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Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Jan 15, 2024 11:33 AM

True Score

83
84
15

Experts

86
5,791

Consumers

Product Awards

Top 10

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

With premium audio quality, a comfortable fit, and extensive connectivity features, the SteelSeries Arctic Pro headphones are a fantastic choice for any gamer but not for those on a budget.

$218.00

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

Released back in early 2018, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a flagship-grade wireless closed-back over-the-ear gaming headset that boasts lossless wireless audio for music enthusiasts and audiophile users. Just like the highest-rated gaming headsets in its range, this model features 40 mm neodymium sound transducers with cloth textured ear pads and a ski headband for breathability and comfort. And it works with PCs, Macs, all gaming consoles, and smartphones so that gamers can seamlessly switch between their favorite platforms.

Unfortunately, this model doesn’t sport active noise canceling technology to block out ambient sounds during serious play sessions or in-line controls. But you can customize the sound settings using the native SteelSeries Engine companion software. And it has a retractable mic with side-mounted controls. In addition, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro gaming headsets support DTS virtual surround sound to provide a wider soundstage. The Arctis Pro also supports multi-device pairing (Bluetooth+Wired).

Consensus

our Verdict

The SteelSeries Arctic Pro wireless headphones are top-of-the-line gaming headphones that are sure to please casual and competitive gamers. For starters, they offer excellent sound quality out-of-box with the ability to adjust your preferences using the graphic EQ functionality in the companion software. The headphones also offer a retractable microphone that provides crystal-clear audio. Plus, the headphones are comfortable, even during those long gaming sessions.

The SteelSeries headphones shine when it comes to overall versatility, though. The gaming headset can connect wired or wirelessly to your gaming consoles. The headphones also include a wireless transmitter that acts as the charging station, which works very well. On top of all that, the SteelSeries Arctic Pro can play audio from your smartphone and your gaming console simultaneously.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Fantastic Audio Quality
    • The SteelSeries Arctic Pro headphones offer a balanced, neutral sound profile straight out of the box.

    • However, if you do want to customize the headset’s sound profile, the companion software includes a graphic EQ function that makes adjustments easy.

  • Comfortable Fit
    • This gaming headset boasts a comfortable, lightweight design for extended gaming sessions. The ear cups are spacious enough for most ears and utilize a breathable material for the padding. The headband features an adjustable elastic strap for a more customizable fit.

  • Clear Microphone Audio Reproduction
    • The SteelSeries Arctic Pro sports an entirely retractable boom mic with excellent audio reproduction. Whether you’re in-game chatting, your voice will come through in a clear, full-bodied tone.

Reason to Avoid

  • Inconsistent Bass/Treble Delivery
    • This gaming headset can sometimes struggle to deliver consistent bass and treble frequencies depending on the fit and positioning of the headphones. You need to make sure you have a secure seal around your ears every time to get the best audio quality possible.

  • No Mic Adjustment Dial
    • The headset’s microphone is always at full volume without any kind of volume adjustment dial. This means you’ll need to adjust the microphone volume within your gaming console’s settings or the volume you speak.

  • Disappointing Continuous Battery Life
    • The SteelSeries Arctic Pro only offers a 13-hour continuous battery life on a single charge, which is less than most other premium gaming headphones. This is disappointing for streamers and anyone who games for extended periods.

Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless Specs

Adjustable HeadbandAdjustable HeadbandYes
Auto-Adjusting HeadbandAuto-Adjusting HeadbandYes
Battery LifeBattery Life20 hrs
Compatible PlatformsCompatible PlatformsMac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector SizeConnector Size3.5mm, USB
Detachable MicDetachable MicYes
Driver SizeDriver Size40mm
Earcup Foam MaterialEarcup Foam MaterialAirWeave Fabric
Headphone FitHeadphone FitOver-ear
Max Frequency ResponseMax Frequency Response40,000Hz
Min Frequency ResponseMin Frequency Response10 Hz
Noise CancelingNoise CancelingNo
Product WeightProduct Weight0.93 lbs
Programmable ButtonsProgrammable ButtonsNo
WirelessWirelessYes
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, RF, Dual-Wireless Technology

All Specs

Test Results

Max Volume (dB)0
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0)7.25
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)48.8
BT Latency (ms)129
Non-BT Latency (ms)0
Low End Roll Off (Hz)53.394
High End Roll Off (Hz)15,122.7

All Tests

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    Product Comparison

    Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless Review

    Sony WH 1000XM4 Review

    True Score

    83
    93
    79
    NR
    NR

    Ranking

    #

    9

    /

    57

    #

    1

    /

    8

    #

    35

    /

    57

    #

    /

    #

    /

    Market Context

    Released back in early 2018, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a flagship-grade wireless closed-back over-the-ear gaming headset that boasts lossless wireless audio for music enthusiasts…

    Released back in early 2018, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a flagship-grade wireless closed-back over-the-ear gaming headset that boasts lossless wireless audio for music enthusiasts and audiophile users. Just like the highest-rated gaming headsets in its range, this model features 40 mm neodymium sound transducers with cloth textured ear pads and a ski headband for breathability and comfort. And it works with PCs, Macs, all gaming consoles, and smartphones so that gamers can seamlessly switch between their favorite platforms.

    Unfortunately, this model doesn’t sport active noise canceling technology to block out ambient sounds during serious play sessions or in-line controls. But you can customize the sound settings using the native SteelSeries Engine companion software. And it has a retractable mic with side-mounted controls. In addition, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro gaming headsets support DTS virtual surround sound to provide a wider soundstage. The Arctis Pro also supports multi-device pairing (Bluetooth+Wired).

    The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a wireless gaming headset, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM4 is more meant for everyday use. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones do have…

    The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a wireless gaming headset, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM4 is more meant for everyday use. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones do have active noise canceling to block out constant ambient noise, which the SteelSeries Arctis Pro gaming headsets lack. And it has the much newer and more efficient Bluetooth 5.0 standard with wireless multi-device pairing (2 devices), while the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is stuck on the older Bluetooth 4.1 version and only supports multi-device pairing through both wired and wireless connections.

    The Razer Barracuda Pro supports active noise canceling, which means it can block out constant ambient noise during serious play sessions, unlike the SteelSeries Arctis…

    The Razer Barracuda Pro supports active noise canceling, which means it can block out constant ambient noise during serious play sessions, unlike the SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless gaming headsets. On the other hand, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is slightly comfier to game on for longer periods inside a hot room, thanks to its much more breathable cloth textured ear pads and headband compared to the Razer Barracuda Pro’s pleather ear cushions and leatherette headband. However, the Razer Barracuda does come with a hard carrying case, unlike the Arctis.

    The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a wireless gaming headset that also offers analog wired connectivity, but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC is strictly a wired…

    The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a wireless gaming headset that also offers analog wired connectivity, but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC is strictly a wired gaming headset. On the other hand, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC supports hi-res audio through the included DAC (Digital to Analog Converter), but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless gaming headsets do not have any such functionality. But, at 0.8 lbs, the wireless SteelSeries Arctis Pro gaming headsets are slightly lighter than the 0.9 lbs SteelSeries Arctis GameDAC, making them marginally comfier.

    The older SteelSeries Siberia 840 wireless gaming headsets are the predecessors to the SteelSeries Arctis Pro headphones, and the brand has made some notable improvements…

    The older SteelSeries Siberia 840 wireless gaming headsets are the predecessors to the SteelSeries Arctis Pro headphones, and the brand has made some notable improvements in quite a few regards. Firstly, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is more comfortable for longer periods of gaming, thanks to its natural shaped ear pads, compared to the SteelSeries Siberia 840’s cylindrical ear cups. Both units come with base stations with OLED screens, but only the newer SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless gaming headsets have a manual screen time-out functionality.

    Adjustable Headband

    Yes

    Yes

    Auto-Adjusting Headband

    Yes

    No

    Battery Life

    20 hrs

    30 hrs

    40 hrs

    Compatible Platforms

    Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

    Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows

    Connector Size

    3.5mm, USB

    USB Type-C

    Detachable Mic

    Yes

    No

    Driver Size

    40mm

    50mm

    Earcup Foam Material

    AirWeave Fabric

    Memory Foam

    Dig Deeper

    Razer Barracuda Pro Review →

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    • $218.00

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      No

    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    84

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    86

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    83

    Expert Scores

    • Rtings
      99.8

      Category Trust Rating

      76
      The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are great for wireless gaming. They sound great, can be… Read More

      By:

    • Sound Guys
      82.1

      Category Trust Rating

      75
      This is a pricey and versatile gaming headset, with great audio and solid surround sound…. Read More

      By:

    • Tom’s Hardware
      65.25

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      SteelSeries does almost everything right with its Arctis Pro + GameDAC, from sound reproduction to… Read More

      By:

    • PC Mag
      67.6

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      SteelSeries’ high-end wired Arctis Pro + GameDAC headset offers excellent performance and plenty of connection… Read More

      By:

    • Tom’s Guide
      56.25

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC is a superb-sounding gaming headset that offers a ton… Read More

      By:

    • Tech Power Up
      68.65

      Category Trust Rating

      NR
      Amazing sound performance, both for music and serious gaming, Excellent microphone quality, Feature packed sound… Read More

      By: