SteelSeries Arctis 3 vs SteelSeries Arctis 5

SteelSeries Arctis 3 review
vs
SteelSeries Arctis 5 review

Let's try to analyze the difference between SteelSeries Arctis 3 vs Arctis 5. The first thing that needs to be mentioned is that they are closed-back and have an over-ear wearing style. Both devices can be used as wired but the model Arctis 3 can be used as wireless as well.

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Features

The considered headphones have the same level of impedance which is 32 Ohm. Their sensitivity rate is also the same — 98 dB. Speaking of frequency response, the range is 20 Hz - 22 kHz in the case with SteelSeries Arctis 3 and 20 Hz - 20 kHz in the case with the other device.

Arctis 5 offers a significant feature call ChatMix. With regard to SteelSeries Arctis 3, its battery lasts up to 28 hours after 4 hours charge.

Sound

The detailing of sound, smooth sub-bass, and clean upper midrange that are delivered by SteelSeries Arctis 5 are incredible. You will have a balanced, natural sound complemented by the powerful bass.

Arctis 3 offers a gorgeous stereo sound while listening to music. The range across the entire spectrum is clear.

Comfort and design

These devices can be used as a headset as they are equipped with a microphone. Arctis 3 and 5 look nearly the same. Both have ample padding on the ear cups and does not cause fatigue after prolonged gameplay. In addition, the headphones can be easily adjusted to fit large heads as well.

The devices come with a 300 long replaceable audio cable. The model Arctis 3 is heavier as its weight is 425 g, while the weight of SteelSeries Arctis 5 is 355 g. The headphones are equipped with a detachable microphone. When it comes to disadvantages, they do not fold.

SteelSeries Arctis 3 pros and cons

SteelSeries Arctis 3 pros and cons

Pros

  • Forms an incredible game audio environment
  • Many accessories available to customize your headset
  • Easy to pair with phone or PC
  • The ski goggle-style strap rests on top of your head, taking the weight of the headset in the softest way possible

Cons

  • Causes little discomfort after long usage
  • Bi-directional microphone can pick up background noise without specialist software

SteelSeries Arctis 5 pros and cons

SteelSeries Arctis 5 pros and cons

Pros

  • You can turn on the RGB light on the headset in the USB mode
  • The ear cups feel plush and breathable
  • Since it has a USB connector, you can easily finetune the audio settings, enjoy 7.1 surround sound and ChatMix for a wholesome experience

Cons

  • Bulky and plasticky build
  • Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users

Votes 10 10
Rating 4.1 4.1

Headphones comparison chart

Overall
SteelSeries Arctis 3
6
SteelSeries Arctis 5
7
7
7
8
8
SteelSeries Arctis 3

SteelSeries Arctis 3 review

May 25, 2020

SteelSeries Arctis 3 is a great model of gaming headphones with closed back cups, comfortable over e...

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SteelSeries Arctis 5

SteelSeries Arctis 5 review

May 14, 2020

Let me introduce you to my SteelSeries Arctis 5 review where I share some interesting thoughts about...

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Common

Product

SteelSeries Arctis 3
SteelSeries Arctis 5

Model

Arctis 3
Arctis 5

Brand

SteelSeries
SteelSeries

Reviews

20300
18510

General

Wearing style

over ear
over ear

Enclosure

closed back
closed back

Wireless

Wired

Specifications

Transducer

dynamic
dynamic

Driver size, mm/inches

40/1.5
40/1.5

Impedance, Ohm

32
32

Frequency response, Hz

20Hz-22KHz
20Hz-20KHz

Total harmonic distortion (THD), %

3
3

Sensitivity (SPL), dB

98
98

Magnet type

neodymium
neodymium

Weight (headphones), g/oz

425/15
355/12.5

Comfort

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling

Adjustable noise cancelling level

Microphone

Built-in microphone

In-line microphone

Detachable microphone

Cables

Detachable cable

Audio cable length, cm/ft

300/9.8
300/9.8

Jack connection (TRS)

3.5
3.5

Balanced connection

Control

Built-in control buttons

In-line control

Touch control

Voice control

App control

Control functions

volume, microphone volume, microphone on/off
volume, microphone volume, microphone on/off, ChatMix Dial

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth

has not
has not

Bluetooth version

has not
has not

aptX

has not
has not

aptX HD (Hi-Res Audio)

has not
has not

Bluetooth profiles

has not
has not

NFC

Wi-Fi

Battery

Battery type

has not
has not

Battery life, hrs

has not
has not

Charging time, hrs

has not
has not

Charging port

has not
has not

Charging cable

has not
has not

Speed charge

has not
has not

Battery free listening mode

has not
has not

Battery level indicator

has not
has not

Additional features

Water resistance

Light indication

Additional audio features

DTS Headphone:X

In the box

Audio cable

Carry case

Charging cable

has not
has not

1/4 Adapter (6,35 mm)

Interchangeable ear pads

User manual

Manual

SteelSeries Arctis 3
SteelSeries Arctis 5
SteelSeries Arctis 3
SteelSeries Arctis 5

Headphones HeadphonesArena comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 6
  • 7
  • 6SteelSeries Arctis 3
  • 7SteelSeries Arctis 5

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is better headphones in this comparison. Check SteelSeries Arctis 5 price