The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless represents the company’s biggest risk in years. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 was one of the best wireless gaming headphones we’ve ever tested, and since then, SteelSeries has made only minor tweaks to the winning formula. On the other hand, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is something completely new: a new chassis, a new headband, a new button layout, a new digital audio converter (DAC), and new software functions.
Fortunately, the risk paid off. Like its predecessors, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless looks great, feels comfortable, and offers plenty of additional features that are fun to play with. From Bluetooth connectivity to active noise cancellation, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has very few features that the Arctis 7 doesn’t, and they run the gamut from “moderately useful” to “indispensable.”
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is certainly not for everyone. It’s a high-end headphone for the somewhat serious audiophile, and that’s reflected in its price—a staggering $350—and its sophisticated DAC. Moving the headset between systems isn’t a seamless experience, and ANC isn’t nearly as effective as advertised.
Overall, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a promising redesign of a beloved headphone. Read on for the full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Specifications
Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One*, Xbox Series X/S*, and mobile (* Xbox version only)
Drivers: 40 mm
Frequency response: 10 Hz – 22 kHz
Wireless: yes
Weight: 11.9 oz
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Configurations
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro comes in a few different configurations, so it’s worth discussing them briefly here.
First, if you’re not married to a wireless design, there’s the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for $250. This version comes with a DAC, just like the wireless model, but you will have to run a cable from the headphone to the DAC at all times. Audio enthusiasts may prefer this model, as it is Hi-Res Audio certified; Wireless version no. There is also a SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Xbox) version, which is compatible with Microsoft’s audio protocols.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes in three different versions, each costing $350. The Standard Edition is the one we reviewed here. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (PlayStation) version is essentially the same product, but with a more PlayStation-focused color style. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Xbox) version has a special input that allows it to work wirelessly with Xbox wireless protocols. Functionally, all three products are the same.
If you plan to use the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless in an entertainment center and have an Xbox console, I recommend the Xbox version; You can use the other inputs of another console, such as the PS5 or Switch. If you don’t have an Xbox and don’t plan to get one, the Standard Edition or PlayStation Edition is fine.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Design
If you’re familiar with previous Arctis models, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a bit of a departure — but only a bit. Like the Arctis 7, the Arctis Nova Pro has a metal/plastic chassis with leather earcups and an elastic headband.
There’s a lot to like about the design of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, as it never feels too cluttered. The left ear piece houses a power button, mic mute button, volume dial, retractable microphone, 3.5mm audio jack, and USB-C charging port, tastefully hidden under the SteelSeries logo. The right ear piece has a Bluetooth button and a slot for the battery pack – more on that later.
However, unless you’re running in Bluetooth mode, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless requires another piece of equipment to function: the DAC. The DAC is a 4.5-inch black box with a rounded side, a dial, two buttons, and a battery charging compartment. On the back there are two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm Line In audio jack, and a 3.5mm Line Out audio jack. We’ll discuss more DAC functions later, but aesthetically, they look right at home either in an entertainment center or on a desk.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Comfortable
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless provides a slightly different look to the “ski goggles” headband that has defined nearly every other Arctis peripheral. The headband is one of my favorite parts of the Arctis lineup, as it ensures a perfect fit every time, without any modification on the part of the user.
That’s why I have slightly mixed feelings about the two little discs on the headband. The first is that instead of tightening the headband with Velcro, you can move it up and down using a system of eyelets and wedges. This part isn’t too bad, especially since the headband is now less stretchy than before. It is no less comfortable, but it looks more durable.
The earpads, on the other hand, now have adjustable arms, and you can move them up and down to find a more precise fit. Since the arms do not have any markings, it is difficult to find a position that works for you without a lot of trial and error. You are also in luck if you share the headset with family or housemates.
However, overall, I was able to find a comfortable fit without too much hassle, wearing the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for hours on end. The two ear pieces created a firm seal, but weren’t pressed too tightly, and the headband ensured the device sat easily over my head. At 11.9 ounces, it’s not particularly heavy. Leather earmuffs sometimes felt a little hot, so if you can positively stand a little perspiration, consider this fair warning.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Performance
While previous Arctis headphones have had excellent designs, sound quality at the end of the spectrum has always been “good enough”. While the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless may not have the richest audio scene of any gaming headset on the market, it’s now much closer to the audio features, like the Logitech G Pro X Wireless, Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, and Razer Blackshark V2.
I’ve tested the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless with a variety of games on a variety of different platforms. On PS5, I tried Nioh Remastered and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla; On the Switch, I tried Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3; On PC, I tried Doom Eternal, Age of Empires IV, and Cyberpunk 2077. The one thing all these games have in common is that Arctis Nova Pro Wireless made them look great.
Whether you’re roaming the streets of futuristic Night City, battling savage enemies in Sengoku Japan, or gathering Avengers to battle Dr. Doom or overseeing a medieval French village, I felt completely immersed in everything I was playing. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is particularly good at balancing music, voice acting, and sound effects, even with its default soundscape. The gunshots and explosions seem instantaneous and of course impressive. But I was also impressed by how well the headset handled music, whether it was a relaxing background tone in Age of Empires or a rap tone in Cyberpunk 2077.
The device also handles music better than most gaming headsets. I’ve listened to tracks from Flogging Molly, The Old Crow Medicine Show, The Rolling Stones, GF Handel, and Arctis Nova Pro Wireless delivered clear, accurate sound in every genre. The bass was more prominent than I would normally expect from a gaming headset, whether it was straight bluegrass bass, or the bass part of a chorus.
However, it should be noted that to get completely identical gaming and audio performance, you will have to fiddle with equalization settings. This is where the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is likely to run into some problems.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Features
It’s impossible to discuss the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless without also discussing the DAC. If you’ve ever used a SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC – or even a SteelSeries Siberia 800 – you should have a pretty good idea of what to expect. The DAC has a black and white OLED display that, by default, shows the headphone’s battery level and overall volume. You connect your computer or console to the DAC via a USB-C cable, and the DAC transmits the audio signal to the headset.
Using a DAC is very simple. You can switch audio inputs, initiate USB or Bluetooth pairing, adjust microphone options, forward audio to speakers and more. However, the most interesting thing that a DAC does is instantly modify the audio options. Instead of going through cumbersome computer software, you can adjust equalization settings directly on the DAC, choosing from a range of presets (flat, bass boost, focus) or even create your own.
If your DAC is on your computer desk, it’s a very simple setup. However, if you set it up in your entertainment center, it is much less convenient. You can’t control most of the DAC’s features directly from the headset, and even if you could, the screen is too small to be seen from 10 feet away. Audio routing through the DAC means the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless isn’t as easy to move back and forth between your computer desk and entertainment center. If you keep your computer and consoles separate, you’ll basically have to choose which setup gets the Nova Pro Wireless. Compare and contrast with the tiny, portable dongle from something like the SteelSeries Arctis 7X.
SteelSeries also offers Sonar if you’re playing on PC. SteelSeries Sonar is a new addition to the SteelSeries GG suite of software, and lets you customize equalization levels, microphone settings, and surround sound options for the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. It’s still in beta, and it’s missing some important features (like linking individual profiles to specific games), but it’s a bit easier to manipulate than a DAC.
There’s also ANC, which is a first for a SteelSeries gaming headset. By activating ANC, you can greatly reduce background noise; You can also activate Transparency mode if you still want some sounds to appear. However, in my testing, ANC was great at blocking out background sound, but did almost nothing to block out separate sounds. I heard nearby voices, police sirens in the distance, and even my writing loud and clear. This feature won’t do much to help you focus on gaming in a noisy house.
The standard Wireless Gaming Headset works just fine. The microphone sounds clear and does a good job of filtering out background noise. Bluetooth is easy to pair, and I especially like that you can activate it alongside wireless USB, or completely independently. The battery lasts 22 hours, which isn’t long — but the DAC has a second 22-hour battery, which you can quickly swap out.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Verdict
As much as I enjoyed testing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, it’s a tough recommendation for the general public. A complex DAC might be catnip to audiophiles, and the high price tag might be a worthwhile trade-off for them. For the vast majority of PC and console gamers, the Arctis 7X or the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ looks a lot better.
If you’d like to meet the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless on its own terms, there’s a lot to like here. The DAC lets you do many interesting things, the sound quality is higher than the rest of the SteelSeries lineup and it’s compatible with just about every system you own – even if you can use it with only two of them at a time.
Truthfully, I’m happy with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, but I’m more curious about how the Arctis lineup will evolve from here. Now that SteelSeries has updated its look, we could see a lot of cheaper headphones follow – or the premium design might still be at a premium price.
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