Looking for a premium wireless gaming headphone, then you must get the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphone which was released in 2022. These are over-ear gaming headphones that have many exceptional features, such as wireless transmitters, that come with built-in custom control, swappable battery packs, and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature.
You can also connect the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones with smartphones and consoles at the same time through Bluetooth support and these are also compatible with PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
So, if you want to know more about its cross-platform compatibility and whether SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones should be the right investment in 2023, then here’s a detailed guide
In the Box
Here’s what you get:
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones
- Wireless USB transmitter
- 2x batteries
- Mic wind screen
- 2x USB A to USB C cable
- ⅛” TRRS cable
- Cloth pouch
- User guide and manuals
Technical Details
Let’s get a quick view of the technical details, features, and compatibility of SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones.
Style and Comfort
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphone is an over-ear headphone which has a closed back enclosure, and over-ear wireless setup. It has a ski-band headband design and the frame is also made of plastic. It comes in multiple color variants from which you can choose, such as Lilac, Mint, Rose Quartz, and Cherry Red. It weighs around 0.75 lbs and is quite decently comfortable as it does not clamp too tightly on the head.
The headphones’ ear cups also have a good range of motion and you won’t feel uncomfortable with the padding while continuing with normal gaming. Also, the size of the ski band is limited, but the comfort level varies from person to person and depends on how you place the headphones on your head. It does not have any specific OS compatibility and you get excellent controls on each ear cup.
There are physical buttons present on the headphones, and they are quite easy to use. It also provides dual feedback and comes with an infinite volume wheel, but that will not help you determine whether you have crossed the 50% volume range.
On the left ear cup, you will find the Power button and Mic button, which can be accessed with a single or double press. On the right ear cup, you will find the Bluetooth button which can be accessed with a single, double, or triple press. If you need it, it also comes with quick access to channel mixing, virtual soundstage features, EQs, and mic volume. accuracy.
Built Quality and Performance
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones are not portable as you cannot fold them up to save space. The headphone does not have a hot case rather comes with a cloth pouch to prevent dust and dust, which is not enough to save the headphone from water damage. You would love the built quality, which is made of plastic and the headband is made of metal.
It has a ski-band which keeps the headphones comfortable and also the mic is retractable. If you want to access the battery or USB port then you can remove the ear cup plate. Also, if you are wondering about stability then it is clearly recommendable. So, if you are sitting on a couch and enjoying a gaming session, then it won’t create any problem, but if you are running in a park then it can be a little shaky, unstable and also fall off.
Sound Quality
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphone has a neutral sound profile and it also has the feature to deliver intensive sound effects that include explosions, punch, etc. However, the vocals and instruments can sound a little harsh, but you can customize the sound of the headphones using the software.
With software EQs and presets, you can use the built-in EQ and use it as per your taste. If you disable Sonar, then from the GG app you can transfer the custom settings. While considering the frequency response it is also quite good and the best delivery is really consistent. However, you might find tiny deviations in treble delivery which changes owing to fit and position.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphone comes with excellent bass and also emphasizes sound effects, along with the range. However, you might be a little disappointed with the treble accuracy.
Noise Cancellation Feature
The headphone also comes with a fair-quality noise isolation performance. In terms of background noise, like a computer fan, the headphone is quite recommendable. However, for high noise or multiple bothersome sounds or while traveling or commuting, it might not be as good as expected. Other than this, the leakage performance is also great, so if you are gaming in a moderate environment, then you need to turn the volume high so that you don’t get disturbed.
It does not have any integrated mic or in-line, rather, you get a detachable boom mic which helps to provide a good recording quality. You get a clear, natural, and easy-to-understand voice. However, some reported that a buzzing noise is heard when there is silence on a call and this is related to high noise floor while both mic and Bluetooth are enabled. Amongst this, you would appreciate the noise-handling performance of the microphone, and even in a noisy environment, your voice is easy to understand.
Additional Features – Connectivity and Control
You would love the battery performance of SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones as they come with a dual battery system, where one battery can last 18 hours continuously when you have turned on the Bluetooth. When using a DAC and non-Bluetooth wireless setup, the headphones can last for 22 hours. Basically, the battery life depends on the purpose of use.
You can also charge the headphones in two ways: either place one battery in the dock, while the other is being used or you can plug in the headphones using the USB port which you can find on the left ear cup. However, while charging the headphones with the cable, you cannot use it for the moment.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones application is compatible with Mac and Windows only. It is also compatible with the Dolby Atmos app and you can also use it on Xbox. The headphone has two USB A to USB C cables that you can use to connect to your PC or console and the other port is meant for charging the headphone. It also has a ⅛” TRRRS cable to connect audio and use the mic.
The Bluetooth version is 5.010 and it comes with multiple device bearing facilities. The line of sight ranges approximately 47 m. However, due to the latency being quite high, you might find audio lags. It also has great non-Bluetooth wireless latency and comes with two settings within the DAC: Speed and Range. It is compatible with PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, and with these devices, you can use both the audio and microphone. You also get several connectivity features owing to the wireless transmitter base that comes along.
Are SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headphones Worth Buying?
At a price range of $350, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones provide you with extensive connectivity options, dual batteries, and great sound quality. This is the latest flagship wireless gaming headset and you get active noise cancellation to focus on your work. It also has portable connections with PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, making it a justified investment. You would love its functionality and performance. Talking about the controls and connections, helps you to build a customized performance for yourself.
Pros
- The non-Bluetooth wireless latency is less.
- It has a robust sound customization feature.
- It is sturdy, comfortable, and well-built.
- The overall mic performance is also quite appreciated.
Cons
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones have a poor passive soundstage.
- It does not have any optical audio input meant for the bass.