I'm a gamer....and also a remote worker.
I found myself looking for an audio solution that would fit both worlds. At the time I was using a wired Arctis Pro headset (prior generation) for gaming, and wireless earbuds for work communications. Needless to say, switching products for different use was becoming irritating, considering both PC's are set up on the same desk.
I happened to be browsing the SteelSeries site, and came across the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Love SS products, as they have never failed me (headset, mouse, keyboard). Needless to say, I took the plunge and purchased them.
I've always been a bit skeptical regarding headsets that are both wireless and bluetooth capable. Prior items I've tested always fell short, either in battery life, bluetooth or wireless range. I'm happy to say, I have yet to see any issues with the headset, with one exception, which I'll touch on later.
Considering my prior SS headset was the Arctis Pro w/GameDac, I chose to purchase the model with GameDac for the Nova Pro Wireless.
My first thought was about battery life *shrug* as that always seem to be a point of contention, even with earbuds I had in the past for use with my phone. I didn't waste time regarding testing wireless and bluetooth battery life separately.
Once I had the latest SteelSeries software updates, and updated the headset to the latest firmware, I connected both my personal PC and my work phone to the headset.
On an average day, I am typically in calls for at least 6 hours. In between calls, in the past, I had been using the personal PC to stream music via the wired Arctis Pro headset. Needless to say, the idea the Nova Pro wireless would eliminate swapping between headset and earbuds was the first thought in my head. The results were technical perfection. I could listen to music without issue. During inbound or outbound calls, the music muted as calls started. Calls ended, and back to music. No swapping between two devices, no hassle...no muss and no fuss.
They say the battery life is on average 11 hours. Luckily this has two batteries and the DAC is also the charger for the spare battery. I've used the headset consistently day in and day out, and typically find I'm only changing the battery after about 13 hours of use without bluetooth enabled, and about the same with bluetooth only being used. With both, I see about 10-11 hours of usage before needing to swap batteries.
During the first couple of days, I noticed sound quality wasn't what I was used to from my Arctis Pro headset...then it dawned on me. I needed to go back into the SteelSeries software, and make sure I had changed both the settings and Sonar to have these as the primary sound device, as well as doing the same in my Windows settings. 5 minutes later, music was back to the quality I had grown accustom to. Sounds when gaming had not only returned in quality, but were actually better. Spatial sound allowed for easier identification of direction. All in all, just turned out an overall bettter experience.
Another plus was getting up from my desk, having grown comfortable with wearing a headset, and not jerking my head back down because of a cord. I had walked from my desk to my kitchen before I even realized just how freeing the wireless experience was.
Distance of the coverage is also amazing. For bluetooth, I can walk 30 feet away from my phone without issue, where my earbuds (Sony 1000MX5) started cutting out after about 5-6 feet, requiring me to pick up my phone every time I moved.
On the wireless side, music moves with me all through the house. I can cook, clean, or just chill anywhere and enjoy it. Even this gets close to 30 feet before I start noticing any degradation. The only thing I did notice was something that should have been obvious: if the microwave is between the headset and DAC, it will cause the audio to flutter, but not break completely.
Now to the ANC (Noise Cancellation). While it is a great addition to this headset, I think this might be where I have found, from prior use of both, Sony and Bose have more efficient noise cancelling. On the plus side, while it doesn't completely eliminate consistent noise, it does drastically reduce it to a level of being some distance away. Even with the lawn mower nearby, I could hear people on the calls, as well as they could hear me, without the lawn mower drowning either side out. The ANC reduces sound possibly -30db, but doesn't eliminate them all together. Even consistent noises become a minor backdrop in the audio world. It does its job well...even when on Discord with auto-mic in a chatroom.
Now I mentioned an exception at the start of this review, and here it is: the fit. My wired Arctis Pros would allow me to bend over and or tilt my head without moving around on my head. This isn't the case with the Nova Pro Wireless. I believe this is due to one simple reason: the factory pads on the headset do not feel as robust as the former, therefore does not have the same ability to remain stationary. This is easily rectified by purchasing aftermarket replacements. If SS were to pay closer attention to reviews, they would see how some have stated this, and I'm in agreement: make them robust...and make them a bit more breathable as well. The faux leather design is just a trend all headset manufacturers follow as it "allows a better fit to eliminate noises around you" Pish Posh! There is hardly any difference between using a breathable material vs "leather" materials, unless you are an uber-picky audiophile. Listen to the people SS...they have spoken.
Outside of the pads, this is hands-down a 5-Star production for battery life, sound quality, gaming, media and bluetooth connectity to a ton of various products from phones to TV's to streaming devices. A stellar upgrade from the Arctis Pro wired, in both quality and freedom of movement.
If you have your doubts about switching from wired to wireless...do yourself a favor....CUT THE CORD!!!
You won't regret it at all.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset - Premium Hi-Fi Drivers - Active Noise Cancellation - Infini
4.2 | 5,691 ratings
Price: 299.99
Last update: 12-23-2024
About this item
Almighty Audio - Experience ultimate clarity and sound quality with Premium High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize the sound experience with the Sonar Software by using a first-in-gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
360° Spatial Audio - Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound.
Active Noise Cancellation - Immerse yourself in your virtual world as a specialized 4-mic hybrid system designed for gaming tunes out ambient noise. Use Transparency Mode with variable levels to adapt to any situation.
Infinity Power System - Hot-swap between using one battery while charging the other to keep your headset going and going and going.
OLED Base Station - Dual USB ports let you connect your PC, Xbox, Mac, PlayStation, or Switch, swap between them with the press of a button, charge your spare battery, take full control over your EQ, volume, & ChatMix directly without leaving your game
Dual Audio Streams - Mix two audio connections at the same time, letting you chat with friends while gaming. Play with lag-free 2.4GHz while using Bluetooth simultaneously for calls, Discord, music, and podcasts.
AI Powered Noise-Cancelling Mic -The ClearCast Gen 2 mic silences background noise to give you crystal clear comms, backed by Sonar Software's powerful AI algorithms. The mic also fully retracts into the earcup for a sleeker look. Software requirements Windows 8.1 and above, Mac OS 10.13 and above
360° Spatial Audio - Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound.
Active Noise Cancellation - Immerse yourself in your virtual world as a specialized 4-mic hybrid system designed for gaming tunes out ambient noise. Use Transparency Mode with variable levels to adapt to any situation.
Infinity Power System - Hot-swap between using one battery while charging the other to keep your headset going and going and going.
OLED Base Station - Dual USB ports let you connect your PC, Xbox, Mac, PlayStation, or Switch, swap between them with the press of a button, charge your spare battery, take full control over your EQ, volume, & ChatMix directly without leaving your game
Dual Audio Streams - Mix two audio connections at the same time, letting you chat with friends while gaming. Play with lag-free 2.4GHz while using Bluetooth simultaneously for calls, Discord, music, and podcasts.
AI Powered Noise-Cancelling Mic -The ClearCast Gen 2 mic silences background noise to give you crystal clear comms, backed by Sonar Software's powerful AI algorithms. The mic also fully retracts into the earcup for a sleeker look. Software requirements Windows 8.1 and above, Mac OS 10.13 and above
Product information
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 40000 Hz |
| Headphones Jack | USB |
| Model Name | Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Special Feature | Quick-Swap Batteries (or Active Noise Cancellation if applicable), Microphone Included |
| Included Components | Dual Wireless Base Station, 2 x USB-C to USB-A Cable, Headphones with Retractable Microphone, 1 x 4-Pole 3.5 mm Audio Cable |
| Age Range (Description) | Information Not Available |
| Material | Information Not Available |
| Specific Uses For Product | Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset |
| Charging Time | 4 Hours |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Calling |
| Theme | Video Game |
| Control Type | Media Control |
| Cable Feature | Without Cable |
| Item Weight | 3 Pounds |
| Style | Nova Pro PC | PlayStation |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5 |
| Earpiece Shape | Over-the-head |
| UPC | 813682027599 |
| Manufacturer | SteelSeries |
| Product Dimensions | 7.58 x 7.37 x 3.44 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.97 pounds |
| ASIN | B09ZWCYQTX |
| Item model number | 61520 |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
4,642 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #148 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #3 in Mac Game Headsets #18 in PC Game Headsets |
| Date First Available | May 24, 2022 |
| Country of Origin | China |
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2022
Samuel
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2022
Below is my one-week review with the product. I will edit it after a 3 month period.
To start, I have lots of experience with headphones. I have had Beats Studios, Airpods Max, Turtle Beachs, Bose 700s, multiple Razer headsets, and even other Steelseries products like the Arctis 6. None of these compare to these for a few reasons I will go into below. I use headphones for gaming but also I work from home as a software engineer, so I am on the computer a LOT and in lots of zoom meetings.
!!! Disclaimer !!!: These are the "Xbox" version of these. That means, on your multi-system adapter/DAC, one cord can go into a PC/PlayStation and one can go into an Xbox. **If you plan to use this for a PC and PlayStation, please go buy the non-Xbox version. That said, if you plan to ever use this with an Xbox, you will need this version. You CAN use the Xbox slot for a PC, but it will show up as an "Xbox Controller" and will have more limited functionality.
Okay, back to the reasons.
1. Ease of use. I opened these up, plugged the multi-system DAC into my PC, turned on the headset and was ready to go. I had a few onboarding steps: Download Steelseries GG, update drivers, restart device (a few times?), but since then they have works FLAWLESSLY.
2. Wireless. These aren't just your typical wireless. I have had no connection issues. I can walk to the other side of the house, as long as I don't have too many walls between me and my computer these things still work, even then there was just some static. The quality is great as well.
3. Battery. This is HUGE. There is a battery in the headset that you can remove and swap with the one CHARGING IN THE DAC. Yes, you heard me, just swap the battery when you need and boom, full charge. You'll never need the direct connection outside of updates to the firmware. This really is fantastic and easy to use.
4. Microphone. I don't personally use the microphone, but the quality compared to most other headset mics I have used it up there. Some have asked me if you can use the mic while it is in the headset still. I'd say yes, but it will be lower volume and less clear, but I tested it and it would still work (and frankly was still better than like HyperX headset microphones that I've had. I wouldn't buy these FOR the microphone per-say, if you want a nice microphone you can buy a Blue Snowball for cheap on amazon on sale and it'll be all you need unless you want more professional stuff (get the Blue Yeti after that maybe).
5. Connection. I have only used the DAC connection which is really really good as I said in the wireless review. That said, I will be trying to Bluetooth to test that seamlessness they inspire there. I would LOVE if I could get phone notifications while also gaming or in work calls without interrupting those I'm talking to our my gaming experience too much (while of course also me still being alerted).
6. Look. These look great. They look professional enough that I can wear them on work calls. I would maybe thing twice if it was a client meeting, but other than that, I'd feel comfortable in these all day.
7. Comfort. This is only a one-week review, but I will say they are quite comfortable. The airpods max and arctis 6 are notable uncomfortable to me, the first being too heavy and the second putting too much pressure on parts of my head that I get a headache. That said, no problem with these so far. I like the ear cups actually, they're soft and feel premium (as they should for this price point). I know I've seen people complain online, but I've had no issues with these. If I do, you'll see an update right below here.
Overall: Great connectivity and ease of use while looking nice enough for me to not be embarrassed because they're "gaming" all while being comfortable with good audio. This is a very high price point. If you really are a gamer and want a very intuitive product while avoiding crazy RGBs and your headsets looking too "gaming", and you can afford these, then absolutely.
That said, this is not just money you're spending on this headset but it's money you could put elsewhere. Audio is important, but you could get a perfectly good headset for less and still not miss out on the gaming experience. These are absolutely a 'premium' product and thus the price point might not really align perfectly. That said, these are my favorite headphones to-date and I am very happy with my purchase, so you might be too.
Please like this helpful if this was useful for you.
Thanks for listening to my TED Talk :)
Images in this review
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