Arctis 7 Vs Arctis 9 Review: Which One Is Better?

Are you looking for a wireless gaming headset that can deliver high-quality sound, comfort, and performance? If so, you may have come across the Steelseries Arctis 7 vs Arctis 9, two popular models from SteelSeries. But which one is better for your needs? How do they differ in terms of connectivity, controls, audio quality, microphone quality, comfort, and software? In this blog, we will compare and contrast these two headsets and help you decide which one is the best for you.

let’s start the Artis 7 vs Artis 9 review.

Comfort and Build Quality

The comfort and build quality of the Arctis 7 and Arctis 9 are excellent, as they both have a lightweight and sturdy design. They both have a steel-reinforced headband, which is adjustable and flexible. They also have soft and breathable ear cushions, which are made of AirWeave fabric and memory foam. The ear cushions can be removed and replaced with other options, such as leather or velour. The headsets have a comfortable and secure fit, and can be worn for long gaming sessions without fatigue.

The only difference between them in terms of comfort and build quality is the color scheme. The Arctis 7 has a black and white color scheme, while the Arctis 9 has a black and red color scheme. The Arctis 9 also has RGB lighting on the earcups, which can be customized and synced with other SteelSeries devices in the software.

Arctis 7

• Has a black and white color scheme.
• Does not have RGB lighting on the earcups.
• Has a lightweight and sturdy design, with a steel-reinforced headband, which is adjustable and flexible.
• Has soft and breathable ear cushions, which are made of AirWeave fabric and memory foam. The ear cushions can be removed and replaced with other options, such as leather or velour.
• Has a comfortable and secure fit, and can be worn for long gaming sessions without fatigue.

Arctis 9

• Has a black and red color scheme.
• Has RGB lighting on the earcups, which can be customized and synced with other SteelSeries devices in the software.
• Has the same design, comfort, and build quality as the Arctis 7.

Audio Quality

In the comparison of the audio quality of the Arctis 7 and Arctis 9 is very similar, as they both use the same 40 mm drivers and have the same frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. However, the Arctis 7 has a slightly better-balanced sound profile, with more accurate mids and highs. The Arctis 9 has a more bass-heavy sound profile, which can make some sounds more boomy and muddy. The Arctis 9 also has more distortion than the Arctis 7, especially at high volumes. 

Both headsets support DTS Headphone:X v2.0, which is a virtual surround sound feature that can enhance the soundstage and immersion of games and movies. However, this feature is only available on PC and PS4, and not on other devices. Both headsets also support Sonar, which is a software integrated inside SteelSeries GG companion software that offers more features and customization options. You can use Sonar to adjust the EQ, presets, and sound modes of the headsets.

Arctis 7

• Has a slightly better-balanced sound profile, with more accurate mids and highs.
• Has less distortion than the Arctis 9, especially at high volumes.
• Supports DTS Headphone:X v2.0, which is a virtual surround sound feature that can enhance the soundstage and immersion of games and movies. However, this feature is only available on PC and PS4, and not on other devices.
• Supports Sonar, which is a software integrated inside SteelSeries GG companion software that offers more features and customization options. You can use Sonar to adjust the EQ, presets, and sound modes of the headset.

Arctis 9

• Has a more bass-heavy sound profile, which can make some sounds more boomy and muddy.
• Has more distortion than the Arctis 7, especially at high volumes.
• Supports the same audio features as the Arctis 7, such as DTS Headphone:X v2.0 and Sonar.

Microphone Quality

The microphone quality of the Steelseries Arctis 7 vs 9 is also very similar, as they both use the same retractable, bidirectional, noise-canceling mic. The mic can capture your voice clearly and naturally, and filter out most of the background noise. However, the Arctis 9 has a slight edge over the Arctis 7, as it has a better recording quality and a lower noise floor. The Arctis 9 also has a better sidetone feature, which can help you monitor your own voice in the headset.

Both headsets allow you to adjust the mic volume and noise reduction in the software. You can also use Sonar to fine-tune the mic settings and apply effects such as compression, noise gate, and de-esser. It was also interesting to see HyperX cloud alpha vs cloud 2, competing to dominate in this section.

Arctis 7

• Has a retractable, bidirectional, noise-canceling mic that can capture your voice clearly and naturally, and filter out most of the background noise.
• Has a lower recording quality and a higher noise floor than the Arctis 9.
• Does not have a sidetone dial, but you can adjust the sidetone level in the software.
• Allows you to adjust the mic volume and noise reduction in the software.
• Supports Sonar, which allows you to fine-tune the mic settings and apply effects such as compression, noise gate, and de-esser.

Arctis 9

• Has the same mic as the Arctis 7, but with a better recording quality and a lower noise floor.
• Has a sidetone dial, which allows you to adjust the level of your own voice in the headset and hear yourself better.
• Supports the same mic features as the Arctis 7, such as the software settings and Sonar.

Connectivity & Battery Life

Connectivity and battery life are amongst the highest influencing factors. Whether you are comparing Beats Studio 3 vs Bose Quietcomfort 45 or Artis 9 vs Artis 7.  The main difference between the Arctis 9 vs 7 is their connectivity options. The Arctis 7 can connect wirelessly with a USB-C dongle that works on PC, PS4, PS5, Android, and Nintendo Switch. It also supports passive playback with a 3.5 mm cable that is included in the box. The Arctis 7 has a battery life of 30 hours, which is impressive for a wireless headset.

The Arctis 9 can also connect wirelessly with a USB-A dongle that works on PC and PS4. However, it does not include a 3.5 mm cable in the box, so you will have to buy one separately if you want to use it wired. The Arctis 9 also has Bluetooth functionality, which allows you to pair it with your smartphone or other devices. You can use both the dongle and Bluetooth at the same time, which is convenient if you want to listen to music or take calls while gaming. The downside is that the Arctis 9 has a shorter battery life of 20 hours, which is still decent but not as long as the Arctis 7.

Arctis 7

• Can connect wirelessly with a USB-C dongle that works on PC, PS4, PS5, Android, and Nintendo Switch.
• Supports passive playback with a 3.5 mm cable that is included in the box.
• Has a battery life of 30 hours, which is impressive for a wireless headset.

Arctis 9

• Can connect wirelessly with a USB-A dongle that works on PC and PS4.
• Does not include a 3.5 mm cable in the box, so you will have to buy one separately if you want to use it wired.
• Has Bluetooth functionality, which allows you to pair it with your smartphone or other devices.
• Can use both the dongle and Bluetooth at the same time, which is convenient if you want to listen to music or take calls while gaming.
• Has a shorter battery life of 20 hours, which is still decent but not as long as the Arctis 7.

Controls

Next up, Steelseries Arctis 7 vs Steelseries Arctis 9 specs, the controls on the Arctis 7 and Arctis 9 are similar, but not identical. Both headsets have a power button, a volume wheel, a mic mute button, and a chatmix dial on the left earcup. The chatmix dial allows you to adjust the balance between game and chat audio. The power button on the Arctis 7 can also be used to answer calls and change music tracks when connected to Android devices via the USB-C dongle.

The Arctis 9 has an additional button on the right earcup, which is used to pair and switch between Bluetooth devices. It can also be used to play/pause music and answer/end calls when connected via Bluetooth. The Arctis 9 also has a sidetone dial on the right earcup, which allows you to adjust the level of your own voice in the headset. The Arctis 7 does not have a sidetone dial, but you can adjust the sidetone level in the software.

Arctis 7

• Has a power button, a volume wheel, a mic mute button, and a chatmix dial on the left earcup.
• The chatmix dial allows you to adjust the balance between game and chat audio.
• The power button can also be used to answer calls and change music tracks when connected to Android devices via the USB-C dongle.

Arctis 9

• Has the same controls as the Arctis 7 on the left earcup, plus an additional button and a sidetone dial on the right earcup.
• The additional button is used to pair and switch between Bluetooth devices. It can also be used to play/pause music and answer/end calls when connected via Bluetooth.
• The sidetone dial allows you to adjust the level of your own voice in the headset.
• Has RGB lighting on the earcups, which can be customized and synced with other SteelSeries devices in the software.

Software

The software for the Arctis 7 and Arctis 9 is the SteelSeries GG, which is a unified platform for all SteelSeries devices. The software allows you to customize the settings and features of the headsets, such as the EQ, presets, sound modes, DTS Headphone:X, mic settings, sidetone, chatmix, battery level, and RGB lighting. The software also integrates Sonar, which is a software that offers more advanced audio features and customization options. You can use Sonar to adjust the parametric EQ, sound modes, virtualization, spatialization, and more. You can also create and share your own profiles and presets with other users.

The software is easy to use and has a sleek and intuitive interface. However, the software is only available on PC and Mac, and not on other devices. You will need to connect the headsets to a computer to access the software and update the firmware.

Arctis 7

• Uses the SteelSeries GG, which is a unified platform for all SteelSeries devices.
• The software allows you to customize the settings and features of the headset, such as the EQ, presets, sound modes, DTS Headphone:X, mic settings, sidetone, chatmix, battery level, and more.
• The software also integrates Sonar, which offers more advanced audio features and customization options. You can use Sonar to adjust the parametric EQ, sound modes, virtualization, spatialization, and more. You can also create and share your own profiles and presets with other users.
• The software is easy to use and has a sleek and intuitive interface.
• The software is only available on PC and Mac, and not on other devices. You will need to connect the headset to a computer to access the software and update the firmware.

Arctis 9

• Uses the same software as the Arctis 7, but with some additional features and options, such as the RGB lighting and the Bluetooth pairing and switching.

Making Choice Easier

For clearing your doubts, we have compiled a clear bullet point to figure out which one to choose in Steelseries Arctis 7 vs Steelseries arctis 9. You can check out Beats Studio 3 vs Airpods Pro review, if you want to try other headphones apart from Artis 7 or 9.

Choose Arctis 7 If

You should choose the Arctis 7 if you value the following features:

• A longer battery life of 30 hours, which can last for multiple gaming sessions without recharging.
• A more balanced sound profile, which can deliver more accurate and detailed sound across different genres and media.
• A 3.5 mm cable is included in the box, which can allow you to use the headset wired with any device that has a headphone jack.

The Arctis 7 is a great choice for gamers who want a reliable and versatile wireless headset that can work with various devices and offer a high-quality sound experience.

Choose Arctis 9 If

You should choose the Arctis 9 if you value the following features:

• Bluetooth functionality, which can enable you to pair the headset with your smartphone or other devices and use both the dongle and Bluetooth at the same time.
• A sidetone dial, which can let you adjust the level of your own voice in the headset and hear yourself better.
• RGB lighting, which can add some flair and customization to your headset and sync with other SteelSeries devices.

The Arctis 9 is a great choice for gamers who want a wireless headset that can also double as a Bluetooth headset and offer some extra features and options.

Side By Side Key Differences

Have a look at the side by side key differences:

Category	Arctis 7	Arctis 9
Connectivity	USB-C dongle, 3.5 mm cable	USB-A dongle, Bluetooth
Battery life	30 hours	20 hours
Sound profile	Balanced	Bass-heavy
Sidetone dial	No	Yes
RGB lighting	No	Yes

Verdict

The Arctis 7 and Arctis 9 are both great wireless gaming headsets that offer high-quality sound, comfort, and performance. However, they have some differences that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other. The Arctis 7 is better for users who want a longer battery life, a more balanced sound profile, and a 3.5 mm cable included in the box. The Arctis 9 is better for users who want Bluetooth functionality, a sidetone dial, and RGB lighting. Both headsets are compatible with PC and PS4, but not with Xbox consoles. So, this article should have cleared your all doubts on Steelseries Arctis 7 vs 9.

Frequenly Asked Questions