Arctis Pro vs Arctis 7: Comparison, Review, and Features

Arctis Pro vs Arctis 7 comparison is a tough one unless you know what each of these gaming headsets does best. This is the detailed comparison review you wanted, based on first-hand experience, user reviews, and expert comments.

So, first things first. Let’s start comparing the basic features!

Arctis Pro vs Arctis 7: Comparison Table

SteelSeries Arctis Pro

Arctis Pro from SteelSeries is the most premium gaming headset we have tested in a long time. It comes with both wired and wireless connectivity.

What we loved is how low-key it can be. The Arctis Pro is designed to stay elegant, minus any flashy tidbits or color like the Razors or the Allienwares. So, if you know if someone’s wearing this, you just know, no need to showboat it around.

Arctis Pro features a premium steel and aluminum alloy frame with a gun-metal surface finish. The side cups of this headset are magnetic, allowing you to change them with funky designs or even add custom RGB lighting (We don’t think that’s needed.) Its elastic band under the aluminum frame allows for a tight fit.

From the feature standpoint, Arctis Pro comes with a retractable microphone. It gets air-weave cushions that allow you to wear this device for a longer duration without sweating.

All controls and buttons are placed at the bottom side of the left ear-cup. You get a dual wireless system, 2.5 GHz wireless ultra-low latency for gaming, and Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices.

Wireless connectivity has a range of 40 feet as the 2.5 GHz frequency can easily penetrate most surfaces.

Its premium high-density neodymium magnets allow an expansive frequency range of 10-40,000 Hz. This allows Arctis Pro to produce high-resolution audio with stunning clarity.

You get a dual battery with the device, each capable of offering a backup for more than 20 hours. You also get a ClearCast microphone, which delivers stunning audio with active noise cancellation.

We used the optional firmware upgrade from SteelSeries Engine to add a PS5 input mode. Doing this, we got to experience first-hand what the fuss is all about DTS Surround Sound 2.0.

Let’s just say if you’re a gamer, especially FPS, you’re in for a treat.

We like the wireless transmitter base. It’s small, portable, and features a monochrome OLED display upfront. All audio settings can be controlled directly from this base. 

Setup

Out of the box, SteelSeries Arctis Pro comes with a wireless unit, cables, and microphone filter. Setting up this expensive headset can be a real pleasure delayer but here’s how we went ahead with it –

• After unboxing, connect the wireless transmitter box to a USB power source. Your laptop will do although just make sure it’s plugged in. 
• From Sound Settings, open Playback and select Arctis Pro Wireless Game as your default device.
• Then, select Arctis Pro Wireless Chat as your default communications device. 
• Also, select Arctis Pro Wireless Chat as your Headset Microphone.
• Turn the headset on holding the power button for two seconds.
• Wait for the white LED to light up signaling that a Wi-Fi connection is established. You can convert to Bluetooth connectivity by simply pressing the Bluetooth button that gives Blue LED.
• Arctis Pro will start pairing Bluetooth devices on your smartphone or any other audio-in device. Open Bluetooth connectivity and select Arctis Pro.

Highlighted Features

Size: 3.54 inches x 6.55 inches x 7.37 inches | Weight: 680 grams | Wireless: 2.5 GHz Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 4.1 | Range: 40 feet | Battery Life: Dual battery: 10 hours each | Frequency: 10 – 40,000 | Microphone: Bi-directional Noise Cancellation | 

Price: Around $250

SteelSeries Arctis 7

Arctis 7 features a sturdy design crafted using aluminum and ski-goggle fabric with an elastic band for a snug fit.

The elastic band can further be adjusted for a custom fit. Earplugs are covered with a porous material that allows airflow and a sweat-free gaming experience.

We found the Arctis 7 exceptionally lightweight despite the steel & aluminum body. Fit is rated as consistent, and the ear cushions do feel premium as they are supposed to!

You also get a 3.5 mm jack for audio sharing, a micro-USB port for charging, which does not work without the wireless receiver.

SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a truly wireless gaming headset featuring a lag-free sound experience.

It connects to a USB dongle that works on the 2.4 GHz frequency band with an effective working range of 40 feet.

The headsets come with S1 speaker drivers delivering a 7.1 surround sound on PCs as well as consoles.

You can use the Arctis 7 headset with mobile devices using a dedicated USB to connect via a 3.5mm audio jack.

The wireless receiver is easy to use and features LED signal lights to show connectivity statuses, just like on the Arctis Pro. The receiver also comes with input and output. This allows you to divert audio from any 3.5mm output source.

Arctis 7 comes with an effective battery life of 24 hours. You can charge it through a micro-USB connection via the USB dongle.

This headset also features a retractable microphone featuring an in-built LED, which glows red when on mute. Headset controls are located at the bottom side.

The right head houses the power button as well as the chat mix controller which allows you to control the in-game audio and chat volume.

Setup

The Arctis 7 only requires the SteelSeries Engine 3 software. Here’s how you should get it up and running – 

• Connect the Arctis 7 headset to the hub and your input device.
• Install SteelSeries Engine 3.
• The software will recognize once it is connected via USB cable.
• You may need to download firmware and additional drivers which will be done automatically.

Highlighted Features:

Size: 3.58 inches x 6.89 inches x 7.76 inches | Weight: 353 grams | Wired: 2.5 GHz Wi-Fi | Range: 40 feet | Battery Life: 24 hours | Frequency: 20 – 20,000 | Microphone: Bi-directional Noise Cancellation

Price: Around $160

Price: Around $230 (DTS Headphone:X 2.0)

Is Arctis Pro better than the Arctis 7?

Arctis 7 and Arctis Pro despite being manufactured from the same brand are quite different and serve unique features.

Arctic 7 on one hand is among the lower-end wireless headsets with a different charging and setup as compared to Arctis Pro.

The surround sound on Arctis Pro is one of the best you can buy, offering a much more immersive experience as compared to the Arctis 7. Just why in a Arctis 5 vs Arctis 7 comparison, you nearly get the same audio output quality.

Our opinion is that Arctis 7 is meant for competitive gamers and serious streamers, while the Arctis Pro can be used as a gaming headset and an out-and-out entertainment headset as well.

Arctis Pro comes with a dual removable battery which allows you to use the device non-stop without having to wait for hours.

The same is not possible with the Arctis 7 because once the battery dies out, you will have to plug in the USB cable for charging.

Verdict

Choosing between the Arctis Pro and Arctis 7 comes down to the type of gaming headset you want. Both are wireless headsets but the Arctis Pro adds in a wired usage option as well.

In terms of audio output quality, the Arctis Pro delivers a lot more for just a bucks extra. Add the ClearCast mic to the package, and this Arctis 7 vs Arctis Pro comparison is pretty straightforward. Get the Arctis Pro now!

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