If you read a lot about headphones, you won’t be surprised to know that SteelSeries Arctis 7+ and SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ are excellent gaming headsets.
[adinserter block=”1″]I believe that was primarily due to the excellent SteelSeries Arctis 7 and SteelSeries Arctis 7P gaming headsets. SteelSeries has opted for a slight upgrade that improves battery life and adds USB-C connectivity rather than a radical overhaul.
It is worth considering how Arctis 7+/7P+ is both a welcome and highly conservative update simultaneously. Despite the headset’s impressive sound quality, music remains a stumbling block even after five years. Although there are many new options, there are still not many gaming presets in the software. The headset still works with various systems, but the dongle remains unsuitable for console play.
[adinserter block=”1″]If you want a SteelSeries Arctis 7 headset but don’t want to play on Xbox, the Arctis 7+/7P is your best option. Alternatively, you could wait for a more substantial upgrade to arrive. Read on for a full review of the SteelSeries Arctis 7+/7P+.
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Main Differences Between SteelSeries Arctis 7+ and 7P+
We must outline the differences between SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ and SteelSeries Arctis 7+ before we thoroughly review them. Both models don’t have so many differences.
[adinserter block=”1″]Despite the 7+’s optimization for PCs and the 7P+’s optimization for PlayStation consoles, there are only two minor differences between the devices.
The Arctis 7P+ is explicitly designed for the PS5, and it is a variant of the Arctis 7+. Both headsets are wireless; you can connect them with a USB-C dongle. But you can use them with a 3.5 mm cable that comes with these headsets. The battery life of both of these models is 30 hours.
The only fundamental difference between these headsets is the presence of a chat/game mix wheel on the right ear cup of Arctis 7+. The Arctis 7P+ has a mic sidetone volume wheel instead of a chat/game mix wheel.
[adinserter block=”1″]Arctis 7+ has a black chassis, while 7P+ has a white chassis. So, both devices are almost identical in terms of functionality and design. Both headsets are compatible with the SteelSeries Engine software on the PC and support 7.1 virtual surround sound as Tempest 3D audio on PlayStation 5.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ vs 7P+ Comparison Chart
| Model | SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ | SteelSeries Arctis 7+ |
| Weight | 0.78 lbs | 0.79 lbs |
| Length | 8.3″ (21.0 cm) | 8.3″ (21.0 cm) |
| Width | 8.0″ (20.2 cm) | 8.0″ (20.2 cm) |
| Height | 2.0″ (5.0 cm) | 2.0″ (5.0 cm) |
| Volume Control | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Control | Mute/Unmute | Mute/Unmute |
| Feedback | Great | Great |
| Ease Of Use | Good | Good |
| OS Compatibility | Not OS specific | Not OS specific |
| Channel Mixing | No | Yes |
| Noise Canceling Control | No | No |
| Additional Controls | No | No |
| Transmitter Required | No | No |
| Head Modeling | No | No |
| Head Tracking | No | No |
| Room Ambience | No | No |
| Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Modeling | On/Off | On/Off |
| Color | Black and White | Black and White |
| Microphone Style | Boom | Boom |
| Battery Type | Rechargable | Rechargable |
| Charge Time | 3.3 hrs | 3.6 hrs |
| Continuous Battery Life | 59.2 hrs | 60.7 hrs |
| Power-Saving Feature | Auto-Off Timer | Auto-Off Timer |
| Audio While Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Passive Playback | Yes | Yes |
| App Name | Steelseries GG | Steelseries GG |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | yes | Yes |
| Equalizer | Graphic + Presets | Parametric + Presets |
| Mic Control | Adjustable Level | Adjustable Level |
| Bluetooth Version | No Bluetooth | No Bluetooth |
| Multi-Device Pairing | No | No |
| PS4 Analog | Audio + Microphone | Audio + Microphone |
| PS5 Analog | Audio + Microphone | Audio + Microphone |
| Xbox One Analog | Audio + Microphone | Audio + Microphone |
| Base/Dock | Wireless USB Dongle | Wireless USB Dongle |
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ and 7P+ Descriptive Comparison
Design
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ look is almost identical to the SteelSeries Arctis 7P wireless. The company has made this model to match the aesthetics of the PlayStation 5, so it comes with white ear cups and blue accents.
[adinserter block=”1″]This headphone has a retractable boom mic and ski-band headband like other SteelSeries headphones. Black and white color variants are available in these headsets.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
The look and design of the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ are nearly identical to SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ wireless headphones. It also has a retractable boom mic and ski-band headband, and you can choose between black and white colors.
[adinserter block=”1″]Comfort
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ fits comfortably on your head. They come with a heavy build, so they have a ski-band headband to help distribute their weight. Their padding gives a soft feel, and earcups have an excellent range of motion. Because of its limited adjustment range, the elastic headband can’t expand much to fit the larger heads, so this headband doesn’t appeal to some people.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ are comfortable to wear. Like other SteelSeries headphones, their ski-band headband design distributes their weight evenly across your head. In addition, the padding feels soft, and the ear cups are easily adjustable. The headband, however, has a limited adjustment range and cannot be expanded to fit larger heads due to its bulky design.
[adinserter block=”1″]Controls
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
A decent set of controls is provided with the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+. They have a power button and a sidetone wheel on the right ear cup. The left ear cup has a volume wheel and a mute microphone button. If you want to use the headphones more casually, you can control playback with the power button, depending on how many times you press it.
[adinserter block=”1″]As a result, you may find it difficult to distinguish between the sidetone dial and the volume dial while wearing them, and both wheels are without a middle notch. Consider the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless if you are looking for a pair of gaming headphones with a dedicated mixing wheel.
Using the power button:
- Audio is played and paused with a single press. Also, answer and end calls.
- It skips to the next track on two presses.
- Press the power button three times to return to the previous track.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
Good controls come with the SteelSeries Arctis 7+. Instead of a power button and sidetone wheel on the right ear cup of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless, this one features a channel mixing wheel and power button. There are volume controls and a mute mic button on the left ear cup. Additionally, you can use the headphones more casually since the power button controls audio playback based on how often you press it.
[adinserter block=”1″]Unfortunately, there is no distinguishing feature between the channel mixing and volume wheels. The volume wheel lacks a middle notch as well. Each wheel has a minimum and maximum stop, however. A light turns red when the mic is muted; there’s also feedback when you mute or unmute it.
Using the power button:
- Audio is played and paused with a single press. Ends and answers call.
- It skips to the next track on two presses.
- You can go to the previous track by pressing the button three times.
Build Quality and Stability
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
This SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ has excellent build quality. Their primary material is dense plastic, padded with fabric, and has an elastic band. Even an accidental drop or two should not damage them much. However, a weak point of their build is their hinges and yokes.
[adinserter block=”1″]The stability of these headphones is good. Even though these devices aren’t designed to be worn while playing sports, they won’t move around on your head during low-intensity head movements, so they’ll stay put when playing games on your couch or on your PC. With more rigorous movements, they may fall off your head.
Due to their wireless design, there is less chance of anything snagging your headphones and causing them to fall off your head.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ are built well. Most of them are plastic, padded with fabric, and have an elastic headband. There is also a retractable boom mic. They shouldn’t be damaged too badly if they have a couple of accidental drops.
[adinserter block=”1″]Arctis 7 Plus from SteelSeries offers decent stability. They can fall off your head when you move your head quickly and intensely. It should not fall off your head if you’re seated at a desk or couch. Their wireless design makes them less likely to be snagged and pulled from the head.
Related Post: SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs HyperX Cloud II and Cloud Alpha
Sound
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
Dialogue and lead instruments are both bright and sparkly. Nonetheless, depending on how they fit, seal, and are positioned on your head, the sound profile can vary, so you should take the time to get a proper fit for your headphones. SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ have a boomy sound profile when you select the ‘Flat’ EQ preset, which is the flattest EQ preset.
The good news is they can also be used with companion software that offers robust sound customization features, including a graphic EQ and presets.
Poor frequency response consistency is a problem with these headphones. Sound can be delivered differently based on its fit, seal, and positioning. A bass drop is particularly noticeable if your hair is thick or you wear glasses since these can rupture the seal.
In terms of bass accuracy, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ does well.
There is an overemphasis on response across the range, resulting in an added boom, rumble, and thump. But some users might find that they sound muddy.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
The SteelSeries Arctis 7+ produces a boomy sound when using the ‘Default’ EQ preset, which has the flattest response. It has bright and sparkling dialogues and lead instruments. That can make sound effects like footsteps more apparent when you’re gaming.
For those who prefer a different sound, their companion software offers graphics and parametric EQ with presets so you can customize the sound the way you like it.
Unfortunately, these headphones have inconsistent frequency responses. As a result of their design, they are prone to inconsistency in their bass and treble delivery. It is essential to find a good fit to prevent this from occurring.
Headphones’ audio performance can be affected by how they fit, seal, and are positioned on your head. Bass may be impacted significantly if you wear glasses or have thick hair, as these factors can damage the earcups’ seal. Its bass accuracy is alright. There is an overemphasis on response across the range, resulting in an added boom, rumble, and thump. But some users might find that they sound muddy.
Noise Isolation
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ perform poorly in terms of noise isolation. They do not effectively block out the low rumble from buses and planes, a common complaint with gaming headphones. However, they can also block out high-pitched hums from air conditioners. Furthermore, midrange noise, like office chatter, is challenging to isolate.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
The SteelSeries Arctis 7+ has poor noise isolation performance. SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless gaming headphones don’t block commuter noise as low engines rumble from buses and planes. The noise of ambient chatter is also challenging to eliminate, although they isolate you much better from the hum of an air conditioner.
Microphone
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
The recording quality is good on the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+. You sound natural, clear, and full-bodied, so your teammates should be able to hear you without any difficulty. Noise handling is decent with the retractable boom mic. The mic can distinguish your voice from ambient noise when you’re in a moderately noisy environment.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
The recording quality of the SteelSeries Arctis 7+’s boom mic is excellent. This makes your voice sound clear, resonant, and natural.
The boom mic performs decently when it comes to handling noise. It can distinguish between your voice and moderate background noise. You shouldn’t have trouble being heard clearly if you’re playing near an open window with traffic outside.
[amazon box=”B09KMHMYPF,B09KMGHPCY” template=”table”]Battery
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
Battery performance is excellent on the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+. According to the manufacturers, they will last 30 hours continuously, which is longer than the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless. The battery life may vary depending on how you use the device, so your real-world experience may differ. If you run out of battery or want to use them while charging, you can use these headphones passively.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
The battery life on the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ is excellent. According to SteelSeries, they can last 30 continuous hours, like the Arctis 7P+ Wireless. However, battery life will vary based on usage. The included audio cable lets you use them passively or while they’re charging. An auto-off timer on the headphones helps conserve battery life when not in use.
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App Support
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
PS5 is the only console that supports surround sound. GG software from SteelSeries is good. With its graphic EQ and presets, you can adjust the sound to your liking. You can also set the timer for auto-off and adjust the microphone’s level.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
SteelSeries GG software is exceptional. The headphones’ sound can be customized with this app using graphic EQ and presets. The beta software Sonar offers even more advanced features such as a parametric EQ and presets. Sonar is available within SteelSeries GG as a tab.
CONNECTIVITY
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
Non-Bluetooth wireless connectivity is excellent with these headphones. They have low latency using the USB dongle, so they are ideal for gaming. Three cables are included with the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+: a USB-A extension cable for the dongle, a mini B 8-pin to analog cable, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
A great non-Bluetooth wireless connection is also available with the SteelSeries Arctis 7+. Low latency is a benefit of their USB dongle, which makes them a worthwhile gaming choice. An extension cable for the dongle, a USB-A cable for the dongle, and a USB-A to USB-C cable are included with these headphones.
Compatibility
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
A mini B 8-pin to analog cable makes the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ completely compatible with PCs. As this port is meant to serve as a daisy chain, you will only receive audio if you try another analog cable. They can also be wirelessly connected to your PC using their USB-C dongle, which is fully compatible.
With the mini B 8-pin to analog cable, you can use these headphones with PS4 and PS5 consoles. The only thing you can do if you connect another analog cable to their AUX port is to receive audio, not use their mic.
Using their USB-C dongle, these headphones can also be connected wirelessly to your PlayStation console with full compatibility.
To connect to Xbox consoles, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ requires the mini B 8-pin to analog cable. This connection supports full audio and mic. However, you will only be able to receive audio and not use a microphone if you use another analog cable with their AUX port.
A USB-C dongle is included with these headphones to make them compatible with Android, PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
Using the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Plus mini B 8-Pin analog cable, you can use the Arctis 7 Plus with PCs. You can also use the USB-C dongle to wirelessly connect these headphones with full compatibility to your PC. Using a 1/8″ audio cable with the AUX port will only get audio as this port acts as a daisy chain.
With the mini B 8-pin analog cable connected to the controller, these headphones are fully compatible with PlayStation consoles. If you connect the included mini B 8-pin to analog cable into your controller, you can use the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ only with Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles. Both audio and microphone functions are compatible, however.
A USB-C dongle is included with these headphones that work with Android, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, it lacks input.
[amazon box=”B09KMHMYPF,B09KMGHPCY” template=”table”]What’s in the Box?
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
- SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ headphones
- USB-C dongle
- USB Mini B 8-pin to analog cable
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- USB-C charging cable
- User Guide
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
- SteelSeries Arctis 7+ headset
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- USB-C charging cable
- USB-C dongle
- USB Mini B 8-pin to analog cable
- User Guide
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Verdict
Compared with the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless, the Arctis 7+ Wireless offers more customization options. In addition to SteelSeries GG software compatibility, the Arctis 7+ also supports Sonar, a beta product from this manufacturer. Besides EQ and presets, it offers a selection of chat and mic control levels. Instead of a sidetone wheel, the Arctis 7+ has a channel mixing wheel to control in-game audio and chat volume. With the Arctis 7P+, non-Bluetooth wireless latency is a bit lower.
