which offers robust sound customization features like a graphic EQ and presets to help customize their sound. You can also see a graph comparing the EQ presets here.
These headphones have poor frequency response consistency. Audio delivery can vary depending on their fit, seal, and positioning. You may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses, as this can rupture the seal.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+'s bass accuracy is okay. The response is overemphasized across the range, resulting in extra thump, rumble, and boom. However, some users may find that they sound very muddy.
Note: Bass delivery varies depending on fit, seal, and positioning. Our response represents the average response, and your experience may differ.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have very good mid accuracy. There's a continuation of overemphasis from the bass range into the low-mids, which muddies and clutters vocals and lead instruments. That said, the mid to high-mid are very flat and neutral, so vocals and lead instruments sound present and clear.
The treble accuracy is very good. The low-treble is fairly neutral, so vocals and lead instruments are present and clear. However, overemphasis in the mid-treble range makes sibilants like S and T sounds piercing.
Note: Treble delivery varies depending on fit, seal, and positioning. Our response represents the average response, and your experience may differ.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+'s peaks and dips performance is decent. A peak in the high-bass adds extra boom to mixes. However, the left and right drivers become slightly out of sync, starting in the high-bass. A dip in the low to mid-mid affects the left driver more evenly, nudging vocals and lead instruments to the back of the mix. A dip in the left driver's high-mid to low-treble weakens and veils these same sounds. The right driver also has a dip in the low-treble, which hurts the comprehensibility of vocals and lead instruments. A large peak in both drivers' mid-treble range makes sibilants like cymbals piercing.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have a great imaging performance. The weighted group delay falls below the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. The L/R drivers are also well-matched in amplitude response, which helps balance the stereo image. However, there's some frequency mismatch, so there may be slight holes in the stereo image. There's also high phase mismatch, which is audible with real-life content. Audio seems slightly off-centered and is a bit louder in the left driver. That said, it can be hard to notice with real-life content. Note that our results are only valid for our unit, and yours may perform differently.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+'s passive soundstage performance is mediocre. They have a decently large and natural-sounding passive soundstage. Sound also seems like it comes from speakers in front of you rather than from inside your head. That said, their closed-back design means that their soundstage doesn't feel as open or spacious as open-back headphones.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are fully compatible with the PS5's Tempest 3D AudioTech virtual soundstage feature. You can turn this setting on and off in the PS5's settings.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have a good weighted harmonic distortion performance. There's a large peak in the high-mid to low-treble at normal listening levels. However, this can be hard to hear with real-life content, and the rest of the frequency response falls within good limits, resulting in mostly clean and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when using the headphones with these settings.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have a poor noise isolation performance. Like most gaming headphones, they don't block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines. They also have a hard time isolating you from mid-range noise like office chatter. That said, they can block out the high-pitched hum of an AC unit. However, if you're looking for gaming headphones that can block out more background noise, it's worth checking out the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless instead. These headphones have noise cancelling and can block out a good amount of ambient sound.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+'s leakage performance is decent. A large portion of their leakage is concentrated in the mid-range, which sounds somewhat full-bodied. If you like to game at high volumes, others around you may hear parts of it, even in a moderately noisy environment.
Update 04/06/2022: Users have reported white noise in our 'Recording Quality' and 'Noise Handling' audio tracks. After looking into this, we noticed this noise isn't caused by the microphone but by our testing equipment. It seems some headphones, like those with a boom mic, can pick up this sound produced by our equipment more prominently than headphones with an integrated mic. We are currently monitoring and investigating this issue. There hasn't been a change to the scoring of these tests.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have a good recording quality. Your voice sounds clear, natural, and full-bodied, so your teammates should have no problem hearing you clearly.
The retractable boom mic has a decent noise handling performance. The mic can separate your voice from moderate ambient noise around you, even in moderately noisy environments.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have an outstanding battery performance. They're advertised to last 30 hours continuously, which exceeds that of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless. However, we measured just under 60 hours, even after repeating this test three times. That said, battery life can vary depending on usage, so your real-life experience may vary. You can also use these headphones passively if you run out of battery life or use them while charging.
The SteelSeries GG software is good. It allows you to customize their sound to your liking using their graphic EQ as well as presets. You can also adjust the mic's level and set the auto-off timer. Note that surround is only supported on the PS5.
These headphones have excellent non-Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Using their USB dongle, they have low latency, making them well-suited for gaming.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ come with three cables: a mini B 8-pin to analog cable, a USB-A extension cable for the dongle, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are fully compatible with PCs via their mini B 8-pin to analog cable. If you try another analog cable with their AUX port, you will only receive audio, as this port is meant to act as a daisy chain. You can also wirelessly connect these headphones to your PC using their USB-C dongle with full compatibility.
These headphones are fully compatible with PS4 and PS5 consoles via analog when using their mini B 8-pin to analog cable. If you try to use another analog cable with their AUX port, you can only receive audio and can't use their mic. You can also connect these headphones to your PlayStation console wirelessly with full compatibility by using their USB-C dongle.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ can only connect to Xbox consoles when using their mini B 8-pin to analog cable. With this connection, you get full audio and mic support. However, if you try to use another analog cable with their AUX port, you can only receive audio and can't use their mic.