INTRODUCTION

   If you happen to use headphones for listening music while at home, the office or even on the go and you also prefer (or have to) to play your favourite console and/or PC games using a headset then the ideal scenario would be to use the same one for all of these activities. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that there simply aren't that many affordable headsets out there that combine high audio quality (for music), virtual surround sound (for gaming) and superior comfort with both wired and bluetooth wireless connectivity. SteelSeries addressed that issue one year ago with their award winning Arctis 3 Bluetooth headset (released again this year but with a slightly thinner box and a different colored headband) and since we did review the "regular" Arctis 3 model back in 2017 (review here) we decided to get it to our lab and see if it's just as good when it comes to bluetooth wireless sound.

   SteelSeries is a leader in gaming peripherals focused on quality, innovation and functionality, and the fastest growing major PC gaming headset brand in the US. Founded in 2001, SteelSeries improves performance through first-to-market innovations and technologies that enable gamers to play harder, train longer, and rise to the challenge. SteelSeries is a pioneer supporter of competitive gaming tournaments and eSports and connects gamers to each other, fostering a sense of community and purpose. SteelSeries’ team of professional and gaming enthusiasts help design and craft every single accessory and are the driving force behind the company.

   It's no surprise that the Arctis 3 Bluetooth model (the 2019 version is currently available just in black color) is almost identical to the "original" Arctis 3 headset so once again inside the earcups we find two 40mm neodymium drivers (S1 driver model just like the ones used in the Arctis 7) that feature a frequency response of 20Hz-22KHz with 98dB sensitivity and 32Ohm impedance and retractable noise-cancelling bidirectional microphone (ClearCast - Discord certified) that features a frequency response of 100HZ-10KHz, -38dB sensitivity (slight improvement here since the microphone of the original Arctis 3 featured -48dB, always according to the specs listed back then) and 2200Ohm impedance. The Arctis 3 Bluetooth also packs features like multichannel audio (however unlike early Arctis 3 models the 2019 line does not support the Engine software), bluetooth v4.1 connectivity (A2DP/HFP/HSP profiles supported - 10 meters wireless range / on the box it says 6 meters however), lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack (up to 28 hours of playback time / on the box it states 24), swappable suspension fabric headband and medium sized ear cushions dressed with patented airweave breathable fabric.