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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.
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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 Headband
Yes
Auto-Adjusting Headband
Yes
Battery Life
20 hrs
Compatible Platforms
Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector Size
3.5mm, USB
Detachable Mic
Yes
Driver Size
40mm
Earcup Foam Material
AirWeave Fabric
Headphone Fit
Over-ear
Max Frequency Response
40,000Hz
Min Frequency Response
10 Hz
Noise Canceling
No
Product Weight
0.93 lbs
Programmable Buttons
No
Wireless
Yes
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth, RF, Dual-Wireless Technology
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Gaming Headsets based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
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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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
