SteelSeries Arctis 9 (Arctis 9X) Wireless Gaming Headset

MSRP 200 USD71% External
Keywords: dynamic-headphonesgamingheadsetneodymiumsteelserieswirelessxbox

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Product Overview

SteelSeries Arctis 9 (Arctis 9X) is a premium wireless headset powered by SteelSeries' 40mm hi-res drivers with high-density neodymium magnets shared with the Arctis Pro Wireless. In this application, however, their performance is capped.
A similar retractable boom microphone is used in the Arctis 9. It can be hidden away while not needed.
The standard Arctis 9 can operate with either 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth, while the Xbox-oriented Arctis 9X offers Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity.

Ratings

What we found**

Pros
  • Solid sound quality for both music and gaming
  • Comfortable fit
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Nothing in particular

What external reviewers found***

External score 71% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Good sound quality
  • Good build quality
  • Great audio quality
  • Good battery life
  • Good noise isolation performance
Cons
  • Lack of customization options
  • Poor noise isolation
  • Lacks low-bass
  • No wireless charging
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Price Comparison

Specifications

MicrophoneArctis 9Arctis 9X

Connectivity

PortsUSB
Wireless Connectivity2.4GHz + Bluetooth 4.1Xbox Wireless + Bluetooth 4.1
Wireless Range20 ft / 6 m

Construction

ColorsBlack
Drivers40 mm, neodymium
Form FactorOver-ear
Headphone TypeClosed, dynamic headphones
MaterialLightweight aluminum alloy and steel construction
MicrophoneRetractable Boom

Function

Bluetooth ProfilesA2DP, HFP, HSP
CompatibilityPC / Mac / PS4 / PS5 / Nintendo Switch / Mobile / VRXbox One / PC / Mobile
Microphone Pickup PatternBidirectional
Noise Cancellation
RGB LightingPrism RGB Illumination

Performance

Battery Life20 hours
Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz
Impedance32 ohms
Max Sound Level98 dB SPL
Microphone Frequency Response100Hz - 6.5kHz100Hz - 10kHz
Microphone Sensitivity-38 dBV/Pa
Total Harmonic Distortion3%

Production

Debut2020-09

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Launch Comparison
Clear List

3rd-Party Review Videos

External Reviews

laptopmag[1]

Reviewer score 91%
Reviewers from laptopmag have found the following***:
The Arctis 9 has a retractable and flexible mic, making it so much easier to game comfortably. Using the 2.4 Ghz USB Type-C wireless receiver, you can listen to music or your game wirelessly at up to 40 feet away. With the SteelSeries Engine 3 software, you customize the equalizer, inactivity timeouts and configure the mic.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Sleek, comfortable design
  • Comfortable fit
  • Easy to use software
Cons
  • Sound quality could be better

laptopmag[2]

Reviewer score 57%
Reviewers from laptopmag have found the following***:
The Arctis 9X's retractable microphone was decent, but by no means spectacular. There isn't a volume rocker on the headset to balance the audio between the Xbox source and the Bluetooth source. The RIG 800LX gaming headset is $50 cheaper and will let you know when your battery is high, medium or low.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Sleek design
  • Comfortable fit
  • Supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth
Cons
  • No volume rocker
  • No voice indicating when you're low on battery

pcmag[3]

Reviewer score 78%
Reviewers from pcmag have found the following***:
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is one of the best Xbox One-specific wireless gaming headsets. It connects to your Xbox One out of the box without any adapter to use up a USB port. It doesn't have the most powerful bass, but head-rattling rumble isn't the most important part of the gaming experience (or, arguably, the music experience)
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Sturdy, comfortable build
  • Clear, balanced sound
  • Comfortable fit
Cons
  • No wireless charging
  • No built-in microphone

rtings[4]

Reviewer score 50%
Reviewers from rtings have found the following***:
The SteelSeries Arctis 9 are passable for neutral sound. They struggle to deliver audio consistently and lack low-bass, so sound effects may be missing a bit of thump and rumble. Their mid-range is well-balanced, so vocals, dialogue, and lead instruments should sound clear and present.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • High-quality boom microphone
  • Low-latency audio
  • Comfortable and stable fit
  • Good build quality
Cons
  • Lacks low-bass
  • Poor noise isolation
  • No wireless transmitter

rtings[5]

Reviewer score 48%
Reviewers from rtings have found the following***:
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X are satisfactory for neutral sound. They have a neutral, balanced sound profile that's suitable for lots of types of audio content. You can even customize their sound using a graphic EQ and presets. However, their audio delivery isn't very consistent across different users.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Graphic EQ and presets
  • Comfortable and stable fit
  • Long 28-hour continuous battery life
  • Good noise isolation performance
Cons
  • Bulky design
  • Lacks low-bass

techradar[6]

Reviewer score 87%
Reviewers from techradar have found the following***:
The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless approaches audiophile territory when it comes to sound quality. The sound is detailed with robust mids and a present low end. With DTS:X enabled, everything sounds just a little more spacious and a bit more 3D-sounding. It's not the most robust app, but it is straightforward and easy to use.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Gorgeous, wide soundstage
  • DTS:X support
  • Comfortable fit
Cons
  • No EQ settings

techradar[7]

Reviewer score 80%
Reviewers from techradar have found the following***:
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X feels premium from top to bottom. It's a robust gaming headset that will likely last you for years and look good while doing it. Sound quality is top notch and the headset is genuinely built like a tank. But the second you try to use it to play some PC games, it becomes harder to recommend.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Comfortable fit
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • Windows 10 isn’t as good as Xbox One

tomsguide[8]

Reviewer score 79%
Reviewers from tomsguide have found the following***:
The SteelSeries Arctis 9 uses what SteelSeries calls a “ski goggles” design. It has an elastic headband that adjusts to your head automatically each time you wear it. The sound is good overall, particularly for video games. But compared to another $200 wireless gaming headset, it's lacking a little depth and subtlety.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Comfortable fit
  • Easy to wear
  • Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
  • Sound lacks depth and subtlety
  • Mediocre mic

tomsguide[9]

Reviewer score 55%
Reviewers from tomsguide have found the following***:
SteelSeries' Arctis 9X gaming headset connects wirelessly with an Xbox One. The headset's equalization profile has a beautiful balance between treble and bass. The ear cups can swivel, making the headset easy to stash in a backpack. But the lack of customization options, or the vague battery indicator can be frustrating.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Comfortable fit
  • Comfortable design
  • Good sound quality
Cons
  • Lack of customization options
  • Battery life could be better

tomshardware[10]

Reviewer score 77%
Reviewers from tomshardware have found the following***:
For most of my testing, the Arctis 9 Wireless worked fine with no issues. In the last couple of days though, the left earcup occasionally wouldn't put out any sound. SteelSeries opted for a retractable microphone with its ClearCast noise cancelling branding. Since it charges over Micro USB, charge time felt long.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Great audio quality
  • Sleek ski goggle design
  • Comfortable fit
Cons
  • Noisy noise cancellation
  • No wireless charging

trustedreviews[11]

Reviewer score 83%
Reviewers from trustedreviews have found the following***:
The Arctis 9X can be used both wirelessly and wired, although a cable isn’t supplied in the box. It connects to Xbox One just like a controller, and it’s a breeze to set up. By pressing the power button once you can cycle through a variety of different presets, providing soundscapes that fit particular genres or applications. The flexibility is welcome, providing an element of customisation that not all competing headsets can match.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Super-impressive audio performance
  • Comfortable ear cups
  • Easy to set up
Cons
  • Plastic design is prone to scuffs and marks

User Reviews

Comments

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References

  1. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9 review. [laptopmag]. https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-9. 2021-05-16. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  2. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9X review. [laptopmag]. https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-9x. 2020-07-18. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  3. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9X Review. [pcmag]. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-9x. 2019-05-14. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  4. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless Headphones Review. [rtings]. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-9-wireless. 2020-10-29. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  5. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Headphones Review. [rtings]. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-9x-wireless. 2020-11-11. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  6. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless Gaming Headset review. [techradar]. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-9-wireless-gaming-headset. 2020-12-02. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  7. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9X review. [techradar]. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-9x. 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  8. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9 review. [tomsguide]. https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-9. 2020-09-15. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  9. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9X Headset Review: Great Sound, Wireless Frustrations. [tomsguide]. https://www.tomsguide.com/us/steelseries-arctis-9x,review-6405.html. 2019-04-24. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  10. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless Review: Capable, Elegant Simplicity. [tomshardware]. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-9-wireless. 2020-11-15. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  11. ^ SteelSeries Arctis 9X Review. [trustedreviews]. https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-9x-gaming-headset. Retrieved 2021-04-10.

The MSRP provided on this page may not apply to all regions equally. For the current price, please refer to the Price Comparison section.

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These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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