SteelSeries’ award-winning Arctis 7 wireless gaming headset arrives just in time for the next generation of consoles in two distinct flavors – the Arctis 7X and Arctis 7P (for Xbox and PlayStation, respectively). Featuring improved battery life, USB-C connectivity, and a fresh coat of paint to match your new Xbox Series X or PS5, this is an all-around fantastic headset.
Just as many games get a “definitive edition” upgrade for the next-gen consoles, this is very clearly the definitive version of the Arctis 7 headset.
[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=steelseries-arctis-7xp-review&captions=true”]
SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Design and Features
The SteelSeries Arctis 7X and Arctis 7P feature the same S1 40mm audio drivers as the original Arctis 7 headset, as well as DTS Headphone:X v2.0 for spatial surround sound audio (although surround sound is not supported on PlayStation consoles as this feature is still locked to Sony’s first-party USB headsets). Both gaming headsets include a USB-C dongle adapter that allows for lossless and low-latency 2.4GHz wireless audio up to 40 feet (12m) away.
The battery life has been improved a bit from the original Arctis 7 headset now featuring up to 24 hours of wireless playtime (up from 20 hours previously), giving you that extra bump for extended play sessions.
[poilib element=”poll” parameters=”id=901019e2-01c6-4334-a244-2b0b1ca05315″]
A major difference between the two headsets is compatibility. The Arctis 7X is designed for Xbox Series X and S, but also works with Xbox One X and S, PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch (both docked and in handheld mode), and Android devices (with a USB-C connector). The Arctis 7P is designed for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 but also works with Nintendo Switch (in docked and handheld mode), gaming PC, and Android devices (with a USB-C connector).
[poilib element=”quoteBox” parameters=”excerpt=The%20Arctis%207X%20covers%20all%20your%20bases%2C%20while%20the%20Arctis%207P%20is%20a%20bit%20more%20limited%20with%20its%20compatibility”]
Of course, you can plug either headset into a compatible device with a 3.5mm auxiliary output for audio listening, as well. So, between the two headsets, the Arctis 7X covers all your bases, while the Arctis 7P is a bit more limited with its compatibility.
The dongle included with the Arctis 7X is a bit larger to allow for Xbox wireless audio compatibility and features a toggle for “Xbox” or “USB” while the Arctis 7P does not feature a toggle. Both headsets include a USB-C to USB-A adapter cable, allowing you to plug the dongle into just about any USB device.
Much of the design from the original Arctis 7 remains unchanged, and the Arctis 7X and Arctis 7P are virtually identical to one another, aside from a few minor differences. Both headsets feature the signature Ski Goggle Headband that offers extreme comfort without putting much pressure on the top of your head. In fact, the headset almost floats above your head with its suspended design. The headband can be adjusted to accommodate various head sizes, and when dialed in properly offers a very snug fit without causing any discomfort.
The frame of the headband itself is made of a sturdy, lightweight aluminum, giving it a premium feel without feeling like it could snap if stretched too wide. The rest of the headset is built from a matte plastic that blends well with the overall design and doesn’t feel cheap.
The ear cups feature an around-the-ear design and what SteelSeries call Airweave ear cushions. The foam inserts are covered with a soft, breathable mesh design that allows for better airflow to and from your ears.
On the outside of the headset’s ear cups are the controls and inputs. There’s a standard volume dial that’s large and has a textured grip on it so it’s easy to find. A mute button sits above the volume dial and sits flush with the headset when the microphone is open. If the microphone is muted, the button actually pops out so it’s easy to tell which state it’s in. The mic boom also features a small LED strip light on it that illuminates red when muted, so it’s easy to tell whether the microphone is muted or not without having to find the button itself.
There’s a micro-USB port for charging the headset as well as a proprietary input for the included 3.5mm auxiliary cable for connecting to iOS and Android phones. There’s also a 3.5mm auxiliary output just below this port that allows for audio sharing directly from the headset, so you and a friend can listen to music or watch a movie together with two separate headsets.
The boom mic is on the left side of the headset and includes a retractable design. The ClearCast microphone is the same as the original Arctis 7 headset, featuring bidirectional audio that helps cancel out any unwanted noise.
On the opposite ear cup is the power button which also doubles as the battery indicator, illuminating green, yellow, or red to let you know roughly how much battery life is remaining.
The dial above the power button is different for each headset. On the Arctis 7X it is a ChatMix dial, allowing you to easily adjust the game audio and voice chat audio mix in real-time without having to go into any menus. On the Arctis 7P this dial is instead a sidetone adjustment that allows you to fine-tune the microphone monitoring of your own voice played back in the headset.
The other difference between the two headsets is the color itself. The Arctis 7X features an all-black design with green lines stitched into the Ski Goggle Headband that pairs well with the Xbox Series X design. The Arctis 7P is predominantly white, and includes black and blue accents to match the PS5’s new design. The Arctis 7P is also available in black if you prefer a more uniform colorway, though.
SteelSeries Arctis – Software
Both headsets are paired with the USB-C dongle out of the box which allows for a truly plug-and-play experience without any setup. If you’re playing on PC, you can download the SteelSeries Engine 3 software that gives you the ability to fine-tune either headset further including EQ controls, dynamic range compression adjustments, microphone sidetone levels (on the Arctis 7X only), and update the device’s firmware. You can also customize and save different preset configurations tuned for gaming, movies, and music.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Gaming
Both headsets were tested with their respective consoles (Arctis 7X on Xbox One and Arctis 7P on PS4) as well as with PC. As these headsets use the same audio drivers as the previous Arctis 7 headset, not much has changed. It still offers great spatial surround sound (on Windows and Xbox) and a noise-cancelling microphone.
To really get an idea of the surround sound capabilities I played Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege, an extremely tactical first-person shooter where every little sound matters, from enemy footsteps to boarded up doors and windows being broken in. The Arctis 7X performed extremely well. Not only was the audio crisp and clear, I was able to discern exactly where enemies were around my character, whether that be somewhere behind me or a floor above. Even small details, like the sound of an enemy phone buzzing in the other room was able to be discerned with pinpoint accuracy.
I tested the microphone by recording voice samples and while it’s definitely not a replacement for a good standalone microphone, it worked surprisingly well. I even spoke into the headset with a fan pointed directly at me and it was able to filter out the sound to a low hum while keeping my voice clear and audible. I only wish the boom on the mic was a bit longer, as it only reaches around to the front side of my mouth. That being said, teammates had no issues hearing me speak during gameplay.
The customizable audio EQ’s are a nice addition on PC, as well, as you can choose from a number of presets including Performance, Immersion, Entertainment, and Music. Each one automatically adjusts the equalizer channels accordingly and there was a noticeable difference between each one. You can create and save custom EQ presets, too, giving you complete control over your audio experience.
[poilib element=”quoteBox” parameters=”excerpt=I%20never%20felt%20fatigue%20from%20wearing%20them%20for%20hours%20at%20a%20time”]
The biggest surprise to me, however, was how comfortable these headsets remain after extended gaming sessions. The around-the-ear nature of the cups ensures no pressure is put on my ears, and even with glasses on I never got any fatigue from wearing them for hours at a time. It’s a fairly light headset, all things considered, and I noticed I wasn’t fidgeting with them to adjust all that often, unlike many other headsets.
[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=best-gaming-headsets&captions=true”]
SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Purchasing Guide
Both SteelSeries Arctis 7X and SteelSeries Arctis 7P headsets will be available beginning October 6, 2020 on the SteelSeries’ website or at major retailers for $149.
Source: IGN.com SteelSeries Arctis 7X/P Gaming Headset Review