Should you’re in search of a headset to your new gaming console, handheld, or PC, among the finest choices for all units is on sale at Amazon. The (*7*) is discounted to $180 (was $200) for a restricted time. Launched in October, the Nova 7 Gen 2 is up to date model of among the finest wi-fi gaming headsets you should buy immediately.
You may select between the Nova 7P (PlayStation), Nova 7X (Xbox), or Nova 7 (PC) in black, white, or magenta. The 7X gives wi-fi assist for all platforms, whereas the 7P and 7 work on all units besides Xbox consoles. Should you sport on Swap 1/2, cell, Steam Deck, or one other system 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).
(*2*)
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.
Should you personal the first-generation Nova 7, upgrading most likely may make sense for those who 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 may need to follow the unique. However for everybody else, the Nova 7 Gen 2 is a terrific all-around gaming headset that is still my favourite within the $200 and beneath class.
SteelSeries designs probably the most snug gaming headsets in the marketplace, and the Nova 7 isn’t any exception. The adjustable elastic headband and light-weight, reminiscence foam ear cushions are excellent, and the sturdy metal body holds up effectively. 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 increase 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 by way of a removable 3.5mm audio wire. It additionally has simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio streams, so you’ll be able to keep linked and listen to sound from two units directly.
Nova 7 vs. 7P vs. 7X
As talked about, there are three variations of the Nova 7 Gen 2. Prior to now, 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 precise earcup. The Nova 7X and 7 have a sport chatmix dial, however because the PS5 does not have this characteristic, the Nova 7P has a Sidetone dial for mic monitoring.
We sometimes suggest the Xbox model of SteelSeries headsets since it’s the solely actually common possibility, however for those who primarily sport on PS5 and recurrently chat with mates, the Nova 7P can be the higher alternative. All three variations assist 360-degree spatial audio and Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio with suitable units.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional Offers
The Nova 7 Gen 2 is one of the best SteelSeries gaming headset for most gamers, nevertheless it’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 screen that can be utilized to customise settings. The bottom station replaces the 2.4GHz dongle and might be linked to 2 units. The Arctis Nova Pro is on sale for $300 (was $380) in white or black at Amazon. As soon as once more, you’ll be able to 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 price noting that high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio can be supplied within the SteelSeries Nova Elite Wireless Headset. Launched in late September for $600, the Arctis Nova Elite is way pricier than the opposite headsets in SteelSeries’ lineup. Accessible 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 probably 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 every other gaming headset I’ve tried.
The GameHub–the new title for the bottom station–can join to a few units, 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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