SteelSeries - Arctis 9X

Steel artic 9x wireless. Best headphones I've ever used.

I'm using the Arctis 9X (including a Dolby Atmos license). First on Xbox, which was fine, but on PC it sometimes has a little cracking sound because of the Xbox wireless protocol. Went and bought the Nova Pro, but in terms of sound quality it was almost the same to me. So for me, it's not worth the 300 dollar price tag. However, if you're using a budget headphone now, I think it's worth the investment!

It is up to date. Thanks for suggesting that though! I saw a comment somewhere else that they were getting interference from a bluetooth baby monitor and that might be my issue. I plugged in a 3.5mm headphone cord and haven’t had any problems since

I’ve had my Arctic 9X since December 2021 with zero issues, I’ve also had a pair of Arctis 3’s since March 2022 and again zero issues.

Primarily for Xbox use, used to have the Arctic 9X’s but they died so currently evaluating the Nova Pros and Astro A50 Xs. Weeded out the the Maxwell‘s because didn’t think the imaging was that great, they were heavy, and I kept getting this feedback with side tone. TB Stealth Pros kept getting this fuzzy/wind sound when the volume is above 70% and/or while SHH mode was on, unusable. Narrowed it down to the above two. Also, if you’re using the two mentioned, do you have your EQ settings dialed in?

I’ve been using arctis 9x for a few years, love them, but when it’s time replace I’m going nova pro’s. The 9x was a huge step up years ago, and i got several friends now who use them

i have the arctis 9 bc several people recommended steel series. absolute garbage. mute button broke just outside of warranty, battery doesnt hold charge like it should, connection issues constantly, random shutting off while in middle of talking

I moved from Arctis 9X to Nova Pro. I'm using this neutral EQ (with bass boosted, both 31 and 62Hz at +3dB): https://i.rtings.com/assets/pages/6NAt1PKy/custom-eq-engine-large.jpg

I won't recommend anything because there's a bunch of people who will and they're all gonna fight over what to get anyways. Plus you never stated a price range so affordable could be either a audeze Maxwell or a basic console branded headset. Typically (especially on cheaper headsets) the first thing to go is the cable. They're always made of the cheapest most flimsy materials possible. If going wired, look for one with a removable cable so that if it breaks you can just replace it no problem. Usually that's only reserved for headsets with Bluetooth as well so you may be looking around the wireless price range. If it's wireless, search for some reviews about the build quality and software. Sometimes they like to brick themselves (I'm looking at you arctis 9x) or they're made cheaply at the connection between the earpeace and band. I would strongly recommend avoiding any steel series headset with the weird offset single point connection as on the inside its just a plastic clip holding it together. If you're specifically worried about earcups and bands, try just checking wicked cushions' catalogue (or other similar brands) and using it as sort of a reverse google search. Also best place to look for a headset would be a dedicated headphones/headset Reddit instead of pcmr.

I’ve been rocking the Steelseries Arctis wireless headphones since XSX launch day and they are still going strong after 4 years of heavy daily use. https://preview.redd.it/cu27k04b3ewd1.png?width=1722&format=png&auto=webp&s=7ccc4a2d0e5b776a9a1314b937ed58560f805fe4

Never heard a headset sound worse than the steelseries arctis

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.

Wireless the way to go. I have a wired Razer Kraken 3 which has good sound and comfort but not so much a quality build. Headband snapped, wire wore out, pleather wearing out. Good thing I got it as a gift. +1 for any Steel Series Arctis wireless as well. I ended up buying cheap $30 wireless from Amazon which works fine but not the same as a headset that has software to go with it. Even with Razer Kraken, the sound quality is better if you have a Dolby Atmos license (~$10?) for the virtual surround sound enhancements vs the Windows Sonic which is built into Windows.

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