SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox headset review: Xbox-friendly, and a legit steal at just $100

Steelseries Arctis 1 Xbox Cyberpunk 2077 Headset Source: Windows Key

SteelSeries makes some of the best PC gaming headsets, and the company brought lossless 2.4GHz wireless tech to the upkeep-friendly range with the Arctis 1 Wireless. I say "budget" lightly hither since even the Arctis 1 Wireless goes for $100. However, this headset offers good audio for the price, allowing you to really savour games as they were designed.

The simply drawback to this headset was the lack of Xbox wireless support, so you'd accept to pick another set up of cups to savour gaming on Microsoft's console. That'southward now no longer an issue with the newly launched Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox. Non only that, but SteelSeries teamed up with CD Projekt RED as an official audio partner for Cyberpunk 2077, and we managed to get our mucky paws on the new themed cans.

If you tin find this headset for less than $100, you should consider calculation it to your gaming den. SteelSeries knocked the Arctis 1 out of the park and the Xbox Edition is perfect for Microsoft's console. You tin can oftentimes discover some killer deals on headsets and the Arctis 1 is no exception. Keep an heart out this Blackness Friday to see if this headset gets discounted.

Amazing value

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox

$100

Lesser line: The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox is nigh every bit expert an Xbox headset every bit y'all can get for $100.

Pros

SteelSeries headset condolement
Design (with Cyberpunk 2077 editions)
xx-hour battery life
Same drivers every bit Arctis Pro line
True cantankerous-platform support

Cons

Only one dongle
Mic is only OK
A niggling cheap feeling
Micro-USB port for charging

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox offers awesome cantankerous-platform sound

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Key

The Arctis ane Wireless Xbox is — as the name implies — a version of the Arctis 1 Wireless that'southward specifically designed for apply with Microsoft's console. Instead of relying on a 3.5mm connector, you can enjoy wire-free audio thanks to a special USB dongle that connects direct to the panel.

Category	Spec
Drivers	forty mm
Platforms	PC PlayStation SwitchXbox
Frequency	20–20000 Hz
Sensitivity	98 dBSPL
Impedance	32 Ohm
Mic. Frequency	100 to 6500 Hz
Mic. Pattern	Bidirectional
Mic. Sensitivity	-38 dBV/Pa

This dongle allows for the cups to be used without being tethered to the panel or a controller. As well as the aforementioned dongle, the box also contains the Arctis 1 Wireless, detachable mic, 3.5mm cablevision, USB-A to USB-C for the dongle, and USB-A to micro USB to charge the headset itself.

As for the headset, information technology looks very much like a Steelseries Arctis headset, unsurprisingly. The major piece of blueprint missing is the ski-band, which I've come to depend on for maximum comfort in long gaming sessions. SteelSeries did not include the band in the Arctis 1, but that doesn't mean information technology's not comfortable.

The standard design is matte blackness, again to fit in with the Arctis family aesthetics, but SteelSeries has some available as part of the Cyberpunk 2077 partnership with CD Projekt Ruddy. Nosotros received a Johnny Silverhand sample to test out, and it looks awesome. The design changes are subtle, but it gives the rather dull appearance some much-needed life.

For ear padding, the Arctis 1 comes with thinner foam pads than what you'd discover on more than premium Arctis headsets like the Pro line. You can notice the difference when switching between the two, just it's worth noting that the Arctis Pro is considerably more pricey. Fifty-fifty if you plan to spend a few hours in front of the large screen, you'll be in skillful hands with the Arctis 1.

SteelSeries Arctis one Wireless can connect to Switch, PC, and Xbox using a single dongle.

The big, comfy earcups can swivel so the headset lies apartment, which is handy if you're packing them into your bag, and the microphone is detachable, and so yous could use them exterior for music via Bluetooth. The cups, hinges, and headband are all sturdy enough; even with some twist and bending attempts, the Arctis 1 refused to buckle.

Command-wise, the Arctis 1 has a power push button on the right loving cup, while the left loving cup houses controls, mic mute, the 3.5mm jack, and a micro USB port. While this port is ancient by today's standards, SteelSeries opted to go with USB-C for the included dongle, and this dongle volition become your new all-time friend.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Fundamental

Non only can it be connected to your smartphone, but also a Nintendo Switch, your desktop or laptop PC, and Xbox. The latter ii require the utilize of the USB-A to USB-C cable unless your PC has USB-C ports available. Once plugged in, you're good to go to connect the Arctis 1 to your favorite platform.

Equally expert an Xbox headset as yous can go for $100.

Once the Arctis 1 is connected, the sound quality is really good for a headset in this price range. These are the aforementioned 40mm drivers you'd detect in the Arctis iii, 5, and vii headsets so the sound output is exceptional for gaming. Whether yous're playing PUBG and need to hear enemy footsteps or wish to crank upward the soundtrack in The Witcher 3, information technology all sounds excellent with the Arctis ane.

I tried the headset alongside the Arctis 7, 9X, and Pro and found very piffling in terms of difference, though the Arctis i felt a little more punchy with bass. The microphone, however, is only OK. Information technology'southward proficient plenty for chatting away in-game and with your friends, just I wouldn't choose it for streaming or whatever professional-grade work.

What you may dislike near the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox

Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Cardinal

There's no built-in support for Xbox Wireless, then you need to use the bundled dongle to hook upwardly the headset to your console. This isn't an issue for most, just y'all shouldn't expect Arctis 9X levels of functionality here. Still, the dongle can experience slightly cumbersome when you want to oftentimes switch between platforms using the same headset.

A few corners were cut, including the microphone and lack of Xbox Wireless.

The microphone isn't as solid as the sound delivery, which is a shame but expected at this cost range. Notwithstanding, for gaming and chatting to friends, it's vivid. The overall build is every bit you'd expect from SteelSeries, simply compared to more than expensive siblings, it's clear the Arctis 1 feels a little cheaper.

Lastly, the headset is charged using a micro USB cable. No USB-C hurts in 2022, but that's only me existence pedantic. The Arctis 1 is priced to be upkeep-friendly to tackle the contest of lossless headsets in the sub-$100 range. What'due south on offer here matches, and sometimes outstretches, what competitor cans take listed as features, making it a contender for the best Xbox One headset.

So should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox?

Steelseries Arctis 1 Xbox Cyberpunk 2077 Headset Source: Windows Fundamental

If you're a console gamer (namely Xbox and Switch), yous should requite the SteelSeries Arctis ane Wireless Xbox a try. It's not quite as adept every bit the Arctis 9X — so if you want the absolute all-time SteelSeries Xbox headset right now, that'd be it — simply for those on a tighter budget who don't listen using a dongle, the Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox edition is crawly.

SteelSeries managed to pack within the same drivers you'd detect in the more expensive Arctis 7, all while keeping comfort as high as possible without the killer ski-band. The microphone is a slight let down, but that'due south simply if you lot want to do streaming on the side. Overall, this is an splendid value-driven headset.

Perfect for Xbox

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox

Great headset with Xbox support

Whether you're an Xbox, Switch or PC gamer, the Arctis ane is a headset you can take with you everywhere thanks to its lossless wireless quality and awesome sound drivers.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Windows 11 review: The start of a new era

Updated February 2022

Windows xi review: The kickoff of a new era

Microsoft is back with a roaring passion to create a modern version of the Windows user feel that'due south simple to employ, beautifully designed, and well-connected, all in an endeavour to make you lot more productive in your professional or creative workflows. But, is it any skilful?

Shooty bang blindside

Where are all the guns in Dying Light 2?

It'south by design, sure, simply there's a distinct lack of firearms in Dying Light 2. For ameliorate or worse, modern medieval Villedor is a place to build your ain weapons. Just what happened to the guns and ammo and might it e'er make a comeback?