SteelSeries Arctis 9X vs Arctis 7 (2019 edition) - RTINGS.com

[@ruiqi_]

This review is unlike any other review in my opinion. The video covers up nearly all important things that I need to know, despite the video being 18 minutes long I still enjoyed it!

[@FruitShake]

"You can always mask the outside noise by increasing your volume a little bit." The truth has been spoken lads!

[@drewdizm523]

Unbelievably comprehensive review. Amazing work RTINGS crew for this review. Subscribed

[@davidcole2337]

Also you guys give the best review on Headset and TV's Hands down. I bought the Arctis 7 because you had them rated #2 overall.

[@HamuelPter]

what did they rate #1?

[@davidcole2337]

@@HamuelPter Arctis Pro with DAC.

[@HamuelPter]

@@davidcole2337 thanks :)

[@lorinlankins3004]

So would you recommend buying these, 8 months later?? I'm literally about to hit purchase but I'll wait a few more days and see if you reply

[@imamonkey117]

Lorin Lankins I got the arctis 9x and they are fuxking fantastic. But I’m sure either one is gonna be a great buy.

[@AlDeane]

I get the impression you're a solid team. I love the reporting format and general professionalism, very well put together video. Subscribed!

[@higguma]

Check out their website, it's the best.

[@noiseker]

Really nice review, very detailed. I wish they had done a "sound position" test, to test how good is the surround sound in-game. Which one would be more accurate for pinpointing enemies, audio.

[@armechaia4646]

You guys are explaining details that i've been searching everywhere for!

[@elliothomewood8070]

This is exactly what i was looking for! Thank you guys so much for such an in depth and professional review. Made my buying choise much easier! liked and subbed.

[@Shadow8P]

Holy hell this is an incredible comparison video.

[@brianm2850]

Now do a showdown between the new 7x vs the 9x, please. XSS owners want to know the better performer.

[@VelocityLP]

First video I've seen on this channel and it's already giving me early-mid 2010s' Linus Tech Tip vibes for some reason too with the aesthetic and presentation. Love it. Also why is this guy's (standing guy's) voice so damn nice to listen to?

[@garethstroud5586]

Definitely getting the 9x as an Xbox gamer also love the Bluetooth option but disappointed it doesn't have all the sound configurations on the app like the rest of the range does

[@rainysleep7565]

did you like them?

[@VitalVantage]

So I'm leaning towards the 9x. I'm looking for a headset i can use with my xbox mostly but be cool to be able to use with my pc, iphone and ipad. Would the 9x still be the better option?

[@iuryrenato]

Yes, I got them last week, its amazing! U not gonna regret it

[@universal_wisdom3416]

Norsman You’d need a separate piece of hardware for your PC, but the Bluetooth connectivity will allow you to access your iPhone, iPad and console at the same time.

[@Tsunat3z]

@@universal_wisdom3416 So you cant use them at the same time on Xbox and PC? ID like a headset that i can use both the mic and earphones at the same time like i can with the Astro A50's Gen 3

[@DepressedMusicEnjoyer]

Tsunat3z you can use Bluetooth on pc

[@corrygriffin7100]

They have issues with disconnecting from the Xbox at random during Gaming (9x)

[@thmpr52]

This was an amazing in-depth review unlike the ones ive seen on LTT or Unboxed. I wish I had seen this review before purchasing the 9x for my PC which definitely not a good fit. Keep up the great work!

[@thebestcommentsonYouTube]

I was thinking of getting the 9x for my PC, what made you not get it for PC? Should I go with the 7 instead? Thanks.

[@diaz7412]

Absolutely amazing review, great depth on all qualities and fantastic personalities preseting the informartion.

[@BFIFE22G35]

Swap the ear cups for the leather ones, slightly been the headband to reduce the clamping force, and these become EXTREMELY comfortable

[@danielfriedman3814]

Where can I get the leather ear cups for the 9x?

[@BFIFE22G35]

@@danielfriedman3814 I bought them from Steelseries website

[@jack6996x]

Amazing in depth review without any annoying commentary! Thank you!

[@keithquick]

Might want to mention that a lot of people are complaining about the constant disconnects and crackling noises/stuttering that is going on with the 9x. I have my set for RMA right now to get a new one.

[@reivajm1212]

How's everything now? I'm about to buy one.

[@Soldiershak]

@@reivajm1212 don't buy it, there's still no firmware updates and the stuttering is extremely bad, the issues won't come up until after about 2 weeks of use. It's unusable. i literally destroyed them because they were beyond the return period and steel series is ignoring the issue. In summary theyre too unreliable

[@reivajm1212]

@@Soldiershak I bought them already. Coming Tuesday 😓 Wish me luck. Lol Another headset you recommend for the Xbox X, beside Arctis-9x? TIA.

[@Aruami]

Reivaj M are they still good??

[@ChristianMoe-q5i]

Thank you for the review, I went with the 9 after watching this. Got a 100usd discount on mine, so I could not resist :)

[@carlesmr1835]

Great review. I got a pair of Arctis 9x and besides some connectivity issues here and there, I am cery happy with them.

[@JairoXF]

Great job, this is a very complete review!

[@Martindorigny]

thanks for the review. this is a true comparaison and testing of products

[@Thezombiekiller06]

This is one of the best review I've seen

[@nulljaeger3850]

I was worried when this video was 18 minutes long, but I learned things about headphones I didn't even know and it was purely informational. I came here because the driver on my right cuff for my Arctis 7 died so I was looking to see if it was worth the jump to the 9x. Because of this video letting me know performance is nearly identical, I don't /need/ the bluetooth feature because I'm happy with my earbuds, and the significantly longer range on the Arctis 7 wireless transmitter I'll be getting another one of these. I use the 7 for calls/meetings for work and appreciate the extra range so I can maintain conversations while grabbing my mail or making food on the other side of my house.

[@fomoontech8217]

Arctis needs to focus more on Xbox support

[@higguma]

These are virtually worse than the Arctis 7 and definitely worse than arctis pro wireless. I'm disappointed in them. Besides people with Ps4 only bought it to save money. Xbox players are ballers!

[@EileenTheCr0w]

@@higguma "Xbox players are ballers" XD lol what?

[@jo12danjames]

Really like using discord while gaming at the same time, 9x are such great headphones!

[@SeanofZeus]

I like your reviews. Professional and detailed. Only problem i have is, its hard for me to follow along with which one youre talking about. Everything just sorta starts blending together. I have to rewind a few times. A few slightly longer pauses when switching talking points or emphasizing the However's a little more would help me. But otherwise i couldnt ask for a better review. Thank you

[@jemstar33]

Great review. Question, so If Im using the Arctic 9x wired connected to xbox, i won't be able to talk through the mic?

[@mikofoodmoto8745]

I've been to many headphone reviews but this one RTINGS.COM does is the best so far I have crossed. Thank you guys! Btw Im listening through my Arctis 7 2019 Edtn.

[@atlas2475]

Very nice Test 👍🏻

[@hanswurst1541]

Love my 9X, my buddy´s told me i sound so much more natural so i think it has the way better mic

[@Riversongwho]

thank you for this in depth review, this really helped me make my choice. :D

[@AstaIsAMonster]

Seems like both headsets are pretty good for gaming but the voice audio coming from the mic sounds pretty awful for both headsets but good review guys keep up the great work.

[@ForkTheSpoonWrecker]

Thanks for the in depth review! I was like, im sure I detect a little quebecois accent in there and was pleased to see your office is in Montreal. Subbed!

[@nanoblackz]

How does Artic 7 and 9X compare to Steelseries 7H in terms of sound characteristics? I like 7H`s a lot and looking for an upgrade.

[@n1ghtcf]

Subbed because of the unique&solid detailed review, keep going :D

[@amassivetapa]

wait so you have to buy an adapter seperate so u can use it wireless on a pc? have i heard that right

[@leo-ub6nb]

One thing I would like to see is, if it's available (for PC it most likely is), what settings should we change in the equalizer to get it to sound as close as possible to the reference sound/song you use for testing? And what sound mode should we use, game, cinematic, etc.?

[@andrzejszafran9128]

I mutually like this guy. He looks well educated and such

[@Bird-0]

The frequency response curves is different than it currently is on your website. The 9x is shown as having distortion between the L/R drivers on the site but you state in the video that the 7 is the set with this issue. Does Steelseries have a quality control issue? This seems abnormal to me.

[@RudraNaruto]

Just found this video! You guys are great! Liked this review and just bought the 9x!! I only have 1 question, I read about connection issues, any idea how to fix that?

[@mr.kabobbles3389]

Can't

[@Sammyc50]

What if you just hookup a Bluetooth receiver to that Arctic 7 transmitter? Costs only a couple bucks. Just a little more delay when streaming music from your phone which doesn't really matter.

[@TonyClay893]

Amazing review! I ended up buying the Arctis 3 bluetooth for $80 on sale at best buy. I only game about 1-2 hrs a day so i didn't want to spend over $100.

[@Captain-Chats]

Why is there never a headset that supports all consoles and pc wirelessly

[@Gael-x999]

Because of $$$

[@focus0000000]

love your stuff guys, thanks!

[@nicehugoboss]

awesome detailed review even i had a7 alrdy but visit here since new A9 is coming

[@dillenchaniceursuabelt9845]

This headset is really quiet, is there anyway to make it louder on Xbox

[@lethalno1]

You joking?. Try checking some of your settings

[@PizzaPowerXYZ]

Turn up the dial on the headset

[@Captain-Chats]

He’s not wrong I bought these too I’m in the UK and they are quiet, where are you from? I have a feeling the Europe versions are quieter due to legislation

[@elcohetejpr]

Great video and review! I would like to point out though that the "hook" side of the velcro on the headband can attach anywhere on the headband, not just the "loop" part of the velcro greatly expanding it's size adjustment.

[@dominikn283]

11:05 Corpse Husband is typing...

[@itsBennett]

A note that a lot of people don’t tell you. If you get the Arctic’s 7 for Ps4 their sound engine on pc or Mac will work in conjunction with ps4. Outside of the adding the virtual surround sound being unavailable, all other features transfer over once you disconnect!

[@davidcole2337]

correct. I uses the Arctis 7 for Work and PS4 Console and they work great for both. On PS4 you hear footsteps in FPS Games..

[@1Dub79]

So, will the 7.1 surround sound work on PS4?

[@davidcole2337]

@@1Dub79 I would say Kind of. It is more than standard Stereo, I have a standard Stereo Headphones and Arctis 7 I can tell you the Arctis you can hear footsteps in FPS Games..

[@Uneasyboosh]

wow such detailed review thanks!

[@shoutingstone]

i cant find an answer to this anywhere so hope someone can help. if you're connected to wireless and receive a phonecall via bluetooth, which one does your mic go to? your game chat? your phone call? or both (meaning both your team mates and the person calling you can hear what you're saying)?

[@dieslfitness32]

I have that same question!

[@tkmthirtyfive]

Does anyone know why the Steel Series 7 2019 Edition scored lower on sound quality than the 2017 Edition? From everything I have read they are the same besides a few design changes.

[@EMC_CO86_0_Z]

Do I need a pc for these headphones or can I just use my xbox with them like my rig 800 xl

[@B7r660]

it always cut off first, sorry for the bad English. The issue is if ur wifi + smart TV + xbox are in the same place you will have a big issue of cutting off because of the 2.4G signal. ur wifi modem need to be far away and u r using cable for ur xbox + turn off wifi in ur smart TV then it will work fine. the thing is u r using many devices that use 2.4G in on place 1- wifi modem 2- smart TV 3- xbox controller 4- 9x headset 5- mobile phone 6- ur xbox (if u r using wifi instead of ethernet cable) and in my case I also have wifi NVR for security cameras that happen to use 2.4G signal also. hope this helps you cuz I been reading and searching for a while to fix this issue and there is nothing much that explain it the way I did and u need to figure it out buy urself.

[@confusedmango6557]

thanks for making it sweet and simple

[@foulballguy8943]

I know they literally just dropped today, but when can we expect to see the review/ comparison for the Arctis 7x?

[@davidcole2337]

Have to think they are pretty close with the Arctis 9x has bluetooth and $50 price bump.

[@deno6058]

Hey, great Review and comparison, really appreciating the Detail. I have one question about the 9x: If you set and save an Eq Profile on Pc, will the Headphone actually save the Eq, if you then use it for Xbox? And is there a button to switch the Eq Presets on the Headphone? As i understood the Headset will save the Eq preset when switched to the Xbox?

[@sneaky5141]

i am unsure but personally on the xbox i use dolby atmos for custom presets

[@Azzam1991]

I’m waiting my arctis 7 from Shopee, hope i can get early. Thanks for this video

[@dangaming1065]

You don't need the xbox USB to connect to the pc. You can connect it via Bluetooth to your pc. Unless your pc doesn't have Bluetooth, but most do.

[@marinos357]

Does the mic sound improve on the Arctis 7 when connected via the wire?

[@cameltoast]

Man this is so scientific! Great job guys 👍

[@slazerlombardi]

look at the glasses mate. That's a 10p iq booster right there.

[@frankangello5153]

Excuse me It are the same size? Or one is more big than other?

[@umutyldrm8855]

Hi, i will buy arctis 9 or 7 for pc what difference between this headsets? Only bluetooth?

[@Obi-WanKenobi99]

I wish Rtings.com would talk more about surround sound and spatial audio with the headsets and the difference between surround sound and spatial audio. I don’t understand which audio type is better. Can you use Dolby Atmos with the 9x instead of Windows Sonic?

[@Budinoh]

The input lag Is the Same for the 9x?

[@calllmejosh2024]

Will the arctis 9x have lower latency if I plug it straight into the controller?

[@peasant9613]

Do they not have the 7 for Xbox?

[@Clowncentral101]

Nope they fucking hate Xbox or something

[@bilalgokce7831]

9 or 7 which one ?

[@TheGamingBanter]

is the dongle usb type A or type b?

[@abramlionel4990]

The 9x or astro a50 for xbox

[@adrienrodrigues2402]

Hello I have just one question. It's possible to setup the Artics 7 to an xbox one X or no ? Thanks for your video !!

[@kirbyolsen5941]

Maybe wired in

[@TheShapingSickness]

Can you use a single wireless dongle on pc for both the 9X and the controller?

[@soda_can6262]

can i bring up the sub bass with an equalizer program on the arctis 9x or is it stuck like that?

[@BlackStar-jo2pu]

Can the 9x Xbox version also work with PS4?

[@Pepezaoo]

What is the difference between Arctis 3 and Arctis 7?

[@rbeijnes]

I would not advice the x9 for people switching between pc and xbox. It would only be configured to one device, therefor the headset needs to be relinked with switching

[@shaneoriordan4326]

I’ve got a really big head so I’m not sure if it would be comfortable

[@sirebellum0]

Sooo, we just gonna completely ignore the obvious and constant static/distortion coming from the Arctic 7 mic?

[@PistolSon]

So am I able to connect with wire to my Xbox controller use the mic? Or is it just audio?

[@walidbitar5952]

hello, i need help is arctis 7 good for ps4 can i use it for my tv

[@wizardly2771]

just bought the arctis 7 after seeing this! Thankyou!

[@jurgenkoks9142]

im thinking of buying them now, do you still like them ?

[@angelerazo7880]

Would I be able to use the artics 9x on ps4 ? I went to the official site and by sorted head sets then for ps4 and there was artics 9 but they weren’t the x so I was wondering if the artics 9 are the same as the 9x , I haven’t found anything on the artics 9 either so I’m pretty clueless

[@angelerazo7880]

Would I be able to use the artics 9x on ps4 ? I went to the official site and by sorted head sets then for ps4 and there was artics 9 but they weren’t the x so I was wondering if the artics 9 are the same as the 9x

[@bigkabuto]

So the bass makes things muddy? So for example explosions and gunshots would sound powerful and punchy but the other sounds like voices, footsteps will sound muddy? Right now I have the TB Elite 800x and I am using the music signature sound mode because the bass is fantastic but also the highs are still fine too. The battery life just isn't too great. So how would this bass compare to the Elite 800x?

[@GeorgeBoltz]

I'm here because my Turtle Beach Elite 800x broke. So sad, for some reason new headsets never have bluetooth + noise cancelling anymore, those were such a good headset, they don't make em like this anymore.

[@bigkabuto]

@@GeorgeBoltz yeah that's sad. The only downside to this one is the battery life. Wish it was like the Astro A50 or some of the others that last almost 20 hours. How did they break? Was it the headband? I've now tried out so many headsets, like the A50, Razer Thresher Ultimate, TB Stealth 600 and so on and none of them have this nice of a bass and treble, they just don't.

[@Varganator]

Excellent review

[@andrerobitaille982]

I have a problem with my arctis 9 under windows 10 pro

[@USMC-es4yy]

I got the arctis 7...this being because I wouldn't use the Bluetooth..also a representative told me they both have the same exact speaker..now if that's true or not idk .but I'm thinking it is..also I've heard a lot of bad things about connection issues with the 9's..I've never not even once dropped sound or got static with my 7's..

[@ameliabuns4058]

god I hate the added base, is that due to the audio being recorded again? it sound so "small" and boomy and harsh these are so expensive and all of them are bad sound quality vise. i"m just gonna buy a fiio btr3k for my headphones and leave my microphone on the desk, sadly I won't be able to talk while walking around/working on my projects i could spend 120$ on a mod mic but i'm freaking out of money

[@eltxWTCH]

Does the arctis 7 chat mix work on PS4. Saw somewhere that it only works on PC

[@RedBearNAaron]

I'm still rocking with my Siberia 800X's So all I need to know is are these better than those? The Bluetooth connectivity alone justifies the purchase imo. I'm almost certain they are better. Great price too. Thx RTings.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Unfortunately, we haven't tested the Siberia 800X so we can't comment on their performance. However, there are a couple of gaming headsets that are also Bluetooth-capable like the HyperX Cloud Mix, the SteelSeries Arctis 3 and the Arctis Pro Wireless.

[@RedBearNAaron]

@@RTINGSdotcom Fair enough. I know they're old news but I'd like to hear your guys' professional opinion on their performance. Surprised that you do review gaming headsets; surprised again the Siberia 800's didn't make the take.

[@lordjamet3864]

So its mean that arctis 7 cant connect to mobile phone?

[@sintelle882]

Thanks for this! Also can you make a review about the best 2019 gaming headset.

[@nexusw4274]

For some reason the 7 mic sounds horrible when listening through my Sony headphones compared to the 9X. Not mentioned in review so dunno if it's just me

[@FruitShake]

Nope, I heard the same difference. Not sure wether is should throw in the extra 30 bucks for the 9X now..

[@MarceloTezza]

Wow, best review on the internet, and very welcome improved microphone test with noise and without it. Artic 9 is much better on the microphone, but i think the 7 2019 sounded better particulary on the bass, not only extension but the bass punch felt more intense.

[@scuffedarmy2278]

holy crap i skiped to the insolation part and i thought my car started

[@DhanwantSinghDhillon]

Bose NC 700 Review. Please

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Thanks for the suggestion - we've bought them, but it will take some time before we received it, and then test it.

[@jason-oe6fl]

dude operates at 1.25x speed in real time lmfao

[@CJMorshed]

G733 vs Arctis 7 Wireless?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hey Charles, this comparison between both of these headphones should help you out! :) www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/steelseries-arctis-7-2019-edition-wireless-vs-logitech-g733-lightspeed-wireless/771/17024?usage=19&threshold=0.10

[@seandowney2338]

I have been looking for a new headset for a while now. But I've also been wanting to get a switch too, so are there any headsets that are compatible with both the xbox one and the switch? Preferably if they are both wireless (enough) so that I don't have a cord running from the tv stand (where the consoles are) to my seat.

[@cameronzambrana4041]

Sean Downey this one works with all systems