TL;DR
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium headset that nails the overall experience. It boasts impressive, detailed sound for gaming and music, a clear microphone, and a durable, comfortable design. Its killer features include a smart base station for easy controls, simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, effective ANC, and a clever dual-battery system for near-endless playtime. While some controls are on the base station, this headset offers fantastic versatility for gamers and general multimedia users. Want to know if it’s the best all-rounder for you? Read on to find out!
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless clearly positions itself in the premium segment, distinguishing itself through a cohesive overall design rather than singular standout features.
What’s Included
The packaging for the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is exceptionally comprehensive, immediately suggesting a complete ecosystem. In addition to the headset itself, a wireless base station is included, serving as a hub for both connectivity and settings management. Two interchangeable batteries are provided, along with the essential cables for connecting to computers, consoles, and other peripherals. An analog 3.5 mm cable, a microphone pop filter, and a simple carrying pouch are also included. This comprehensive package underscores SteelSeries’ intent to deliver a versatile solution, ready for diverse applications immediately upon unboxing.
Sound Profile
The sound reproduction is one of the headset’s pivotal strengths. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless delivers clear and well-separated audio where intricate details are rendered with clarity. In gaming, positional audio cues—such as footsteps and environmental sounds—are reproduced with impressive precision, enhancing spatial awareness. Concurrently, the sound profile is sufficiently balanced for both music enjoyment and cinematic experiences. The bass response is rich yet controlled, the midrange is authentically rendered, and the treble provides clarity without harshness. The resulting audio is both immersive and comfortable for prolonged listening sessions.
The microphone consistently delivers high-fidelity voice capture, ideal for both in-game communication and professional calls. Voices are articulate and free from muffling, and background noise is effectively attenuated while preserving a natural vocal tone. For users who frequently engage in team-based gameplay or utilize the headset for daily calls and meetings, the microphone ensures a stable and dependable communication experience.
Design
Design-wise, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless features a relatively understated aesthetic, aligning with the product’s overall ethos. It foregoes exaggerated design elements, prioritizing functionality and durability. The construction integrates metal and high-quality plastics, imparting a stable and robust feel without excessive weight. Comfort remains consistently high, even during extended periods of use, with the headband effectively distributing weight. This design ethos clearly targets regular, long-term usability. Despite this functional focus, the headphones still convey an impression of premium quality and style.
Features and User Experience
The wireless base station is central to the user experience. Its intuitive screen and control wheel facilitate rapid adjustments to volume, audio sources, and essential settings, eliminating the need for software interaction. The headset can simultaneously connect via 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, enabling simultaneous use, such as gaming on a computer while answering calls from a mobile device. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is also integrated, effectively mitigating distracting background noise in dynamic environments.
The battery solution is a standout aspect of its thoughtful design. Each battery provides approximately 22 to 25 hours of use depending on settings and usage, resulting in a cumulative usage time of approximately 45–50 hours across both batteries. The battery itself is conveniently accessed by removing the magnetic cover, allowing for quick and straightforward replacement.
In addition to charging via the base station, a charging port is also located behind the left ear cup, enabling direct charging of the secondary battery within the headset when not in active use. This enhances flexibility and ensures both batteries are consistently prepared, optimizing headset availability.
Despite the high level of ambition, a notable limitation exists: EQ settings and chat-mix controls are not directly accessible on the headset itself, necessitating interaction with either the base station or dedicated software. While not a critical impediment in practical use, direct on-headset audio adjustments for these functions would enhance the user experience.
Comparison with Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
In comparison to the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, which we at Senses.se have also reviewed favorably, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless emerges as a more versatile alternative. The BlackShark V3 Pro prioritizes lightweight design and competitive gaming performance, whereas SteelSeries emphasizes flexibility and broad utility. With its base station, dual connections, and interchangeable batteries, the Nova Pro Wireless supports a wider array of use cases, and its sound profile is more balanced and optimized for diverse applications.
Summary
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a meticulously engineered premium headset that integrates high-fidelity sound, robust construction, and intelligent functionality into a cohesive system. While perhaps not the most visually striking headset, it stands out as one of the most comprehensively balanced. For users seeking a wireless headset that excels across both gaming and other multimedia entertainment, it presents a highly compelling option.
SteelSeries provided the review sample for this evaluation. Material providers exert no editorial influence on our reviews; our assessments remain independent and are consistently conducted with our readership and consumer interests as primary considerations.
