The perfect PS5 gaming headset simply obtained higher with the launch of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+.
For a further $20, chalking as much as $170, you’ll be able to choose up the improve of the Arctis 7P, which will get you longer battery life, USB Kind-C charging, and PS5 3D audio compatibility. That provides to a headset that already flaunts stable gaming audio and cozy ear cups packed into a stunning aluminum design. Regardless of its excessive worth, the microphone might be higher, and it could’ve been good to see some EQ settings.
However total, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is without doubt one of the greatest gaming headsets you should purchase.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ design
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is virtually similar to the unique Arctis 7P. It encompasses a sturdy metal band wrapped in a woven ski goggle material suspension headband. The band is thick and sturdy, however the refined distinction between this and the unique is that the velcro half encompasses a black and white define versus the blue and white. There’s nonetheless blue padding protruding from the bottom, which supplies the Arctis 7P a pleasant offset to the general white.
Like the unique, the ear cups are matte white, and beneath the middle of every cup is a black SteelSeries brand. The insides of the cups are blue, whereas the cushions characteristic a neat hexagonal sample. Much like the remainder of SteelSeries’ premium headsets, there’s a slit above the cups the place the band slides in and allows you to alter the scale. The band attunes to your head based mostly on how tight the velcro strap is.
One other large change for the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is the inclusion of a USB Kind-C port for charging, which replaces the previous microUSB port. From prime to backside on the left cup, there’s the mute button, a quantity rocker, the Share Port, a 3.5 audio jack, the USB Kind-C port for charging and the retractable ClearCast microphone. The appropriate cup options the ability button and a sidetone rocker. The aforementioned Share Port permits you to plug one other consumer into your headset with an included proprietary cable so you’ll be able to share audio.
Within the field, you’ll discover the two.4-GHz USB Kind-C receiver, a feminine USB Kind-C to male USB Kind-A adapter, a USB Kind-A-to-USB Kind-C cable for charging and the Share Port cable, which is a proprietary audio jack that feeds right into a male 3.5mm audio port. SteelSeries doesn’t embody a standard 3.5mm audio cable within the field.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ consolation
SteelSeries’ Airweave material ear cushions are among the most snug cups within the gaming headset trade. It’s powerful to beat cushiony pleather, however the Arctis 7P+’s cups put pleather by means of its paces. They slip onto my bald head like a glove and match snugly over my ears with out squeezing them to loss of life.
The final time I examined a SteelSeries Arctis headset, I had a full head of hair, however now that I’ve forsaken my luscious curls and joined the bald membership, how does it really feel? Nonetheless superb. The tender texture of the band felt mild in opposition to my head, caressing me as I lower down large bats in Elden Ring. Because it makes use of a velcro strap, the headset is straightforward to regulate, however it takes a while to tug it aside and stick it again collectively.
Because it options the identical design, the Arctis 7P+ boasts roughly the identical weight as the unique Arctis 7P (12.9 ounces). It’s light-weight sufficient to really feel prefer it’s not there, however hefty sufficient to not fly off my head after I flip.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ gaming efficiency
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ makes use of 40-millimeter neodymium drivers to pump out these epic positive factors (pun meant).
I performed Ultimate Fantasy XIV, and my fireplace spells triggered concussive blasts that reverberated by means of my ears; the Arctis 7P+ captured the depth and the warmth of my Black Mage energy. Once I ascended The Vault, the voices of my enemies had been loud and clear, however their taunts had been drowned out by the bellowing cries of the troopers that I tore by means of in my stride.
I additionally performed the Elden Ring community check with the Arctis 7P+ and located that the explosive magic, sword slashing, and rolling was thick and heavy, immersing me into the Lands Between. Once I stumbled on the primary actual boss and he delivered his well-known strains, shivers had been despatched by means of my backbone because of the bassy oomph headset delivered.
Okay, so what about PS5’s 3D Tempest audio? I reinstalled Spider-Man: Miles Morales and sat down with each the Arctis 7P+ and the Arctis 7P, however in the end discovered the distinction between them to be negligible. The audio from the Arctis 7P+ sounded barely extra balanced, particularly when mixing the in-game sound results with the music, however the punches, web-slinging and voice dialogue sounded comparable on each units.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ music efficiency
I used to be impressed with the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ whereas listening to music. It not solely amplified mids and highs, however did a good job of highlighting percussion devices, which the earlier model had points with. It nonetheless doesn’t have sufficient well-rounded bass, however it’s actually an enchancment.
I listened to “abcdefu” by GAYLE; the opening vocals had been vivid and blended nicely with the vigorous electrical guitar. The next bass from the percussion was a little bit too tender, however it sounded first rate. When the refrain dropped, it did really feel like there was some extra oomph lacking from the lows, however the mids and highs had been on level.
Once I tuned into Måneskin’s “Beggin,’” Damiano David’s resounding voice boomed on the Arctis 7P+. It sounded good, however sometimes peaked right into a shrill tone. It is a results of the brighter EQ. Nevertheless, the drums and bass guitar had been clear albeit a bit low. In the meantime, the guitar sounded a bit muddy.
I additionally listened to “Dangerous Habits” by Ed Sheeran, which opened with a muffled electrical guitar that was barely uncomfortable to take heed to. Nevertheless, the vocals had been melodic and the bassy beats that accompanied them had been sharp however full.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ microphone
The Arctis 7P+’s retractable ClearCast bidirectional microphone made my voice sound very loud and picked up plenty of noise within the background, together with my typing and respiration.
Regardless of that, my voice was clear and crisp. I didn’t sound too noisy or obnoxious, however I did get requests from individuals I used to be taking part in with to maneuver my mic away from my face as a result of they might hear me respiration. As soon as once more, I observed that the sidetone is a really inaccurate illustration of how I sounded and the way my audio was coming by means of. Speaking, typing and even respiration was means louder than depicted. Mine was set to 100%; you’ll be able to decrease it, in fact, however you’ll need to tinker for some time to get one thing equal to what you actually sound like.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ options
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is suitable with PS5’s 3D Tempest audio not like the earlier mannequin. Nevertheless, the headset can be used with nearly any system. It might join wirelessly to the Nintendo Swap, PC, Android units and the Google Stadia controller. And because of its 3.5mm jack, it will probably even hook up with the Xbox Sequence X.
However like its sibling, the headset doesn’t characteristic any EQ settings, so no software program that may enable you alongside if you happen to’re having some audio balancing points.
Regardless of that, SteelSeries managed to present a bump to the Arctis 7P+’s battery life, promoting that it will probably final for as much as 30 hours. That appears fairly life like based mostly alone utilization; I’ve used the headset for a number of days and I haven’t needed to cost it but. SteelSeries additionally fastened my earlier subject with the headset — earlier than, there was no battery life indicator, however now the ability button blinks pink, yellow or inexperienced relying on the place the battery degree is at.
Backside line
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ boasts nice audio, a sturdy design, a snug match, lengthy battery life and compatibility with most units. The one actual cons are that it doesn’t have one of the best microphone nor does it have any EQ settings.
In case you’re an Xbox consumer, you may wish to look into the SteelSeries Arctis 7X, which hits many of the similar excessive notes as this headset.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is an incredible headset, and an actual heavy-hitter for PS5 house owners.