The SteelSeries Arctis 7 headset is the 3rd in the line of one of SteelSeries’ best premium gaming headsets yet. There are three Arctis headsets in the series, Arctis 3, 5 and 7, each of which get exponentially better. While the Arctis 3 and 5 are exceptional headsets, the Arctis 7 is the pinnacle of what the Arctis series has to offer. It comes with all the goods that the Arctis 3 and 5 offered, plus a bunch more features and upgrades that really set the Arctis 7 apart.
What is it that makes the Arctis series stand out? With Arctis, SteelSeries is breaking the mold of over-the-top headphones that under-deliver in the audio department. The Arctis 7 is a high-performance headset with a quality build and designed for long term comfort and use. It’s the perfect example of professional quality equipment at a mid-range price, with features that are actually useful. While all of the SteelSeries Arctis headsets are outstanding, we’re here to take a closer look at what really sets the Arctis 7 apart from its predecessors.
First Look
The Arctis 7 is very similar in design to the Arctis 3 and 5. It has a dialed down look that appeals to both the professional and the gamer. It comes with a cool light up feature that nods to the flashy gamer headset style without hurtling you back to 2008. Yet the Arctis 7 is sleek, with rounded edges that give it a look that isn’t harsh, but still demands to be taken seriously. The headband has the familiar ski goggle suspension characteristic of all the Arctis headsets, but the 7 features a full wrap design that is longer for increased comfort and bonus style points.
The mic is same as the Arctis 3 and 5. It’s retractable and tucks away nicely in the ear cup for times when you’re not using it. Additionally, it illuminates, making it easy to locate when it’s time to pull it out. It has a slim design and is lightweight and easily maneuverable.
All the controls on the Arctis 7 are a simple hand gesture away, located on the ear cups. You can control volume, mute and mic activation all within hands reach. You also have easy access to the USB and audio jack, which are also located on the ear cups.
Build Quality
The Arctis 7 definitely boasts the highest build quality of all the Arctis series. Rather than durable plastic, it’s built from lightweight steel alloy, making it able to handle more wear and tear than the Arctis 3 or 5. The steel alloy provides more strength than any durable plastic, so your headset will last longer and be much less prone to damage.
The Arctis 7 headset can withstand any at home use, but is also built to travel. The retractable mic makes the headset easy to store when travelling between tournaments or LAN parties. Because it retracts safely right into the ear cup, you can rest assured that the mic won’t break off during travel.
As for the ear cushions, they’re designed with durable material that can withstand wear and tear far better than most fabric ear cushions. You can tell by feeling the fabric that it won’t pill or shred like most fabric options. Plus, since it’s designed to be breathable, it’s not subject to the same sweat-stain wear that most fabric ear pads are. Overall, this headset includes some great improvements over its predecessors, and is miles above the many competing mid-range brands.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is always the best measure of a good headset. Thankfully, SteelSeries doesn’t make their headsets all about looks. The sound quality of the Arctis 7 is exceptional for a mid-range gaming headset, and that has to do with the combination of quality materials and advanced technology that SteelSeries included to optimize the audio experience.
The Arctis 7s are built with S1 audio drivers that are able to deliver the most balanced soundscape with astounding clarity. The treble is crisp and sharp while the bass is deep and roaring. Plus, you don’t miss out on the mid-range frequencies, which can mean the difference between a loss and a victory.
Also included is the DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound technology. This technology brings all the sound quality delivered by the driver and produces and immersive 3D surround sound environment, so you’re not just hearing the game, you’re practically living it. The only minor downside is that this surround sound feature only works with Windows 7 and up, but by this stage most users should be operating on at least Windows 7 to get the most out of their gaming experience.
The sound quality of the mic is no disappointment either. Like the Arctis 3 and 5, the Arctis 7 ClearCast mic offers proprietary bidirectional design that provides unmatched sound clarity and complete background noise cancellation. This is another audio feature that can give you just the edge you need to keep your game performance at its peak.
Comfort
Serious gamers know how important a comfortable headset is, and if you’re a beginner, you don’t want to learn that lesson the hard way. The Arctis 7 is an exceptionally comfortable headset for its price range. The lightweight steel alloy not only provides durability, but is also so lightweight that you can wear the headset for hours on end without even realizing they’re there.
The AirWeave ear cushions might be the most comfortable fabric ear pads you can find. Inspired by the fabrics found in athletic clothing, the AirWeave ear pads offer the most breathability and moisture control you can find in an earpad. They reduce sweat and moisture to a bare minimum and allow you to stay dry and comfortable for the entire duration of your headset use.
If you have used headsets with suspension bands in the past, there’s hardly any need to tell you how comfortable they are. Unlike fixed headbands, the elastic ski goggle suspension headband provides an exact fit to the contours of your head. There are no pressure points to distract or bother you during use. The suspension band also provides weight distribution that keeps as much weight off your head as possible. You can wear the Arctis 7 headset for as long as you need, without any soreness or fatigue weighing you down. It’s specifically designed for extended, comfortable use.
Functionality
One of the most frustrating things about finding a good mid-range headset is that so many brands provide features that are solely aesthetic. In this sense, the Arctis 7 headset stands on its own. SteelSeries was sure to include features that gamers can benefit from and actually see where their money went. For starters, the Arctis 7 has multi-platform functionality, so you can play your headset on any platform and take it with you wherever you go. This is just one more feature that makes it perfect for travelling users.
Plus, in the Arctis 7, SteelSeries amped up the audio with lag-free wireless audio technology. The no-lag feature prevents any and all lag, another one of the many ways the Arctis 7 will give you an automatic advantage over your opponents during gameplay. Plus, it comes with On-ear ChatMix Dial so you can optimize your volumes between chat and gameplay.
The Arctis 7 has a rechargeable battery that allows you to use the headset wirelessly for up to 15 hours. This feature is perfect for on the go users, or those who simply prefer the hassle-free advantage of wireless connectivity. When you include all the audio technology crammed into it, you can see this is a highly functional headset that has so much more to offer than just flashing lights and an obnoxious design.
Value
The Arctis 7 is a mid-range headset that has way more to offer than most mid-range brands. In a market dominated by aesthetics and unnecessarily flashy designs, SteelSeries stands out as a brand that delivers in quality where it matters. This factor alone more than justifies its price tag, which is actually astonishingly comparable to headsets that offer half of what the Arctis 7 does.
The Arctis 7 is the most expensive of the Arctis headsets, but you get a lot for your money. It’s the most durable and functional headset of the Arctis Series, with a price tag that really isn’t that much higher than its predecessor models considering the improvements.
Final Thoughts
SteelSeries has a niche for building headsets used by real professionals, and the Arctis 7 is testament to that. With it, you essentially get a professional quality headset at a mid-range price. That makes the headset perfect for serious gamers, as well as new gamers who want to steadily improve their game with gear that they won’t outgrow, and that will last them.
Meet Ry, “TechGuru,” a 36-year-old technology enthusiast with a deep passion for tech innovations. With extensive experience, he specializes in gaming hardware and software, and has expertise in gadgets, custom PCs, and audio.
Besides writing about tech and reviewing new products, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and photography. Committed to keeping up with the latest industry trends, he aims to guide readers in making informed tech decisions.
I like the review and have a question. My son keeps borrowing my headset. To be blunt, he has a large head and is constantly breaking my headsets. I’m leaning toward this Steelseries headset for that and several other reasons. However, looking at the photos, there looks to be weak point where the headband meets the earcup attachment. If that also is metal, I’ll definitely get them, but I was hoping you could tell me if that swivel point area is metal or plastic. Thanks for the great review.
Hello Ken, Thanks for stopping by! The Arctis 7 headset is built very well out of a lightweight steel alloy frame. The specific area where the headband meets the earcup attachment is metal and doesn’t seem to be weak at all. I wouldn’t worry about them breaking, they’re made very well! Please let us know if you have anymore questions. Have a great day!
No that specific area is plastic.
Do these function wirelessly on the Ps4, Xbox One, and PC? I’m looking for a wireless headset to use on all three of them and this seems to be one of the cheaper options.
Hello Matthew Weaver! Yes, they function wirelessly on the Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC. It utilizes an included wireless transmitter and uses a 2.4 gHz. connection. Alternatively, you can manually plug them in with the included cable. Hope this helps. Please let us know if you have anymore additional questions! Have a great day!
No it only works wirelessly with a PC and PS4, not an Xbox.
Does this headset have the lighting on the side of them? And Also , do they function on Tv?
I know that they don’t have the RBG lighting on the side, but I am not sure about them functioning with a television.
What’s the make/model of your TV?
How do I get these to connect wireless with Xbox one I don’t think they can
You can plug this headset into your XBOX One controller, since the Xbox doesn’t support the wireless adaption natively, you are going to have to use these wired.
Do they require a chat cable to controller on xbox one to chat in game or in a party on xbox live?
No, you plug in the included USB dongle and you can use it both in-game in in-party.
No you can’t use it wirelessly with an Xbox.
I’m looking to buy this headset, but i play on console, would i run into any snags or problems if i play on sole? and is it blue tooth wireles or just wireless with a USB pplugin
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 operates via a USB dongle that’s included. It utilizes a low latency wireless transmitter.
Can you notice a difference in audio quality when using a cable vs wireless?
Nope, not at all. Unless you walk out of range!
Thanks for the great article
Can I use it with sound system or sound bar ?? I am connecting all my devices to one sound system and I will connect the headset to this sound system, will it work ??
I have a vizio m49-c1 tv and was hoping that the wireless would be functional with the vizio apps since a few use 4k and my ps4 and Mac only allow 1080p. I know the tv has a USB but i think it is primarily an input for files on a thumb drive. I am fairly certain that the tv has Bluetooth built-in
Does the surround sound work on console?
Only wireless on PC, NOT wireless for PS4, Xbox, or Mobile. They can only be used ‘Wired’, for consoles and all other devices. Again, it’s only wireless when using for PC
wrong, the USB transmitter works on PS4, just not the Xbox.
Very nice article, good work TechGuru.
I got on more question:
When you are using the headset, can you use it while it is charging (like when it is wired to the charging port)?
Can the headset charge while being used, or does it have to be turned off?
you can use it while charging it.
I know these work on PS4, do they work on PS3 as well?
One question can you use the mic in game chat and Skype on consoles? I’ve been looking every where for an answer to this question hopefully someone can help me out. Thanks
How long is the average charge time, from dead to fully charged?
How well do these headphones compare against the Logitech G933?
I’ve been looking to get either this or that.
The thing that worries me is the built in battery.
I’m looking for a headset that will last me at least 2-3 years.
How fast and to what % does these kind of batteries deteriorate?
How bout side RGB like arctis 5, This version got RGB or doesn’t have?
I recieved my pair a few days ago (arctis 7), to sum my opinion up – (Comparing all of this to an ATH-M50 normal headphones paired with a table top mic).
– Good looks & Build quality
– Earpads are too soft – after 2 hours it starts to get annoying on the ears. I switched them out within 2 days for some velour pads.
– In general tho the headband is very comfy
– Wireless works great and distance is OK
– Wireless soundquality is meh, high tones are WAY too sharp and will give u a headache. Voices are very clear and crisp tho, but dont go playing any music for a longer period of time wireless.
– Wired sound quality is great for a gaming headset, bass is a bit too present but u can tweak that. (In both cases the headset gets LOUD!!)
– Wired somehow the mic doesn’t light up RED if you have it on MUTE??
– The mic isn’t bad, but coming from a 30$ table-top mic it’s worse.
– The mic does a great job of filtering out all outside noises tho. So nobody will hear you rage smash your keyboard or fart loud.
– The mic position needs to be perfect otherwise you will sound distand/far away to your friends.
In general I really like it. I’m just kinda disappointed the wireless sound for some stuff is just kinda bad. Bought it in the hopes of being cable-free but I bet now I’ll use it more wired because it just sounds better. Meh.