A 2019-model headset built purposely for Xbox One, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a high-end gaming headset that boasts 40mm neodymium drivers. This has Xbox Wireless technology, connecting to Xbox One consoles and compatible computers without a dongle. You can find similar devices among the best-ranked gaming headsets. It works with the SteelSeries Engine app for graphic EQ and preset access. The app also supports Windows Sonic Spatial Audio for directional sound. Although it has a 3.5mm connector that offers some compatibility with other consoles and PCs, this cable doesn’t transmit microphone audio. See our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 review for a wired option.
26
out of
57
Gaming Headsets
Steelseries Arctis 9X Review
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Updated Jan 11, 2024 4:16 PM
Published
True Score
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81
Absolutely Fresh
80
8
Experts
85
11.3k
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
8
)
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is an excellent gaming headset. It delivers balanced, clear audio, high-quality comfort, and a microphone that excels in recording and blocking outside noise. The only downfall is some noticeable audio-visual delay.
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Product Snapshot
Overview
A 2019-model headset built purposely for Xbox One, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a high-end gaming headset that boasts 40mm neodymium drivers. This has Xbox Wireless technology, connecting to Xbox One consoles and compatible computers without a dongle. You can find similar devices among the best-ranked gaming headsets. It works with the SteelSeries Engine app for graphic EQ and preset access. The app also supports Windows Sonic Spatial Audio for directional sound. Although it has a 3.5mm connector that offers some compatibility with other consoles and PCs, this cable doesn’t transmit microphone audio. See our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 review for a wired option.
Consensus
our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X has a lot going for it as a gaming headset. The audio is clear, as it has a wide 20-22,000 Hz frequency range, meaning bass, mids, and trebles are all accurate. Then, if users want to adjust sound, they can tweak preferences extensively in the companion software via the 10-band EQ and audio presets. It also is ideal for long gaming sessions. The headset is built for comfort with porous memory foam and has a long-lasting battery life with 28 hours of playback.
The microphone is also high-quality, and testers rated it an 8.3 out of 10, placing it in the top 10% of gaming headsets. However, the headset does experience audio/visual delays, as the latency was tested at 249 ms when connected to a PC via Bluetooth.
ReasonS to Buy
- Amazing Audio Quality
The sound production is neutral and detailed, as the frequency range is 20-22,000 Hz, which is above average for gaming headsets.
There are a lot of opportunities for customization and enhancement for specific gaming needs, as the SteelSeries Engine companion software has many great features. These features include a graphic 10-band EQ, a handful of audio presents, and a mic-level adjuster.
- Comfortable Design
Gamers can use the headset for long sessions without fatigue, as the earcups have a thick memory foam pad and are spacious so as not to cause fatigue. The padding also has pores, which allow for breathability, reducing the likelihood of overheating.
- High-Performance Microphone
The headset excels at recording gaming content and communicating with fellow gamers. The mic sound quality was rated the mic recording quality 8.3/10, placing it in the top 10% of the category.
Audio from the mic comes through clearly, given the headset has a tested speech-to-noise ratio of 34.17 dB, which places it in the top third of gaming headsets.
Reason to Avoid
- High Latency
There’s a noticeable delay between audio and visuals, given the headset has a 249 ms tested latency when connected to a PC via Bluetooth, which is far below average for a gaming headset.
Steelseries Arctis 9X Specs
 | Adjustable Headband | Yes |
 | Auto-Adjusting Headband | No |
 | Battery Life | 20 hrs |
 | Compatible Platforms | Android, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X |
 | Connector Size | 3.5mm, USB |
 | Detachable Mic | No |
 | 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 | 1.2 lbs |
 | Programmable Buttons | No |
 | Wireless | Yes |
 | Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Gaming Headsets based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Max Volume (dB) | 0 |
| Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0) | 8.3 |
| Speech To Noise Ratio (dB) | 34.17 |
| BT Latency (ms) | 249 |
| Non-BT Latency (ms) | 0 |
| Low End Roll Off (Hz) | 30.402 |
| High End Roll Off (Hz) | 8,736.026 |
All Tests
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Product Comparison
 Steelseries Arctis 9X Review | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 81 | 78 | 79 | NR |
Ranking | # 26 / 57 | # 44 / 57 | # 36 / 57 | # / |
Market Context |
A 2019-model headset built purposely for Xbox One, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a high-end gaming headset that boasts 40mm neodymium drivers. This has Xbox… |
The SteelSeries Arctis 9 is the PS4 and PS5 version of SteelSeries Arctis 9X. While the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is designed for Xbox One and… The SteelSeries Arctis 9 is the PS4 and PS5 version of SteelSeries Arctis 9X. While the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is designed for Xbox One and compatible PCs, connecting via Xbox One Wireless technology, the SteelSeries Arctis 9 requires a USB dongle to plug into PC, PS4, and PS5 systems. See our SteelSeries Arctis 9 review to analyze the differences. |
Featuring a wider passive soundstage, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X may appeal to some users more than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X. Additionally, the 9X has… Featuring a wider passive soundstage, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X may appeal to some users more than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X. Additionally, the 9X has a clearer microphone. That said, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X runs for 33.3 hours on a single charge, running longer than the 28-hour runtime of the 9X. Check out our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X review for details. |
With a padded headband, the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 is more ergonomic than the SteelSeries Arctis 9, which has a ski-band-style headband. The… With a padded headband, the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 is more ergonomic than the SteelSeries Arctis 9, which has a ski-band-style headband. The Astro device also has a clearer mic. However, the SteelSeries has a longer-lasting 28-hour battery life than the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, which runs for 17.5 hours on a single charge. |
Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
Auto-Adjusting Headband | No | Yes | No | – |
Battery Life | 20 hrs | 20 hrs | 26 hrs | – |
Compatible Platforms | Android, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X | Android, iOS, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, VR Box, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X | – |
Connector Size | 3.5mm, USB | 3.5mm | 3.5mm, USB Type-C | – |
Detachable Mic | No | No | No | – |
Driver Size | 40mm | 40mm | 40mm | – |
Earcup Foam Material | AirWeave Fabric | AirWeave Fabric | AirWeave Fabric | – |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
80
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
85
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
81
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
99.8Category Trust Rating
74The SteelSeries Arctis 9X are satisfactory for neutral sound. They have a neutral, balanced sound… Read MoreBy:
Jean-Simon Bonneterre
67.6Category Trust Rating
80The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is one of the best wireless gaming headsets you can get… Read MoreBy:
Will Greenwald
56.25Category Trust Rating
70The SteelSeries Arctis 9X provides great sound and a comfortable fit, but almost every new… Read MoreBy:
Marshall Honorof
67.5Category Trust Rating
90The Arctis 9X is an excellent gaming headset that works well with both Xbox One… Read MoreBy:
Jade King
43Category Trust Rating
80The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is genuinely an awesome headset for Xbox One. It has great… Read MoreBy:
Jackie Thomas
52.95Category Trust Rating
70The Arctis 9X delivers solid sound wrapped in a premium design, but its wireless issues… Read MoreBy:
Rami Tabari
Customer Scores
- 88
(
4.4/5
)
11242Ratings
- NR
(
NR/5
)
Ratings
- 82
(
4.1/5
)
67Ratings
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