SteelSeries Arctis Nova gaming headset trio lands for every budget

Following the launch of the multi-functional Arctis Nova Pro range earlier this year, the rarely resting gaming gear-maker, SteelSeries, has three new headsets debuting at Gamescom: the Arctis Nova 7, 3 and 1. 

While the Nova Pro’s plethora of features are impressive, you’re looking at £330 for the wireless version, which is a serious amount of cash to drop on a gaming headset, even if the one in question makes a good case for replacing your everyday ANC cans. But you don’t need to spend that much. At £175 ($180), the Arctis Nova 7 might lack the noise-cancelling functionality and swappable battery packs that you get with the Pro model, but carried over from the flagship headset is multisource audio support via Bluetooth and the included 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. The latter is also multi-platform, which means you can use it with your PC and pretty much any console, including the Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. 

Sporting a similar design to the supremely comfy and notably non-gamey Arctis Nova Pro, the Nova 7 Wireless comes in both PlayStation and Xbox-specific variants, but the differences between the two are almost entirely aesthetic, given that SteelSeries’ USB-C transmitter is now platform-agnostic. 

The headset can deliver 360-degree spatial audio, as well as what SteelSeries calls the world’s first parametric EQ for gamers with the Sonar Audio Software Suite. This allows gamers to tweak every individual frequency to give them a competitive advantage in games where the slightest noise really matters. Battery life is quoted at 38 hours, with fast charging giving you six hours of playtime after a 15 minute-charge. 

The mid-tier Nova 3 headset (£100 / $100) gets the same AI-powered noise-cancelling mic as its pricier sibling, plus customisable RGB lighting on the ear cups (because one of them had to), while the cheapest Nova 1 (£60 / $60) has a 3.5mm audio jack that can plug into any compatible device. Both the Nova 3 and Nova 1 are exclusively wired offerings. 

All three of the newly unveiled headsets are available to buy now. 

Matt Tate Contributor

About

I'm fascinated by all things tech, but if you were going to leave me on a desert island, I'd probably ask for my Nintendo Switch, a drone, and a pair of noise-cancelling cans to block out the relentless seagull racket. When I'm not on Stuff duty you'll probably find me subscribing to too many podcasts, playing too many video games, or telling anyone who will listen that Spurs are going to win a trophy this season.

Areas of expertise

Video games, VR, smartwatches, headphones, smart speakers, bizarre Kickstarter campaigns