The Arctis Nova 7 checks a lot of boxes, and although being more expensive than the Arctis Nova 1 and Nova 3, it offers unquestionable value considering all that it is capable of. We were sort of coerced out of using SteelSeries for a very long period. We had bought the Arctis Pro Wireless, which had been the company’s long-standing flagship headphones, and were instantly smitten by the sound quality and hot-swappable battery packs that offered it almost endless battery life. Sadly, we soon came to the painful conclusion that it just didn’t fit us. Even when stretched to its maximum length, the “ski goggle” headband was unable to completely encircle our large dome without putting pressure and pain on it. We were left in the dark for several years since practically every model wore a headband that was almost exactly the same. also you will learn our article on SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review: Design
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless refines some characteristics of older Arctis headsets while, in comparison to the higher-end models in the lineup, possibly cheapening other aspects. It is entirely comprised of slick plastic that feels durable but can attract greasy fingerprints, taking away from the otherwise clean and simple design. The absence of metal construction and leatherette earcups is the reason we claim it may feel and appear a touch less expensive than comparable premium headsets. Instead, SteelSeries has chosen a patterned, breathable fabric that is more analogous to Razer’s headsets for the earcups. Because of how beautiful and fluffy the earcups are, they are comfy. Additionally, they are quite roomy, which increases the comfort level. It weighs 325g, which puts it on the heavier side of headsets I’ve lately tried, but unlike the more snug Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max we saw at a few months ago, it doesn’t feel like it would crush your skull. The headband is where there are the most noticeable design changes when compared to other Arctis headsets. This innovative headgear chooses a pin-fastened semi-elastic suspension strap rather than a band in the ski-goggle type. Although it offers a looser fit than the more conventional headsets we’ve used, it doesn’t feel as like it would fall off your head at any second.
Comfort
The Arctis Nova 7 is equally as comfortable to wear as its predecessor, even during extended gaming sessions. Even with glasses and long hair on top, we wore it for hours at a time, and it never hurt. Overall, though, we’re not sure if it’s more comfy than the earlier Arctis 7 models. The overall fit of the Arctis 7 was looser due to its looser headband. Even while it’s not particularly unpleasant, the Arctis Nova 7 seems constricted. It’s not quite as simple as the Arctis 7, but we think this will keep the headband’s integrity better over the course of a few years. Similar to that, the earcups’ height may now be changed. While this allows for more precise control over how the Arctis Nova 7 feels, the earlier Arctis 7s’ natural fit is lost. We don’t dislike the makeover of the Arctis Nova 7, but we’re also not sure it’s inherently superior to what it replaced. you can read our article on SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review: Noise cancelling
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is adequate in reducing outside noise. Because there is no active noise cancellation (ANC), you must rely only on the passive noise isolation capabilities of the headset to block out external sounds. The outcomes are very typical for a set of over-ear headphones. You shouldn’t experience any problems at home with everyday noises like the clatter of dishes or the sound of the TV coming from down the hall. You’ll hear things like doorbells and people speaking to you, as well as the noticeable hum of a refrigerator, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Nevertheless, carrying this about is less appealing due to the absence of the ANC. This is unfortunate because the headset may have made a good alternative to bring to a café with its Bluetooth compatibility and retractable microphone.
Call performance
We did receive a call at one point, and much to our surprise, the moment we answered and started chatting, the game’s audio instantly dropped. It’s good to see that thought was taken for chatting, however the lack of a hardware dial feels like a miss as this was also the case when joining a Discord call. This should hopefully be fixed in a later firmware update or even on the headset’s next iteration, as it would greatly enhance the simultaneous audio experience. The convenience of being able to make or receive phone calls while still being able to hear the audio from your games, talk with friends across various platforms using Discord, or even just play a game while listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook, cannot be overstated. This is especially true for devices like the Nintendo Switch, which lack any built-in compatibility for music apps like Apple Music or Spotify.
Connectivity
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 excels in a number of areas, including networking. The PC, PS4, PS5, Switch (handheld and docked), and mobile phones can all be connected using the default version. The Xbox version does all of those tasks in addition to Xbox consoles, which employ a peculiar Microsoft protocol. Because it’s so simple to move between different platforms, the Arctis Nova 7 for Xbox is perhaps the greatest gaming headset you can buy if you own an Xbox console or want to purchase one. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity over the previous Arctis 7 models is also a wise move because it makes connecting to smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs much simpler.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review: Battery and charging
The Arctis Nova 7 can run for 38 hours on its 2.4 GHz wireless connection alone (this drops to 26 hours with simultaneous Bluetooth). These days, having enough time to play for well over a day is very excellent (especially in recent flagship models). The battery life of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 MAX and the Razer Barracuda Pro is 40+ hours, compared to 40 and 32 hours for the new Sony Inzone 7 and 9, respectively. A 15-minute charge on the Nova 7 will give you a six-hour boost. Fast charging is available via USB-C.
Audio performance
The sound quality of a gaming headset is crucial, and we are happy to inform that the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless has decent audio quality. Although there is a greater emphasis on the low end, which is characteristic of gaming headset profiles, it doesn’t feel overpowering in comparison to the mids and highs. There were times when Jon Anderson’s vocals might have seemed a little less prominent than Chris Squire’s rolling bassline, such as when listening to Yes’s Roundabout. However, the Nova 7 Wireless generally provided a fun and lively listen. As we played Sniper Elite 5 as usual, the somewhat larger earcups also allowed for a wider soundstage and a good sense of positioning. We did eventually lose against the AI despite having this superb placement intuition, but that was clearly not the hardware’s fault! The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless’ software is powered by the company’s smart GG suite, which allows for good levels of customization and tweaking for things like EQ settings, which let you find the perfect audio balance, as well as general volume levels for game or chat audio. also you can check our article on SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review. Additionally, this headset is compatible with SteelSeries’ more recent dedicated audio software Sonar, which offers even more customization options for audio-specific EQs, as well as the ability to enable spatial audio and even tweak microphone noise suppression. This headset has a retractable microphone that can be pulled in and out of a small compartment on the front left side of the device. It provided adequate body and didn’t sound overly thin throughout testing. It turned out to be absolutely useable for regular Discord discussions with buddies for some FIFA 23 fun and had a decent volume.
Price and availability
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, which hit the market in late August 2022, is not the most affordable of the Nova gaming headsets from SteelSeries. That distinction belongs to the considerably simpler Arctis 1, which costs $59 (£59, or AU$69). And while it’s not the most expensive headset either, at $179 (£174, around AU$310), it will cost you a fair sum. It is a capable performer, comparable to the 7P and 7X, the console-oriented variations of the same headset. But a price tag closer to $150 or £150 would be more appropriate in light of the competition and what it has to offer. Of course, the Nova Pro Wireless headset, which is the priciest model, costs $349 (£329, or approximately AU$649). We would gladly pay that much for it, though, because it has such a wow factor.
Conclusion
Since well over ten years ago, SteelSeries has maintained their Arctis headset portfolio without making any significant modifications to the recipe. They started off on the right foot and haven’t wavered since. However, earlier this year, they gave their flagship headset, the Nova Pro, a makeover, and it has since trickled down the line to the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, the sample we’re looking at today. The Nova 7 Wireless, which has two high-fidelity 40mm drivers, claims to provide users 360 degrees of spatial audio so they can decide where to move next right away. Additionally, Microsoft’s Spatial Sound and Tempest 3D Audio for the PS5 are both completely compatible with the headset.
