SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
MSRP $350.00
Score Details
DT Editors' Choice
“ANC, top-shelf audio quality, and expansive software are just the start of what the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has to offer.”
Pros
- Top-tier audio quality
- Expansive Sonar software
- High-quality ANC
- Comfortable fit with multiple adjustment points
- Fully retractable microphone
- Dual USB inputs
Cons
- GameDAC doesn't fully integrate with Sonar
- Microphone is prone to pick up noise
- Spatial audio can have nasty interactions with EQ
SteelSeries makes the best gaming headset you can buy, so I was shocked when the company told me about a pair that would revolutionize even the top dog: the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset. The Arctis Pro Wireless didn’t need an update, but SteelSeries did one anyway. And I’m happy it did.
Contents
- Design
- Comfort
- Sound quality
- Software
- Our take
With a stunning redesign, excellent software support, superb connectivity options, and sound quality only worthy of a flagship SteelSeries headset, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless sets a new standard. SteelSeries set out to beat itself with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and it succeeded.
Design
Design is the biggest thing that separates the Nova Pro from the regular Arctis Pro. Corsair, Razer, and multiple other headset vendors have tried to make a headset that you can use in front of your monitor and while you’re around town. But the Arctis Nova Pro is the first pair to get that balance right.
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For starters, you can retract the microphone all the way back into the earcup, transforming them into a normal headset, not a gaming headset masquerading. SteelSeries doesn’t include RGB on the headset, either, instead going with a brushed aluminum finish on the earcups that looks fantastic. Replace the SteelSeries logo with a Bose or Sony logo, and you could convince me the Arctis Nova Pros came from one of those brands.
The Arctis Nova Pro is built like a premium headset, too. The plastic construction doesn’t even hint at flimsiness, and the entire shell is supported by a chunky aluminum headband. That makes the Arctis Nova Pro a bit heavier than other gaming headsets, but thankfully that doesn’t get in the way of comfort.
I have one minor issue with the design: the placement of the USB-C port. SteelSeries clearly intends for you to use the hot-swappable battery instead of charging with a wire, but that ignores when you’re using the headset apart from your PC. The USB-C is under a magnetic plate on the left earcup, forcing the cable to stick straight out for wired charging. This is definitely an Apple Magic Mouse-type charging situation.
In most cases, though, you’ll just be swapping the battery out. SteelSeries includes two, one of which charges in the GameDAC constantly. Battery life isn’t very long, much lower than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, but you’ll rarely have a dead headset with two batteries at your disposal.
The headset is only half of the package: you also get the redesigned GameDAC. I like the larger base, and getting around the GameDAC is just as easy with a large volume wheel and a single back button. The big change is that the GameDAC comes with twoUSB outputs now, allowing you to swap between a console and PC or two consoles with a single press.
Even better, the two inputs can still run to the 3.5mm output on the GameDAC. For the wireless version, that means I was able to switch between the headset and my AudioEngine A2+ speakers automatically, as well as bounce between my PS5 and PC without touching a single cable. I’m shocked we haven’t seen a design like this before because it’s damn useful.
Comfort
I could use the Arctis Nova Pro as an everyday headset, and a lot of that comes down to the comfort. The leatherette earcups are extremely soft and plump, and the clamping force isn’t nearly as strong as the Arctis Wireless Pro. SteelSeries really honed in on making its flagship headset as comfortable as possible, and it shows.
As usual, the suspended headband does a lot of the heavy lifting. SteelSeries took a different approach this time around with adjustable points for the headband. When combined with independent height adjustment for each of the earcups, the Arctis Nova Pros is the most flexible headset SteelSeries has to offer.
I’d take some time to adjust them, though. I eventually arrived on a comfortable fit, but the drivers press against the fabric inside the earcups, which irritated the top of my ears when I first started using the headset.
Sound quality
I’ve used half a dozen SteelSeries headsets, and they always sound incredible in games. The Arctis Nova Pro isn’t any different. From Destiny 2toElden RingtoLego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga,the headset was dynamic and lively across the frequency spectrum. Part of it is the GameDAC, but SteelSeries headsets are tuned perfectly themselves — everything sounds natural.
The virtual surround sound works well in games, but as I’ll get to in a moment, it feels more at home in movies. The big plus for gaming is the active noise cancellation and dual inputs. ANC works shockingly well. It’s not on the level of Sony or Bose, but it’s close.
For dual connections, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth is a treat. Like the previous Arctis Wireless Pro, you can have both connections active at the same time, which is particularly useful for a console if you want to access Discord or Spotify without an AirPod sticking out of one ear.
I was shocked at how well movies and music held up on the Arctis Nova Pro. SteelSeries clearly had them in mind when tuning the headset. For music, I listened through Smino’s blkswn, Spiritbox’s Eternal Blue, and Tigran Hamasyan’sThe Call Withinto cast as wide of a net as possible, and they all sounded fantastic.
The Arctis Nova Pro has a presence in the mids, which is hard to find in gaming headsets. Take the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless XT, which similarly target a gaming/lifestyle balance like this SteelSeries headset. The tone response has several cuts in the midrange to increase clarity in games, which makes the midrange warmth necessary for music to feel like it’s lost.
Not the Arctis Nova Pro. I wouldn’t have any issues taking them in place of my Sony WH-1000XM4s on a trip. Music is one part, but the Arctis Novas handle movies well, too. The surround sound and parametric EQ really get a chance to shine in movies. For the first time ever with a gaming headset, I’m comfortable saying the Arctis Nova Pros provide a theater-like experience with bombastic sub-bass, excellent positioning, and wide dynamic range.
My only quibble is the microphone. The quality is fine, but it’s prone to pick up noise. That’s especially apparent with a noise gate turned on, where the mic seems to pick up peripheral sound at random. Thankfully, the noise suppression in apps like Discord handles the noise a bit better.
Software
I’ve never been a huge fan of SteelSeries GG — read my SteelSeries Prime Wireless Mini review for more on that — but Sonar breaths new life into this application. It unlocks a new level of customization in the world of gaming headsets, mainly on the back of its 10-band parametric EQ.
EQ isn’t anything new, but parametric EQs are a new frontier. You can drag the bands to any frequency you want and adjust the Q (slope of the EQ curve) to hone in on the area you want to adjust. Sonar has several filters for each band (high pass, low shelf, etc.) for further sculpting options. You just don’t get this level of customization with most headsets, let alone gaming headsets.
The EQ presets are excellent, too. SteelSeries has several profiles for popular games that adjust the curve to target different elements — footsteps, gunshots, and the like. Sonar even has visual guides for popular games likeRainbow Six SiegeandFortnitethat show you the frequency areas where critical sound effects live (like the revive sound inCall of Duty: Warzone).
It’s a level of freedom most gaming headsets don’t come with, and consequently, most gamers are accustomed to. Sonar gives you near endless options to shape the sound, but that results in some nasty interactions with the surround sound. The good news is that you can save your own presets in Sonar so you can find something you like and stick with it.
Outside of the EQ, Sonar includes a mixer that gives you control over levels and routing. You can route game and chat audio to different devices, and you can adjust the balance between them or the volumes independently. Even better, you have access to the same options for chat audio as you do with your own microphone (useful for adding a noise gate to that friend who loves making too much background noise).
I wish that SteelSeries took Sonar into account with the GameDAC, though. As it stands now, you can’t access the mixer you see in Sonar. You can adjust the EQ and volume levels, but the original GameDAC allowed you to adjust the balance on the home screen, and I would’ve liked to see that level of integration with the hardware here.
Our take
Although it has a few minor issues, it’s hard to ignore the immense package the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is. ANC, top-notch sound quality, and all-day comfort are just the start of what the headset has to offer, easily making it the best gaming headset you can buy in 2022.
Are there any alternatives?
Yes. SteelSeries’ own Arctis Pro Wireless is still available, though it’s a strict downgrade from the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. The Astro A50 is another premium headset in this range, and it’s $50 cheaper. However, it lacks ANC and it’s not built for everyday use like the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is.
How long will it last?
I’ve owned several SteelSeries headsets over the last few years, and I’ve yet to replace one. You should get many years of use out of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. SteelSeries typically sells replacement parts and upgrade kits for its flagship headsets, too, so the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless shouldn’t be any different.
Should you buy it?
Yes. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a new standard for gaming headsets, and it’s the go-to option in the premium gaming headset space.
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FAQs
Is Arctis Pro Wireless still good? ›
Although it is on the pricey side, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is jam-packed with many unique features, and comes with our highest recommendation. This headset delivers excellent sound quality, noise cancelling, and comfort, while also delivering a hot-swappable battery with excellent battery life.
Is the Arctis Nova Pro worth it PS5? ›The best headset for PS5 in the upper mid-range is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. These headphones have a wired design but, unlike the Audeze Maxwell Wireless, come with a GameDAC Gen 2 that provides a low-latency connection with PlayStation consoles.
Does Arctis Nova Pro have noise Cancelling? ›SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset - Premium Hi-Fi Drivers - Active Noise Cancellation - Infinity Power - ClearCast Mic (Renewed)
How long does the Arctis Nova Pro last? ›Battery life
Each battery lasts up to 22 hours on a single charge. Additionally, you have the option to either charge while you're gaming from a USB-C port hidden underneath one of the ear cup plates, or simply swap out the battery located under the other plate. It's a really easy system -- with a couple caveats.
The SteelSeries are good gaming headphones. Most of their headphones have balanced audio reproduction and solid microphones, making them suitable for gaming with others. Generally well-built, SteelSeries only makes over-ear headphones, and many of their designs have unique ski-band headbands for comfort.
How do I make my Arctis Nova Pro louder? ›- Press the main knob to enter the main menu.
- Scroll down to Options and select.
- Scroll down to Vol Limiter and select.
- Switch the Vol Limiter setting from Yes (default) to No.
On that note, there's two versions of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, one for Xbox and one for PlayStation.
When did Arctis Nova Pro come out? ›The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless For Xbox are premium wireless gaming headphones released in 2022.
Is Nova better than Arctis? ›Conclusion. The Arctis Nova is better than the Arctis Pro series in every way. The metal casing and leather ear cups ensure a comfortable experience. The battery life has been doubled and the addition of 33D audio on the PlayStation 5 ensure an even more spatial sound on this console.
Does the Arctis Nova Pro have 7.1 surround sound? ›Simulated 7.1 surround sound is also offered - something SteelSeries call '360° Spatial Audio' - and the headset is also compatible with various 3D audio solutions offered on PS5, Xbox and Windows.
How do I make my Arctis Pro sound better? ›
- Press and hold the main knob on the GameDAC to enter the menu.
- Select Audio.
- Navigate to 'Gain' -If you don't see the gain option on your GameDAC upgrade to the latest firmware by installing SteelSeries Engine.
- Switch the Gain setting from Low (default) to High.
It features 40mm high-fidelity drivers and 360-degree spatial audio, which means it supports Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, and the PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D Audio.
Can Arctis Nova Pro be wired? ›The Arctis Pro are wireless headphones that you can use wired. They support Bluetooth, which means you can use them more casually.
Does the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless have hi res audio? ›The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium gaming headset packing Hi-Res audio as well as 360 Degree Spatial Audio, Active Noise Cancellation and a ton of personalization options.
Should I get Arctis Pro? ›Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Pro? The Arctis Pro has a wide range of color presets for the LEDs on the headphones and mic. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a very good gaming headset. It's extremely comfortable and it sounds great.
What bit rate is Arctis Nova Pro? ›Where the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro shines though is on PC. With a simple USB connection, you can turn on 24-bit, 96KHz sample rate on PC and experience high-fidelity sound when gaming or listening to music. This opens up the audio range and lets you hear more sound than you normally would.
How long does it take to charge the battery in the Arctis Nova Pro? ›According to SteelSeries, each of the headset's two batteries can last up to 36 hours just connected over the 2.4GHz transmitter, or 18 to 22 hours using both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. The batteries can also provide three hours of use with just a 15-minute charge.
What is better SteelSeries and logitech? ›The Logitech is a traditional wired gaming headset, with a sturdy, durable design, zero-latency wired connection, and great boom mic. The SteelSeries are more feature-packed wireless gaming headphones, with a wireless transmitter that gives you access to an onboard EQ, channel mixing, and battery charging.
Is SteelSeries Chinese brand? ›SteelSeries (styled as steelseries) is a Danish manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, controllers, and mousepads.
What is SteelSeries best product? ›- Best Sellers.
- Aerox 3 Custom.
- Aerox 5 Wireless.
- Rival 3 Wireless.
- Aerox 5.
- Aerox 3 Wireless 2022 Edition.
- Rival 600.
Why is my SteelSeries Arctis Pro so quiet? ›
When users have an issue with the Arctis ClearCast mic it's most often due to poor positioning. The microphone is highly directional, so it must be placed properly to achieve the best sound quality and maximize the noise cancellation.
What frequency is Arctis Nova Pro Wireless? ›The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is equipped with a pair of 40-millimeter dynamic drivers with a specified frequency response of 10–22,000 Hz in wireless mode and 10–40,000 Hz in wired mode.
Does Arctis Nova Pro have transparency mode? ›The Transparency setting is right next to the ANC mode. The unique thing about the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is that you can set different levels of transparency.
What is the difference between Nova 1 and 3? ›The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are the next step up from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. While both headphones are wired and have the same build quality and comfort, the Nova 3 have customizable RGB lighting on the ear cups, which some users may prefer.
What is the difference between SteelSeries Nova 1 and Nova 1P? ›The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P and Arctis Nova 1X headsets are slight variants on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 that feature a slightly different color scheme and which don't include a TRRS Y-splitter in the box. According to SteelSeries, the headsets are otherwise identical.
Does Arctis Nova Pro have RGB? ›It has a nice DAC built into it, with full passive analog and active digital connection support, RGB lighting, and an even lighter and more pleasant fit.
Does Arctis Nova Pro work on all consoles? ›The Base Station features two USB-C ports, which can connect to your Mac, PC, PlayStation 4/5, Switch (TV mode), or Xbox (only on the dedicated Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Xbox model).
Is Nova good for gaming? ›Performance and Battery Life
Huawei Nova 2 Plus uses Kirin 659 Octa-core Processor (sounds like a big step-down from P10 series' and Honor 8 Pro's Kirin 960) but so far the performance (especially on gaming) is great.
- If the button is flat against the headset, the microphone is "engaged", so you are unmuted:
- If the button is raised, the microphone is "disengaged", so you are muted:
- Red LED = muted.
- No LED = unmuted (or the headset is turned off!)
The top wired and wireless gaming headsets to buy in May 2023. When it comes to maximizing audio, our choice for the best gaming headset is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
Does Dolby Atmos have 7.1 surround sound? ›
Dolby Atmos takes Dolby's traditional 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound setups a step further by adding a third, overhead dimension. You're no longer constrained to a stereo system or standard six- or seven-channel arrangement.
Is the SteelSeries Arctis Pro the best headset? ›Prism RGB Illumination
“SteelSeries may demand a high price for the new Arctis Pro headsets, but they're worth every penny.” “The Arctis Pro is one of the best gaming headsets on the market.” “No matter if you go for the wired or wireless options, you'll have a fantastic audio experience.”
What Headset Does Ninja Use? Like professional gamer Nickmercs, Ninja uses the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Headphones wherever he is streaming or competing in a live event. While not specifically invented with gaming in mind, these premium headphones can take your skills to the next level.
How can I make my headset sound clearer? ›- Go to a Quiet Room. ...
- Use the Right Earpads or Eartips. ...
- Adjust Your EQ Settings. ...
- Switch to Tidal for Music Streaming. ...
- Use an External DAC. ...
- Switch Your Bluetooth Codec. ...
- Clean the Headphone Jack. ...
- Turn on ANC on Wireless Headphones.
The one surefire way to confirm Dolby Atmos is working is to check the information panel on the front of your AV receiver or your soundbar (if it has one, or perhaps an on-screen display). It should display the kind of audio signal it's currently working with.
Is Dolby Atmos worth it? ›When asking yourself “Is Dolby Atmos worth it?” you need to think about what you want to use your home theater for. If you want to make your theater as similar to a professional theater as possible and you have the time and means to set the system up, then Dolby is worth it.
What competes with Dolby Atmos? ›Dolby Laboratories's competitors and similar companies include IMAX, Ballantyne Strong, DTS, Analog Devices, Xperi and Cirrus Logic. Dolby Laboratories is a company specializing in audio noise reduction and audio encoding/compression.
Can you connect Arctis Pro to TV? ›With this device, you will connect HDMI from your PS4 Slim to the audio extractor, then connect an HDMI from the extractor to your TV for video. Next, connect an optical cable from the extractor to the Arctis Pro Wireless base station.
Do pro gamers use wired headsets? ›Almost universally, professional gamers prefer wired headsets to wireless alternatives. Although wireless connectivity with headsets has become far more stable in recent years, a room full of competitors using the same devices and identical wireless USB adapters only encourages signal interference.
How can I make my Arctis Pro Wireless sound better? ›- Press the main knob to enter the main menu.
- Scroll down to Options and select.
- Scroll down to Vol Limiter and select.
- Switch the Vol Limiter setting from Yes (default) to No.
Is Arctis Pro good for gaming? ›
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better for wireless gaming than the Razer Barracuda X Wireless 2021. The SteelSeries are more stable, and they have a better mic performance.
How long does the Logitech Pro Wireless last? ›The G Pro Wireless is a rechargeable mouse with 60 hours of battery life with RGB off.
How long do Arctis headsets last? ›The SteelSeries Arctis 7P can last up to 27 hours on a single charge, which is great compared to any other gaming headset… except the Arctis 7+ Wireless.
How do I turn on surround sound on Arctis Nova Pro wireless? ›- Open Sonar within the SteelSeries GG app.
- Click on the Gaming tab at the top.
- Scroll to the bottom and switch on the Virtual Surround toggle, found on the lower right.
While you can use Dolby Atmos for Headphones, DTS Headphone:X, DTS:X Ultra, and Windows Sonic with the Nova Pro, you can't use them with the Sonar features turned on.
What is the bit rate of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless? ›The base station is capable of high-res audio up to 48kHz/24-bit and the serious parametric equalizer in SteelSeries' new Sonar software (which lives within the company's GG utility software) is excellent.
Can Arctis Nova Pro Wireless be wired? ›Yes. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired listening.
Does Arctis Nova Pro Wireless have surround sound? ›On the virtual surround sound front, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro offers a Spatial Audio section with a ton of ways to tune the experience to your liking. First of all, you can pick between the headphone and speaker mode, with each offering a slightly different tonality of the surround sound effect.
What is the lightest mouse in the world? ›Razer has created its lightest gaming mouse ever in the “Viper Mini Signature Edition,” which weighs a mere 49 grams (0.108 pounds).
Should you turn off Logitech wireless mouse when not in use? ›Cordless Mice
When you shut down your computer (and even when you put it in sleep mode), your mouse continues to run and drain its batteries. The cost of batteries may be negligible for your office equipment budget, but the batteries in the mouse will last longer if you turn it off every time you're not using it.
Can you use G Pro wireless while charging? ›
You can use the Logitech G Pro X Wireless while it's charging, but you'll still need to have the wireless USB dongle plugged. According to Logitech, the G Pro X Wireless' battery should last longer than 20 hours on a single charge, and our experience was largely consistent with that.