SteelSeries promises ‘flagship-level’ comfort, mic, and sound in its Arctis gaming headsets

Few gaming headsets have it all when you get into the sub-$200 market. Most make sacrifices to quality or design to improve comfort or audio fidelity. But SteelSeries is aiming to shake this segment up by offering high-end components as standard features in its newest roster of headsets.

SteelSeries is launching its Arctis gaming headsets this year in time for the holidays. This lineup will come in three styles, but the company is assuring fans that it is not compromising the quality if you don’t choose the high-end model. Whether you buy the Arctis 3 at $80, the Arctis 5 at $100, or the Arctis 7 at $150, they all come with 7.1 surround sound and a suite of impressive features. Arctis will join the Siberia line of headsets as a new mid-range alternative for SteelSeries.

“Arctis is not a gaming headset. It is a headset line for gamers,” SteelSeries chief executive Ehtisham Rabbani said in a statement. “That is how we approached the new audio lineup – with a fresh perspective as to who our customers really are and what they want. Brands have been distracting gamers for far too long with meaningless specification races and options that encourage spending more in order to get gaming-level quality. Arctis changes that.”

The company goes on to explain that if you buy an Arctis headset, it is guaranteeing great audio for games, music, and other media. This brand will also always come with high-quality microphones, audio drivers, and comfort options.

The Arctis 3, 5, and 7 all include the following:

• Ski-goggle-style headbands for adjusting comfort levels.
• Auto-adjust hinged hanger design.
• AirWeave ear cusions.
• SteelSeries ClearCast microphone for crisp recorded audio.
• “Premium” audio drivers.
• Support for PC, console, VR, and mobile.
• On-ear audio controls.
• An audio-share jack for chaining together an audio environment on a plane or other shoulder-to-shoulder situations.
• SteelSeries Engine software for quickly changing sound profiles.

Above: The Arctis 7 from SteelSeries.

Image Credit: SteelSeries

On top of those features, SteelSeries is also introducing a gorgeous new design with the Arctis. I haven’t gotten my hands on one yet, but I’m excited to simply because of how sharp-looking they appear in photos. Many gaming headsets have an in-your-face design that is meant to look youthful and playful. I think most of the time that comes across as ugly.

The Arctis, however, is elegant and professional. It comes in white or black. Its microphone hides away inside the earcup. Overall, it just looks like something you might find at a boutique shop for audiophiles.

With those features and style combined, SteelSeries is potentially onto something here. You’ll have the chance to find out soon.