SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Headset Review

TweakTown Rating: 91%

Our Verdict

It's quite simple. SteelSeries rules the headset market with the Arctis 9X.

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I have been waiting for a proper wireless headset for Xbox One since I had my Day One console nearly six years ago. Over the last six years, we have had attempts from Astro that required an optical cable and large base station, and while comfortable I wanted the full PC experience, an experience I had with my Siberia H Series.

Earlier in the year, legit wireless solutions started appearing; first from Plantronics and then Turtle Beach. This was followed up by the Thresher from Razer that I reviewed and still use to this day. Then moving into the summer, I noticed Steelseries had released the Arctis 9X.

Specifications play out like this; 40mm drivers at 20-22KHz, 98dB SPL and 32ohm impedance. This is an over the ear design like past Arctis headsets. The microphone is bi-directional with a 2200-ohm impedance and 100-10KHz response. Bluetooth 4.1 offers the A2DP, HFP and HSP profiles with a 20ft range and 20-hour battery life.

MSRP of the Steelseries Arctis 9X comes in at $199.99 with a two-year warranty.

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Packaging follows the green and white Xbox aesthetic. We have an image of the headset centered with features listed below.

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Connectivity and specifications are listed on the spine of the box.

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Included in the box we have reading materials, charging cable and the headset.

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Starting with the bridge of the headset, we have an adjustable tension strap.

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The earcups resemble much of the Arctis lineup including branding and microphone placement.

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The right earcup offers most of the headset controls, including the USB port for charging, power buttons for Xbox and Bluetooth use and 3.5mm output.

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Further up the right earcup, we have the microphone mute and volume controls.

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The earcups themselves have a soft cloth covering with medium density foam under.

After going through so many headsets on Xbox, including a few early wireless models, the Arctis 9X get it right with a solution that does Xbox perfectly while allowing users to simultaneously chat on a secondary system such as Windows or Mobile via Bluetooth.

As you would expect build quality is top-notch with the Arctis 9X, it really is an Arctis Pro for Xbox. Setup for each platform is simple; Xbox uses a hold for 3 seconds method, and Windows or Mobile users will just run through a typical Bluetooth arrangement.

Audio quality from the Arctis 9X is fantastic, certainly on par with the Arctis Pro and slightly cleaner than the Thresher from Razer. Comfort is second to none, and I honestly don't think you will find a more comfortable solution than this.

As for pricing, the Arctis 9X has some wins and some losses when compared to other wireless solutions for Xbox. At $199.99 this headset sits between the Plantronics RIG800LX and Razer Thresher at $149.99 and the Turtle Beach Stealth 800X at $249.99. I can say with 100% certainty the Arctis 9X has twice the quality of the Plantronics unit and more breathability and comfort than the Thresher. If it were my hard-earned money, I wouldn't take any chances.