The SteelSeries Arctis 1 headset excels in gaming in terms of comfort and latency. However, audio and mic performance is lacking, as the sound is imbalanced, cannot be customized, and doesn’t record well.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is an entry-level wired gaming headset that debuted in 2019, offering cross-platform support for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. It has a boom mic that supports in-game chatting, and the microphone is detachable. Browse our top-rated gaming headsets for other devices. It works with PCs, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, and boasts 32 Ohm drivers.
There are on-ear controls on the Arctis 1 for volume adjustment and muting. It doesn’t have a graphic EQ or companion software for advanced customization. Read about how the SteelSeries Arctis 1 compares with the best SteelSeries gaming headset.
Consensus
our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 headset’s audio production is poor, with imbalances as the basses are overpowering and deplete the clarity of the mids and dialogue. On top of this, there’s no companion software, so users can’t adjust sound settings to make up for the poor soundstage. It’s also unsuitable for mic purposes, like recording or communicating via live gaming. The mic has a limited frequency extension range, resulting in an unnatural degraded sound. Certified testers rated the mic 6/10, which ranks in the bottom half of our certified tested gaming headset category.
However, there is some upside. The headset is comfy, sporting thick, cushiony padding and a highly adjustable headband for sufficient weight distribution. Additionally, there are no audio-visual delays, given its wired connection delivers a 0 ms latency.
Reason to Buy
Comfortable Fit
Users will find the headset comfortable for long gaming sessions, as the headband is padded and distributes weight efficiently. The cups have a wide range of motion and are padded lightly so as not to overheat or crowd the ear.
No Latency
There’s no delay between audio and visual, as the wired headphones are tested to experience a 0 ms delay, eliminating any synchronization issues. This is as good latency for gaming headsets as you’ll find anywhere.
Reason to Avoid
Unbalanced Audio Quality
Gaming audio is inconsistent and can easily be degraded by headset positioning and seal. The bass and treble often come through too powerfully or weak, leading to a lack of detail and accuracy since the frequency is limited to 100-10,000 Hz, below average for a gaming headset.
Subpar Mic Quality
The mic struggles to produce well-balanced recordings, as it has a tested frequency extension range of 20-8,800 Hz and was rated 6/10, placing it in the bottom half of gaming headsets.
No Companion Software
Gamers can’t customize or tweak sound, given the headphones don’t come with software or an EQ.
Steelseries Arctis 1 Specs
Adjustable Headband
Yes
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
Battery Life
n/a
Compatible Platforms
Android, Gaming Laptops, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Controllers
Connector Size
3.5mm
Detachable Mic
Yes
Driver Size
40mm
Earcup Foam Material
AirWeave Fabric
Headphone Fit
Over-ear
Max Frequency Response
20,000 Hz
Min Frequency Response
20Hz
Noise Canceling
No
Product Weight
0.55 lbs
Programmable Buttons
No
Wireless
No
Wireless Connectivity
n/a
All Specs
Test Results
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The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is an entry-level wired gaming headset that debuted in 2019, offering cross-platform support for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. It has…
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is an entry-level wired gaming headset that debuted in 2019, offering cross-platform support for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. It has a boom mic that supports in-game chatting, and the microphone is detachable. Browse our top-rated gaming headsets for other devices. It works with PCs, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, and boasts 32 Ohm drivers.
There are on-ear controls on the Arctis 1 for volume adjustment and muting. It doesn’t have a graphic EQ or companion software for advanced customization. Read about how the SteelSeries Arctis 1 compares with the best SteelSeries gaming headset.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is very similar to the SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition, featuring a pleasant sound profile and 3.5mm analog cable providing cross-platform…
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is very similar to the SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition, featuring a pleasant sound profile and 3.5mm analog cable providing cross-platform support. However, while the SteelSeries Arctis 1 has a detachable mic, the Arctis 3 has a retractable unit. You can learn more in our SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition review.
With a more neutral sound profile, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition sounds better than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. It also boasts DTS 7.1 virtual…
With a more neutral sound profile, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition sounds better than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. It also boasts DTS 7.1 virtual surround sound, unlike the Arctis 1. Check out our SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition review to learn more.
Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis 1, which connects solely via a 3.5mm analog cable, the Sony PULSE 3D has a detachable 3.5mm cable and a USB…
Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis 1, which connects solely via a 3.5mm analog cable, the Sony PULSE 3D has a detachable 3.5mm cable and a USB dongle for wireless connectivity. The Sony model also boasts 3D virtual surround sound, providing compatibility with directional movie and gaming formats, but the SteelSeries device doesn’t have a virtual soundstage. Learn more by reading our Sony Pulse 3D Headset review. Or, if you want to check out a bass-heavy model, we have a Sony MDR XB50AP Extra Bass review.
Adjustable Headband
Yes
Yes
–
–
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
Yes
–
–
Battery Life
n/a
n/a
–
–
Compatible Platforms
Android, Gaming Laptops, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Controllers
Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
