SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Review
Discover SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless in our review—exploring its features, sound quality, and performance for gamers.
Gamers often turn to SteelSeries for the best headsets, and it’s easy to see why. Company offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets and they all share a reputation for quality. At the top of the lineup is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, one of priciest models available, even surpassing the cost of Turtle Beach Stealth Pro.
On paper, this headset has everything you’d expect from a high-end gaming accessory: active noise cancellation, hi-res sound quality, dual USB connections and simultaneous Bluetooth. For PlayStation users it offers Tempest 3D audio while PC gamers benefit from 360 spatial audio through SteelSeries Sonar software. But does all that tech justify the hefty price tag of over $300/£300?
While there are cheaper options like SteelSeries Arctis 9 or HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless which hover around the $200 mark, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is meant for gamers seeking the absolute best and are willing to invest in premium gear. For serious gamers this headset promises top-tier sound, comfort and features but whether it’s worth the investment depends on your commitment and budget.
Table of Contents
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
| Tech Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎧 Drivers | 40mm custom drivers |
| 🎤 Microphone | Retractable mic |
| 📶 Connectivity | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C |
| 🔋 Battery Life | 18-22 hours per battery |
| 📏 Dimensions | 3.4 × 6.6 × 7.5 in / 8.8 × 16.8 × 19.2 cm |
| ⚖️ Weight | 0.75 lb / 298 g |
Design & Build: Simple and Classy
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless may not be flashy, but its sleek, professional design makes it versatile for both gaming and business calls. Unlike other gaming headsets that often feature bright RGB lights and bold colors, this one keeps things understated and classy. It’s perfect for gamers who prefer a more subtle look.
The headset is lightweight and built with a mix of metal and plastic which makes it sturdy without feeling heavy. Thanks to its headband suspension system, it sits comfortably on your head without causing overheating or discomfort during long gaming sessions. Faux leather ear pads are designed to prevent sweat buildup, adding to the overall comfort.
For those who wear glasses, headset won’t clamp down on your frames, making it easy to wear for hours. You can also swivel one ear cup to talk to someone without removing headset, and it conveniently lies flat on a desk when not in use.
On one ear cup, you’ll find buttons for power and mic mute, along with a volume dial. The other side has a Bluetooth pairing button. Both ear cups have removable panels, with one hiding USB-C port for charging and the other housing battery for wireless use. Panels are held securely in place by magnets, keeping everything neat and tidy.
Features & Battery Life: Packed with Goodies
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless justifies its high price with a long list of impressive features. It’s not just about 40mm custom drivers or Active Noise Cancellation, but also the customization options it offers.
This headset is built for multitasking. You can connect it to multiple devices like a PC, PS5/PS4 or even a Nintendo Switch and it supports dual connections. For example you can watch a Netflix show on your laptop while playing a game on your PlayStation 5 at the same time—a handy feature for multitaskers.
SteelSeries Base Station is another cool addition. It serves as charging dock and offers OLED display with a control wheel to adjust features like volume, a 10-band EQ, and the game/chat mix. You can even dive deeper into EQ presets through SteelSeries GG software on your PC or Mac. Plus, base station has two USB-C ports and two 3.5mm jacks, allowing for both wired and wireless playback via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth 5.0. Connectivity is solid, with no issues like dropouts which is exactly what you’d expect from a premium headset.
Battery life is also strong, thanks to two hot-swappable batteries each providing around 20 hours of playtime. What’s great is that the headset continues to work for 10 seconds without a battery, so you can quickly swap them without missing a beat. While total of 40 hours isn’t the longest on the market (the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless still holds that title), the quick-swap feature makes the SteelSeries stand out. A quick 15-minute charge will give you three hours of use, and with one battery always charging, you’re never left without power.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancelling: Almost Perfect
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless delivers excellent sound quality. The audio is crisp, with deep bass that’s perfect for games like horror titles where a heavy bass can really enhance the tension. If you’re trying to hear footsteps in a game, this headset excels especially when paired with Tempest 3D audio on PS5. Sound makes you feel truly immersed in the action, although soundstage may feel slightly narrow when listening to music.
For games like World of Warcraft, orchestral music sounds powerful and detailed, giving you a renewed appreciation for game’s high production quality.
You can tweak the sound further using SteelSeries Sonar software, but the default settings already offer a solid experience. Whilemobile app would be a nice touch you’ll still enjoy great sound quality out of the box.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is also good. Even with ANC off, design blocks out a lot of background noise. When ANC is on, it improves even more, though it may not be as powerful as top-tier noise-canceling headphones. For gaming purposes though, it’s more than effective.
Microphone works well, whether hidden away or pulled out for use. It provides clear sound, making it easy for others to hear you during voice chats.
Pros and Cons of SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🔊 Exceptional sound quality | 💸 Very expensive |
| 🔋 Useful battery features | 🎨 Understated appearance won’t suit everyone |
| 📟 Practical base station | 🔴 |
| 💪 Robust yet lightweight build | 🔴 |
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Conclusion
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is undeniably an excellent headset, though it comes at a high price. Small features make it stand out beyond just great sound. For example, the built-in mic is easier to use than a detachable one, and the headset feels just right in terms of weight. Base Station adds a fun, nerdy touch but is also simple to operate.
Battery life is decent, especially with the ability to swap batteries easily,and everything about this headset feels designed for convenience.
Sound quality is so good, it might make you rediscover old games and you’ll definitely notice subtle sounds like footsteps or gunshots more clearly.
If you can justify the price, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is truly special.
Verdict: With awesome features and fantastic sound, this headset is nearly flawless—except for the steep price tag.
