The first entry for 2023 is our SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review which focuses on this compact and affordable speaker. It is a 2.0 sound system that launched around the end of August 2022. The Arena 3 looks sleek and has a premium vibe, but is this compact and cheap model a good performer?
We will discuss its features, design, functions, specs, and how it works in this SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review. But of course, we will first check its packaging and what SteelSeries included in the box.
SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Packaging
Our speakers arrived earlier than we expected, which excited us again. Since it was shipped immediately, we started writing this SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review to share our experience.
There was nothing special on the box exterior. You will see the usual image of the product, its name, and the company branding in front.
Inside, everything was secure and packed adequately to prevent any damage while in transit. So rest assured your speakers will arrive intact if you purchase the product online.
Aside from the Arena 3, SteelSeries included a power cable, power adapter, and a 3.5mm audio cable.
SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review – Design and Functionality
After unboxing the product for this SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review, we saw the two egg-shaped speakers. The product uses a power adapter sporting separate sockets and a 3.5mm jack for connecting to your audio source.
Design-wise, SteelSeries kept its elements simple and nothing spectacular – like how it often designs products. Based on its appearance, we will rely on inner aspects instead of visuals and aesthetics again. However, we think that the egg-shaped form of these speakers looks kind of cute.
Plus, these are not as small as you assume them to be.
Each speaker measures 21 x 14 x 11cm (H x W x D): the left speaker weighs 1040g while the right is 1094g. The product has a matte black plastic body, so expect fingerprints along the way.
It has 4-inch drivers that are exposed and sports the company logo on its lower edge. The right speaker is the primary unit of the Arena 3, which houses the on/off button and volume controls along the base.
Behind the right speaker are three 3.5mm AUX ports for the PC, AUX, and headset. It also includes an extra jack for connecting to the left speaker. And rounding off this selection is a power port.
Aside from being susceptible to fingerprints, there is no issue in their design and craftsmanship.
You can minimally tilt back the speakers to enhance your listening angle, which is a notable element for cheaper speakers. However, it does not sport RGB lights and other gimmicks.
We do not need these elements, and the absence makes the speakers inconspicuous items in your home/office.
Key Features of the SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers
Let us continue this SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review and check the features these speakers offer. Are these adequate for your needs? Let us find out.
Excellent Sounds and Range
The Arena 3 offers a full range and immersive audio, allowing you to enjoy an outstanding in-game experience.
Notable 4-inch Drivers
With a massive speaker driver for gaming, the product uses an organic fibre cone to produce full-range crystal-clear highs. It also provides powerful bass and vibrant mids to hear every explosion, bullet, and footstep with complete immersion.
Use Multiple Methods to Connect
Get the most immersive sounds from your games thanks to the standard 3.5mm cables. Connect via PC, tablet, phone, TV, or other audio devices.
Every Control in Your Hands
Conveniently control and manage all vital settings using a volume dial. Also, take advantage of a multifunctional, convenient button to mute and manage LED toggling & Bluetooth pairing.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Take advantage of Bluetooth connectivity for a convenient and cable-free experience with your phone/other devices.
The Perfect Mic for Arena
The best partner for audio communication while using the Arena 3 is the Arena Wireless Mic. It utilises the AI noise cancelling algorithm and echo cancellation from Sonar Software to provide seamless team chats.
All audio that enters is unfiltered because of its open-ear design featuring three flexible and soft ear hook sizes.
Audio Customisation
Optimise your speakers with Spatial Audio, allowing you to adjust most aspects of your audio via the 10-band Parametric EQ. Manage everything via the SteelSeries Sonar Software on your computer.
Front-firing Bass Port
Experience ultimate audio as its acoustically-shaped front-firing bass port decreases distortion from the rear walls. Plus, it boosts low-frequency performance to enjoy the full breadth of sounds.
Adjustable Stand Just for You
Create the ideal soundscape by tilting the Arena 3 vertically for the best listening position.
Specifications
In our SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review, we also made a list of the product specifications. These details will help you know if the speakers are compatible with your setup.
Measurements-wise, the Arena 3 is 210 x 140 x 110mm per speaker, and together, these weigh 2134g. It has a frequency range of 50 to 20,000Hz, a sensitivity of 91dB, plus a 100dB sound pressure level.
Also, it uses Bluetooth 4.2 and a 3.5mm jack for its connection.
Hands-on with the SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers
Now, our SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review will discuss the performance of these speakers. We used it for more than a week to give you a more thorough hands-on review of the product.
But before we share these details, let us discuss the Sonar Software from SteelSeries.
The SteelSeries Sonar Software
The software comes with plenty of benefits and works magic on the speakers, thanks to its detailed settings. If you are unfamiliar, the Sonar Software is a free audio program that allows you to make real-time adjustments. It optimises audio being played/recorded.
So if you dislike something about the sounds you hear on your speakers, the program is your best go-to. You can also utilise the software to optimise or cut frequencies to enhance your FPS games. It is also ideal if you want your music/gaming audio to sound more immersive.
The same goes for your mic. You can use the software to change its sounds based on your preferences.
Pros and Cons of the Software
We love the software for being a free program and no more extra hardware to make it work. It works with any mic/headset, and its UI is good, making it one of the best programs we tried.
Although we love many things about it, we also dislike some aspects of the software. We mentioned earlier that it has a decent UI. However, some of its elements are small and quick to miss/get mixed up with others.
To use it, you will need to have a SteelSeries account. And you also need to be signed in to use the software.
Setting up The SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers
Setting up the Arena 3 speakers was quick and easy. We only had to connect the power plug, link the jack cable to our audio source, and connect the speakers. After that, we were all done, and it was ready to use.
To connect via Bluetooth, we only had to hold down the on/off button to pair. While pairing, the LED will change to blue from either green (on) or orange (off). After, the speakers appeared on our devices to show that it is ready to connect.
Performance of the SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers
The SteelSeries Arena 3 speakers have a set of pipes for a small pair of PC speakers. It can fill a medium-sized room when the volume goes up.
And that is without much distortion. Turn the volume up halfway, and it can also fill a small room. The sound quality is good, but the lack of a subwoofer left us wanting.
Because of the lack of a true low-end, the lower mids are prominent and boosted for compensation. It is not a very efficient solution, but in some cases, it works.
Rock songs were not as punchy, but due to the genre, we did not miss the bass as much. Generally, rock music is mid-focused, and some songs sounded fuller since Arena 3 has optimised lower mids.
The remainder of the mids is fair and balanced. However, the highs were rounded-off, so there was less detail or brightness. Also, the treble rolled off, so there was less presence.
Some games did not give us a nice rumble. Nevertheless, the environmental elements came through clearly, which was a surprise given that the high-end rounded off in music.
The soundstage was what we expected from bookshelf speakers – no True surround sound and just a stereo soundstage. However, we heard elements moving from left to right or away or towards us.
We switched on the Spatial Audio feature in Sonar, and the soundstage became wider. Plus, the addition of reverb almost sounded like there were more elements. It gives sound elements space, adding more dimension and weight.
SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review Summary
The Arena 3 from SteelSeries is a decent pair of PC stereo speakers. While it does not deliver perfect sound quality, these work excellently as regular PC speakers.
The absence of a subwoofer causes the speakers to lack immersion, but they deliver adequate clarity with minimal distortion. Also, the prominent frequencies made up for the lack of sub-bass and rumble. We enjoyed the audio quality of this product during our tests for our SteelSeries Arena 3 Speakers Review.
If you want regular PC speakers that deliver good sound quality, we highly recommend Arena 3.
To learn more from the Arena 3 Speakers, visit the official product page of SteelSeries.