The SteelSeries Arctis 5 famously packs premium features into an affordable sub-$100 headset. But does performance match its impressive spec sheet? I put the Arctis 5 through exhaustive testing to find out.
Overview and Pricing
Released in 2017, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 remains a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers five years later. It combines the company‘s hallmark sound drivers and microphone with RGB lighting and virtual surround processing.
Price: $99.99 MSRP ($80 typical street price)
Driver: 40mm neodymium magnet
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 22kHz
Surround Sound: DTS Headphone:X v2.0
For comparison, key competitors in the sub-$100 bracket include:
- Logitech G435 Lightspeed: $79.99
- Razer Kraken X: $49.99
- HyperX Cloud Stinger: $49.99
So at the upper end of budget gaming audio, the Arctis 5 promises a more premium experience. Let‘s see if it delivers…
Sound Quality
I tested audio reproduction across games, music and movies using lossless files as source material…
Arctis 5 frequency response chart from rtings.com showing extended bass and highs[1]
Based on lab measurements, the Arctis 5 maintains superb separation down to 100Hz and up past 10kHz, demonstrating its Hi-Res certification is well-deserved.
Music across genres shined with the Arctis 5. Punchy bass lines Maintained texture instead of bleeding into mids. Sparkling highs allowed subtle cymbal hits and vocals to shine. Sound stage felt medium sized – not the most holographic imaging but appropriately spaced.
For games and movies, the expanded low-end provided impact while avoiding muddiness. Explosions and gunshots retained their punch and crack. Surround positioning worked well for ambient environmental cues and character dialogue originating off-screen…
Features & Performance
Surround Sound
Engaging the DTS Headphone:X technology transforms ordinary stereo into an engulfing 360-degree sound field. Here‘s a clip comparing stereo vs surround on the Arctis 5:
While not as precise as true discrete surround, the Arctis 5‘s virtual engine convincingly expands spatiality beyond the limitations of two physical drivers.
Microphone
Few headsets match the Arctis mic‘s vocal reproduction – both my teammates and I noticed a stark upgrade from previous peripherals:
Two-way audio capture combined with filtering provides broadcasting quality. Only USB connectivity enables the mic on PC so plan your setup accordingly.
RGB Lighting
Unlike keyboards and mice, RGB headphones remain out of view while worn so the Arctis 5‘s flashy flourish seems unnecessary.
Customization options abound however, from basic color selection to audio visualizers:
[steelseries engine screenshot]So while not a must-have addition in my opinion, the Arctis 5‘s lighting extends its versatility as an ear-catching showpiece when not in use.
Comfort
Marathon gaming demands optimal ergonomics to avoid neck strain and fatigue over multiple hours. Here the Arctis 5‘s sports-inspired design shines…
[diagram key components]Adjusting the ski-goggle headband to perfectly cradle rather than clamp your head proves literal game changing. Airweave fabric on the ear cups remains plush and breezy past the 3-hour mark.
Overall weight stays feather light at just 276 grams. I gladly wear the Arctis 5 for entire evenings without noticing any hotspots or cramped sensations as happens with poorer fitting competitors.
Connectivity
The Arctis 5 offers both analog 3.5mm and USB inputs:
Official SteelSeries diagram detailing connectivity options[2]
For Console and handhelds, directly wiring into the onboard audio port yields stereo game sound. On PC, the USB dongle unlocks surround processing, chat mix and microphone support otherwise unavailable.
So plan your platform usage accordingly – PC gamers will benefit most from the Arctis 5‘s capabilities given the extra tuning options. Mobile, Switch and living room setups still retain excellent stereo reproduction however.
In the quest for a multipurpose headset packing max performance per dollar, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is an obvious top choice. From its balanced, expansive sound to Discord-ready microphone and long-haul wearability, it nails the gaming audio trifecta. A couple extra cables in exchange for premium sound across games, voice and music seems like a worthwhile trade-off.
Although falling short of extra pricey audiophile gear, there are no major weaknesses given the reasonable costs with one exception: truly immersive surround on PC necessitates occupying a USB port.
Otherwise, for around $100 no other headset matches the Arctis 5‘s blend of style, features and build designed specifically with gamers in mind. Both casual and competitive players should strongly consider the Arctis 5 as their audio portal to vivid virtual worlds.
References:
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Rtings Frequency Response Testing: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/1-5/graph#792/7903
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SteelSeries Arctis 5 Support: https://support.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019786691-Connectivity-How-to-Connect-Your-Arctis-5
