SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Review – Affordable Sound and Comfort for Gamers

Looking for budget-friendly gaming headphones with solid sound and comfort? SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 offers a reliable, minimalist choice for casual and entry-level players.

A Familiar Contender in the Arctis Nova Family

Among the Arctis Nova lineup, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 stands out as the most accessible model. It’s not exactly “cheap” in price or features, but it doesn’t quite soar like its siblings either — the dependable Arctis Nova 3, the versatile Nova 7, or the premium Nova Pro.

At around $60, the Nova 1 steps in as the successor to the SteelSeries Arctis 3, a budget gaming headset known for maintaining the sleek, premium design Arctis is famous for. Like its predecessor, the Nova 1 is a wired headset connecting solely via a 3.5 mm audio jack. However, in today’s market, selling a wired device at this price point is tougher, especially when it’s about $10 more expensive than many competitors.

Still, the Nova 1 carries more strengths than weaknesses — solid sound quality, trustworthy design, and intuitive controls make it a contender. But it’s not the best in class for its price segment. Let’s dive deeper into the full rundown of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1.

Specifications at a Glance

• Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch (portable mode)
• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
• Wireless: No
• Weight: Approx. 235 g

Availability and Pricing Insights

The headset is widely available on various marketplaces and electronics stores, with prices fluctuating between $60 and $110 depending on color options and promotions. Because it’s wired with the common 3.5 mm jack, it plugs easily into nearly any device without fuss or compatibility issues.

Design – Simple and Straightforward

If you’ve glimpsed the newer Arctis Nova models, the Arctis Nova 1 will feel instantly recognizable. It sports a simple black plastic frame, comfy foam ear cushions, and the SteelSeries logo etched on each earcup. The elastic headband offers two attachment styles, and each earcup’s height adjusts individually for a more personal fit.

Controls are minimal by design. On the left earcup, you get a mic mute button, volume wheel, 3.5 mm jack, and a retractable microphone. The right earcup is bare. The headset connects with a single 3.5 mm cable, but also includes a splitter if you need to separate audio and mic channels.

With its minimalist style and near-total lack of extra features, the Nova 1 isn’t exactly eye candy. But its straightforwardness has its own charm — sometimes simplicity wins.

Comfort That Lasts, Though Slightly Snug

Just like its Nova siblings, the Arctis Nova 1 is comfortable, though it fits a little more snugly than you might expect. The foam earpads are soft and gentle even when wearing glasses, which is always a relief.

Unlike older Arctis models, the Nova line uses more than just the elastic headband to ensure fit — you’ll also need to adjust earcup height manually, which can be a bit fiddly since there are no markings for precise positioning.

Despite being somewhat tighter than expected, the headset remains comfortable for hours with no need to take it off. Over time, the elastic band might loosen slightly, but it plays a crucial role in keeping the perfect snugness.

Performance and Sound Quality

The Arctis Nova 1 shares the same 40mm drivers as the Nova 3, so sound quality is broadly similar. However, the Nova 3’s USB connection offers better sound customization through SteelSeries Engine software, giving it a leg up on PC users. The Nova 1 sounds good but doesn’t quite reach greatness.

Testing on multiple platforms—PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch—showed the headset performs better on PC than consoles. This is somewhat ironic, as the 3.5 mm jack and short cable naturally suit console controllers better.

While playing games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Pentiment, and Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, I noticed an uneven volume balance: sound effects were often too loud, while music was too quiet. It took tweaking both console and headset volumes to find an acceptable middle ground, and even then, high frequencies and voices stood out a bit too much.

On PC, however, the soundstage felt more balanced (though not highly detailed). Games like Doom Eternal benefited from decent positional audio, giving me clear cues about enemy locations even when out of sight. Yet overall, the experience was solid but not thrilling.

One noticeable drawback is the near absence of bass. Whether jamming to Flogging Molly, The Rolling Stones, or classical touches by Handel, the low end barely registered. Vocals and highs, on the other hand, held up well. For casual music listening, the Nova 1 is fine, but its true strength lies in gaming.

Features and Connectivity

Without USB connectivity, the Nova 1 lacks full access to SteelSeries Engine’s software options. Still, it supports SteelSeries Sonar, an interesting feature that optimizes sound for specific games and offers surround sound presets. This only works on PC, though, and depending on the game, Sonar was either a helpful boost or a distracting layer.

Since the Nova 1 plugs only through 3.5 mm, it’s both more and less flexible than some might want. It connects easily to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S controllers, with a cable long enough for most desktops and laptops. But it won’t work with mobile devices lacking headphone jacks, nor will it connect to the Nintendo Switch dock (only portable mode works).

While a 3.5 mm wired headset still offers a lot, keep in mind it won’t suit every gaming setup. Depending on your gear, a USB or wireless headset might serve you better.

Final Thoughts

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is a decent gaming headset — just not a standout. It delivers solid sound, comfortable fit, and broad compatibility, but it lacks the wow factor. The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, for example, costs about $10 less and feels like a smarter buy. Nova 1 doesn’t have clear advantages over budget contenders like the Razer Kraken X either.

Still, its signature Arctis Nova design elevates its look above many peers in the price range, adding a touch of premium flair. For gamers hunting for an entry-level wired headset, it’s worth a look. But competition is fierce, and it’s up to you whether the subtle polish is worth the slightly higher price.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is good gaming gear; it just doesn’t impress.

FAQ

• What devices is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 compatible with?
  It works with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch in portable mode via a 3.5 mm audio jack.
• Does the Nova 1 have wireless capabilities?
  No, it is a wired headset only.
• How comfortable is the headset for long gaming sessions?
  The earpads are soft and comfortable, suitable even for glasses wearers, though the fit is snug. It remains wearable for hours without discomfort.
• Can I use SteelSeries software to customize sound on this headset?
  You can access some features like SteelSeries Sonar on PC, but full software controls require USB connection, which Nova 1 lacks.
• Is the microphone quality good for online gaming?
  The retractable mic is basic but functional, suitable for multiplayer chats and general use.

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