SteelSeries

SteelSeries 61436 Arctis 3 All-Platform Gaming Headset Boreal Blue

4.2 (266 reviews)

An award-winning all-platform gaming headset with ClearCast mic and AirWeave cushions for comfortable, immersive play sessions.

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Overview

The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is designed as a versatile gaming headset that works seamlessly across every major gaming platform, from PC and PlayStation 4 to Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, VR headsets, and mobile devices. Its broad compatibility stems from a simple 3.5mm analog connection that requires no drivers, adapters, or software to get started. Under the hood, the proprietary S1 speaker drivers are engineered to produce a detailed, balanced audio profile with ultra-low distortion, delivering clear separation between game audio elements like footsteps, dialogue, and environmental effects without overemphasizing bass at the expense of clarity.

Comfort is a central design pillar of the Arctis 3. The ski goggle-inspired suspension headband floats above the head to distribute weight evenly and eliminate the clamping pressure common in traditional headset designs. The AirWeave ear cushions use a breathable performance fabric inspired by athletic apparel, keeping ears cool during long sessions rather than trapping heat like leather or pleather alternatives. Communication is handled by the ClearCast bidirectional microphone, which captures voice with studio-quality clarity while cancelling background noise — a feature that has earned it consistent praise in professional reviews. The retractable mic tucks cleanly into the ear cup when not needed, giving the headset a clean, understated look that has contributed to its Red Dot Product Design Award recognition.

Key Features

Designed for everywhere you game, with remarkable sound, comfort and style on all gaming platforms

Exclusive ClearCast mic delivers studio-quality voice clarity and background noise cancellation

S1 speaker drivers are engineered to produce a detailed, balanced soundscape with ultra-low distortion, for your games, music, movies and more

Arctis headsets feature athletics-inspired performance fabric AirWeave ear cushions and a ski goggle suspension headband for lasting comfort

Arctis headsets won the Red Dot Product Design award, Tom’s Guide “Best Overall Gaming Headset,” PC Magazine Editors’ Choice and Nerd Reactor says it's “the best headset I have ever used for gaming”

Specifications

Brand
SteelSeries
Model
Arctis 3 (61436)
Color
Boreal Blue
Connection Type
Wired (3.5mm analog)
Speaker Drivers
S1 (proprietary, ultra-low distortion)
Microphone
ClearCast bidirectional, retractable, noise-cancelling
Ear Cushions
AirWeave performance fabric
Headband
Ski goggle suspension design
Platform Compatibility
PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, VR, Android, iOS
ASIN
B075X4QPHW

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • S1 speaker drivers deliver a detailed, balanced soundscape with ultra-low distortion across games, music, and media.
  • ClearCast microphone provides clear voice communication with effective background noise cancellation.
  • AirWeave performance fabric ear cushions stay cool and comfortable during extended gaming sessions.
  • Ski goggle suspension headband distributes weight evenly to minimize pressure and fatigue.
  • Single 3.5mm connection provides plug-and-play compatibility across PC, consoles, and mobile devices.

👎 Cons

  • Wired-only design means cable management and limited range from your device.
  • 3.5mm analog connection does not support virtual surround sound features available on USB headsets.
  • No in-line volume control or chat mix adjustment on the cable for some platform configurations.
  • Ear cushions are not user-replaceable through a standard retail channel from SteelSeries.
  • Lacks active noise cancellation on the ear cups, so external sounds can bleed in during use.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Arctis 3 works with PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, VR headsets, and mobile devices running Android or iOS.
The ClearCast mic uses bidirectional noise cancellation to isolate your voice and actively reduce ambient sounds, delivering studio-quality voice clarity to teammates.
Yes, the ski goggle-style suspension headband is elasticated and adjusts to fit a wide range of head sizes while distributing weight evenly to reduce pressure points.
The Arctis 3 is a wired headset, connecting via a standard 3.5mm analog cable, which is what enables its broad multi-platform compatibility.
The ClearCast microphone is retractable, allowing you to tuck it away into the ear cup when not in use.