After my absolutely horrid experience with Razer during an RMA (Razer took SIX MONTHS to RMA the headset…), I was looking at contenders for my business, I ended up going for the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, after reviews for the Arctis 7’s reviews highly suggested the headsets. I was NOT disappointed!The headset IMHO is probably THE BEST headset you could get with the feature-set it offers!If you’re looking for a gaming-centric headset that checks the most boxes, this is it.The unboxing experience is nothing but premium, and you can proudly, if you wish, display the box.Everything is well-packed, and they use solid packing protection.The headset itself needs very little setup, simply either pair it via Bluetooth, or get the base station wired up, and connect it to your device respectively. DO NOTE, that the Optical In jack is labeled as PS4, as I guess they intend the optical to only be used for the PS4. You CANNOT rename the label, but obviously you can plug in nearly any Opt Output into that input, just know it’s labeled PS4. I do wish SteelSeries would just label the inputs as the type of input it is rather than what they envision you using it for; however, this is just an insignificant gripe.You will find the base station to be rather light, but honestly, it stays in place on the desk rather well, I’ve never had an issue with it sliding around.Setting the base station up is as simple as plugging in your inputs, optionally plugging it into power (I believe it can pull power needed from USB, but I find the wall-based power to be the better solution), and then configuring preferences like EQ and things. I do suggest keeping Auto-Off on Off because it will shut off the headset after that time elapses, regardless of what is going on.Lastly, the base station includes a slot to charge one of the two included batteries for the headset, which last a solid 6ish hours without needing to be charged. (Which charging one of these batteries I swear only takes like 30mins to an hour, and you can swap ’em when one gets low. There is a warning when it reaches like super-low power) You can also charge the headset via MicroUSB directly if you need it.The headset itself matches the near-zero latency that they advertize with the 2.4g WiFi from the base station (which is probably the way you connect to your devices if you are using the base station anyways.)The headset itself sounds VERY GOOD, not quite Audiophile, but VERY good all the same, and unless you need that audiophile level of sound, you can’t really do better IMHO. It handles everything rather well that I throw at it, even decently in the high-volume range where most headsets start to have some issues.They are not as noise-canceling as something like the Bose Quietcomfort II’s, so if you absolutely need isolated sound, you might not find the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless to fit your needs; although it does block out most sub-ambient noise.I do have ONE semi-major complaint, and that is the “Game/Chat Balance” feature on my headset seems to drop out the secondary channel. To clarify, when I assign an app/game to that channel, it works fine for a while, but eventually, it fades the channel and cuts the audio entirely, unless I go into that app, and fiddle with the volume to fix it, only for it to fade again. This is likely a driver problem on my end, but also I am running on Linux on my PC, and I haven’t yet found a driver that addresses that problem. If SteelSeries sees this, please reach out if you can!On the other side though, these truly are multi-purpose! I can effortlessly go from gaming on my PC, to watching a movie in bed with these and achieve a pretty cinematic sound (The Game of Thrones intro is BREATHTAKING with this headset!). You can reliably watch at full-volume and no-one is none the wiser, which really transports you away from the rest of the environment and isolates you in whatever you are watching. It’s quite something!In another note, you only get Bluetooth 4.1, instead of the (at the time) new Bluetooth 5, but I hardly notice a major downside without it, although I hope they update the headset soon with things like BT5 and maybe stronger WiFi. To be clear, I can get great range from the headset, and it only cuts out after I get to the other side of my house, which is all I really need.The microphone stands pretty much toe-to-toe with my Blue Snowball, which is a relief, although for constant use I STRONGLY recommend using the popfilter attachment that they include with it, although you might run into issues when you go about retracting the mic boom into the headset when you are done using it. Also I believe it covers up the mute LED on the mic itself, but you can outright turn off the LED if you need.They are pretty comfy, and I don’t really ever feel uncomfortable wearing them, or after taking them off, yet they are durable, and built to last. You get all the support of a metal skeleton, with none of the discomforts, and I find the “Airweave Fabric” band, which doubles as size adjust, to be suitable for even 10 to 12-hour gaming seshesOverall, I’d take these everywhere if my job wasn’t so… Potentially abusive to the headset, with different oils and powders. I’d recommend them while traveling as well, although I am not particularly sure if the extra batteries are TSA-Compliant, but I think they are fine.Overall, there is VERY LITTLE this headset does wrong. I am very satisfied I got this headset, and probably will buy again!Edit:Over the years, the headset still preforms well.The issue I eluded to regarding the second chat channel fading, is NOT a driver problem but a hardware one. There is a capacitor on the internals that shuts off the channel if below the threshold, which is rather unfortunate. One other thing worth noting, where each side of the headset attaches to the frame, they are only secured via plastic, and are susceptible to fatigue if care isn’t taken, they are pretty durable, but they would’ve done better by securing the headset modules via metal that isn’t likely to break and effectively break the headset.

I have many headsets but they are great for other things but stink for zoom, teams and webex meetings. I needed a headset that wasn’t Bluetooth (sick of windows forgetting what my default is each tone I switch to a another meeting app), fiddling “can you hear me now” as I join each meeting.I need others to hear me well, in fact better than I hear them. And would be nice if this can be awesome for gaming as well. I did a lot of research, even spoke to a lot of other people from work at him non gamers to many gamers.I was hesitant with some of the reviews about this item because some say it has poor build quality abs terrible customer support. But in the end, it was one of the few that had all the features and mix quality that I wanted in a wireless headset. I was also cautious about the hardware box instead of a simple usb nub as I need to switch between a coupe of machines regularly.Well, fear not. The sound is awesome. People think I’m on my regular air pod pros. And the hardware box is actually really pretty awesome and dead simple to just plug into my other machine when needed.The build quality is actually pretty awesome. Lighter than other quality headsets, bigger, but carefully constructed for the at desk experience that produces great sound but too often weighs down and becomes annoying, not these. I’ve used these for 12 hour days and not even a hint of ear fatigue. Never had that before with any headset.The control wheel on the headset is brilliant. When you use it it will also show on the hardware box, and vice versa (input, volume, Chat mix etc). Setup was dead simple. Pairing dead simple. Repairing simple. Also doesn’t even need power just plugs in PC via usb.Other cool thing is parts are replaceable. I’ve been through headsets where the ear muffs wear out. These come off and can be replaced for a very reasonable $15! Swappable batteries, never have device not hold a charge after a couple years. Comes with two batteries that are charged either in a slot in the hardware box or the headset itself. Want another 2 pack? $20 bucks. Sold.Then it also has Bluetooth. I have the headset on with 2.4 to my computer and can take or make calls with a simple button, toggle, even fade (on a webex and need to take a call, usually you will miss either one. But this one I can fade the webex where I can still hear it, and hear the incoming call).I purchased extra warranty with Amazon for like $30 so I don’t have to worry about crappy steel case support (if it turned out to be true). Make sure to download software, wasn’t in the manual makes a world of different.Some of the setup and figuring out functions are not obvious, that’s just takes a little playing with. Overall it hit the Mark, very happy, will have these for a long time.

I use this strictly PC gaming, so that will be the usage on which this review is based. TL;DR – Great option for wireless gaming with a few minor setbacks.Sound: Quality is top notch as far wireless options go. I’m not getting any of the buzzing others have experienced, and this is my second one (bought one from Best Buy to try out and return before using my Amazon rewards to buy for good). Positional audio is good as far as virtual 7.1 goes and doesn’t sound as much like a tin can as other headsets’ similar feature. Main complaint here is that the voice/game mix is a transmitter sitting, not a wheel on the headset. Not a huge problem for me with the transmitter close to me on my desk, but still an inconvenience.Mic: The mic is serviceable, but I have yet to have a wireless headset where the mic blew me away. My primary complaint here is the lack of noise-gate settings similar to those found on Astro A40s (or maybe even the regular Arctis Pro?). The retractable feature is always nice, and its flexibility makes for easy positioning when in use. It’s also a nice touch that you don’t need to rely on the mic light to know if it is muted since the button sticks out a bit when muted and is flush with the headset when it’s open.Battery life: Ten hours feels short, but I have always loved the idea of interchangeable batteries that Steelseries implements with their high-end wireless headsets. It’s a beautiful thing to NEVER need to plug-in during a gaming, music, or movie session. I will note that on my old H Wireless, I didn’t cycle the batteries well, and the battery life deteriorated much faster than I’d have expected.Fit: I have a big head, so the headset is a little tight. However, it’s flexible enough to get into a comfortable position, and it feels very secure when moving my head around. I am used to leather ear cushions, so these felt a little odd at first. After some adjusting, I like that they stay cool, and the cushion allows for a great fit around the ears. As far as the headband, I really dig the look, but I definitely prefer a cushion to a support band (probably due to my big head).Looks: I had the black and now have the white for keeps, and the white definitely look better. Either colors looks great in person though. I really like the matte finish of the ear cups, and the black accent of the headband and ear cushions look sleek on the white ones. Really into the overall design of these and other Arctis headsets!Misc: I haven’t used this over Bluetooth or with my PS4 don’t really have a use for any of the extra cables it came with for wired mobile use of what-have-you, so I can’t really comment on the extra little features of the headset. The wireless transmitter fits in well with any setup and makes battery swapping a breeze.

I’ve been using astro A40’s since their inception. Not because I was a fan boy or anything, I just genuinely appreciate the “best” experience. I’ve used bluetooth wireless headphones before and I loved being untethered but the latency makes for a poor gaming experience which is why I used Astro A40’s and didn’t think the upgrade to the A50’s would be worth it since they were basically the exact same headset. Well after about 6-7 years my Astro 40’s microphone broke and the headstrap broke so it was time to upgrade… It was between a pair of Astro A50’s and this Steel series…This completely blows me out of the water. Not only does it deliver superior audio than the Astro A40’s in my opinion, but it pulls off being wireless flawlessly. There is no perceptible latency. Just in every category these are amazing. I love the low profile look to them. They don’t scream gamer (that being said, I wish I noticed these come in black before I ordered). It was literally ONE mini USB cable to set up. It paired instantly out of the box with both the internal battery plus spare battery already charged to at least 90% out of the box.Seriously, I just plugged in the included (i think it’s called a DAC box?) and it connected my headphones right away and I was already all set to go. If you want the full experience and dynamic 7.1 surround though you do need to download steel series engine which takes 2 minutes (not kidding, its very fast). The software instantly recognized the headphones and downloaded the latest drivers in 10 seconds. Then you just check the box for 7.1 surround and you’re all done.For gameplay I tested these in Overwatch. I had no idea what I was missing, and seriously this is in comparison to Astro A40’s (granted it was the like 2013 versions but still, they had 7.1 surround sound on them even then). I can hear everything so much more clearly and at the added benefit of this things amazing connectivity features. Being able to clearly see my microphone muted, be able to put the microphone away instead of just flipped up (which incidentally the microphone still works while its pushed in and people CAN still hear you if you prefer the more stealth look of the microphone put away). Oh my gosh and the feature to have your phone connected AT THE SAME TIME is amazing. You can be working on your computer, watching videos etc and seemlessly take a phone call and walk away without having to unplug anything…Just wow. These are hands down the best wireless gaming headphones on the market. Period. Like I’ve been waiting for the next generational leap before upgrading and this was definitely it. You can’t get this performance and feature set on a budget guys. If this is what you’re looking for and you got the money, do it!My only CON is that I think they are too tight on the head but are otherwise very comfortable but it’s not unbearably tight, just too tight for my taste. I may look for solutions to stretch it. Also maybe the cloth adjustment strap is a hair too short? But these are small nitpicks.Seriously… I’ll stop here because I’ll literally type a novel about how good these are. I’ll never buy Astro’s again, they have definitively dethroned in my eyes for the number 1 gaming head set. I don’t wanna bad mouth Astro’s, they are a great headset but they are in 2nd place now for sure. Catch up Astro, I’ll look you up in 5-6 years if there is ever a reason to upgrade from this!

Note**If you have glasses you may want to consider alternate ear pads.I’ve had the headset for about 2 weeks now. So far one of the nicest features is the replaceable parts, not many headsets have that in my experience, and its quite useful. (You can replace the earpads, headband, and earplates)Audio:The sound quality is great, nice rich bass, great range as well. Everything from Music to first person shooters sounds awesome. (I would say slightly better than the Astro A50s I had before these).9/10 – the max volume honestly isn’t THAT loud, if you want to give yourself some sort of hearing problem then these probably aren’t going to be loud enough for you.Comfort:The elastic headband is really comfortable so far. I work from home and spend about 12 hours a day with this headset on, it doesn’t put enough pressure on the top of my head to start to hurt, which is great.The stock earcups/earpads that these come with are… okay. I wear glasses most of the time, and the ear pads are made out of some kind of synthetic microfiber, which means they breathe well, but they would cause a squeaking noise every time my glasses or the headset shifted (which was actually quite loud). Also I found the stock ear pads did not have enough padding and my ears were touching the plastic plate covering the audio driver (which made my ears ache after about 2 hours).Luckily I was able to just buy a third party set of ear pads which solved both problems, they have more padding and are a synthetic leather, which doesn’t make noise on my glasses. So +1 for replaceable parts.7/10 – earcups could be a bit larger, ear pads need work, headband is great thoughMic:The sound quality is fine on this, better than most headset mics I would say, and the retractable feature is great.When you have the mic muted though… it shines this red light, which is kind of annoying if you don’t have it retracted because you can see it out of the corner of your eye.7/9 perfect score (idk it’s a headset mic, I don’t expect much)Batteries:This system works really well, its amazing not having to plug in my headset every night, I just swap batteries when one starts to die, and charge the other (and it does come with 2). My batteries last about 11-12 of continuous use (EACH). So I do swap batteries once per day. It’s also quite easy to swap the batteries, but you will be without audio for about 30 seconds while you swap them around.9/10 – if the batteries lasted just about 3 hours longer I could literally wake up, put these on and use them all day on a single charge.Construction/Quality:They feel very high quality, lots of metals and dense (not-creaky) plastic. The ear pads felt kind of cheap.Headset 10/10 — ear pads, 6/10.Wireless:Great range (better than Astro A50 base station by a bit).I have yet to notice any interference, or crackling. So 10/10 here(just in-case you didn’t notice (hint hint SteelSeries), the ear pads need some attention)