The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are good wired gaming headphones that are comfortable enough for longer gaming sessions and come with a DAC that offers a lot of connectivity options as well as customization features. Although they have inconsistent bass and treble delivery across users, the DAC allows you to EQ on the fly, helping you get the right sound for your needs. It even allows you to channel mix and toggle DTS virtual surround sound. These headphones are also easily customizable via their companion software. Unfortunately, they aren't very well-built or durable.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are alright for neutral sound. While their bass and treble delivery depend on their fit, seal, and positioning, the DAC makes it easy to tweak the way they sound on-the-fly thanks to their built-in EQ. The companion software also has a graphic EQ available and you can save your configurations for later use.
- DAC offers sound customization features and connectivity options.
- Wired design eliminates lag.
- Great overall microphone performance.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
- Bulky design.
- Can fit a bit tight for some listeners.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are disappointing for commuting. They hardly reduce any background noise in the bass range such as bus or train engines and their bulky design makes it hard to take with you on the go. On the upside, they're comfortable enough to wear for multiple hours and they don't have a battery so you don't have to worry about recharging them.
- DAC offers sound customization features and connectivity options.
- Wired design eliminates lag.
- Great overall microphone performance.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
- Bulky design.
- Can fit a bit tight for some listeners.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are sub-par for sports. They're bulky but are stable enough to stay on your head during a light jog. They're also comfortable and they have breathable padding around their ear cups but they can trap in sweat if you're doing more strenuous exercise. The audio cable can also snag on things while you move and these headphones may get yanked from your head.
- DAC offers sound customization features and connectivity options.
- Wired design eliminates lag.
- Great overall microphone performance.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
- Bulky design.
- Can fit a bit tight for some listeners.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are mediocre for office use. While they're comfortable enough to be worn for multiple hours and you don't ever have to worry about pausing to recharge them, they really struggle to block out mid-range noise like background chatter. They also tend to leak sound, especially if you're listening to your music at a higher volume.
- DAC offers sound customization features and connectivity options.
- Wired design eliminates lag.
- Great overall microphone performance.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
- Bulky design.
- Can fit a bit tight for some listeners.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are wired-only headphones and can't be used wirelessly.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are good for wired gaming. They're comfortable and their wired design means you don't have to worry about lag. While they can sound different depending on who's wearing them, the DAC has a built-in EQ that allows you to tweak the sound to your liking on-the-go. The DAC also allows you to control channel mixing and it offers more connection options. Their retractable boom microphone captures voice clearly and can it can separate voice from background noise. Unfortunately, they aren't extremely well-built, as the yokes and hinges are prone to cracking and breaking.
- DAC offers sound customization features and connectivity options.
- Wired design eliminates lag.
- Great overall microphone performance.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
- Bulky design.
- Can fit a bit tight for some listeners.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are alright for phone calls. The retractable boom microphone captures voice clearly and does a good job of separating speech from noisy environments like a gaming tournament. However, these headphones don't really reduce background noise, so you may struggle to hear whoever you're talking to on the other line.
- DAC offers sound customization features and connectivity options.
- Wired design eliminates lag.
- Great overall microphone performance.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
- Bulky design.
- Can fit a bit tight for some listeners.
Changelog
- Updated Jan 05, 2023: The headphones' build quality was reevaluated based on widespread complaints about the hinges cracking and breaking from regular use. The score changed from 8 to 6.
- Updated Feb 14, 2022: Retested 'Connection' and 'USB Audio' in our Wired test.
- Updated Oct 27, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Jan 28, 2021: We've updated the Build Quality text to better clarify the materials used in their design.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are good wired gaming headphones. They have a comfortable design and offer a lot of customization and connection options. They also come with a DAC that makes them a good choice for gaming on PC, but they aren't as convenient as some of the wireless models below for gaming on consoles. Unfortunately, users have reported that the hinges tend to crack or break, so they aren't very durable.
See our recommendations for the best headsets for Xbox One and the best PS4 headsets.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are similarly performing wired gaming headphones, meaning you may prefer either one. While both headphones are comfortable and have similar sound profiles, the Arctis Nova Pro's boom mic offers a better recording quality. They also have more customizability via their companion app, and they use a 1/8" TRRRS cable instead of a mini B 8-pin, which makes it easier to replace if it gets damaged.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are both impressive headphones for wired gaming. The open-back Astro have a better mic and reproduce audio more consistently across users where the SteelSeries’ audio reproduction depends a lot on who’s wearing them. On the other hand, the SteelSeries come with a great onboard 10-band EQ, so you can quickly customize their sound to meet your needs on-the-fly.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC. You can use the Arctis Nova Pro wired or wirelessly, either by connecting them to their wireless dock or via Bluetooth. They have ANC, which can help cut down some ambient noise. Their mic also has a better overall performance. However, if you only prefer wired gaming, the Arctis Pro GameDAC avoid a battery altogether.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC each provide better value for different purposes. The SteelSeries are wired gaming headphones that come with a powerful microphone and lots of customization options. The Beyerdynamic are studio headphones designed for mixing and mastering; however, they can be a viable option for gamers who don’t need a mic thanks to their comfortable fit and well-balanced, immersive sound.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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