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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Review
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SteelSeries’ flagship wireless gaming headset, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, offers more than just an immersive audio experience, it also feels like a premium accessory for everyday use. With its high-quality materials, versatile charging dock, customizable EQ profiles, and intuitive software, this headset stands out confidently in its category.
In this review, we’ll dive into every detail, from design and performance to microphone quality and battery life. If you’re considering buying a new headset, get your tea ready, because this is not just a headset; it’s an investment in your entire setup.
The very first thing you notice when you unbox the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is its quality. Right from the moment you open the box, the protective carrying case greets you, making it clear this isn’t just an ordinary headset. The material quality, attention to detail, and presentation all strongly convey that “this headset is something special.”
The steel frame in the headband, the magnetic covers on the side panels, and the softness of the ear cushions all immediately signal that this is a premium product. However, I must admit I was a bit disappointed. As a big fan of SteelSeries’ legendary fabric ear pads, I found the choice of leather-like material on the Nova Pro Wireless somewhat challenging. If you live in a hot city like Adana, these types of ear pads can cause significant sweating. Yes, the cushions provide excellent ear coverage and superb noise isolation, but after a few hours of use, sweating becomes inevitable. Especially if you’re used to previous Arctis 7 or Pro models like me, you really notice the absence of the fabric pads.
Fortunately, this issue is somewhat balanced out by the headband design. As seen across the entire Nova series, an adjustable elastic strap system is used here as well. This design keeps the headset lightweight while allowing it to fit flexibly and comfortably on your head. It sits snugly without creating any pressure, which almost eliminates discomfort during extended use. To be honest, I can’t recall a single time when I felt like saying, “I need to take this headset off” after hours of gaming. My only real complaint remains the ear cushions.
The sleek design isn’t limited to just the headset’s appearance. The dock station looks minimalistic and elegant on the desk. The OLED display, in particular, makes it highly functional. You can navigate menus to configure numerous settings, switch between devices, and control volume levels. And that’s not all, through the SteelSeries GG software integrations, you can customize what information appears on the dock’s screen. This can include in-game stats or your health bar, for example.
The overall design philosophy of this product is entirely user-focused, and you can feel these thoughtful details from the very first touch. By the way, I have to highlight this: the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a headset you can confidently wear outside. You know how some gaming headsets make people ask, “Are you really going out wearing that?” — well, this isn’t one of them. I wouldn’t personally consider wearing the Arctis Pro outside, but the Nova Pro Wireless feels so premium that it actually makes you think twice. Its design isn’t flashy, nor does it scream “I’m a gamer.” It’s stylish, understated, and exudes quality. Plus, the microphone folds away seamlessly when not in use, almost blending into the headset itself so it barely catches the eye.
On the sound performance side, SteelSeries really went all out. I tested it extensively for gaming, music, and movies. The Spatial Audio feature truly delivers while playing, you can pinpoint exactly where your opponent’s footsteps are coming from. Testing it in VALORANT, audio cues become a genuine pleasure with this headset.
Thanks to the Sonar feature in SteelSeries GG software, you can easily access finely tuned profiles for different games. For example, there’s a special profile for VALORANT that reduces bass and emphasizes mid frequencies. In Call of Duty, you can switch to a profile that gives explosions a richer, fuller sound. Even Minecraft has its own profile if you want to peacefully break some trees.
The headset also delivers a balanced sound profile for music. The bass is sufficiently deep, while the mids and highs remain clean. Vocal clarity is quite impressive, and it doesn’t cause fatigue during long listening sessions. Overall sound quality is more than satisfactory for both gaming and everyday use.
The microphone is definitely not bad, in fact, it’s noticeably clearer than typical wireless headsets, but the noise cancellation algorithm works so aggressively that the natural tone of the voice sometimes gets lost. This is especially noticeable when using the 2.4 GHz connection mode. If, like me, you tend to speak quickly and sometimes swallow syllables, this compression effect can make it difficult for the listener to understand you at times. During testing, my friends even mentioned they found themselves trying to “fill in the gaps,” meaning some parts of my speech were missing.
When you switch to Bluetooth mode, things improve slightly. The audio is less compressed, making your voice sound more natural during conversations. However, this comes at the cost of increased latency, making Bluetooth less ideal for competitive gaming.
The good news is that the SteelSeries GG software gives you a lot of control over microphone settings through the Sonar section. You can lower the noise cancellation level to create a more natural sound profile. You can also soften harsh highs or reduce muddiness in the voice. Still, I don’t think this microphone is quite suitable for content creators aiming for broadcast-level quality. For team comms, Discord calls, or in-game voice chat, it’s more than adequate, but if you’re planning to stream on Kick or record videos for YouTube, I’d strongly recommend using an external mic.
Still, I’d say the final judgment on the microphone is up to you. Below, I’ve included a few sample recordings I made, both with the default settings and with some tweaks via the SteelSeries GG software. Hearing how the mic performs in different scenarios will give you a much clearer idea.
When it comes to connectivity, this headset is an absolute beast. You can connect via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, or even both at the same time. How does that work? For example, you can play a game on your PC while taking a call on your phone through the same headset. This kind of dual-connectivity is incredibly convenient, especially during work or streaming sessions.
Switching between devices via the dock is effortless. As mentioned earlier, you can also switch between audio profiles directly from the dock. PS5, PC, Xbox, phone, tablet...you name it, I tested it, and it worked flawlessly with all of them. I genuinely haven’t come across another headset that handles this many devices this smoothly.
Now, let’s talk about the biggest concern with any wireless device: battery life. Thankfully, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has done its homework. To be honest, when I first switched to the Arctis Pro about two years ago and experienced SteelSeries’ dual-battery system, I was seriously impressed. The fact that they’ve continued to implement the same system this smoothly is truly commendable. Whoever came up with it deserves a medal.
Battery dead? Thinking about plugging in a charging cable? Not anymore. The dock has a built-in slot where you place the second battery included in the box. While you're gaming with the headset, the dock automatically charges the spare battery. And when the one in your headset runs out, you can swap it out in just two quick moves, without even taking the headset off your head. No interruptions, no waiting. It’s truly a seamless experience.
Each battery lasts around 20 hours on average, giving you up to 40 hours of total wireless use with both batteries. But here’s the real game-changer: you’ll basically never need to reach for a charging cable again. By the time one battery dies, the other one is already fully charged and ready to go. This battery management system isn’t just convenient, it’s a standout feature that truly sets this headset apart from other wireless options. The days of “I need to charge my headset” are officially over.
In this review, we’ll dive into every detail, from design and performance to microphone quality and battery life. If you’re considering buying a new headset, get your tea ready, because this is not just a headset; it’s an investment in your entire setup.
The very first thing you notice when you unbox the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is its quality. Right from the moment you open the box, the protective carrying case greets you, making it clear this isn’t just an ordinary headset. The material quality, attention to detail, and presentation all strongly convey that “this headset is something special.”
The steel frame in the headband, the magnetic covers on the side panels, and the softness of the ear cushions all immediately signal that this is a premium product. However, I must admit I was a bit disappointed. As a big fan of SteelSeries’ legendary fabric ear pads, I found the choice of leather-like material on the Nova Pro Wireless somewhat challenging. If you live in a hot city like Adana, these types of ear pads can cause significant sweating. Yes, the cushions provide excellent ear coverage and superb noise isolation, but after a few hours of use, sweating becomes inevitable. Especially if you’re used to previous Arctis 7 or Pro models like me, you really notice the absence of the fabric pads.
Fortunately, this issue is somewhat balanced out by the headband design. As seen across the entire Nova series, an adjustable elastic strap system is used here as well. This design keeps the headset lightweight while allowing it to fit flexibly and comfortably on your head. It sits snugly without creating any pressure, which almost eliminates discomfort during extended use. To be honest, I can’t recall a single time when I felt like saying, “I need to take this headset off” after hours of gaming. My only real complaint remains the ear cushions.
The sleek design isn’t limited to just the headset’s appearance. The dock station looks minimalistic and elegant on the desk. The OLED display, in particular, makes it highly functional. You can navigate menus to configure numerous settings, switch between devices, and control volume levels. And that’s not all, through the SteelSeries GG software integrations, you can customize what information appears on the dock’s screen. This can include in-game stats or your health bar, for example.
The overall design philosophy of this product is entirely user-focused, and you can feel these thoughtful details from the very first touch. By the way, I have to highlight this: the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a headset you can confidently wear outside. You know how some gaming headsets make people ask, “Are you really going out wearing that?” — well, this isn’t one of them. I wouldn’t personally consider wearing the Arctis Pro outside, but the Nova Pro Wireless feels so premium that it actually makes you think twice. Its design isn’t flashy, nor does it scream “I’m a gamer.” It’s stylish, understated, and exudes quality. Plus, the microphone folds away seamlessly when not in use, almost blending into the headset itself so it barely catches the eye.
On the sound performance side, SteelSeries really went all out. I tested it extensively for gaming, music, and movies. The Spatial Audio feature truly delivers while playing, you can pinpoint exactly where your opponent’s footsteps are coming from. Testing it in VALORANT, audio cues become a genuine pleasure with this headset.
Thanks to the Sonar feature in SteelSeries GG software, you can easily access finely tuned profiles for different games. For example, there’s a special profile for VALORANT that reduces bass and emphasizes mid frequencies. In Call of Duty, you can switch to a profile that gives explosions a richer, fuller sound. Even Minecraft has its own profile if you want to peacefully break some trees.
The headset also delivers a balanced sound profile for music. The bass is sufficiently deep, while the mids and highs remain clean. Vocal clarity is quite impressive, and it doesn’t cause fatigue during long listening sessions. Overall sound quality is more than satisfactory for both gaming and everyday use.
The microphone is definitely not bad, in fact, it’s noticeably clearer than typical wireless headsets, but the noise cancellation algorithm works so aggressively that the natural tone of the voice sometimes gets lost. This is especially noticeable when using the 2.4 GHz connection mode. If, like me, you tend to speak quickly and sometimes swallow syllables, this compression effect can make it difficult for the listener to understand you at times. During testing, my friends even mentioned they found themselves trying to “fill in the gaps,” meaning some parts of my speech were missing.
When you switch to Bluetooth mode, things improve slightly. The audio is less compressed, making your voice sound more natural during conversations. However, this comes at the cost of increased latency, making Bluetooth less ideal for competitive gaming.
The good news is that the SteelSeries GG software gives you a lot of control over microphone settings through the Sonar section. You can lower the noise cancellation level to create a more natural sound profile. You can also soften harsh highs or reduce muddiness in the voice. Still, I don’t think this microphone is quite suitable for content creators aiming for broadcast-level quality. For team comms, Discord calls, or in-game voice chat, it’s more than adequate, but if you’re planning to stream on Kick or record videos for YouTube, I’d strongly recommend using an external mic.
Still, I’d say the final judgment on the microphone is up to you. Below, I’ve included a few sample recordings I made, both with the default settings and with some tweaks via the SteelSeries GG software. Hearing how the mic performs in different scenarios will give you a much clearer idea.
When it comes to connectivity, this headset is an absolute beast. You can connect via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, or even both at the same time. How does that work? For example, you can play a game on your PC while taking a call on your phone through the same headset. This kind of dual-connectivity is incredibly convenient, especially during work or streaming sessions.
Switching between devices via the dock is effortless. As mentioned earlier, you can also switch between audio profiles directly from the dock. PS5, PC, Xbox, phone, tablet...you name it, I tested it, and it worked flawlessly with all of them. I genuinely haven’t come across another headset that handles this many devices this smoothly.
Now, let’s talk about the biggest concern with any wireless device: battery life. Thankfully, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has done its homework. To be honest, when I first switched to the Arctis Pro about two years ago and experienced SteelSeries’ dual-battery system, I was seriously impressed. The fact that they’ve continued to implement the same system this smoothly is truly commendable. Whoever came up with it deserves a medal.
Battery dead? Thinking about plugging in a charging cable? Not anymore. The dock has a built-in slot where you place the second battery included in the box. While you're gaming with the headset, the dock automatically charges the spare battery. And when the one in your headset runs out, you can swap it out in just two quick moves, without even taking the headset off your head. No interruptions, no waiting. It’s truly a seamless experience.
Each battery lasts around 20 hours on average, giving you up to 40 hours of total wireless use with both batteries. But here’s the real game-changer: you’ll basically never need to reach for a charging cable again. By the time one battery dies, the other one is already fully charged and ready to go. This battery management system isn’t just convenient, it’s a standout feature that truly sets this headset apart from other wireless options. The days of “I need to charge my headset” are officially over.
- Driver:40mm neodymium
- Frequency Response: 10–40,000 Hz
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wireless + Bluetooth 5.0
- ANC: Yes (Active Noise Cancellation)
- Microphone: Retractable boom mic with bidirectional noise cancellation
- Battery: Dual-battery system, ~20 hours per battery
- Software Support: SteelSeries GG
- Platform Compatibility: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Mobile
- Extras: ChatMix, customizable EQ profiles, OLED display dock
