The world of gaming headsets is vast and competitive, with numerous brands and models vying for the top spot. SteelSeries, a renowned name in the gaming industry, has been a favorite among gamers for its high-quality headsets. Two of its most popular models, the Arctis 7 and the Arctis 7+, have been making waves in the gaming community. While both headsets share some similarities, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each headset, exploring their features, design, and performance to help you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, both the Arctis 7 and the Arctis 7+ boast a sleek and stylish look. The headsets feature a retractable microphone, a sleek metal headband, and ear cups that fit snugly around your ears. However, there are some subtle differences in their design.
Arctis 7 Design
The Arctis 7 has a more minimalist approach to its design. The headset features a matte finish, which gives it a subtle and understated look. The ear cups are made of a soft, breathable material that provides excellent comfort during long gaming sessions. The headband is adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your liking.
Arctis 7+ Design
The Arctis 7+, on the other hand, has a slightly more premium look and feel. The headset features a sleek, metallic finish that gives it a more high-end appearance. The ear cups are made of the same soft, breathable material as the Arctis 7, but they also feature a subtle LED light that illuminates the SteelSeries logo. The headband is also adjustable, but it has a more robust design that provides a secure fit.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a crucial aspect of any gaming headset, and both the Arctis 7 and the Arctis 7+ deliver excellent audio performance.
Arctis 7 Sound Quality
The Arctis 7 features 40mm drivers that provide clear and balanced sound. The headset has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, which means it can handle a wide range of audio frequencies. The sound is immersive and engaging, with clear highs and deep bass.
Arctis 7+ Sound Quality
The Arctis 7+ also features 40mm drivers, but they have been upgraded to provide even better sound quality. The headset has a frequency response of 20Hz-40kHz, which means it can handle even higher audio frequencies. The sound is more detailed and nuanced, with clearer highs and deeper bass.
Microphone Quality
A good microphone is essential for online gaming, and both the Arctis 7 and the Arctis 7+ have excellent microphones.
Arctis 7 Microphone Quality
The Arctis 7 features a retractable microphone that provides clear and crisp audio. The microphone is bidirectional, which means it can pick up sound from both the front and back. This helps to reduce background noise and ensure that your voice comes through clearly.
Arctis 7+ Microphone Quality
The Arctis 7+ also features a retractable microphone, but it has been upgraded to provide even better audio quality. The microphone is bidirectional, and it also features noise-cancellation technology that helps to reduce background noise. This means that your voice comes through even clearer, with less distortion and interference.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life and connectivity are important considerations for any gaming headset.
Arctis 7 Battery Life and Connectivity
The Arctis 7 has a battery life of up to 15 hours, which is impressive for a wireless headset. The headset connects to your device via a 2.4GHz wireless connection, which provides a stable and reliable connection.
Arctis 7+ Battery Life and Connectivity
The Arctis 7+ has a battery life of up to 30 hours, which is even more impressive. The headset connects to your device via a 2.4GHz wireless connection, but it also features Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can connect the headset to multiple devices at the same time, making it easy to switch between your gaming PC and your phone or tablet.
Additional Features
Both the Arctis 7 and the Arctis 7+ have some additional features that enhance their functionality.
Arctis 7 Additional Features
The Arctis 7 features a sleek and intuitive design that makes it easy to use. The headset also comes with a range of customization options, including interchangeable ear cups and a retractable microphone.
Arctis 7+ Additional Features
The Arctis 7+ also features a sleek and intuitive design, but it also comes with some additional features that enhance its functionality. The headset features a range of customization options, including interchangeable ear cups and a retractable microphone. It also comes with a companion app that allows you to customize the headset’s settings and adjust the sound to your liking.
Conclusion
The Arctis 7 and the Arctis 7+ are both excellent gaming headsets that offer a range of features and benefits. While they share some similarities, there are significant differences between them. The Arctis 7 is a more affordable option that still offers excellent sound quality and a comfortable design. The Arctis 7+, on the other hand, is a more premium option that offers even better sound quality, a longer battery life, and additional features like Bluetooth connectivity.
Ultimately, the choice between the Arctis 7 and the Arctis 7+ will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance, the Arctis 7 may be the better choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more premium headset that offers even better sound quality and additional features, the Arctis 7+ may be the better option.
| Feature | Arctis 7 | Arctis 7+ |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 40mm drivers, 20Hz-20kHz frequency response | 40mm drivers, 20Hz-40kHz frequency response |
| Microphone Quality | Retractable, bidirectional microphone | Retractable, bidirectional microphone with noise-cancellation technology |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz wireless connection | 2.4GHz wireless connection, Bluetooth connectivity |
By considering the features and benefits of each headset, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and preferences. Whether you choose the Arctis 7 or the Arctis 7+, you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality gaming headset that will enhance your gaming experience.
What are the main differences between the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+?
The main differences between the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ lie in their battery life, charging capabilities, and wireless connectivity. The Arctis 7+ boasts a longer battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, whereas the Arctis 7 has a battery life of up to 15 hours. Additionally, the Arctis 7+ features USB-C charging, which is faster and more convenient than the Micro-USB charging on the Arctis 7.
Another significant difference is the wireless connectivity. The Arctis 7+ supports both 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for more flexibility and convenience. In contrast, the Arctis 7 only supports 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. These upgrades make the Arctis 7+ a more attractive option for those who want a reliable and long-lasting gaming headset.
Which headset has better sound quality, the Arctis 7 or Arctis 7+?
Both the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ offer excellent sound quality, but the Arctis 7+ has a slight edge. The Arctis 7+ features the same 40mm drivers as the Arctis 7, but with some tweaks to the sound signature. The Arctis 7+ has a more balanced sound profile, with clearer highs and deeper bass. Additionally, the Arctis 7+ supports DTS Headphone:X 2.0, which provides a more immersive audio experience.
That being said, the difference in sound quality between the two headsets is not drastic. The Arctis 7 still offers excellent sound quality, and many users may not notice a significant difference. However, if sound quality is a top priority, the Arctis 7+ is the better choice. It’s worth noting that both headsets are capable of producing high-quality audio, and the difference may come down to personal preference.
Is the Arctis 7+ worth the extra cost compared to the Arctis 7?
The Arctis 7+ is indeed more expensive than the Arctis 7, but whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a gaming headset with longer battery life, faster charging, and more flexible wireless connectivity, the Arctis 7+ may be worth the investment. Additionally, if you value the slightly improved sound quality and more immersive audio experience, the Arctis 7+ may be the better choice.
However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the extra features, the Arctis 7 is still a great option. It offers excellent sound quality, a comfortable design, and reliable wireless connectivity at a lower price point. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and priorities. If you can afford the extra cost, the Arctis 7+ is a great choice, but if you’re on a budget, the Arctis 7 is still a great value.
Can I use the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ on multiple platforms?
Yes, both the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ are compatible with multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices. The headsets use a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, which allows for seamless connectivity to a variety of devices. Additionally, the Arctis 7+ supports Bluetooth connectivity, which makes it easy to connect to mobile devices and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
It’s worth noting that the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ are designed to work seamlessly with the SteelSeries Engine software, which allows for customization and control of the headset’s settings. The software is available for both PC and mobile devices, making it easy to customize your headset experience across multiple platforms.
How comfortable are the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ headsets?
Both the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ are designed to be comfortable and wearable for extended periods. The headsets feature a sleek and lightweight design, with a retractable microphone and adjustable headband. The ear cushions are made of a soft and breathable material, which helps to keep your ears cool and comfortable during long gaming sessions.
The Arctis 7+ has a slightly updated design compared to the Arctis 7, with a more ergonomic headband and improved ear cushions. However, both headsets are designed to be comfortable and wearable, and many users have reported wearing them for hours without discomfort. Ultimately, the comfort of the headset will depend on your individual preferences and head shape.
Can I customize the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ headsets?
Yes, both the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ can be customized using the SteelSeries Engine software. The software allows you to adjust a variety of settings, including the headset’s EQ, microphone settings, and lighting effects. You can also customize the headset’s buttons and controls to suit your preferences.
In addition to software customization, the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+ also offer some physical customization options. The headsets come with interchangeable ear cushions and headbands, which can be swapped out to suit your preferences. Additionally, the headsets are available in a variety of colors and designs, allowing you to personalize your headset to match your gaming setup.
What is the warranty and support like for the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+?
SteelSeries offers a 1-year warranty for both the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7+, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, SteelSeries offers a variety of support options, including online support resources, email support, and phone support.
SteelSeries also offers a variety of resources and guides to help you get the most out of your headset, including user manuals, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides. The company also has an active community of users and developers, which can be a great resource for getting help and learning more about your headset.