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.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The Arctis 3 Bluetooth 2019 model arrived inside a white and orange box that has a large product picture at the front right over the main product features and beneath the company logo.

Both the included cables and the product specifications are printed on the left side.

Several awards by media all over the world are printed on the opposite side.

At the rear of the box we see yet another product picture right over the main product features explained in depth and in 3 languages.

The headset is safely placed inside a formed piece of plastic (and covered with several plastic films for increased protection).

Along with the Arctis 3 Bluetooth headset you're also getting a 4 pole to 3.5mm cable (1.2 meters long), dual 3.5mm cable (3 meters long), USB charging cable and a satisfaction card.

THE ARCTIS 3 BLUETOOTH 2019

Just like the "original" Arctis 3 the Arctis 3 Bluetooth is a medium sized headset that weighs roughly 320g.

Thanks to the suspension headband even though the Arctis 3 Bluetooth may not be as small as some of its competition it's actually very comfortable.

SteelSeries has placed their name on the lower exterior end of both earcups.

The retractable bidirectional noise-cancelling microphone is located on the lower front of the left earcup.

As with previous models this microphone is not one of the best we've used in a headset (always in terms of audio quality) but it's also very flexible.

Next to the microphone we find the USB charging port, 3.5mm "sharing" port (you can share what you're listening to with another headset) and the 4 pole cable port (gold plated).

The volume control roller is placed at the rear of the left earcup just next to the microphone mute button.

At the rear of the right earcup we find the bluetooth on/off button (it's also the activity LED).

Both earcups can rotate 90 degrees thus making it easier for you to store the headset.

The medium sized earpads are once again very comfortable largely thanks to their good amount of padding and the patented airweave fabric covers.

From the factory the Arctis 3 Bluetooth (2019 version) feature an all-black headband but you can get more colors and designs directly from SteelSeries.

ENGINE 3 SOFTWARE

Past Arctis 3 versions required you to download the Engine 3 software directly from SteelSeries, register the headset and get a code allowing you to use the software (mainly to enable surround sound and use the equalizer function) even via 3.5mm connectivity.

Still due to several audio related issues SteelSeries discontinued support for the Arctis 3 headsets from their Engine 3 software and instead makes use of the built-in spatial sound feature in Windows 10 (multichannel/surround audio).

This feature does work as SteelSeries describes but as mentioned above the Engine 3 software allowed end users to adjust many features/settings of the Arctis 3 headset, not just multichannel/surround audio (check here for more on that).

CONCLUSION

   The original Arctis 3 combined very clear and accurate mids and highs (for a gaming headset) with a good amount of bass (always for 40mm drivers) so it actually turned out to be a very balanced model. However, the Arctis 3 Bluetooth is not targeted solely towards gamers but rather consumers in general so it really needs to tick more boxes than the original version. For example, battery life is very good and although we weren’t able to hit 24 or 28 hours (battery life always varies based on the volume used during test) we did surpass 20 (almost 21 to be more specific) so no problems here. Comfort is also set high largely thanks to the suspension headband and of course the medium sized earpads covered with the airweave fabric. The retractable ClearCast microphone works as advertised (still remains one of the best we’ve ever used) and as for range well we got just what you’d expect from a Bluetooth v4.1 headset so even from 5 meters away and a concrete wall in between we had no problems listening to music (still some sync/lag issues may occur if you use it for PC gaming – unfortunately we didn’t test it with any kind of console to double check on that).

   The 2019 version of the Arctis 3 Bluetooth Gaming Headset currently retails for 97.99Euros inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 107Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which is not quite as balanced as we were expecting. Long story short if you’re looking for a brand-new gaming headset which you can use both with your console or PC (both wired and wirelessly) and to listen to music then the Arctis 3 Bluetooth 2019 Gaming Headset could be the ideal choice which is why they get our Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Design
- Very Comfortable
- Good Audio Quality
- Bass Levels
- Wired & Wireless Connectivity
- Battery Life (Up To 28 Hours)
- Retractable ClearCast Microphone
- Rotating Earcups

CONS

- Positioning Audio Accuracy
- Discontinued Engine 3 Software Compatibility
- Only Available In Black