Hi all (READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY),
Below is my one-week review with the product. I will edit it after a 3 month period.
To start, I have lots of experience with headphones. I have had Beats Studios, Airpods Max, Turtle Beachs, Bose 700s, multiple Razer headsets, and even other Steelseries products like the Arctis 6. None of these compare to these for a few reasons I will go into below. I use headphones for gaming but also I work from home as a software engineer, so I am on the computer a LOT and in lots of zoom meetings.
!!! Disclaimer !!!: These are the "Xbox" version of these. That means, on your multi-system adapter/DAC, one cord can go into a PC/PlayStation and one can go into an Xbox. **If you plan to use this for a PC and PlayStation, please go buy the non-Xbox version. That said, if you plan to ever use this with an Xbox, you will need this version. You CAN use the Xbox slot for a PC, but it will show up as an "Xbox Controller" and will have more limited functionality.
Okay, back to the reasons.
1. Ease of use. I opened these up, plugged the multi-system DAC into my PC, turned on the headset and was ready to go. I had a few onboarding steps: Download Steelseries GG, update drivers, restart device (a few times?), but since then they have works FLAWLESSLY.
2. Wireless. These aren't just your typical wireless. I have had no connection issues. I can walk to the other side of the house, as long as I don't have too many walls between me and my computer these things still work, even then there was just some static. The quality is great as well.
3. Battery. This is HUGE. There is a battery in the headset that you can remove and swap with the one CHARGING IN THE DAC. Yes, you heard me, just swap the battery when you need and boom, full charge. You'll never need the direct connection outside of updates to the firmware. This really is fantastic and easy to use.
4. Microphone. I don't personally use the microphone, but the quality compared to most other headset mics I have used it up there. Some have asked me if you can use the mic while it is in the headset still. I'd say yes, but it will be lower volume and less clear, but I tested it and it would still work (and frankly was still better than like HyperX headset microphones that I've had. I wouldn't buy these FOR the microphone per-say, if you want a nice microphone you can buy a Blue Snowball for cheap on amazon on sale and it'll be all you need unless you want more professional stuff (get the Blue Yeti after that maybe).
5. Connection. I have only used the DAC connection which is really really good as I said in the wireless review. That said, I will be trying to Bluetooth to test that seamlessness they inspire there. I would LOVE if I could get phone notifications while also gaming or in work calls without interrupting those I'm talking to our my gaming experience too much (while of course also me still being alerted).
6. Look. These look great. They look professional enough that I can wear them on work calls. I would maybe thing twice if it was a client meeting, but other than that, I'd feel comfortable in these all day.
7. Comfort. This is only a one-week review, but I will say they are quite comfortable. The airpods max and arctis 6 are notable uncomfortable to me, the first being too heavy and the second putting too much pressure on parts of my head that I get a headache. That said, no problem with these so far. I like the ear cups actually, they're soft and feel premium (as they should for this price point). I know I've seen people complain online, but I've had no issues with these. If I do, you'll see an update right below here.
Overall: Great connectivity and ease of use while looking nice enough for me to not be embarrassed because they're "gaming" all while being comfortable with good audio. This is a very high price point. If you really are a gamer and want a very intuitive product while avoiding crazy RGBs and your headsets looking too "gaming", and you can afford these, then absolutely.
That said, this is not just money you're spending on this headset but it's money you could put elsewhere. Audio is important, but you could get a perfectly good headset for less and still not miss out on the gaming experience. These are absolutely a 'premium' product and thus the price point might not really align perfectly. That said, these are my favorite headphones to-date and I am very happy with my purchase, so you might be too.
Please like this helpful if this was useful for you.
Thanks for listening to my TED Talk :)
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Active Noise Cancellation, Quick-Swap Batteries |
| Included Components | Dual Wireless Base Station, 2 x USB-C to USB-A Cable, Headphones with Retractable Microphone, 1 x 4-Pole 3.5 mm Audio Cable |
| Age Range (Description) | Information Not Available |
| Material | Plastic |
| Specific Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Calling, Portable Electronics |
| Compatible Devices | Tablets, Gaming Consoles, Telephones, Laptops, Desktops |
| Theme | Video Game |
| Impedance | 38 Ohm |
| Control Type | Media Control |
| Cable Feature | Without Cable |
| Item Weight | 3 Pounds |
| Frequency Response | 40000 Hz |
| Style | Nova Pro Xbox |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5 |
| Earpiece Shape | Over-the-head |
| Item model number | 61521 |
| Hardware Platform | Gaming Console |
| Operating System | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC |
| Item Weight | 3 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 7.58 x 7.37 x 3.44 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.58 x 7.37 x 3.44 inches |
| Power Source | Information Not Available |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer | SteelSeries |
| ASIN | B09ZWKD9TF |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Date First Available | May 24, 2022 |
