Checking all the boxes.

I have been on a never-ending quest to find the perfect headset for the Xbox One. It seems every one I check out has one or two features that keep it from being that perfect offering. This is the first time I have dipped into the Steel Series line of headsets and right out of the gate they may have created the closest to perfection I have yet to see. It checks almost every single box I look for, and comes in at a reasonable price for the list of features.

One of the biggest issues when searching for an Xbox One headset is finding one that is truly wireless. With Microsoft opting for proprietary wireless technology over something like Bluetooth, it is nearly impossible to find a headset that is truly wireless. Having a headset that does not require a dongle or wires is sort of a unicorn for the console. Steel Series has teamed up with Microsoft for the Arctis9X and delivered a truly wireless high-end solution.

MSRP: $199.99
Price I’d Pay: $199.99

Connecting the headset to the Xbox One is a little tricky to set up, but once it is done, it works just like a controller. Powering it on powers up the console and it assigns to a user just like a controller. There is a 3.5mm jack on the headset as well to use it traditionally and it even offers up Bluetooth connectivity so I could also synch my phone to it to listen to music while also playing and chatting. It is a nice feature that I rarely used, but nice nonetheless.

In the box is a simple collection. Just the headset, a wire for charging/updating via PC and the instruction booklets. Much like its functionality, the packaging and contents keep it simple. The design of the headset is great. The earcups are padded and feel great even after hours of gaming. I love the ski-style band on the top. This means a perfect fit for any size noggin. I tested this for long and short sessions and the comfort never wavered. This is one great-feeling headset.

Pairing it to a PC via the USB cable allows for customizing just about everything. Downloading Steel Series software I was able to adjust mic monitoring, mic volume, and save up to four presets for sound. Again like everything else it is fairly simple and I could even test the setup while connected to the PC. Sound quality is fantastic on Xbox One. If I had one gripe it would be that the bass feels a little underwhelming. Outside of that these are one of the best sounding headsets I have used. Titles like Battlefield 1 and Overwatch really showcase the dynamic range.

Everything to control is located on the headset and has good placement and feel. Holding the power button for a few seconds switches between each of the four preset sound setups. The main volume is on the right earcup along with the power and Bluetooth connectivity. On the left is the game/chat slider that let me easily adjust game volume with my chat. It took me one session to memorize where everything was and I was adjusting on-the-fly within one session of Overwatch. Everything is just in the right place for easy access.

Chat sounds great and I love that the mic is always connected, but when not in use it slides into a pocket on the left side of the headset. I could also mute the mic with a quick press of the button located on the right side. Again this is an entirely different style button which makes it easy to locate while wearing the headset. This type of functionality goes a long way for someone like me. Mic monitoring is a little low even cranked up in the settings, but it gets the job done. It can also be disabled for those that don’t like hearing themselves talk.

The Arctis9X is about as perfect as I have tested for an Xbox One headset. The bonus Bluetooth multi-connectivity is awesome and it just feels great to use and wear. This has become my de facto headset for Xbox One simply due to its combination of quality and ease of use. If you are like me and have been searching for the best of the best when it comes to Xbox One headsets this is easily my top recommendation. The price is steep, but worth it in the long haul.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.