SteelSeries - Arctis 5

I loved mine until the mic started to not work well. Mic now makes everything I say barely a whisper.

I’ve had mine for over 10 years I think. Artis 5 wired.

Tldr. My arctis 5s have been great when they work. Driver and update issues always cause tedious issues to fix before use. Design issues will cause failure depending on model, wired or not. . I've had steel series arctis 5 wired version for about 4 years. They have been great....when they work. Idk if it's just my pc but every single time there is a driver update. A Nvidia update or a windows update ...my settings get FUCKED. the main issue is with the channel knob randomly changing how it works . Ie turn it left, it mutes discord but game audio is clear. Turn it right and vice versa. Mutes game but discord is clear Often on updates this feature just stops working. You still get audio and mic working but it's open channel for everything. It will also change the profile setting in the SS software. It's an easy fix once you know how but it can still be finicky and tedious. My other issue is with the cable and where it plugs into the headset. It's basically forcing pressure on the micro usb connection and bending the cord. I've had to replace the cord 2 times They are fully failing now. The usb port is loose in the headset, wiggling makes audio sound like robo porn.

I hard disagree. But might just be our settings are different. I had to turn bass down for a lot of games

Did you use the SS software, do you remember you're profile settings? Bass boost etc? I'm genuinely curious as lacking bass is something I have never heard about SteelSeries sets. I'm mixed about recommending them tho. All modern ones are usb-c for the dongle , I can't use because my PC doesn't have a native usb c port. I don't want wired again because that's the failing point on every set I've had but fuck the Arctis 5s have been the best I've ever used. (Sound wise)

My music equipment set up is my go to but I don't have a designated mic to use. Playing PvP multiplayer I need to use my "gaming" set. I tried using my audio Technica for sound and my DS4 controller for the mic but it's a conveluted mess of cords at that point. And audio lag with a BT dongle.

Thanks. I actually did take a look online to see if I could find an answer but there’s nothing definitive, at least so far. I’m totally fine with using it wired if necessary. My wired Arctis Series 5 finally took a dump after the cord deteriorated and stopped carrying sound. I loved everything about that headset. The fact that it was wired meant I could use it with everything that had a jack. Appreciate the response.

I personally had the Corsair HS70, I went looking for a headset in the 100$ range because I was a dumbass and tried to replace the HS70 battery snapping one of the wires and just failing overall. I got the SteelSeries arctic 5 and just felt super let down for the price. They sounded worse, build quality just felt cheap. For 150 I was kinda like yea no thanks. I was going to entertain the one reviewed above but that’s $300!!!! I ended up choosing the hyper x cloud alpha purely for the runtime. I was tired of recharging my headset and loved the idea of such a long runtime without a charge. Maybe it’s just a phycological effect but I feel like they even sound better than the steelseries given they have more chamber space. Idk just my personal experience I got a cloud alpha for 100$ referb on amazon

STEEL SERIES ARCTIS 7. Ive used alot of headsets and these are by FAR the most comfortable, great sound quality and wirless depending on. the model. Arctis 5 is also great.

I have the Epos PC38X. Haven’t used them on PC yet. On PS5, My friends get their voice echoed back to them and I dont necessarily want my wife and kids hearing my game/chat coming from the open backs. I’ve been using the SteelSeries Arctis 5 since i got a PC a few months ago. I may try the PC38X now!

I have PC38X. Haven’t used them. I don’t have a DAC and don’t care for the open back. My friends get their voice echoed back to them and I dont necessarily want my wife and kids hearing my game/chat coming from the open backs. (Unless I’m doing it wrong and missing something, please let me know!) Been using the SteelSeries Arctis 5.

I've got arctic 5s.... probably owned for 5 years. My kid has them now and they've taken a beating.... still mint. My buddies arctic 1 went at least over 5 years. I don't know beyond that, as it got passed on to ppl hard up on cash. My Nova pros 2 years strong so far.... debating doing something to use warranty for new pair, cuz I'm not sure i want to risk a faulty set, even though I've had great luck.

If you want something commercially available, I think I stumbled across the best set up ever, thanks to my wife. She has a Steelseries Arctis 5 wired. Picked up a Steelseries DAC, thinking I could run an optical out to a soundbar (long story, it didn't work, don't ask) but in the mean time I discovered the DAC can manage the RGB, and manage sound settings like enabling DTS-X, and adjust a bunch of settings to make her mid-tier Arctis 5 into a beast of a headset because the sound drivers in the headset are basically the same as the top tier. The important part of all of this is that she's on Linux like myself, and none of this can be managed in the software without a dual boot or windows virtual box. For her, the DAC solves the whole ass problem by offloading all of those settings onto the DAC so there's no need to dual boot. 10/10 on Steelseries's Digital Audio Converter. It's solid. Has a 3.5mm output, SPDIF input (we thought it was an output, wompwompwomp), and if you already have a Steelseries headset with their proprietary connector, it fits right up.

Personally I would; I would look at wired headphones and a standalone microphone if you’re comfortable with that- otherwise I might consider looking at something like the arctis 5s if you want wireless

Currently, I use the Razer Kraken V4. It's wireless with either 2.4 Ghz USB-C dongle or Bluetooth. it can also be used with a wired connection, which simultaneously charges it. There is a cheaper option in Razer Kraken V4X, which is a solely wired version. I've both headsets and have had no issues with either. I also quite like the Blackshark V2 Pro. The mic is noticeably better on the Blackshark vs the Krakens, in my experience. However, the mic on the Krakens I own is retractable, which is a big selling point for me. My first ever headset was the Razer Kitty Kraken. Honestly loved it to bits, especially customising the cat ears' RGB, so I can also recommend it if you want something cute. It comes in black, white and pink versions. I'm not sure if the other Razer headsets do, but I absolutely know for certain the Kitty Kraken does! In the past, I've also used Steelseries Arctis 1 and Arctis 5. Both were serviceable, but I feel as though the audio was tinny. The only reason I bring these up two up is because Razer products can be quite expensive, and Steelseries options are affordable whilst still offering similar features (wireless, wired, Bluetooth, detachable and/or retractable mic, etc...) whilst being cheaper. They are also much lighter on ear/in general compared to the Razer headsets. Hope this helps! Would love to know what you go for!

Have the 5, gamebuds and pro wireless. The 5 are the smallest earcups - and the built quality isn’t as good as the pro - but you can find the 5 on offer a lot. With the mobile app - they sound great when you set up the EQ etc :) You can’t steam from both BT and 2,4ghz at same time though - you have to swap with a button - but they will connect to your phone at the same time, in case you get a call - one button press will swap to BT If you have an Xbox in the mix remember you will need the 5X - which also work on ps4 / PC/ switch and mobile :)

Also I just realised you said PS5, unless he sits at a desk then headphones and a seperate mic probably wouldn't be the best idea. If he's a couch gamer then regular gaming headphones with a built in mic would be a better option. I really liked these Steelseries Arctis Nova 7P headphones. The 5P are also decent. There's also tons of options out there for headbands and earcups to customize them. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD8T9QF1?ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_fed\_asin\_title&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD8T9QF1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1)

Sennheiser has headphones for half that price that are superior without the need for insane bloatware. I loved my arctis 5s that I bought in 2019 but you do you man. If you have the cash and you like them, go for it.

If you can get Steelseries Arctis series headphones, They are the best in gaming, I bought them for my PC for gaming 4 years ago, and they still work perfect. I use them with my PS5 too. But they dont seem to be available easily everywhere now. That time I bought Arctis 5 for 12K in a sale. Worth the investment.

I'm also really satisfied with that one. That extra wheel to balance voice chat and other sounds is such a good idea.

Replace the pads, they aren’t magically going to manufacture a headphone with pads that never wear down. Other factors like weak points are fair game. Arctis headphones are known to break at the cup arm.

I use the Logitech g735 for my PC and I think they are really comfy and the rgb is a nice add on. I think the mic quality is pretty solid too, I've never had anyone say it sounds bad. I do think they can be a bit overpriced at retail tho. I also use steelseries arctis 5x for my PS5 and those also sound pretty good overall. I also like how the mic is retractable and they go on sale often. They don't have any RGB though

imho those sucks and not worth their price. I "downgraded" to the 5X, got a much better microphone, and couldn't notice any difference in sound quality

Great headsets, I own the arctis 5x and it's pretty good especially for the price. Comfort is also really good...

Best bang for your buck wireless headset would be the steelseries arctis 5x imo. I own one myself and it's pretty good especially for under $100.

I use Logitech g733 headphones currently and I find them super comfortable to wear with glasses. I've also used Steelseries Arctis headphones a lot and always found them to be very comfortable.

Love turtle beach for their style and how lightweight they are but unfortunately I will forever choose steelseries for their clearcast mics and noise cancellation. As a gamer who uses a mic heavily for online gaming there's a massive difference in mic quality when you are joined up to 5 other players and there's always that one guy with awful mic feedback who will tell you his got a decent gaming headset and everyone tells him to mute. I do love turtle beach as a startup set though. Started my kid on turtle beach before moving them onto steelseries a couple years later. 

The Arctis ones do it with a cool little dedicated box where you can also control other things. I had some years ago and it was a very handy feature...though yes, windows now does much better, channel-based volume control. Still not as cool as a dial on a box though :)

I live and breathe by the steel series arctis series. They have lasted me a LONG time and has withstood a lot over the years with zero damage.

steelseries arctis are as good as it gets for me. I've tested every major headset over the last year and they've been the best sounding and by far most comfortable. they suffer from some software issues when using in pc but outside of that i will be sticking with steelseries offeringsbfor the foreseeable future

I’d look into a hyperx headset. Those usually are good quality and last quite a while. I haven’t found one I’m not a fan of but I’m also not an enthusiast although I currently bounce between the alpha and a Steelseries arctis headset.

Steelseries and something in your budget in the arctis series. I am on my 3rd model. I love the headband part that doesn’t press on my head, and the material on the earpads are so comfortable.

Just got these. I can recommend them. Not tested mic yet. As for comfort: I have a large head, and am finding the clamping a bit tight however, and the earcups just fit around my ears - it's a bit snug. Nothing bad, per se, but not quite in the super comfort zone of some other headphones. They'd be fine for gaming sessions, but not something I'd want to wear all day. I'd have preferred a bit more of a relaxed fit. On the other hand, a relaxed fit means very big headphone that can turn some people off.

Having owned the arctis, and now just picked up the Scape, I can tell you that it's in a different league to the Arctis. It's very good. Not quite as good as my high end audiophile headphones, but very, very good compared to most gaming headsets. I'd rate them in the same class as the Audeze maxwell. Happy to listen to music on them. Excellent controls too. And very nice looking in person. I have a large head, and am finding the clamping a bit tight however, and the earcups just fit around my ears - it's a bit snug. Nothing bad, per se, but not quite in the super comfort zone of some other headphones.

I love my Steelseries Arctis. It's a touch out of your price range but the features are top notch.

My steelseries Arctis headset is still going strong after 7 years. I had a hyper x one that didn’t even last a month.

I use the Steelseries Arctic for 3 years. Still solid

What headset you recommend? Currently have a hypercloud 2 and it´s breaking down as I´ve got it for 8 years now lol, bought the hypercloud 3 and it´s whack, literally feeling pressure on my ears and the microphone is bad. Tried arctic steelseries and even that one felt like pressure on my ears.

Audeze Maxwell - Considered one of the best wireless gaming headsets. Popular with music creators as well as for gaming. Mic is reasonably good, though can clip a little. Comes with leather earpads, but they can be replaced easily. Drop + EPOS PC38X - One of the best wired gaming headsets for sound clarity and mic quality. Bass reproduction is a bit muted, which is common for older style EPOS / Sennheiser headsets, and common with open back headphones in general. The mic is essentially the best of any consumer headset you can buy. Generally can only be bought directly from Drop's site. Comes with both cloth and velour earpads. [https://drop.com/buy/drop-epos-pc38x-gaming-headset](https://drop.com/buy/drop-epos-pc38x-gaming-headset) Steel Series Arctis headsets are generally a decent middle ground in terms of decent bass and mic quality. The overall audio quality isn't as good as either the Maxwell or PC38X, but they're closed back so their bass response is more like the Maxwell. And the mic quality is generally better than the Maxwell, but no where near as good as the PC38X. Most (maybe all?) use cloth earpads. Nova Pro Wireless and Nova 9 are both quite good, with the Nova 9 being slightly better in terms of audio clarity and mic quality, but the Pro Wireless has better bass and noise cancelling.

The Arctis steel series ones that are marketed for Xbox work with PlayStation too and I see now they have some PlayStation branded ones too

Arctis steel series. I can hear more than my teammates typically with incoming cars etc

This is the best answer. I went steel series arctis until i upgrad