Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless may not be the top model in SteelSeries ' modish short letter of play headset , but it ’s definitely a adequate to choice . It looks good and pop the question solid noise isolation , as well as provide well - balanced audio . The microphone here offers some good body and clarity too , which should make it a cracking all - round option .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The sword ‘ SteelSeries Arctis ’ is one that ’s synonymous with any lists for thebest gambling headsetsof the past few years , with every revision offering a slight refinement to make things even better .
In 2022 , the brand launched a whole new range of Arctis headsets – the Arctis Nova line – which provides a more premium and refined experience .
The headset I have for follow-up , the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless , is perhaps the second in command , and at £ 174.95/$179 , it falls right in the commixture with some of the more agio gambling headsets I ’ve tested .
Design and features
Compared to Arctis headset of sometime , the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless polish a few aspects , and compare to the higher - end exemplar in the line - up , arguably degrade things too . It ’s made only of shiny charge plate that finger severely - wearing , although it can be a attractor for greasy fingerprints , detracting from the otherwise flowing and minimalist aesthetic .
The reason I say it ’s perhaps a little cheaper in terms of spirit and bet compare to other premium headsets is that there ’s a want of metal structure and leatherette earcups . alternatively , SteelSeries has opted for a patterned breathable fabric on the earcups , more kin to Razer ’s headset .
The earcups are nice and plush and , therefore , well-situated . Moreover , they are also specially roommate , which helps maximise the comfort factor . With a weight of 325 gramme , it ’s on the heavier side of headset I ’ve recently used , but it does n’t palpate like it ’s going to crush your skull – unlike the pissed - fittingTurtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MaxI took a look at a few month ago .
Design tweaks , compare to other Arctis headsets , are most famed around the headband . As controvert to offer a ski - goggle stylus band , this new headset opts for a semi - elastic pause shoulder strap that ’s hold in by PIN . It offer a looser fit than the more stock headset I ’ve tried , but not one that ’s so loose it find like it ’s going to accrue off your head at any here and now .
The consecrate multimedia system control condition are well circulate across both earcups and take the manikin of tactual buttons and wheel . This is a welcome variety from some of the harder - to - usance multifunction dials and luger favoured on more premium devices .
On the right - hand side , you ’re greeted with control for sprain the headset on , as well as for Bluetooth sexual union and a haptic telephone dial for secret plan / chat audio mixing . On the leftover - hand earcup , you ’ll find a volume dial and a release for damp the microphone . Intriguingly , the volume dial on the headset whole kit and boodle severally of the system - wide volume , so you ’ve got that little scrap of extra control .
Connectivity takes the var. of a USB - C receiver – which can be used with PC , PS5orNintendo Switch – Bluetooth 5.0 , and a 3.5 millimetre sound jack . It ’s particularly good to see that last option as a lot of other wireless headset , disregarding of their price , take out a pumped up substance of connecting them to your devices .
There is also USB - light speed charging . The Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is part of a rarified breed of gaming headset that feature fast charging – like headphones normally do . A 15 - second flying charge provides six hours of runtime , which is an first-class recurrence . This headset will last for around 40 hours before needing to be recharged full . My testing in reality demonstrate the Nova 7 Wireless to exceed SteelSeries ’ own title of 38 hour of go - succus , which is still good for a headset . Of course , it ’s noHyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless – but there ’s enough capacity to offer a working week ’s worth of use .
moreover , if you desire to habituate the power of dual connectivity over both the wireless receiver and Bluetooth for two equipment at once , the Nova 7 Wireless allows this , with the penalization being a 14 - hour drop curtain in runtime compared with undivided use of goods and services . But even bring this to account , 26 hour is still good .
Audio & mic quality
The most integral thing for a gambling headset is how it sound , and I ’m pleased to cover the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless voice reasonably good .
There is more of a low - end emphasis , which is a distinctive visibility for gambling headset , but it does n’t feel overpowering liken with the mids and highschool . There were instances , such as during a listen of Yes ’s Roundabout , where Chris Squire ’s rolling bassline may have sounded a small more prominent than Jon Anderson ’s vocal , for instance . But for the most part , the Nova 7 Wireless offered an enjoyable and energetic listen .
The somewhat larger earcups also allow for a wider soundstage and a decent sense of placement , which proved handy during my accustomed campaign of Sniper Elite 5 . Even with this near sentience of placement , I did still terminate up incur outclass by the AI , but that definitely was n’t the fault of the computer hardware !
In term of its software , the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless uses SteelSeries ’ cagey GG suite , which offers good levels of customisation and shape for things such as the EQ scope – so you could get the audio rest just right – as well as general volume levels for game or chat audio .
This headset also works with SteelSeries ’ New dedicated audio software Sonar , which allows for an even greater range of mountains of customisation for audio - specific equivalent weight , as well as enabling spacial audio ( which works a treat ) , even down to adjusting mike noise step-down .
The mike here is the retractable kind that pulls in and out of its small snug - hole on the front left - hand side of the headset . During testing , it offered decent body and did n’t sound too tinny . It proved to be dead usable for Clarence Shepard Day Jr. - to - day chats with friends over Discord for someFIFA 23fun and had a good level of volume . The only issue I ground is that it did n’t refuse background racket too well , so the sound of me typing on my keyboard were pretty audible in the audio sample distribution I charm . But other than that , it ’s pretty good .
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Should you buy it?
- : The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless both looks and sound great , and it ’s by all odds a cracking all - pear-shaped headset to consider .
While the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless looks and sounds great , its construction is a shade plastic for the Mary Leontyne Price .
Final Thoughts
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless provides a welcome update to one of gaming ’s most revere headset lines . While there may be only stylistic changes for the majority , the fact stay that they work out in the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless ’s favor to make it a great all - round of drinks headset for gaming .
It looks great , and also sounds good , with a humiliated - ending emphasis that makes gaming a joy . In plus , the microphone sounds whole , with decent consistence and lucidity , while it must also be noted that the battery lifetime here is some of the best you ’ll find oneself besides theHyperX Alpha Cloud Wireless .
Trusted Score
How we test
We try out every earpiece we review thoroughly over an extended period of clip . We use industry received tests to compare feature of speech properly . We ’ll always narrate you what we encounter . We never , ever , accept money to reexamine a merchandise .
Find out more about how we screen in ourethics insurance .
FAQs
SteelSeries claim the mike has a AI - power noise - cancelling mike , although our tests seem to suggest it is n’t great at filtering out background noise .
Yes , the Arctis Nova 7 supports both Bluetooth and a pumped up 3.5 mm connection for use with phones .
