The audio that we experience during our games can impact a lot more than just how pretty it sounds. It impacts our ability to play. We rely on a game’s audio to tell us when massive beasts are nearby, when we need to reload our virtual hand cannons, and when we need to pass the ball to prevent getting sacked. In extremely atmospheric games, the audio is even more important. It sets the mood for the entire game.
It’s because of this that your television’s speakers simply won’t suffice. You need a high quality gaming headset to hear all of those subtle sounds that developers poured hours into developing. If you’re not using a gaming headset, you’re not going to be gaming to your full potential. It’s as simple as that.
If you’re new to the gaming accessories world, you might have trouble finding a headset that is actually reliable, though. There are as many manufacturers for headsets as there are reasons to buy a set. However, a lot of them don’t care about quality.
That’s where we come in. We have experience with some of the best gaming headsets on the market, and we’ve already sifted through the dirt to find the diamonds. The headset that we review in the following paragraph brings an enormous amount of value to the table, is feature packed, and it produces some of the highest-quality audio available.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro: Features
Durable & Lightweight
The frame of the Arctis Pro is made from a combination of steel and aluminum. This gives it an unparalleled level of durability, but it also keeps the weight down to prevent headaches and neck cramps. In comparison, most headsets are made from various polymers. They’re usually lightweight, but they can break easily. You won’t have any issues with that from the Arctis Pro.
Wireless
The Arctis Pro utilizes Bluetooth technology to provide 2.4G audio without the addition of annoying wires. That obviously makes it convenient, but it’s good for the lifespan of the headset, too. If you’re the type to get overly excited during your gaming sessions, you know how easy it is to rip the cord out of a wired headset.
Audio Quality
The SteelSeries collection has put a lot of emphasis on audio quality. The Arctis Pro is no different. It comes complete with the best Hi-Rez speakers on the market. So, you won’t have any problems hearing something as subtle as a pin drop in your games.
Removable Batteries & Charging Station
One of the few negative parts of using a wireless headset is the tendency for them to have built-in lithium ion batteries. It’s convenient to cut the cord and go wireless, but they still have to be powered. A headset with a built-in battery is practically useless while it charges, and we all know that it’s easy to forget to charge our headsets when we’re not playing. The Arctis Pro has found a way around that common issue, though. It comes with two removable batteries and a charging station. So, you can have one battery charging while you play, and pop it in when your headset dies. You won’t have to worry about stopping to charge up as long as you keep one battery on the charging station.
Quality Microphone
This is where a lot of the Arctis Pro’s price tag comes from. It incorporates a ClearCast mic for the highest quality communication possible. ClearCast is the Lamborghini of the gaming mic world. Their mics have built-in noise cancelling technology, and they produce studio-quality audio. So, your teammates will hear you clearly, and they won’t hear your younger brother screaming in the background.
Our Thoughts on the Arctis Pro
Overall, you can’t beat it. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a high end headset that was built with quality in mind. No corners were cut in the manufacturing of this product. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a better option. The Arctis Pro is that good at what it does.
However, all of that quality comes at a price. The Arctis Pro is one of the more expensive models on the market, and it won’t be an option for some people. You should keep in mind that a little saving can get you a headset that you won’t be disappointed in, though. It’s definitely worth the price.
Alternatives
If you’re not interested in the Arctis Pro, there are some other great options on the market. They’re not as great as the Arctis, but they still work pretty well.
Our top picks for substitutes are:
- Astro A50: Astro has been a big name in the gaming audio industry for a long time. The A50 model isn’t the cheapest, but it comes close to the quality of the Arctis Pro with a slightly lower price.
- Corsair: Corsair is a no-frills option for those that just need a decent headset. Corsairs tend to be fairly bare bones when it comes to features, but they perform well enough to help you enhance your experience without breaking your wallet. We don’t even have to mention a specific product. They have a lot of different models, and they all fit into the same general category. Just pick the one you like.
Brand | Steelseries |
Model | Arctis Pro |
Pros
- Wireless
- Durable & Lightweight
- Audio Quality
- Removable Batteries & Charging Station
- Quality Microphone