SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2 Review: Ultimate Comfort and Customization for PS5

Experience unmatched comfort and versatile audio settings with SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2, the perfect wireless headset for PS5 gamers.

Two-Minute Overview: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2

If you're hunting for a PS5 headset that delivers top-tier customization and wireless gaming audio, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2 stands out as a remarkably flexible choice. Essentially a tweaked version of a multi-platform model, it swaps the right earcup’s chat wheel for a sidetone dial — letting you control how much of your own voice you hear. This headset is no one-trick pony; it works well across numerous platforms.

After over 100 hours of testing, I found myself wearing these headphones constantly — streaming music, hopping on work calls, and gaming. This second-generation update comes with a beefed-up battery, stretching past a robust 50 hours on a single charge. Plus, it packs in new software compatibility features. Having used the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 before, I’m happy to report this is a considerable upgrade in comfort and convenience.

Ultimately, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P delivers everything I expect from a PS5 headset. What really caught my ear were the custom audio profiles tailored for games like Fortnite and Alan Wake 2. The companion Arctis app is straightforward on mobile, though some features—like crafting your own EQ settings—remain desktop exclusives. It would be fantastic to see the full suite of options on the phone app, as toggling between devices for full control can get tiring. Firmware updates also demand a PC connection, which is a bit old school.

Sound quality? It nails it across gaming, conferencing, and music alike.

Sound Customization and Sidetone Control

The headphones come loaded with preset EQ profiles for your music, inviting you to play with tones like “Bright,” “Heavy,” and “Bass Boost”—typical options in modern sound tuners. What I truly appreciate is the sidetone control wheel on the right earcup. It lets me dial in how much of my own voice I hear during voice chat—cranking it up for lively multiplayer sessions and muting it completely when I’m soloing through a game.

Battery life mostly lives up to the claimed 54 hours. I noticed the battery drained a little faster when Bluetooth and the 2.4 GHz wireless channel were active simultaneously, but in daily use, it never ran out unexpectedly—except during deliberate endurance tests. A quick 15-minute charge adds six hours of playtime, making it easy to stay powered during marathon sessions.

Practical Design Features

What I love most about gaming headsets is a retractable mic that tucks away neatly when you just want to enjoy music or single-player experiences. In previous models I’ve tried, detachable mics often go missing, which is a nightmare for team games. Here, the mic hides snugly in the left earcup, complete with a red mute indicator that clearly signals when it’s off.

However, I did encounter two occasions requiring a factory reset, apparently due to a Bluetooth pairing loop when switching between devices. To reset, you remove the ear cushion and press a tiny hidden button with a pin—definitely not the easiest method without a tool on hand. Since I kept updating firmware during this review, I can't say how widespread this issue is or if a fix is on the way.

Pricing and Availability

• Suggested retail price: $199
• Price trend: Slightly higher than the original $179 model
• Competition: Strong feature set at a reasonable price point

Released in October 2025, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P fits neatly into the mid-premium gaming headset bracket. Though it’s a bit pricier than the first generation, the extra features justify the bump.

At $199, it faces stiff competition from the likes of Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3, which matches the price and offers similar features but boasts longer battery life. Then there’s the Razer Kraken V4, a cheaper alternative at $179. While Kraken offers THX Spatial Audio that sharpens sound fidelity, that feature only works on PC, making SteelSeries’ console-centric software ecosystem more practical for PS5 players.

Though it lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), which is still uncommon in gaming headsets at this price, the Arctis Nova 7P feels like a fully realized package.

Occasionally, discounts have knocked around $20 off the price, making the deal even sweeter.

Design and Build Quality

• Style: Comfortable, lightweight, and stylish without being intrusive
• Connectivity: Simultaneous 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth is a game-changer
• Colors: Available in black, white, and pink

The Arctis Nova 7P echoes the aesthetic of the rest of the Arctis Nova family, but with notable upgrades. Compared to my Nova 5, build quality feels more premium—the headband is now steel covered with PVD coating for extra durability. At 326 grams, this headset is significantly lighter than competitors like Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (408 g) or Razer Kraken V4 (397 g).

Comfort is a big win here. Even after hours of wear, the headset stays light and cozy. The black model I tested was a solid improvement over my slightly yellowed white Nova 5.

One of the standout features is the mic’s red LED mute light—a simple but effective touch. The sidetone adjustment wheel on the right earcup is exclusive to the PlayStation version, letting you easily manage voice monitoring.

The headset houses buttons for mic mute, volume control, and separate pairing buttons for Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless. Each button has its own distinct click sound, which helps prevent confusion when juggling multiple connections.

The 7P is a multi-platform champ — compatible with PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mac, and mobile devices. It stands apart from the 7 and 7X models mainly because of the sidetone dial replacing the chat/game balance knob, which is less useful on PS5 consoles.

Performance

• Audio: Fantastic across games, music, and calls
• Software: Custom game profiles in the Arctis app make a difference
• Comfort: Great for long daily use

The sound quality of the Arctis Nova 7P is superb, largely due to SteelSeries’ Arctis app with extensive tuning options. I clocked hundreds of hours in online shooters like Fortnite, Battlefield 6, and Arc Raiders, and the audio fidelity remained impressive. Even without the app, the default sound profile is balanced, with satisfying bass and clear mids.

While not an audiophile headset (no ANC, no ultra-crystal-clear music fidelity), it performs admirably for streaming tunes and voice chats.

Signal stability has improved a ton over the Nova 5’s occasional dropouts and interference. Switching between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz modes is seamless.

One of my favorite features is the mobile Arctis app that lets you tweak profiles on the fly—switching between Bluetooth, wireless, and mic settings without leaving your game.

In competitive shooters, the “FPS Footsteps” EQ profile really pumps up enemy footsteps—an edge that helped me dodge ambushes in Arc Raiders more than once.

Sadly, creating custom EQ settings still requires the desktop app. I wish this power was available on mobile to avoid hauling out my laptop mid-game.

Mic quality out of the box is decent but not stellar. After some tweaks in the app, my voice sounded crisp, earning nods from teammates who said I came through clearer than with the Nova 5.

The dual connectivity has made this headset my go-to for gaming, streaming, and Discord chats.

Alternatives to Consider

Still on the fence? Here’s how the Arctis Nova 7P stacks up against its close competitors:

How I Tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2

• Duration: Daily use over one month, alternating between gaming and work
• Devices: Mainly PS5 Pro, with MacBook Air and Google Pixel 7 for cross-checking
• Comparison: Side-by-side with my year-old SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

The Arctis Nova 7P quickly became my primary headset. I dove into Arc Raiders, Fortnite, and Battlefield 6, mixing in work calls and presentations. Leveraging Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless together was a breeze.

Testing the custom audio profiles on PS5 Pro, I noticed distinct improvements in sound for Fortnite, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Battlefield 6. The “FPS Footsteps” profile in Arc Raiders highlighted enemy movements sharply.

On MacBook Air, I enjoyed music playback with the various presets, while quality calls via Google Pixel 7 and Discord impressed me with clarity and stability.

“Review Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Headset — the most comfortable headphones”

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2 brings a blend of premium comfort, solid audio performance, and smart customization for PS5 gamers craving versatility. Its multi-platform support and dual wireless connections make it a daily essential.

What’s your go-to gaming headset? Have you tried the Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2, or are you eyeing a competitor? Drop your thoughts below!

FAQ

• What is the battery life of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2? The headset offers up to 54 hours of battery life on a single charge, with fast charging providing six hours of playtime after just 15 minutes of charging.
• Can I use this headset on platforms other than PS5? Yes, it supports PS4, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and mobile devices, making it highly versatile.
• Does the headset feature active noise cancellation (ANC)? No, the Arctis Nova 7P Gen 2 does not have ANC, but its design and sound quality make it a strong performer in noisy environments.
• Is the microphone retractable and does it have a mute indicator? Yes, the mic retracts neatly into the earcup and features a red LED light indicating mute status.
• Can I customize sound profiles on mobile devices? While the mobile app allows some profile switching, full customization of EQ settings currently requires the desktop application.

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