It’s highly unlikely that you are a gaming enthusiast and haven’t heard of Arctis headphones. From high-res audio, a powerful mic to lossless streaming- they offer it all. On top of it, have you looked at them? These headphones look straight out of some sci-fi movies.
To be honest, there aren’t many heaven and hell differences between Steelseries headphones. Yet each of them varies in some aspects. To make sure you are getting the right value for money, it’s really important to go through the info of each.
So here we go:
Arctis 3 vs Arctis 5- Battle Royale
Sound and Gaming Experience
Arctis 3 is a complete gaming headset, beating Arctis 5 and 7 by a great margin in terms of popularity. The primary reason for that seems to be the affordable price tag. Feature-wise, there aren’t tons of bells and whistles.
It uses both analog and Bluetooth 4.1 to cater to your basic gaming needs. It’s comfortable, has a fairly decent sound, a powerful mic, and best of all, I could switch between game immersion and music settings in a jiffy.
USB audio devices can process audio much better than the regular 3.5 mm jack by minimizing audio interference from other nearby devices. 7.1 is basically an 8-channel surround audio system and a 3.5 mm analog hole has only 4 channels. So even though Arctis 3 advertises that their S1 speakers produce 7.1 surround sound, it’s not entirely true.
I know a thing or two about game engine audio processing and my knowledge tells me that it’s just not possible to achieve 7.1 with a 3.5 mm jack. However, this doesn’t mean Arctis 3 isn’t worth its salt. It sounds just as good as any other high-quality gaming headset.
I played Half Life 1 and Overwatch on both PS4 and PC.I played Half-Life 1 and Overwatch on both PS4 and PC. The wired audio on both devices had enough juice to create an immersive gaming environment.
Then I connected my Huwaei P20 Pro via Bluetooth to play PUBG. I noticed a noticeable drop in the bass and mids, they both sounded a bit flat. This is maybe because of the poor audio compression.
I played Half Life 1 and Overwatch on both PS4 and PC. The wired audio on both devices had enough juice to create an immersive gaming environment. Then I connected my Huwaei P20 Pro via Bluetooth to play PUBG. I noticed a noticeable drop in the bass and mids, they both sounded a bit flat. This is maybe because of the poor audio compression.
Arctis 5 has both a 3.5 mm jack adapter, and a USB adapter. I downloaded the DTS Headphone X Surround Sound software on my PC, chose the DTS 7.1 surround sound preset, and played Overwatch. Boy! I have to say the surrounding sound took the gaming experience to the next level.
The detailing of sound, smooth sub-bass, and clean upper midrange are incredible. The credit for this also goes to the angular drivers that help with directional noises. Then I switched to the default sound mode for GTA-V. I could hear the dialogues clearly and the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
You can also turn on the RGB light on the headset in USB mode. Not sure why it would matter in a gaming headset anyway but it’s good to have it, anyway.
Some common features of both of these headphones worth noting include
- Over-ear and closed-back headphones.
- Offers active noise-cancellation effectively.
- Both include a convenient microphone and a dynamic transducer.
- Consists of chat controls for gaming with voice clarity.
- Easy to use with a control panel placed on them.
- Ear cushions are adjustable to keep the ears cool and dry.
- Lightweight, durable with a plastic build, and very comfortable for long-wear.
- Compatible with various gaming devices including PC, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and also smartphones.
Other Considerations: Design & Comfort, Mic & Music
Design and Comfort: Both Arctis 3 and 5 look nearly the same. Both have ample padding on the earcups and don’t cause fatigue after prolonged gameplay. Both can be easily adjusted to fit large heads as well.
| SteelSeries Arctic 3 Headphone | SteelSeries Arctic 5 Headphone |
| Weighs 0.65 pounds with a clamping force of 1lb | Weighs 0.69 pounds with a clamping force of 1.1lb. |
| Includes music controls. | Doesn’t have any controls for music. |
| Greater cooling effect. | Lower cooling effect. |
| Fabric airwave ear cushions with a ski goggle a headband. | Padded ear cushions that are air weaved with an adjustable steel headband. |
Mic: Again, pretty much the same. However, Arctis 5 offers a significant feature called ChatMix. If you use Skype during gameplay, you can alternatively mute the chat, mute the in-game audio or balance the sound of both. However, I could hear a slight digital noise on both when the noise cancelation was off.
Music: Arctis 3 offers a gorgeous stereo sound while listening to music. You can also tinker with the EQ settings on the SteelSeries Engine 3 Software. Arctis 5 also delivers a balanced, natural sound complemented by the powerful bass. However, adjusting the EQ settings of a USB headset like Arctis 5 is much easier.
| SteelSeries Arctis 3 Headphone | SteelSeries Arctis 5 Headphone |
| Bass is -3.49 dB and treble at 0.9 dB with more accuracy. | Bass is 0.97 dB and treble at -2.62 dB with lesser accuracy. |
| Frequency and consistency range at 1.88 dB. | Frequency and consistency range at 1.44 dB. |
| This one peaks at 1.66 dB and dips at 1.04 dB. | This one peaks at 1.5 dB and dips at 1.13 dB. |
| Frequency range from 20 to 22000 Hz. | Frequency ranges from 20 to 22000 Hz. |
| Not good reduction of noise distortion. | Effective reduction of noise distortion. |
Other important features of both headphones:
| SteelSeries Arctis 3 Headphone | SteelSeries Arctis 5 Headphone |
| Wireless headphone with a 3.5 cable included for wired connection. | Wired with RGB illumination. |
| Rechargeable battery that charges fast and lasts long. | No battery. |
| No apps. | Contains apps for some operating systems. |
| No mic control. | Adjustable mic control. |
| Offers a strong and fast Bluetooth connection. | No Bluetooth options. |
However, my main concern is that these features will work only on PC. If you are more of a PS4 or Xbox 1
Final Thoughts:
Unless you are crazy about 7.1 surround sound and the ChatMix feature, the Arctis 3 offers pretty much the same gaming experience and performance as the Arctis 5. The choice is entirely up to your preference.
Arctis 3 vs 5 vs 7
Now, the choice gets more difficult. Neither Arctis 3 nor 5 have wireless features unlike Arctis 7. But Arctis 7 combines both a 3.5 mm jack and USB connector. You can also take advantage of its wireless functionality while listening to music or playing games on your phone. You can use the SteelSeries Engine software to enjoy DTS 7.1 surround sound and other presets.
However, my main concern is that these features will work only on PC. If you are more of a PS4 or Xbox 1 user like me, I don’t see the point of spending so much on Arctis 7. I can get the same performance, functionality, and comfort from Arctis 5 as well. And if you like to keep things simple, Arctis 3 won’t disappoint either.
Arctis 3 vs Arctis 5 vs Arctis 7 vs Arctis Bluetooth vs Arctis Pro
If you are an online multiplayer or single-player game addict, I feel you will benefit more from Arctis Bluetooth than any other headset in this series. I played PUBG on my phone and the Witcher 3 on my PS4.
I absolutely adore the fact that I could find my enemies just by hearing their dim voices. I also loved the fact that you can connect to your phone via a 3.5 mm jack while gaming a PC via Bluetooth.
When I receive the call on the phone, the mic automatically mutes and I am greatly thankful for this. For a complete, high-functional, easy-to-configure headphone, I’d choose Arctis Bluetooth over Arctis 3, 5, and 7 any day.
The Arctis Pro features DTS Headphone X: 2.0 to deliver hi-res audio. It simply increases the depth of the sound field for 3D audio effects. Now the thing is, after the 2019 update, Arctis 5 and 7 have also been upgraded to DTS Headphone X: 2.0.
Even the older version owner can upgrade to V2.0 via the SteelSeries software. If you are excited about using GameDAC wired on your console for better sound, sorry to disappoint you. The wired version will only sound louder, not “better”. Arctis Pro helps hearing noises from the enemy base and their footsteps. Magnificent. But so do Arctis 5, 7, and Bluetooth. Even Arctis 3 forms an incredible game audio environment for its price.
However, when it comes to aesthetics, comfort, and versatility, Arctis Pro completely justifies the “pro” tag. Once you turn on Bass Boost EQ, Holy Guacamole! For a true audiophile, the sound clarity, bass, sharp treble, and crystal clear midrange will make for an unmatchable audio experience, a quality none of the other SteelSeries headsets can beat.
Design
| SteelSeries Arctis 3 | SteelSeries Arctis 5 | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | SteelSeries Pro | SteelSeries Arctis Bluetooth |
| Weighs 0.65 pounds | Weighs 0.69 pounds | Weighs 12.5 ounces | Weighs 1.15 pounds | Weighs 11.2 ounces |
| Includes music controls | Don’t have any controls for music | No music controls | No music controls | Allows music streaming |
| Greater cooling effect | Lower cooling effect | Less cooling effect | More cooling effect | More cooling effect |
| Fabric airwave ear cushions with a ski goggle a headband | Padded ear cushions that are air weaved with an adjustable steel headband | Fabric airweave ear cushions and aluminum headband | Athletes-inspired fabric airweave cushions and ski google headband | Athletes-inspired fabric airweave cushions and ski google headband |
| Over ear | Over ear | On ear | Over ear | Over ear |
Sound Quality
| SteelSeries Arctis 3 | SteelSeries Arctis 5 | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | SteelSeries Pro | SteelSeries Bluetooth |
| Bass is -3.49 dB and treble at 0.9 dB with more accuracy | Bass is 0.97 dB and treble at -2.62 dB with lesser accuracy | Bass is forward at -0.9 dB, and the treble is quite accurate at -1.29 dB | Bass at -0.63 dBAnd the treble amount at -1.33 dB | Good bass and treble control |
| Frequency and consistency range at 1.88 dB | Frequency and consistency range at 1.44 dB | Frequency and consistency stand at 1.07 dB | Frequency and consistency response is at 1.18 dB | Clear frequency and consistency response |
| This one peaks at 1.66 dB and dips at 1.04 dB | This one peaks at 1.5 dB and dips at 1.13 dB | This one peaks at 1.82 dB and dips at 1.04 dB | This one peaks at 1.43 dB and dips at 1.09 dB | Satisfactory level of peak and dip |
| Frequency range from 20 to 22000 Hz | Frequency ranges from 20 to 22000 Hz | Frequency ranges from 20 to 20000 Hz | Frequency ranges from 10 to 14000 Hz | Frequency ranges from 20 to 20000 Hz |
| Not good reduction of noise distortion | Effective reduction of noise distortion | Ultra-low noise distortion | Lesser reduction of noise distortion | Ultra-low noise distortion |
Other Features
| SteelSeries Arctis 3 | SteelSeries Arctis 5 | SteelSeries Arctis 7 | SteelSeries Pro | SteelSeries Bluetooth |
| Wireless headphone with a 3.5mm cable included for wired connection | Wired with RGB illumination | Wireless headphone with a 3.5mm cable for wired connection | Wired connection with RGB illumination | Wireless headphone with a 3.5mm cable for wired connection |
| Rechargeable battery that charges fast and lasts long | No battery | Battery life of 24 hours recharged using a micro USB cable | No battery | Fast charging battery |
| No apps | Contain apps for some operating systems | No apps | Intuitive OLED menu | Switch chats mobile app and series engine software |
| No mic control | Adjustable mic control | Chat mix mic | ChatMix dial | Clear cast mic |
| Offers a strong and fast Bluetooth connection | No Bluetooth options | No Bluetooth | No Bluetooth | Strong Bluetooth connection |
If you are still not sure which headset to pick, let me help you out in my next and the last segment.
Also Read: Mpow EG1 vs Mpow EG2 vs Mpow EG3 vs Mpow EG4 vs Mpow EG5.
Best SteelSeries Headset Based on Different User Preferences:
Arctis 3: If you are on a budget yet want a comfortable and functional headset with a stunning stereo sound, it’s worth the investment.
Frequency Response
Sound Quality
Arctis 5: Since it has a USB connector, you can easily finetune the audio settings, enjoy 7.1 surround sound and ChatMix for a wholesome experience.
Frequency Response
Sound Quality
Arctis 7: A wireless headphone tailor-made for hardcore gamers. It also uses GameDAC which creates a 3D audio effect.
Frequency Response
Sound Quality
Arctis Bluetooth: An excellent choice if you prefer consoles like Nintendo, PS4, or Xbox over PC most of the time.
Frequency Response
Arctis Pro: The ultimate headset for true audiophiles.
Also Read: Best Headset For Call Center
Wrap up
So that was it. I tried my best to explain how each headset will cater to a particular game setup/audio preference. Regarding the other factors like aesthetics, comfort, and overall functionality, all the SteelSeries headphones are more or less the same. So the decision really comes down to how crazy your game setups are, what devices you use and how Hi-Fi you want the sound to be.
Last update on 2022-12-09 at 05:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API