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SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) — Gaming · 2021 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)

Gaming · 2021 · Black

85
/ 100
From $169
VS
Bose QC45 wins by 3
Bose QC45 — Over-ear · 2021
Bose

Bose QC45

Over-ear · 2021

88
/ 100
From $329
Specdex verdict

Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) lands at 85 and Bose QC45 at 88. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility

Pick Bose QC45 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Bose QC45

Tuning, detail, and staging

Bose QC45 leads on sound (88 vs 85).

Noise cancelling

Bose QC45

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QC45 leads on anc (86 vs 70).

Comfort

Bose QC45

Long-session wearability

Bose QC45 leads on comfort (87 vs 83).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) more score per dollar ($169 vs $329).

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) 85
vs
88 Bose QC45

Score breakdown

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)
85
anc 70
sound 85
comfort 83
battery 86
features 85
Bose QC45
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) versus Bose QC45 — full spec comparison
Spec SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) Bose QC45
Type
Gaming headset
Over-ear
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2021
2021

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

Bose QC45

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) vs Bose QC45

Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) worth the price? +

At $169, SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.

Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +

At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) or Bose QC45 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 — leads on sound (88 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) or Bose QC45? +

Bose QC45 — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.