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We've recently released our Test Bench 1.8 update for Headphones! Read the R&D Article to learn more about our new direction. As we ramp up and retest products, expect delays in testing new and updating preexisting reviews. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience!

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Headphones Review

Tested using Methodology v1.7
Review updated Jun 04, 2020 at 02:42 pm
Latest change: Test bench update Jul 12, 2024 at 12:56 pm
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Picture
8.2
Neutral Sound
6.5
Commute/Travel
7.0
Sports/Fitness
7.1
Office
7.9
Wireless Gaming
7.6
Wired Gaming
7.7
Phone Calls

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are outstanding gaming headphones. They combine the connectivity options of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC by including a wireless transmitter that doubles as a battery charging station, and they even throw Bluetooth in there for good measure. This results in highly versatile wireless gaming headphones that can mix audio from a console and a mobile device at the same time. On the downside, there have been many user reports of their units' hinges breaking over a short amount of time, and you can read more in our build quality section.

Our Verdict

8.2 Neutral Sound

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are good for neutral sound. While their bass and treble delivery depend on their fit, seal, and positioning, the USB transmitter and their companion software offer a graphic EQ and presets that make it easy to tweak the way they sound to fit your needs.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Great audio and microphone reproduction.
Cons
  • Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
6.5 Commute/Travel

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are alright for commuting. You can pair them to your mobile devices via Bluetooth or use them passively with the provided audio cable. Although they don’t isolate sound very well, the microphone is retractable and they’re quite comfortable, so they’re an alright option for commuting if you don't mind the over-ear design.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Wireless via USB transmitter and Bluetooth.
Cons
  • Poor noise isolation.
  • Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
7.0 Sports/Fitness

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are decent for sports. They're bulky but have breathable padding on their ear cups. You can also use them wirelessly with mobile devices, and they're decently stable thanks to their tight yet comfortable fit. However, they won't be the most practical for physical activities since you can get quite warm exercising with them on, and they’re prone to slipping off. They also have a mediocre build quality, and their hinges may break over time.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
Cons
  • Poor noise isolation.
7.1 Office

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are okay for office use. The SteelSeries Engine provides you with a good amount of customization options and they're comfortable enough to wear for long hours. Their microphone is great for taking calls and you can use them wirelessly by plugging the wireless transmitter into your work computer as well as by pairing them to your mobile Bluetooth device. They won’t block much office chatter, but they also don’t leak as much as other gaming headsets. Their battery life can also last a whole work day.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Impressive battery system.
  • Wireless via USB transmitter and Bluetooth.
Cons
  • Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
7.9 Wireless Gaming

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are very good for wireless gaming. They sound great, can be used with a console and mobile device at the same time, have an excellent mic that filters a lot of noise and are very comfortable. They also have low wireless latency via their wireless transmitter base. Like most gaming headphones, they also have poor noise isolation, but it won't be a problem if you game in a quiet room. That said, they have a unique and convenient battery charging system and are likely to keep up with even your most intense gaming sessions.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Great audio and microphone reproduction.
  • Impressive battery system.
Cons
  • No button to adjust microphone volume.
7.6 Wired Gaming

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are very good for wired gaming. They're comfortable for long gaming sessions, and their boom microphone captures voices clearly, even in more demanding environments. Their wireless transmitter is also nice for tweaking your audio on the fly. Unfortunately, they lack an adjustable mic level control. They also have poor noise isolation, but they'll be more than adequate if you're gaming at home.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Great audio and microphone reproduction.
Cons
  • No button to adjust microphone volume.
7.7 Phone Calls

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are good for phone calls. Their boom microphone captures voices clearly, even in noisy environments. However, they don't have the best noise isolation so background sound can seep into your audio, making it more difficult to hear the person on the other end of the line.

Pros
  • Comfortable design.
  • Great audio and microphone reproduction.
  • Wireless via USB transmitter and Bluetooth.
Cons
  • Poor noise isolation.
  • No button to adjust microphone volume.
  • 8.2 Neutral Sound
  • 6.5 Commute/Travel
  • 7.0 Sports/Fitness
  • 7.1 Office
  • 7.9 Wireless Gaming
  • 7.6 Wired Gaming
  • 7.7 Phone Calls
  1. Updated Jul 12, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.7, which updates our Noise Isolation test. We've also expanded the scope of this test to include Common Scenarios in addition to Voice Handling and Wind Handling.
  2. Updated Mar 15, 2024: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Astro A50 X in Base/Dock.
  3. Updated Feb 01, 2024: The following test groups have been updated following TB 1.6: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
  4. Updated Feb 01, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
  5. Updated Jan 10, 2023: The headphones' Build Quality was reevaluated based on widespread complaints about the hinges cracking and breaking from regular use. This score has changed from 8.0 to 6.0.
  6. Updated Feb 14, 2022: Retested 'Connection' in our Wired test.
  7. Updated Oct 12, 2021: We have retested 'Continuous Battery Life' and 'Non-Bluetooth Latency'.
  8. Updated Sep 22, 2021: We've retested 'Multi-Device Pairing'.
  9. Updated Jul 23, 2021: We've updated our Test Settings.
  10. Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
  11. Updated Mar 25, 2021: We've retested their non-Bluetooth latency.
  12. Updated Jan 28, 2021: We've updated the Build Quality text to better clarify the materials used in their design.
  13. Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
  14. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
  15. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
  16. Updated Feb 15, 2019: Review published.
  17. Updated Feb 13, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.
  18. Updated Feb 13, 2019: Early access published.
  19. Updated Feb 11, 2019: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  20. Updated Feb 05, 2019: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Compared To Other Headphones

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless combine the wireless support of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 with the customizability of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC, making them jam-packed with features. What really sets them apart from other gaming headphones, however, is their swappable dual-battery charging system. They also have Bluetooth support so you can channel mix your gaming audio with team chat from your mobile device.

If you're still looking for gaming headphones, check out our recommendations for the best PS4 gaming headsets.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless have an edge over the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. The Arctis Nova Pro deliver audio more consistently and have ANC to help block out an alright amount of background noise. Their total battery life is longer, and you can even get these headphones in an Xbox or PlayStation variant, which offers different compatibility with either console. However, the original Arctis Pro's mic offers better overall performance.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

If versatility is important to you, then the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have the edge over the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The Arctis Pro are wireless headphones that you can use wired. They support Bluetooth, which means you can use them more casually. They're also better built, have a more neutral default sound profile, and their microphone performance is a bit better. However, the Arctis Nova Pro offer a bit more customizability, thanks to their companion software.

Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, as you can use them wired or wirelessly. Although the SteelSeries are prone to more inconsistencies in their audio delivery, their sound can be tweaked on the fly, thanks to the EQ on their wireless transmitter. You can use their dock to store an extra physical battery while another is in your headphones, so you shouldn't have to worry about running out of power. They support Bluetooth, which is nice if you like to stream audio from your phone while gaming. However, the Astro have the edge when it comes to wireless gaming. They have even lower wireless latency via their base station, a more comfortable fit, and their boom mic offers a slightly better overall performance.

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are slightly better gaming headphones than SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Arctis Pro come with a wireless dock that offers several connectivity options, as well as features like channel mixing and EQ presets that you can adjust on the fly. They have a more neutral default sound profile, support Bluetooth, and their boom mic offers better overall performance. However, the Arctis 7+ offer a lot more customization features as they're compatible with Sonar, which offers a parametric EQ among other robust customization features.

Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset. The SteelSeries have a more neutral, less bass-heavy default sound profile that's more suitable for a wide variety of music genres. However, their audio delivery isn't as consistent, so they may sound differently depending on their fit. They also have a more stable fit and a graphic EQ. Unlike the Logitech, they're compatible with Bluetooth, can be used wired, and work with Xbox One. However, the Logitech are more comfortable and have a longer continuous battery life.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. You can use the SteelSeries wired or wirelessly, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their microphone offers better overall performance. They also support Bluetooth, which is good if you want to receive audio from your smartphone while connected to your PC. Their wireless transmitter base has a few different inputs too. However, the HyperX are more comfortable, and their continuous battery life is significantly longer. Some users have reported that using the companion app's features adds high latency though.

SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile than the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless. The Pro have a better-balanced sound profile out of the box, block out more ambient noise, have a better-performing boom microphone, and last longer on a single charge. They also come with a 1/8" TRRS cable that allows for full audio and microphone compatibility via analog connections and their wireless latency is lower too. The 9 have a broader range of microphone volume adjustment in their companion software.

Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset are both solid gaming headsets but serve different purposes. The Logitech is a traditional wired gaming headset, with a sturdy, durable design, and great boom mic. The SteelSeries are more feature-packed wireless gaming headphones, with a wireless transmitter that gives you access to an onboard EQ, channel mixing, and battery charging. They also support Bluetooth so you can mix in a voice chat from your phone into your game audio.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are designed for different uses. The SteelSeries are wireless gaming headphones. They have a better overall performing boom mic, support Bluetooth, and support non-Bluetooth wireless. They also come with a transmitter which allows you to adjust more controls like channel mixing and audio sources on the fly. In contrast, the Sony are better suited for casual use. They're more comfortable, can be paired with up to two devices at a time, and have an ANC system that helps block out a lot of background noise.

Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The SteelSeries are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and a wider passive soundstage that feels like it's coming from out of your head. Their microphone also does a better job of separating your voice from ambient noise around you, and their companion software offers more features. However, the Corsair have better Bluetooth compatibility, and their microphone has a slightly better recording quality.

Logitech G935 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Logitech G935 Wireless. The SteelSeries have much better controls, feel a lot more stable, have a more accurate sound profile, leak less audio, have a much better microphone, and have longer battery life. They also have many more connectivity options including Bluetooth, line in/out, optical in, and more. On the other hand, the Logitech have a slightly more open soundstage and may represent better value overall for some people.

Astro A50 X Wireless

The Astro A50 X Wireless are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. While they both have a similar continuous battery life, the Astro are more comfortable and have a more balanced default sound profile with more consistent audio delivery. They also have more modern connectivity options housed in their base station, with USB-C and HDMI inputs that are optimized for HDMI 2.1 passthrough. If you need line in/out and optical ports, the SteelSeries might be the better bet. They also have a much better noise isolation performance and can be used with a wired connection.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are similarly performing gaming headphones with different advantages. The Pro Wireless are completely wireless and they offer Bluetooth support while the GameDAC are more customizable as they have a better EQ and mic options. There are also more features available in the SteelSeries Engine software for the GameDAC than on the Pro Wireless. You also won’t have to monitor battery life with the wired GameDAC, but the dual battery setup of the Pro Wireless is great and you’re likely never going to lack battery life.

Audeze Maxwell Wireless

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless are a little better than the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. The Audeze have a much better build quality and a longer continuous battery life. They can connect with multiple Bluetooth devices at once and support the LDAC codec for high-res audio via Bluetooth. Their mic has better noise handling. However, the SteelSeries have an app with more sound customization features. They come with a wireless transmitter that also works as a battery charging station for the headphones.

SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless. While both are comfortable, the Arctis Pro have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, their boom mic offers better performance, and they support Bluetooth, meaning you can be connected to your smartphone and console at the same time. However, the Arctis 7P+ have significantly longer continuous battery life.

HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II. The SteelSeries are more feature-packed, having a wireless transmitter that gives you access to an onboard EQ, channel mixing, and battery charging. They also support Bluetooth so you can mix in a voice chat from your phone into your game audio. However, the HyperX have a more traditional wired design, which some gamers prefer. They're also more comfortable, and their mic is detachable.

SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, The Arctis Pro support Bluetooth and come with a wireless transmitter dock that offers several different inputs, including USB and Optical. The base also charges the headphones' battery, and it has controls like volume, channel-mixing, and EQ presets. These make it easy for you to adjust your settings while you game. However, the Arctis 7X have full non-Bluetooth wireless compatibility with Xbox consoles.

Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless

Depending on your preferences, you may prefer either the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless or the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless. The SteelSeries are dedicated gaming headphones that have a more immersive passive soundstage, and have a boom mic that offers a significantly better overall performance. They can also be used wired and come with a USB wireless transmitter base that allows you to charge their spare battery pack as well as adjust controls like EQ and channel mixing on the fly. Unfortunately, their ski-band headband design means that they're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery depending on their fit, seal, and positioning on your head. In comparison, the Razer are a bit more versatile since they support ANC and can block out an excellent amount of ambient noise around you. They also have longer continuous battery life and have an integrated mic, which you may prefer if you want more casual-looking headphones.

SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are somewhat better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless. The Arctis Pro Wireless have more connectivity options since they support Bluetooth, and have a base that acts not only as a wireless transmitter but as a charging station. Their microphone also performs better overall. On the other hand, the 7 2019 Edition are significantly cheaper. If you don’t need Bluetooth and don’t care for the swappable battery design, the 7 may be a better choice, considering the price difference.

SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are a bit better than the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 for gaming headphones. The Pro Wireless have more connectivity options since they support Bluetooth and have a base that acts not only as a wireless transmitter but also as a charging station. Their microphone also has a better overall performance. The 7 are more breathable, though, and are significantly cheaper. If you don’t need Bluetooth and don’t care for the swappable battery design, the 7 may be a better choice, considering the huge price difference.

SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better-suited for PC and PS4 gaming while the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless are better for gaming on the Xbox One. Although you can EQ both headphones using SteelSeries Engine software, the Pro have a nice dual-battery system that lets you charge one battery while using the other one. Both are Bluetooth-compatible too, but the Pro also have full mic and audio support when used wired on all consoles. However, if you mainly game on Xbox One, the 9X will still offer better value as they support Xbox One Wireless, unlike the Pro.

Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile than the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 thanks to their wireless design. They also feature a useful dual-battery system that makes it near impossible to run out of power, and they can also be used via Bluetooth as well. The Astro, on the other hand, reproduce sound more accurately across different users and are slightly more comfortable.

Razer Barracuda X Wireless 2021

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better for wireless gaming than the Razer Barracuda X Wireless 2021. The SteelSeries are more stable, and they have a better mic performance. Their default sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer, and you can also customize them using the graphic EQ with their companion software.

JBL Quantum 800 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum 800 Wireless. The SteelSeries are slightly more comfortable, and have better controls. Although they're prone to inconsistencies in their bass and treble delivery, their companion software comes with a graphic EQ as well as presets, which is similar to the JBL. They also have support non-Bluetooth wireless thanks to their transmitter dock, their boom microphone performs better overall, and their battery life lasts longer too. However, the JBL have an adjustable mic level in their companion software, and they also have a great active noise cancelling feature. They also have RGB lighting, which some users may prefer.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2020

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2020. The SteelSeries' microphone has a better recording quality. Also, they have a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box. However, the Razer have longer continuous battery life.

SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, and use SteelSeries Engine companion software, the Arctis Pro have a better performing boom mic. They come with a wireless transmitter that also acts as a battery charging station. They recharge in less time and support Bluetooth, which is nice if you want to use them more casually.

HyperX Cloud Alpha

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. The SteelSeries have a better-balanced sound profile out of the box, and you can customize the way they sound with a graphic EQ or presets with their companion software. Their microphone performs much better overall, and they're more versatile as they can be used wired or wirelessly. They even support Bluetooth, so you can use them with your phone to mix music in while gaming. That said, the boom mic of the HyperX is removable, which helps the headphones blend in more for everyday use, and they feel more comfortable and durable as well.

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless. The SteelSeries more comfortable and have much better controls on the headphones. Their sound profile is much more balanced and neutral with fewer peaks too, which some users may prefer. Their microphone also performs better overall and handles background noise much better. However, they leak more sound and isolate background noise worse than the Corsair. The SteelSeries also support Bluetooth, which is rare for gaming headphones.

SteelSeries Arctis Prime

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better overall gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Prime. You can use the Arctis Pro wired or wirelessly. They're compatible with companion software so that you can customize their sound to your liking using the graphic EQ and presets, and their boom mic offers better overall performance. They also support Bluetooth, so you can listen to audio from your phone while you're connected to your console.

HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless. The SteelSeries have a more stable fit and have a better-balanced sound profile. Their battery performance is better, too, and you can customize their sound profile via SteelSeries Engine software's graphic EQ and presets. They even support Bluetooth and can be used with a wired connection. However, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless are more comfortable and better built.

Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better overall gaming headphones than the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X. The SteelSeries have a virtual soundstage feature, though we don't currently test its performance, and their mic has a better noise handling performance. They can also be used wirelessly, support Bluetooth for more casual use, and are compatible with SteelSeries Engine software, which offers a graphic EQ and presets to help adjust their sound to your liking. However, the Drop are more comfortable and have more consistent audio delivery.

Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the SteelSeries have a significantly better boom mic. Their wireless transmitter base also allows you to adjust your settings on the fly or charge their extra battery cartridge. They support Bluetooth too, which is handy if you want to stay connected to your console and your phone at the same time. You can also use them wired via their 1/8" TRRS cable. However, the Logitech have a longer continuous battery life.

Corsair Void PRO RGB Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair Void PRO RGB Wireless. They're more customizable, have a more convenient dual battery system, and a better-balanced default sound profile. The Corsair are still decent but don’t perform quite as well overall.

Corsair HS80 RGB WIRELESS

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless. The SteelSeries have longer continuous battery life and recharge more quickly. Their boom mic also has a significantly better noise handling performance, and they have a much more neutral default sound profile, which some may prefer. They're Bluetooth-compatible and come with a 1/8" TRRS cable, meaning that you can use them via analog connection with Xbox consoles as well as PlayStation and PCs. 

EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600. The SteelSeries are more stable, and their default sound profile is more neutral. Unlike the EPOS, you can also use them wirelessly, and their companion software has a graphic EQ so you can customize its sound. That said, the EPOS have better noise isolation and leakage performances.

JBL Quantum ONE

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum ONE. The SteelSeries have a more comfortable design that shouldn’t look too out of place in an office setting, along with onboard controls for answering phone calls and a better retractable microphone. They use a low-latency wireless receiver for wireless gaming but also provide Bluetooth and wired compatibility, the latter thanks to an included 1/8” TRRS cable. However, the JBL are better suited for gaming in loud environments thanks to their ANC system, which does a good job of blocking out ambient chatter.

Audeze Penrose Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Audeze Penrose Wireless. The SteelSeries have a better-balanced sound profile right out-of-the-box, and have a virtual soundstage. Their boom microphone offers better overall performance, they have a longer-lasting battery life, and their wireless dock also allows you to charge their second battery pack in addition to offering several different inputs. However, the Audeze are planar magnetic headphones, which some users may prefer.

Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless. While the SteelSeries and Razer both have an inconsistent sound across users, the SteelSeries offer an EQ directly on their wireless transmitter so you can customize sound on-the-fly. The SteelSeries also have a much better performing microphone, and superior battery performance thanks to their two interchangeable battery packs. The SteelSeries also support Bluetooth for added compatibility with mobile devices. However, the Razer have access to a wider range of customization options with the Razer Synapse program, like haptic feedback and Chroma lighting control.

Logitech G933 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the Logitech G933 Wireless. Although the SteelSeries and Logitech both have an inconsistent sound across users, the SteelSeries offers an EQ directly on its wireless transmitter so you can customize sound on-the-fly. The SteelSeries also have a better control scheme, a more stable fit, a better microphone, and a quick-charging battery. That said, the Logitech are more breathable and are also compatible with the Logitech's G HUB software, which has more customization features than the SteelSeries Engine. Though the SteelSeries are better headphones in general, fans of Logitech's G HUB software should consider the G933 since it’s still a very good gaming headset at a fraction of the price.

HyperX Cloud Flight

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Flight in almost every way. The SteelSeries have more customization features to tweak their sound to your liking. They have a good app that allows for customization options, and they also support Bluetooth, making them a better option for using on the go with your phone. While the HyperX have a longer single-charge battery life, the SteelSeries provide you with two batteries, which means you can continuously use them wirelessly while the other battery is charging in the dock. They also have lower wireless latency via their transmitter base.

Ultimate Ears FITS Truly Wireless

The Ultimate Ears FITS Truly Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are very different headphones, so you may prefer one over the other. The Ultimate Ears are truly wireless in-ears with a smaller, more portable design and a more comfortable, stable in-ear fit. However, the SteelSeries are gaming-oriented over-ears with a better microphone performance and built-in support for non-Bluetooth wireless. They have a more neutral out-of-the-box sound profile, and they're compatible with PS4 and Xbox One consoles.

Razer Opus X Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Razer Opus X Wireless. The SteelSeries have a significantly better microphone performance, and you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion software's graphic EQ. They also support non-Bluetooth wireless, though it's somewhat high. However, the Razer have an active noise cancelling system to help block out more background noise around you.

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile than the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless. The SteelSeries are more comfortable, have a superior control scheme, are marginally more portable, and have a longer total battery life, courtesy of their included swappable dual batteries. They can also be used on a wired connection, unlike the Turtle Beach. That said, the Turtle Beach deliver audio more consistently.

Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017. While the SteelSeries' sound profile is more inconsistent, they offer a lot of customization features like a graphic EQ and presets to better tweak the sound to your liking. They also contain a noticeably better microphone for online games, and are also Bluetooth-compatible, making them a little more versatile than the Astro. The SteelSeries have great wireless range, their dual battery system is very convenient, and you almost can’t run out of battery. On the other hand, the Astro are slightly more comfortable and can be used for mic and audio support on Xbox One with their dock.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless

The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are rather different types of headphones, but both models are very versatile. If you're looking for a great noise cancelling pair of headphones to bring on your daily commute, go with the Sony, but if you want wireless gaming headphones that can also transition to more casual use thanks to their Bluetooth support, then check out the SteelSeries instead.

Audeze Mobius

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Audeze Mobius. Although they're both similarly comfortable, the SteelSeries have slightly better controls, and their unique swappable battery cartridge system ensures you always have battery life when you're gaming. They also take less time to charge, and you can still use these headphones passively if you don't have a charged battery handy. The SteelSeries companion software also offers a graphic EQ plus presets, and you can use them with their transmitter to wirelessly play on PS4 or PC. That being said, the Audeze offer more virtual soundstage features, and their sound delivery is more consistent across users. However, they only support Bluetooth and can't be used passively.

Razer Opus Wireless 2020

The Razer Opus Wireless 2020 and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are two different kinds of headphones designed for different uses. While the Opus are ANC headphones designed for casual day-to-day use, the Arctis Pro are wireless gaming headphones with a wireless base station that plugs into your TV or gaming console. The Razer Opus have an excellent ANC feature that helps block out background noise during your daily commute or while in the office, and their well-balanced sound profile is versatile enough for most genres and content. On the other hand, the boom microphone of the Arctis Pro performs significantly better, and they can be used wirelessly for gaming. Overall, the Arctis are a better choice if you want gaming headphones, but the Opus are the way to go if you want casual daily-use headphones.

Beats Solo Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the Beats Solo Pro Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer one over the other. The SteelSeries are wireless gaming headphones that are more comfortable, have a significantly better boom mic performance, and have longer-lasting continuous battery life. Their companion software also offers more robust customization features like a graphic EQ and presets. However, the Beats are more versatile headphones. They have an ANC system that helps blocks out more background noise when you're on the go and come with a carrying case.

Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017. The SteelSeries are wireless, closed-back headphones that can also be used with an analog connection. They have more versatile controls on the ear cups, a virtual surround feature, and a unique, swappable battery cartridge system that ensures that you always have extra battery life on hand. The SteelSeries also support Bluetooth so you can channel mix audio from your console with team chat from your mobile device. However, both headphones have inconsistent bass and treble delivery across users and use their companion software to give you more control over your audio experience. Users have also reported issues with their SteelSeries' unit breaking at the hinges over time.

HyperX Cloud Flight S

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Flight S. The SteelSeries are wireless headphones with much better controls, Bluetooth and wired capabilities, a better-balanced sound profile, and better software with EQ settings. They also feel more stable. On the other hand, the HyperX are wired gaming headphones that have a slightly better isolation performance and are a much more budget-friendly option.

Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero Wireless. The SteelSeries have a more comfortable design. They also have a significantly better control scheme, a better-balanced sound profile, and a better microphone. Finally, while the Turtle Beach only work wirelessly with a PC, the SteelSeries are wirelessly compatible with both PC and PS4. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach last twice as long off a single charge, are slightly more consistent among various users and may represent better overall value to some people.

Corsair HS60

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the Corsair HS60. Although both headphones are prone to inconsistent frequency responses and offer companion software to better help customize their sound to your liking, with the SteelSeries, you can directly tweak audio on-the-fly, thanks to their wireless transmitter. The SteelSeries can also be used wirelessly or wired. The SteelSeries are much more expensive but are also more versatile since they can also be used with Bluetooth. That said, the price difference is massive, and if you prefer a wired connection, the Corsair are very well-built and comfortable gaming headphones at a lower price.

Turtle Beach Battle Buds

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better-performing gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Battle Buds, but with a very different design. The SteelSeries are bulky over-ear headphones with a wireless dock to connect to your TV and gaming consoles to use the headphones wirelessly. Meanwhile, the Turtle Beach are wired earbuds with a small boom microphone, designed to use while gaming on a mobile device or to plug into the controller of your home console. The SteelSeries have a more balanced sound profile and a much better performing microphone. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach are much more portable.

SteelSeries TUSQ

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are significantly better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries TUSQ. The Arctis Pro are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, and you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion software's graphic EQ and presets. They also have a better overall mic performance, can be used wirelessly, and support Bluetooth as well as non-Bluetooth wireless. However, some users may prefer the TUSQ's lightweight and easily portable design.

HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones compared to the HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless. They have tons of customization options, switchable batteries, and a great control scheme. You can also use them wirelessly when gaming with their transmitter, but also with Bluetooth if you’re on the go. However, while the HyperX can still do chat mixing via Bluetooth, if you want to use them for console gaming, you need to use their wired connection. If you're gaming on a PC, you can either use their Bluetooth or wired connection. At the same time, the HyperX also aren’t as pricey as the SteelSeries and are still very versatile for their price tag.

Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset. The SteelSeries are also significantly more expensive and come with more features, like a companion app with EQ and presets. They can also be used wired and have a better build. However, the Wyze headset has a longer battery life without needing to swap out power cartridges like on the SteelSeries. The Wyze have slightly higher latency via wireless USB dongle, but it still falls within good limits. If you're looking for a budget gaming headset and don't mind a cheaper build and a worse-performing mic, the Wyze perform well. If you can afford the SteelSeries, though, don't hesitate to choose them over the Wyze.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are very similar in design to the rest of the Arctis lineup. They have a wide metal headband with a pronounced curve wrapped in an elastic strap to adjust the fit, reminiscent of ski goggles, that has a premium, durable feel. They’re a bit bulky, but have a retractable microphone for added versatility. They have a sleek, uniform look that's more understated than gaming headsets with flashier designs like the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, but is more versatile for everyday use. If you want your headphones to stand out more though, you can purchase more colorful headband straps, magnetic ear cup plates, and leather or velour ear cushions directly on the SteelSeries website.

7.5
Design
Comfort
Weight 0.8 lbs
Clamping Force
1.2 lbs

Like the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are comfortable gaming headphones. They have a curved metal headband frame with a ski goggle-like elastic that adjusts the fit. The ear cups are large, spacious, and well-padded, and are coated with breathable and soft padding that feels nice on the skin. Unfortunately, the sizing is limited by the length of the elastic strap and the shape of the metal frame, which can’t expand to accommodate all head shapes and sizes. The fit will be fine for most but may feel a little tight for some.

7.8
Design
Controls
OS Compatibility
Not OS specific
Ease Of Use Good
Feedback Great
Call/Music Control Yes
Volume Control Yes
Microphone Control Mute/Unmute
Channel Mixing
Yes
Noise Cancelling Control No
Talk-Through
No
Additional Controls Bluetooth Sync

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have good controls that are easy to use and provide great feedback. Like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC, these headphones have a control dial and a microphone mute switch on the left ear cup. When using Bluetooth, the control dial only adjusts the volume. If you're using the transmitter, you can also adjust the volume by default, but clicking the dial accesses more settings like channel mixing, EQ presets, and audio sources. The right ear cup has a power button and a dedicated Bluetooth Sync button, which controls music and calls when you're using a Bluetooth connection. The power button also curves outwards while the Bluetooth button curves inwards, which helps to distinguish the two.

5.3
Design
Breathability
Avg.Temp.Difference 8.5 °C

Like most closed-back, over-ear headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis Wireless Pro Wireless have poor breathability. These headphones aren't suitable for sports or exercise since they can make your ears sweat if used while working out. They can also warm your ears up a bit during longer or more intense gaming sessions. That said, you won't have a problem during more casual gaming or listening sessions, especially if you take breaks every now and then.

5.5
Design
Portability
L 7.5" (19.1 cm)
W 6.9" (17.5 cm)
H 3.5" (8.9 cm)
Volume 181.00 in³ (2,966.05 cm³)
Transmitter Required No

Like most gaming headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless aren't very portable. Even though they have practically the same design as the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC, they’re a bit larger too. They have large ear cups, a rigid headband, and they can't fold into a more compact format. Their wireless transmitter is also fairly bulky. However, you don't need to carry it with you when you're on the go as these headphones have Bluetooth support or can be used passively with their audio cable. Still, they're not the easiest to carry around unless you have a bag or backpack to stash them in.

0
Design
Case
Type No case
L N/A
W N/A
H N/A
Volume N/A

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless don't come with a case or a pouch. However, you can purchase one directly from SteelSeries.

6.0
Design
Build Quality

Despite their high-end price, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have a mediocre build quality. They’re nearly identical to the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC with a mostly plastic frame and a headband that's a mix of metal and silicone-like material. Unfortunately, there have been multiple user reports of the hinges of the headphones breaking over short and long periods. The plastic yoke area can crack and cause the hinge completely break off, which is very frustrating.

Unlike most other gaming headphones, the right ear cup houses a removable battery, and the headphones come with two swappable batteries. The microphone is flexible and can withstand being bent in different ways without breaking. It also smoothly retracts into the left ear cup when not in use.

7.5
Design
Stability

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have similar stability to the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 and the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless. They have a tight yet comfortable fit that prevents them from moving much once on your head. Since they’re also wireless, there’s no audio cable that can snag on something and yank them off your ears. That said, their fit is tight enough that you can jog with them if you want to, provided you don’t mind your ears getting a little warm.

Design
Headshots 1
Design
Headshots 2
Design
Top
Design
In The Box

  • Arctis Pro Wireless headset
  • Wireless USB transmitter
  • Mini-USB to USB audio cable
  • 8-pin to 1/8" TRRS audio cable
  • Toslink optical cable
  • Micro-USB to USB charging cable
  • DC to USB power cable
  • Microphone windscreen
  • Additional battery
  • Manual

Sound
Sound
Sound Profile
Bass Amount
-0.63 dB
Treble Amount
-1.33 dB

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have a sound profile that depends on how they fit on your head. Their position, seal, and whether you have glasses or thick hair can all affect sound delivery, resulting in inconsistent bass and treble. Once properly fitted to your head, however, you'll get a consistent sound. However, you can easily tweak their sound using the EQ on their wireless transmitter. They're also compatible with SteelSeries Engine companion software, which offers a graphic EQ and presets.

5.5
Sound
Frequency Response Consistency
Avg. Std. Deviation
1.18 dB

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have sub-par frequency response consistency. The bass delivery varies, and a drop in bass can occur if the ear cups aren't flush to your head, like if you wear glasses or have thick hair. The treble range is also inconsistent. As the overall frequency response depends on fit, seal, and positioning of these headphones, once you achieve a good overall fit, you'll get a more consistent frequency response each time you use them.

Sound
Raw Frequency Response
9.1
Sound
Bass Accuracy
Std. Err.
1.23 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
10 Hz
Low-Bass
-0.7 dB
Mid-Bass
0.61 dB
High-Bass
1.86 dB

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have outstanding bass accuracy but its delivery can vary across users. The bass is accurate and neutral and while some listeners may find that they sound a bit light on the bass, you can use the EQ in the companion software or on the transmitter to adjust the sound to your liking. However, the bass delivery is sensitive to the quality of the fit, seal, and whether you wear glasses. This represents the average bass response and your experience may vary.

9.2
Sound
Mid Accuracy
Std. Err.
1.06 dB
Low-Mid
0.26 dB
Mid-Mid
0.62 dB
High-Mid
0.71 dB

These headphones have an excellently accurate and flat mid-range, resulting in the clear reproduction of vocals and lead instruments.

8.0
Sound
Treble Accuracy
Std. Err.
3.06 dB
Low-Treble
0.01 dB
Mid-Treble
0.72 dB
High-Treble
-4.97 dB

The treble accuracy of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless good but its delivery can vary across users. The low-mid is balanced, and although there's a slight dip, lead instruments and vocals sound present and detailed. There's also a small peak in the mid-treble which can make sibilants like S and T sounds slightly sharp. However, this treble accuracy performance represents the average response and your experience may vary.

7.8
Sound
Peaks/Dips
Peaks
1.43 dB
Dips
1.09 dB

The peaks and dips performance of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is good but their position, seal, and whether you have glasses or thick hair can all affect sound delivery, resulting in inconsistent bass and treble. Although there are a few peaks and dips, most are very slight. However, the peak between the high-mid and low-treble is less balanced than the rest of the range but it's unlikely to be noticeable to most listeners.

8.8
Sound
Imaging
Weighted Group Delay
0.37
Weighted Phase Mismatch
2.15
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
0.42
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
1.52

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have excellent imaging. Although there are two small spikes in the low-bass and mid-bass that are above the group delay's audibility threshold, it may not be audible for most users. Additionally, the L/R drivers of our test unit are exceptionally matched, which is important for the accurate placement and localization of objects and instruments (like voices and footsteps) in the stereo image. However, these results are only valid for our unit and yours may perform differently.

6.3
Sound
Passive Soundstage
PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
3.43 dB
PRTF Size (Avg.)
7.72 dB
PRTF Distance
22.05 dB
Openness
5.6
Acoustic Space Excitation
3.4

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have an unremarkable soundstage. Although it feels relatively large and sounds as if it's coming from out of the listener’s head, the soundstage may still be perceived as a bit unnatural. As they have a closed-back design, it results in a soundstage that may not feel as open as that of open-back headphones.

2.0
Sound
Virtual Soundstage
Head Modeling
No
Speaker Modeling
On/Off
Room Ambience
No
Head Tracking
No
Virtual Surround
Yes

These headphones have virtual sound support and a speaker modeling feature.

7.8
Sound
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.316
WHD @ 100
0.106

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless' weighted harmonic distortion performance is good. Although there's a small spike in the low-bass, this likely won't be audible to all listeners. Otherwise, all frequencies fall within good limits, which will result in clear and pure audio reproduction.

Sound
Test Settings
Firmware
Unknown
Power
On
Connection
Wired
Codec
PCM, 16-bit, 48kHz
EQ
Off
ANC
No ANC
Tip/Pad
Default
Microphone
Boom

Update 07/23/2021: We originally reported that we tested these headphones using PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz codec. However, this was incorrect and thanks to user feedback, we've updated our results with the correct codec settings: PCM, 16-bit, 48kHz.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro's results are only valid for these settings.

Isolation
4.3
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Full Range
Noise Cancelling No
Overall Attenuation
-10.15 dB
Bass
6.94 dB
Mid
-11.44 dB
Treble
-29.42 dB

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have poor noise isolation. They don’t isolate sounds in the bass range at all and instead, they can let the rumbles of a subwoofer into your audio. Although they block out slightly more mid-range noise like office chatter, it won't be enough for an office or cafe setting. On the upside, they do a better job of reducing treble range noise like A/C fans. However, if you want gaming headphones with better noise isolation, check out the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are also worth considering as they have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system.

3.5
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
Airplane Noise Attenuation
-7.06 dB
Airplane Noise Isolation Audio
Office Noise Attenuation
-6.85 dB
Office Noise Isolation Audio
Street Noise Attenuation
-8.32 dB
Street Noise Isolation Audio
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
Female Voice 1
Male Voice 1
Female Voice 2
Male Voice 2
Isolation
ANC Wind Handling
ANC Wind Noise
N/A
7.0
Isolation
Leakage
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
39.37 dB

The leakage performance of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is decent, similar to that of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless. They mostly leak between the low-mid to low-treble and it sounds fuller and speaker-like than leakage coming from in-ear or more tightly closed-back, over-ear headphones. If you're listening to music at a high volume, it may be audible to those around you, even in a moderately noisy environment.

Microphone
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
No
In-Line
No
Boom
Yes
Detachable Boom
No
Mic Yes

Update 04/03/2019:A few reports mention a hissing noise that could be a deal-breaker for some users. This issue seems to be related to the mic as setting the sidetone level to 0 and turning volume limiter off slightly helps. However, this seems inconsistent and may vary per unit, as some users don't have this issue. We have a very slight hiss with our unit, but it's barely audible, especially when you have audio playing.

These headphones have a retractable boom microphone that also comes with an optional windscreen.

8.4
Microphone
Recording Quality
Recorded Speech
LFE
20 Hz
FR Std. Dev.
2.56 dB
HFE
6,639.82 Hz
Weighted THD
0.305
Gain
30.11 dB

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless' microphone has a very good recording quality. Speech recorded sounds full-bodied, clear, and detailed. However, it lacks airiness and brilliance. As the microphone doesn't have volume control, it's always at max volume, which causes the recording to sound distorted in our test PC.

There have been numerous reports on user forums of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless' microphone being too quiet on consoles and mobile apps. Resetting the wireless transmitter and updating the firmware seems to resolve this issue for many. You can visit this link to see the discussion surrounding this issue.

8.3
Microphone
Noise Handling
SpNR
48.8 dB
Noise Gate
Always On
Speech + Pink Noise Handling
8.5
Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
Speech + Subway Noise Handling
8.0
Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample

The microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless has remarkable noise handling. It can easily separate your voice from demanding or noisy environments like gaming events, so you can be heard clearly.

Active Features
8.8
Active Features
Battery
Battery Type
Rechargable
Continuous Battery Life
15.3 hrs
Additional Charges
1.0
Total Battery Life
30.6 hrs
Charge Time
1.3 hrs
Power-Saving Feature
Auto-Off Timer
Audio While Charging
Yes
Passive Playback
Yes
Charging Port micro-USB

Update 10/12/2021: We retested both batteries to see if we could achieve a result closer to the advertised 10 hours of continuous battery life. We were able to measure roughly 13 hours of playback time. However, our unit is over a year old and has seen a lot of use, which could explain the difference between our original measurement of roughly 15 hours and this measurement of 13 hours. We also managed to get more than the advertised 10 hours of battery life after both retests, and even though these headphones have been regularly used for several months. As a result, we haven't changed our results.

These headphones have an excellent battery system. Two swappable batteries can be inserted into the wireless transmitter for charging when not in use. They use one battery at a time, and they each have over 15 hours of continuous battery life, which means that you don't have to worry about running out of juice during more intense gaming sessions. When you're deep in gameplay, the transmitter can also show the charge level of your headphones as well as the battery that's being charged. There's even an auto-off timer that can be set via their companion software, and if you can't put down the game, you can also use these headphones while charging. You can also use them passively with their included audio cable.

7.5
Active Features
App Support
App Name SteelSeries Engine
iOS No
Android No
macOS Yes
Windows Yes
Equalizer
Graphic + Presets
ANC Control
No
Mic Control Mute/Unmute
Room Effects
No
Playback Control
No
Button Mapping No
Surround Support
Yes

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are compatible with the SteelSeries Engine desktop app, which is a good app with lots of customization features for gamers. You won’t get as many features as you do with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC, but there’s a graphic equalizer with presets, DTS surround sound, live mic preview, bass boost, and dialogue enhancement, to name a few. The charge level of the battery in the headset and the battery in the transmitter is available on the app, and the app specifies when the charging battery is fully charged.

Connectivity
7.0
Connectivity
Wired Connection
Analog Audio
Yes
USB Audio
No
Detachable
Yes
Length
4.10 ft (1.25 m)
Connector
Mini B 8-Pin
Latency - Analog
26.5 ms
Latency - USB
N/A
Recorded Latency
Recorded Latency Connection Analog

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless come with an uncommon mini B 8-pin connector cable that connects directly to the headphones. However, the other end is a 1/8" TRRS cable that's compatible with most gaming consoles and operating systems. When the headphones are on, they have slight latency via analog, but your audio and visuals are still well-synced. Using them completely passively drops the latency to virtually imperceptible levels, though.

6.8
Connectivity
Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth Version
4.1
Multi-Device Pairing
Bluetooth + Console/Non-BT Wireless
Quick Pair (Android)
No
Quick Pair (iOS)
No
Line Of Sight Range
187.00 ft (57.00 m)
Latency - SBC
256 ms
Latency - aptX
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)
N/A
Latency - LDAC
N/A
Recorded Latency
Recorded Latency Codec SBC
AAC Support
No

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have okay Bluetooth connectivity. Although they don't support multi-device with more than one Bluetooth device like the Turtle Beach Elite 800 Wireless, you can still pair them with a Bluetooth device. You can also connect to a PlayStation console and a Bluetooth device simultaneously. With this setup, you can listen to audio from your smartphone while still gaming.

These headphones only support the basic SBC codec. The latency using this codec is quite high, causing lip-sync issues. Some apps and devices compensate for latency, though. Bluetooth also isn't really the best choice for gaming, so if you're looking for lower wireless latency, you'll want to see how the wireless transmitter base performs.

8.9
Connectivity
Wireless Connection (Dongle)
Line Of Sight Range
175.00 ft (53.34 m)
Latency - Dongle
22 ms
Recorded Latency

These headphones have excellent wireless connectivity via their wireless transmitter base. Their audio latency is quite low, ensuring your audio and video stay in sync. They also have a very good line-of-sight range, allowing you to use them further away from their audio source.

Connectivity
PC Compatibility
Analog
Audio + Microphone
Wired USB
No
Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone
Connectivity
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog
Audio + Microphone
PS4 Wired USB
No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone
PS5 Analog
Audio + Microphone
PS5 Wired USB
No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone
Connectivity
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
Audio + Microphone
Xbox One Wired USB
No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
Audio Only
Xbox Series X|S Analog
Audio + Microphone
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
No

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless can only receive audio when their wireless transmitter is connected to the Xbox One via an optical connection. If you like to stay in touch with your teammates using your microphone, you can use a Bluetooth connection with a phone or other device that has the Xbox app for chat. However, you have full audio and microphone support when you plug their analog cable directly into the controller.

9.6
Connectivity
Base/Dock
Type
Wireless Dock
USB Input
Yes
Line In
Yes
Line Out
Yes
Optical Input
Yes
RCA Input
No
Dock Charging
Yes
Power Supply
USB

Update 03/27/2019: The SteelSeries don't have native mic support with the Xbox One. You have to use the Bluetooth connection with a phone or device that has the Xbox app for chat. You can also use a USB connection with your PC. For full instructions on how to set this up, you can read more by following this link. However, since the microphone isn't being routed through the Xbox console, we have adjusted the score to reflect this.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless come with a USB wireless transmitter base. The headset's battery is charged directly in the transmitter and is inserted like a cartridge. You plug the transmitter into a USB port of a PC or console to use the headset wirelessly. Optical audio is required to use these headphones with the Xbox One or to access the surround sound and ChatMix features on PS4. If you're looking for headphones with a base station that supports HDMI passthrough and offers simultaneous connectivity with PC, Xbox and PlayStation family consoles, it's worth checking out the Astro A50 X Wireless instead.