As an avid gamer and self-proclaimed audio nutjob with over a decade of experience testing various headsets and speakers, I was supremely excited when SteelSeries launched their hot new Arctis 7X and 9X wireless headsets aimed at next-gen Xbox gamers.
With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support on the latest consoles, spatial audio is the way games are meant to be experienced nowadays. But between these two slick headsets priced $50 apart – which model delivers the best bang for your buck? Let‘s dive in to see what sets them apart.
Overview – Arctis 7X vs 9X for Xbox Gaming
As Xbox ecosystem headsets meant primarily for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles (alongside Windows 10 compatibility), both models deliver:
- Lossless low latency 2.4Ghz wireless audio
- Integrated headset controls for game/chat balancing
- Retractable Discord-certified bidirectional microphones
- DTS Headphone:X spatial surround sound
- Over 20 hour battery life
But with a $50 premium for the Arctis 9X – are the additional features worth upselling over the standard Arctis 7X? Let‘s examine the differences across various performance areas.
Technical Specification Comparison
| Specs | Arctis 7X | Arctis 9X |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2020 | 2019 |
| Price | $149 | $199 |
| Drivers | 40mm Neodymium | 40mm Neodymium |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20Khz | 20Hz – 22Khz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours | 20 hours |
| Weight | 360 grams | 371 grams |
| Headphone Connectivity | USB-C Wireless Transmitter | Xbox Wireless + Bluetooth |
| Wireless Range | 12m / 40ft | 12m / 40ft |
| Microphone Pickup | Bi-directional | Bi-directional |
| Mic Frequency Response | 100Hz – 10KHz | 100Hz – 10KHz |
| Surround Sound Tech | DTS:X | DTS Headphone:X v2 |
Both headsets share a ton of similarities when it comes to the core audio experience with low distortion neodymium drivers, spatial surround capabilities and a retractable microphone adequate for squad chatter or discord discussions. However, the Arctis 9X pulls ahead in certain areas like extended frequency response delivering highs/lows that most adults lose the ability to perceive anyway!
Where the key difference lies is the wireless connectivity.
Wireless Connectivity and Platform Support
The Arctis 9X uses the new Xbox Wireless standard allowing direct connections to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles without any dongle. Simply pair it like you would an Xbox controller for super low latency that feels as snappy as wired headsets.
Bluetooth support further allows simultaneous connections to mobiles or tablets so you can answer calls without interrupting gameplay. No need to mess with futzing cables around to share connections across devices. I cannot overstate how seamless and convenient the Arctis 9X feels with Xbox console integration.
Meanwhile, the Arctis 7X relies on a proprietary 2.4Ghz transmitter dongle for wireless functionality similar to the Arctis Pro headsets. Now this works perfectly fine giving you a stable 20ms input lag that keeps you competitive in FPS scenarios with no audio dropouts or sync issues.
What you do lose out is the native integration with Xbox consoles. So no wireless usage and you‘ll need to use the included aux cable for wired functionality which feels primitive for a cutting edge next-gen headset.
The trump card for the Arctis 7X is device flexibility going beyond the Xbox ecosystem. The USB transmitter allows low latency wireless connections with PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android mobiles and Windows/Mac desktops that the platform restricted Arctis 9X cannot match. For multiplatform gamers, the 7X certainly pulls ahead in value.
Sound Quality and Microphone Performance
Frankly both headset deliver stellar sound that place them easily among the top-tier gaming audio experiences firing on all cylinders whether it‘s immersive singleplayer adventures or spatial awareness demanding competitive multiplayer.
The neodymium drivers on both headsets have been perfectly tuned by audio engineers at SteelSeries for gorgeous amplification balancing thumping bass, sparkling treble and clear mids allowing subtle audio details like enemy footsteps and weapon reloads to shine through. Whether you‘re replaying classics like Halo or trying out next-gen showcases like Microsoft Flight Simulator – either model provides breathtaking sounds capably rivaling dedicated audiophile headphones.
Where the Arctis 9X again pulls ahead is the upgraded DTS Headphone:X v2 powering true 7.1 channel surround sound and leveraging head tracking algorithms for incredibly realistic directional audio that pulls you right into the game environment. Spin around in a AAA shooter like Call of Duty and you can clearly hear enemy combatants sneaking up from behind as bullets whizz overhead with perfect left/right spatialization. Frankly it‘s surreal!
The microphones also deliver great noise-cancelled clarity ensuring squadmates hear you perfect amidst all the gunfire and explosions without any annoying background fuzz. Pop filters minimize popping sounds and sidetone lets you hear your own voice so you never end up yelling unintentionally. Can‘t complain here.
Design and Customization
Looks are always subjective but I‘m a huge fan of the clean stark Scandinavian styling both models adopt whether it‘s the matte black finish on the 7X or the storm grey gunmetal tones of the Arctis 9X. Neither screams "gamer gear" allowing you to proudly wear them outdoors without any funky neon lights that irk wives or girlfriends.
The ski-goggle headband suspends the headset perfectly and evenly distributes just enough clamping pressure to feel secure without a vice-like headache grip. Plush earcups lined with breathable athletics fabrics stay comfortable for literally 10 hour non-stop gaming binges without any sweaty ear saunas forming. You can tweak the tension and tilt alignment to perfection.
On the 9X itself you have way more control over audio monitoring and mixing thanks to the OLED display and control dial allowing on-ear adjustment of game, chat and headset volumes. The retractable mic even houses a handy mute LED so you know if squadmates can hear your unintended 3am rant murmurs or not. No need to tap buttons repeatedly just to tweak settings.
Though with the SteelSeries Engine desktop app, both headsets give you system-level access for custom equalization, RGB lighting control, battery monitoring and firmware updates. But desktop software access still feels more cumbersome than having crucial controls on the device itself.
So if you want on-headset controls avoid constant tabbing out of games, the Arctis 9X does provide additional functionality worth considering over primarily software-based customization on the 7X.
The Final Verdict
For hardcore Xbox gaming focusing just on Microsoft‘s platforms, the Arctis 9X is money well spent. Its tighter integration delivers the most seamless wireless experience from auto on/off with the Xbox to simultaneous phone audio mixing and the most immersive sound imaging steering audio accurately as you turn your head.
But for gamers like myself who jump between platforms – Arctis 7X provides tremendous flexibility and convenience translating the core Arctis goodness into a platform agnostic package for nearly $50 less. You trade away some fancy codecs and native console integration for multi-device support carrying one headset between your Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo and mobiles retaining fidelity and comfort throughout. Battery life is also industry leading allowing marathon sessions exceeding a full day‘s uptime.
So there you have it friends – two phenomenal wireless headsets delivering acoustic brilliance for next generation gaming needs. Let your specific priorities around gaming diversity, sound immersion and budget decide whether the flagship Arctis 9X justifies premium spends or the versatile Arctis 7X captures your heart as the practical gamer‘s choice allowing flexibility without too many compromises. Any way you choose, your ears remain a clear winner!
Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy gaming!
