SteelSeries is known to be a household name when it comes to the gaming space, offering just about any kind of audio accessories that a gamer could need. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is just one of the many choices of gaming headsets offered by the company, with a long battery life, Discord-certified mic and wireless functionality. With more and more gaming headsets appearing in the market, how does the SteelSeries Arctis 7 stack up?
Table of Contents
- Who’s The SteelSeries Arctis 7 for?
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 – What’s In The Box?
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 Comfort and Design
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 Audio Experience
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 Surround Sound Gaming
- How good is the SteelSeries Arctis 7’s battery life?
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 Gaming Headsets Connectivity
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 Gaming Headset Sound
- Is the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Worth Buying?
Who’s The SteelSeries Arctis 7 for?
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is made for gamers who want a no-nonsense, wireless solution to fit their audio needs. This headphone works great with PS4 and PC, and is also functional when used with the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 – What’s In The Box?
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 package comes with a USB dongle to allow users to connect wirelessly to the Nintendo Switch dock, PlayStation 4 and computer. It also has a USB charging cord and a 3.5mm cord that can be used to connect it to a smartphone, an Xbox One via controller and an undocked Nintendo Switch.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 Comfort and Design
Most headphones, whether for gaming or not, usually feature a plastic or lightweight metal for the headband to keep the unit on the head and position the earcups against the ears. However, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 goes on a different path and suspends the 375g model above the user’s head with an elastic band. There isn’t actually a very big difference at first, but in the long run, users can appreciate the difference with a sustained level of comfort. This is why the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is an ideal headset for gaming marathons.
If anything, the closest headset that can rival the comfort and luxury of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is the HyperX Cloud Alpha, but with the latter still featuring the traditional headband design. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 gets our vote because it has more breathable materials.
The unique materials and design of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 may affect the durability of the headset, though. This is because the headbands may tend to sag over time as the headband loses its elasticity over months of use.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 Audio Experience
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 wireless headset does not use Bluetooth to connect but instead, it uses a 2.4GHz wireless RF USB dongle. This feature would mean that the headphone may be a little less versatile, but it saves time when it comes to pairing and there is no noticeable latency in the audio.
Similar to the Arctis Pro, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a really comfortable model that comes with an adjusting velcro suspension strap. The elastic straps give just the right amount to keep the headset in place without putting any pressure on the head.
The line controls are found at the bottom of both headphones. The right headphone houses the power button and a dial used for switching between game and chat audio channels. Meanwhile, the left headphone houses the microphone mute button, volume dial, micro-USB, 3.5mm and four pin ports. The left headphone also features a retractable microphone on a flexible wire that extends for about four inches.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 Surround Sound Gaming
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 features an impressive 7.1 digital surround sound that’s perfect for gaming. This model also offers realistic 3D audio environments for games like Fortnite and Overwatch.
How good is the SteelSeries Arctis 7’s battery life?
During the launch of the SteelSeries Arctis 7, the company said that it would have a battery life that can last for 15 hours. Fast forward to a few firmware updates later and the SteelSeries Arctis 7 can go on for 24 hours on a single charge.
In the gaming realm, battery life is one of the functional features that’s very crucial to gamers, aside from the audio quality of course. The 24 hour-battery life is a sure ticket for the SteelSeries Arctis 7 to get a top rating in this aspect.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 Gaming Headsets Connectivity
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 gives gamers the best of both worlds, offering wired and wireless connectivity options in this gaming headset. If you choose to go wireless, you will be using the USB dongle that’s compatible with a docked Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PC. Meanwhile, you can use the 3.5mm cord for wired connections on an undocked Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. It is worth noting though that you may lose out on multiple audio channels and various software features if you use wired connections.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 Gaming Headset Sound
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 has a pretty clear audio output with decent clarity across different frequencies. While it boosts a decent amount of bass, it’s not nearly as much as most mainstream gaming headsets. If you are an audiophile, you may also notice a slight de-emphasis on the mid-range frequency, around 1,500Hz. If we apply this to gaming sounds, loud sounds like explosions will sound more prominent while subtle sounds like tapping or footsteps may be a bit compromised.
When it comes to isolation, the SteelSeries Arctis shines above most gaming headsets in the market. While it can hardly compete with headphones that offer ANC technology, gamers won’t have any trouble drowning out sounds of noisy roommates, occasional traffic or family chitchat.
Is the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for the best deals for gaming headsets and eyeing the SteelSeries Arctis 7, you may be wondering if this headset is worth it. Well, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 sounds good, is extremely comfortable and brings along a slew of features that will surely be a delight for gamer heads.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is compatible with practically any device and the time to respond during pairing or connecting is a non-issue. Price-wise, there aren’t really a lot of options in this price range that sound as good or offer the same features as that of the SteelSeries Arctis 7. This headset was marketed as the go-to wireless headset for gamers and this is actually still a strong contender even if the market is already getting too saturated with cable-free alternatives.
