Recommended Free Tools
The SteelSeries Flux was a clever, lightweight wired headset for travel and casual gaming, with detachable cables, a discreet inline mic and an unusual second headphone port. It is now discontinued, though, and its sound and gaming features are modest by current standards. Consider one only if it is complete, tested and inexpensive—and you specifically want its portable design.
Which SteelSeries Flux is this?
This review covers the full-size, over-ear SteelSeries Flux Gaming Headset, not the separate Flux In-Ear or Flux In-Ear Pro. The full-size white model is listed by B&H as model 61279; the in-ear products have different model numbers. B&H’s model 61279 listing identifies it as a wired gaming headset.
SteelSeries introduced the Flux in the early 2010s as a portable, versatile headset for laptop gamers, LAN parties and people who wanted one set of headphones for games, music and calls. In its December 2012 review, TechRadar regarded it as especially appealing for travel rather than as a premium stationary gaming headset. TechRadar’s original review
Design and build: flexible and travel-friendly
The Flux’s springy construction was intended to withstand being packed in a bag. Its earcups lie flat for storage, and the rubberized cables were designed to resist tangling. It does not fold into a compact bundle like some newer travel headsets; instead, it flexes and sits flatter. The cable detaches, the ear cushions can be removed, and magnetic faceplates can be swapped.
#1 Best Overall
- Lightweight steel and aluminum alloy construction offers maximum durability and a consistent fit
- Premium soft ear cups allow you to hear less background noise so you can focus comfortably
- Advanced bi-directional mic design for superior noise cancellation and crystal-clear voice comms
- Universally compatible with all gaming platforms and detachable cable at both ends for easy transport and damage protection
Those features made the headset adaptable and convenient, but they do not make a decade-old used unit indestructible. Cable wear, cracked plastic, compressed or deteriorated pads, and careless storage matter more than the original design’s reputation when assessing a second-hand pair.
Comfort and fit
Light clamping force and padded earcups were among the Flux’s strongest points. TechRadar reported that it remained comfortable through extended gaming and movie sessions and that its flexible fit accommodated different head sizes. The trade-off is a relatively loose fit: it could shift during exercise, chores or repeated head movement. It suits seated play and ordinary travel better than running or sports. TechRadar’s features and audio review
Connectivity: two ports, two useful tricks
There is an audio port on each earcup. You can choose the side that keeps the cable away from your mouse hand, or connect the supplied cable to whichever side better suits your setup. More unusually, a second listener can plug headphones or earbuds into the unused earcup port and hear the same source. It works like a built-in splitter, but both listeners remain tethered to the same device.
Rank #2
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- NEODYMIUM MAGNETIC DRIVERS — These drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass for your space journey
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
The Flux is an analog 3.5 mm headset, not a USB or wireless model. SteelSeries described it as compatible with PC, Mac and mobile devices, but actual use with a current device depends on its jack and any adapter it requires. A PC with separate headphone and microphone sockets may need a headset splitter; a device without an analog audio jack may need a compatible adapter. SteelSeries’ historical Flux article
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Cables, controls and desktop reach
The standard package was reported to include two cable types: one with an inline microphone mute switch, and one with pause/play controls intended for phones such as the iPhone 5 and Android devices. The microphone sits on the cable rather than on a boom. Package and cable variations make it unwise to assume that every used Flux has the same controls. Contemporary coverage confirms microphone, mute and mobile playback controls, but claims about inline volume control conflict; check the exact cable rather than relying on a listing description.
Cable reach is a more practical limitation for desktop use. TechRadar found the standard cable too short for convenient connection to a tower beneath or beside a desk. The Luxury package included an extension cable, which is the most useful extra for a stationary PC. If buying used for desktop play, confirm that the extension is actually included.
Rank #3
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
- Dual microphone system with detachable boom microphone and built-in mic
- Ergonomic design with 3 sizes of best-in class silicone ear tips
- Lightweight around-the-ear suspension for hours of comfort
- Dynamic composite sound drivers provide superior gaming audio while on the go
Sound quality: capable, not exceptional
The full-size model uses 40 mm drivers. B&H lists an 18–28,000 Hz frequency response and 29-ohm impedance for model 61279; these are catalog specifications, not evidence by themselves of sound quality. Contemporary listening impressions were more restrained: the Flux could get loud enough for games and everyday entertainment, offered adequate detail and positional cues for ordinary play, and worked reasonably well for casual music. The cloth ear cushions also provided some sound isolation.
Bass was not especially forceful, the overall range was limited compared with more expensive headsets, and distortion could appear at very high volume. TechRadar reported being able to localize footsteps in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, but found the Flux less capable in larger, chaotic games than pricier surround-oriented headsets. It is a straightforward analog stereo headset: the available sources do not establish virtual surround, USB audio processing, EQ software or modern spatial-audio features. TechRadar’s sound and feature impressions
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMicrophone, calls and everyday listening
The inline omnidirectional microphone was considered clear enough for teammates and phone calls, and its cable placement kept the headset visually unobtrusive compared with a gaming headset carrying a prominent boom. Its weakness is consistency: because it hangs from the cable, it can drift below the chin and pick up breathing. A fixed or retractable boom is easier to position reliably for voice chat.
Rank #4
- Designed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, and compatible with all gaming platforms including PS4, PS5, and Switch via the universal 3.5mm connector.Specific uses for product : Gaming
- Featuring the same signature soundscape, emphasizing subtle, yet critical sounds to give you an audio advantage
- Detachable ClearCast noise canceling microphone provides natural sounding clarity and is Discord certified
- Adjustable steel-reinforced headband for a perfect fit and lasting durability
- Perfect for on-the-go with a sleek, low-profile design, detachable microphone, and fold-flat earcups
For music and calls, the Flux’s appeal was versatility rather than high-fidelity listening. It could cover several everyday roles in a compact wired package, but it was not aimed at audiophile use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Basic Flux vs. Flux Luxury
The Luxury version was a package of accessories, not a different headset. TechRadar’s December 2012 review gave historical launch prices of $99 / £79.99 for the basic package and $129.99 / £104.99 for Luxury. Those are period prices, not current valuations. The extras included an extension cable, additional faceplates and a travel bag, along with cosmetic or cable components.
| Package | Historical price (December 2012) | Notable contents |
|---|---|---|
| Flux basic | $99 / £79.99 | Full-size headset and standard accessories; check a used listing for the exact cables supplied. |
| Flux Luxury | $129.99 / £104.99 | Extension cable, extra faceplates, travel bag and additional cosmetic or cable components. |
TechRadar questioned whether the Luxury package’s extras justified the premium at launch; for a desktop user, the extension cable is the clearest practical benefit. TechRadar’s package and accessory coverage
Best Value
- Almighty Audio — Custom-designed Nova Acoustic System features best-in class audio for gaming with High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize your ideal sound experience with a first-in gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
- 360 degree Spatial Audio - Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound
- Adjustable for Perfect Fit — The ComfortMAX System includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups with AirWeave memory cushion and a stretchy band. The lightweight form of the headset keeps you comfortable no matter how long you play.
- Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling Mic — The ClearCast Gen 2 mic silences background noise by up to 25dB on any platform to give you crystal clear comms. Fully retract the mic into the earcup for a sleeker look.
- Multi-Platform Support - Easily connect to any gaming console with a 3.5mm jack, such as PlayStation, PC, Xbox, or Switch. Works great with mobile devices as well.
Is the SteelSeries Flux worth buying in 2026?
The Flux is discontinued. SteelSeries says it is no longer available through SteelSeries.com and identifies the Arctis range as the newer successor family; B&H lists the full-size Flux as “No Longer Available.” Neither source establishes a current Flux price. Do not use its 2012 launch prices as a guide to what a used unit is worth. SteelSeries’ historical Flux article · B&H listing
A used Flux makes the most sense when its unusual portability, cable flexibility or two-listener port solves a specific need and the price reflects the age and condition. Before buying, ask the seller to verify:
- Both included cable types are present, and the microphone, mute switch and playback controls work.
- The 3.5 mm plugs are undamaged and both earcup ports pass audio.
- The pads are clean and usable, the magnetic faceplates are present if expected, and the headband and hinges have no cracks.
- An extension cable is included if you need desktop reach.
- The listing is for the full-size headset, not Flux In-Ear or Flux In-Ear Pro.
SteelSeries describes interchangeable parts as part of the original design, but does not promise that Flux replacement parts remain available. Do not assume you can easily replace worn pads or a damaged cable. SteelSeries’ historical Flux article
Who should choose it—and who should skip it?
- Consider it if you want a lightweight wired headset for laptop gaming or travel, value detachable cables and removable pads, or want the rare option of sharing audio through the second earcup port.
- Skip it if you need wireless audio, a fixed boom mic, surround processing, strong competitive-FPS imaging, a long desktop cable, easy replacement parts or warranty support.
- Compare with a current headset if a used Flux costs close to a new model. A current headset may offer warranty coverage and better microphone support; SteelSeries points buyers toward its Arctis family, but the appropriate model depends on your needs.
Verdict
The Flux was a thoughtful travel headset for its time: comfortable for long seated sessions, adaptable in how it connects, and more versatile than its modest sound suggests. Its loose fit, short standard cable, inline microphone placement and ordinary stereo performance limit it as a modern gaming choice. In 2026, buy one only if it is complete, tested and inexpensive—and its particular travel-friendly design is what you want.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
