If you want wireless headphones that you can use at all times and with all your day-to-day devices, or you just bought a Playstation 5, the Arctis 9 Wireless is one of the best options on the current market. Update November 2019: SteelSeries Arctis 7 has released a new version of these helmets with minor design improvements.
General
| SteelSeries Arctis 9 | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | ||
| Type | Over the Ears | Over the Ears | |
| Colors | Black | Black | |
| Weight | 376 g | 349 g | |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless |
Features
| SteelSeries Arctis 9 | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | ||
| Impedance | 32 Ohm | 32 Ohm | |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes | |
| Music Controls | Yes | Yes | |
| Quick Charge | Yes | No | |
| Stereo speakers | No | No |
SteelSeries Arctis 9
We had no problems of interference or loss of connection in terms of performance, except when we were at great distances (> 10 meters) with walls in between. On the other hand, when it comes to battery, the brand advertises 20 hours of continuous use, something that, in fact, seemed to correspond to us.
Finally, another interesting feature of this headset is that we can use the 2.4GHz connection simultaneously using the Bluetooth connection. This allows you to be connected to the PC and the mobile phone simultaneously, listening to the audio of both simultaneously.
SteelSeries Arctis 7
According to SteelSeries, the headphones have the same technology as many other headphones that cost $ 220. We don’t know, but what we can tell you is that its quality is impressive. Great sound, in all respects, and the best: fully customizable. Its battery is very durable, they are wireless, and the position of the buttons is ergonomic.
In addition to its sound, its design is also customizable. If you want, you can buy different ski bands, ear muffs, bags to carry headphones, and even a stand. Extras that not all brands have for their devices. In short, one of the most complete and customizable headphones that exist at the moment.
The Arctis range of headsets comprises three models: Arctis 3, Arctis 5, and Arctis 7. The Arctis 7 are the only wireless helmets of the three and the most resistant once they have the upper part in aluminum. So the question you must ask yourself is: is it worth paying more for these headphones when they all have the same sound quality?
The answer is yes if you want wireless headphones with better finishes and with ChatMix. They are somewhat expensive, to be honest, but perhaps they will suit you, especially if you are an online game player and usually play as a team with active chat.
Design
| SteelSeries Arctis 9 | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | ||
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | |
| Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
| Foldable Design | Yes | No | |
| Adjustable headband | Yes | Yes |
SteelSeries Arctis 9
The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless gaming headset maintains the characteristic design of the more expensive models of the Arctis line, which hasn’t evolved much since 2016. Like the brand’s wireless headphones, the build quality of these is superior to wired ones since they use top-quality materials, such as metal on the upper edge.
Fans of RGB lighting will be disappointed to learn that it doesn’t exist on the Arctis 9. Something as it saves battery life, saves weight, and makes them look even “cleaner.”
We find the volume control for the ChatMix function on the back of the left earpiece and on the front, the retractable microphone.
The edge of the upper part of this gaming headset is metal, which gives a delightful feeling in terms of quality and robustness. In addition, the pressure exerted on the head is not exaggerated, which is usually a problem in helmets with this construction. There is also a rubber strap that covers the interior for added comfort.
The head suspension system is something SteelSeries has been using since its first headset; So it is not surprising that the Arctis 9 Wireless gaming headsets are very comfortable. So much so that you will forget that you have them in your head, even after long gaming sessions. The elastic band can be adjusted according to the user’s preferences, And it can also be purchased with other patterns and colors on the brand’s website.
The pads used are made of a material that the brand calls “airweave.” These are the same ones that are used in all the other headsets of the brand. They are good pads that do not heat the ears and maintain a good level of acoustic insulation.
SteelSeries Arctis 7
Let’s start with the first thing that caught our attention, its design. They are beautiful headsets, not only because of their metal construction and curved design but also because of the immense customization. If you wish, you can change the earmuffs for leather ones, for example, or change the Ski goggles band (headband) for another that more represents your style. You can also buy a bag to carry the helmets, a filter for the microphone, and even a holder for the helmets. Many things that other brands do not put at your disposal.
The headset is round, space is very well used, and they are ergonomic. The left hull is the same as the Arctis 5, except that it does not have RGB lighting. But concerning the position of the buttons, it is identical: button to activate and deactivate the microphone, increase or decrease the volume, connector for mobile devices, 3.5mm Jack to share audio and the micro-USB connector. On the right side, we already have the first differences between these models: the button to activate or deactivate the helmets and the Chat Mix Dial.
The headphones weigh 371g, which isn’t much, really. The weight is balanced, and you don’t feel a lot of weight on your head.
Battery
| SteelSeries Arctis 9 | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
| Battery Life | 20.3 hrs | 25 hrs |
| Charge Time | 5.6 hrs | 3.3 hrs |
| Charging Port | micro-USB | micro-USB |
Connectivity
| SteelSeries Arctis 9 | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 v | No | |
| Bluetooth Range | 12 m | 12 m | |
| NFC | No | Yes | |
| Multi-Device Connection | No | No |
SteelSeries Arctis 9
The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless gaming headsets are equipped with 40mm drivers, with a 20 to 20,000 Hz response frequency. These are the same as those used in the rest of the Arctis line.
Being a wireless headset, there is always the fear that the audio quality and overall performance will be inferior to the wired versions. However, we use the Arctis 9 Wireless gaming headsets in various scenarios and find the audio quality good and fairly balanced overall. However, the EQ profile configured by default may not be the preferred one for some people.
As for the 7.1 audio (DTS Headphone: X v2.0), it is a feature that only works on the PC, and we do not use it most of the time. We believe that it can be useful in some specific cases, such as in the games of the Battlefield saga, where we get to make the audio a little more enveloping.
The connectivity of the Arctis 9 Wireless gaming headsets presents two forms of connection, Wireless 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth. This makes them compatible with practically any device: PC / Mac, Nintendo, mobile devices, and the new Playstation 5 (supports 3D audio), which places them as one of the best PS5 gaming helmets of 2021.
The Arctis 9 gaming headset dongle has some extra features. In addition to being a wireless transmitter/receiver, it has two 3.5mm Jack connectors; one for the output and one for the audio input. The audio out function allows you to connect a speaker directly to the dongle. This causes the audio to automatically switch from the speaker to the headset when turned on and vice-versa when the headphones are turned off.
SteelSeries Arctis 7
The sound is loud, but the quality is surprising. Its bass is perfect, something doesn’t usually see in low / mid-range wireless headphones. The SteelSeries Engine 3, the brand’s peripherals management program, allows many parameters of the Arctis 7 to be modified. Modifying different parameters allows the audio emitted by these headsets to shine and be distinguished from other gaming helmets.
If you want to listen to music, you can alter many parameters or choose one of the SteelSeries defaults. You can change different parameters in the equalizer, modify dynamic range compression, activate mic feedback, change mic volume, and activate mic preview. After changing them, you can save the settings and create as many profiles as you want.
Conclusion!
SteelSeries Arctis 9
The Arctis 9 Wireless is basically an upgrade from the Arctis 7, offering Bluetooth connectivity for a small price difference.
They are very balanced gaming helmets in all aspects: they have an excellent build quality and comfort, a very balanced audio quality. They also incorporate a good microphone and are compatible with practically all types of devices. On the other hand, they also have additional hard-to-find features, such as the automatic transfer of audio from a device to the headset, the Chatmix (on the PC), or even the possibility of using both means of connection at the same time.
If you want a wireless headset that you can use at all times and with all your day-to-day devices; Or you just bought a Playstation 5, the Arctis 9 Wireless is one of the best wireless options on the market today. And the best thing is that they come for 235 USD. However, if you think this is the ideal headset but you don’t need Bluetooth connectivity, you can always opt for the Arctis 7 at a slightly lower price of 212 USD.
SteelSeries Arctis 7
They fit very well on the head, perhaps too much for some people, that will depend on the tastes of each one and the type of headphones you are used to.
They are, without a doubt, one of the best gaming headsets of 2017. Its sound, its customization, and its microphone are perfect.Â
