For those who’re searching for a headset on your new gaming console, handheld, or PC, the most effective choices for all gadgets is on sale at Amazon. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is discounted to $180 (was $200) for a restricted time. Launched in October, the Nova 7 Gen 2 is up to date model of the most effective wi-fi gaming headsets you should purchase immediately.
You possibly can select between the Nova 7P (PlayStation), Nova 7X (Xbox), or Nova 7 (PC) in black, white, or magenta. The 7X affords wi-fi assist for all platforms, whereas the 7P and seven work on all gadgets besides Xbox consoles. For those who sport on Swap 1/2, cell, Steam Deck, or one other gadget with USB-C or Bluetooth audio assist, any of the three variations will work nice. For a extra premium wi-fi headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is on sale for $300 (was $380).
$180 (was $200)
When considering price, audio performance, and comfort, the Arctis Nova 7 was hard to beat when it launched back in 2022. That remains true over three years later with the Gen 2 model, which offers 40% better battery life–over 50 hours compared to 38 hours–and adds support for the Arctis Companion App.
The free iOS and Android app lets you adjust audio settings and switch between over 200 custom sound profiles designed for specific games. Along with these 2.4GHz Wireless profiles, there are a handful of Bluetooth profiles, including Bass Boost and Focus, that come in handy when using the Nova 7 to listen to music.
The original Nova 7 worked with the SteelSeries GG desktop app for PC and Mac, but the mobile app is easier to use and allows you to adjust audio settings on the go. The Arctis Companion App was introduced in 2024 alongside the entry-level Nova 5 Wireless Headset, and it solely works with choose SteelSeries audio gear.
For those who personal the first-generation Nova 7, upgrading most likely may make sense in case you take your headset with you throughout your every day commute or use it continuously for handheld gaming. But when Arctis Companion App integration is not of curiosity to you, you will wish to persist with the unique. However for everybody else, the Nova 7 Gen 2 is a terrific all-around gaming headset that continues to be my favourite within the $200 and underneath class.
SteelSeries designs essentially the most snug gaming headsets available on the market, and the Nova 7 is not any exception. The adjustable elastic headband and light-weight, reminiscence foam ear cushions are excellent, and the sturdy metal body holds up properly. The customized 40mm neodymium audio drivers supply wealthy, high-fidelity sound; the audio is much more spectacular and dynamic when utilizing the customized presets created by SteelSeries. It has a retractable growth mic with AI noise discount to dam out ambient noise like keyboard and controller clicks.
Together with 2.4GHz Wi-fi with the included USB-C dongle, the Nova 7 helps Bluetooth and wired through a removable 3.5mm audio twine. It additionally has simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio streams, so you may keep related and listen to sound from two gadgets without delay.
Nova 7 vs. 7P vs. 7X
As talked about, there are three variations of the Nova 7 Gen 2. Previously, SteelSeries has included inexperienced or blue accents on the headset to distinguish between the Xbox and PlayStation editions, however the Gen 2 seems to be the identical throughout the board. The one tangible distinction between the three is the dial on the correct earcup. The Nova 7X and seven have a sport chatmix dial, however because the PS5 would not have this function, the Nova 7P has a Sidetone dial for mic monitoring.
We sometimes advocate the Xbox model of SteelSeries headsets since it’s the solely really common possibility, however in case you primarily sport on PS5 and frequently chat with pals, the Nova 7P can be the higher alternative. All three variations assist 360-degree spatial audio and Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio with suitable gadgets.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional Offers
The Nova 7 Gen 2 is one of the best SteelSeries gaming headset for most gamers, but it surely’s not the highest-end mannequin within the producer’s catalog. The following step up is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional. This premium wi-fi gaming headset has an improved construct, leatherette earcups, higher audio with parametric EQ, and ANC. It additionally has a base station with an OLED display that can be utilized to customise settings. The bottom station replaces the two.4GHz dongle and will be related to 2 gadgets. The Arctis Nova Pro is on sale for $300 (was $380) in white or black at Amazon. As soon as once more, you may select between Xbox (Common), PlayStation, and PC fashions.
SteelSeries additionally makes a wired version of the Arctis Nova Pro with a GameDAC and higher-fidelity audio (96kHz/24-bit). Usually $280, the wired Xbox version is discounted to $150, whereas the PlayStation version is $210. The wired Xbox version works with PS5 and PS4.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
It is value noting that high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio can be provided within the SteelSeries Nova Elite Wireless Headset. Launched in late September for $600, the Arctis Nova Elite is much pricier than the opposite headsets in SteelSeries’ lineup. Obtainable in Obsidian and Sage/Gold, the Nova Elite might be finest described as a “luxurious” gaming headset.
From a technical perspective, the Nova Elite is essentially the most spectacular wi-fi gaming headset I’ve tried. It helps 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio over 2.4GHz Wi-fi and Bluetooth. The brand new carbon fiber drivers produce a noticeably fuller, cleaner sound, and the lively noise cancellation is a step above the Nova Professional. The ANC is not on the identical stage as equally priced headphones designed for music, however it’s the higher at blocking out noise than another gaming headset I’ve tried.
The GameHub–the new identify for the bottom station–can join to 3 gadgets, and simultaneous audio is out there for all three in addition to Bluetooth. Along with a retractable microphone, the Nova Elite has a second, stealth mic. Not like the Nova Professional, the Elite can be suitable with the Arctis Companion App.
The Nova Elite is constructed nearly solely from metal and die-cast aluminum. The headscarf is wrapped in the identical leatherette discovered on the improved reminiscence foam earcups. The Elite additionally comes with a leatherette journey pouch with a magnetic enclosure and a zippered compartment for equipment and cables.
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