The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is likely one of the finest gaming headsets of 2024 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. It presents an ultra-comfortable design, very good audio, and high quality noise-canceling tech hardly ever present in gaming headsets. It additionally presents versatile gadget compatibility and plenty of customization. Practically two years have handed for the reason that Nova Professional’s launch, however this premium headset nonetheless feels superior in comparison with a lot of the competitors. Now, SteelSeries is increasing the Nova Professional roster by giving the premium gaming headset an alternate look. A white version of the Arctis Nova Pro joins the unique black mannequin. You possibly can test it out for your self beneath, however we expect it seems to be fairly fashionable.
$350
The Arctis Nova Pro isn’t cheap. At $350, it’s one of the priciest gaming headsets, but you’re getting stellar audio and tons of gaming features for your investment. Plus, the Nova Pro remains the most comfortable headset GameSpot has tested, and the build quality is excellent. We’d say it’s the gaming equivalent of a top-notch pair of Bose or Sony headphones.
As for the cool options SteelSeries packed into this modern headset, the Nova Professional has energetic noise cancellation that works fairly nicely. It does not block out noise to the identical diploma as high-end, non-gaming headphones, but it surely’s one of many few gaming headsets we have examined that gives good ANC. When you have to hear the world round you, you possibly can’t swap to transparency mode. Onboard AI enhances the readability of the retractable microphone, and high-fidelity acoustic drivers produce wealthy and clear audio that may be custom-made to your liking with SteelSeries’ Sonar app.
The Nova Professional additionally helps the audio options discovered on Xbox Collection X|S and PS5: Home windows Spatial Sound on Xbox and Tempest 3D Audio on PS5. PC gamers can make the most of 360-degree spatial audio as nicely. A number of EQ profiles are provided out of the field, together with game-specific audio presets for common video games like Fortnite. You possibly can create customized profiles that suit your private preferences, too.
Most wi-fi gaming headsets join through a 2.4GHz dongle, however the Nova Professional comes with a base station that SteelSeries calls the Multi-System Join hub. The hub may be linked to 2 platforms at one time and mechanically powers on and switches its enter to the console (or PC) you are enjoying. The base station has an OLED show that can be utilized to regulate audio settings.
The Nova Professional is offered in Xbox, PlayStation, and PC-specific fashions. All three fashions work with all kinds of units, however the Xbox version is the one one which works with all present platforms. The PC and PlayStation editions–which work on all the similar devices–do not help Xbox. One of the USB-C ports on the bottom station within the Xbox mannequin makes use of Microsoft’s proprietary wi-fi protocol, whereas the PC and PS5 editions function two common USB-C ports. If you’re enjoying on Xbox and PlayStation, go for the Xbox model.
At the moment, Best Buy has the PC edition in inventory, whereas SteelSeries has all three. We would anticipate extra listings to go stay quickly at Best Purchase, and sure Amazon.
Along with low-latency wi-fi connections by means of the Multi-System Join USB hub, the Nova Professional additionally syncs wirelessly through Bluetooth with different units, together with Nintendo Change, Steam Deck, and cellular units—mainly something you personal that helps Bluetooth audio. Bluetooth audio can be utilized together with 2.4GHz wi-fi, so you possibly can play on-line multiplayer video games with associates and take heed to different audio in your telephone, for instance. The included 3.5mm cable may be linked to appropriate units for wired listening.
Like all present SteelSeries headsets, the Nova Professional has a intelligent function that improves ergonomics. A strip of adjustable elastic separates your head from the metal headband. This straightforward but efficient part permits you to customise the headscarf’s rigidity and helps mitigate discomfort that plagues many gaming headsets when enjoying for lengthy stretches of time. Plush leatherette earcups and a steel-enforced construct spherical out the premium appear and feel of the Nova Professional.
You may get a greater have a look at the brand new white Nova Professional within the footage beneath:
It is also price noting you possibly can replace the elastic headband and speaker plates with totally different colours to vary the look of the Nova Professional. The speaker plates additionally serve a useful function. The USB-C charging port is hid by one, and the rechargeable battery is behind the opposite. The Nova Professional really comes with two batteries, considered one of which is slotted within the base station and fees whereas your console or PC is on. Battery life, in our expertise, is spectacular at round 20 hours for Bluetooth and 35 hours when utilizing 2.4GHz wi-fi. However should you run out of juice, you possibly can rapidly swap to the opposite battery, which can seemingly be absolutely charged.
If the unique black Nova Professional goes higher together with your gaming setup otherwise you merely do not have a choice both method, it’s best to know that Amazon is offering fairly substantial discounts on the black Nova Pro for all platforms. For a extra in-depth have a look at this premium gaming headset, take a look at our SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional evaluate.