SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Review: Is the High Price Truly Worth It?

Explore why the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro remains a top wireless gaming headset despite its steep price tag.

A Wireless Legend That Still Shines Bright

If you’ve been hunting for a wireless gaming headset that ticks every essential box, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro might just be the one that stops your search. Nearly two years after its debut, this headset continues to stand tall among the best PC gaming headsets on the market. Sure, plenty of headsets strive to deliver that dream feature set — multi-device connectivity, swappable batteries — but very few can match the Nova Pro’s comfort, and none quite surpass its sound quality.

In fact, if it weren’t for its sky-high price, this would be our reigning champ. Although the price hasn’t budged much, there are occasional discounts floating around online. Otherwise, everything else about this headset remains as impressive as ever.

Unveiling the Arctis Nova Pro felt like a milestone for gaming peripherals. It’s as if SteelSeries has crafted the gaming headset of the future — a true hybrid masterpiece that delivers exceptional sound detail, an immersive soundstage, lengthy battery life, and comfort that almost makes you forget you’re wearing it.

As a longtime fan of the Arctis lineup’s sound quality, I’ll admit some bias here, but there’s no denying SteelSeries pulled off an ambitious feat with this wireless marvel.

Of course, no product is flawless. The extra button on the base station has a frustrating hit rate of around 25%, and the physical controls on the headset itself can feel a little confusing and unintuitive at first. Still, considering this is a full-featured gaming headset, these quirks don’t detract from the overall experience.

While others, like the beloved Astro A50, pioneered features such as multi-device connectivity, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless builds on that foundation with premium sound quality rivaling audiophile-tier models like the Audeze Penrose — plus noise cancellation features you’d expect from dedicated ANC headphones.

Truly, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the one-stop shop for gamers who want it all. Could you ask for more?

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: Price Tag and Availability

Let’s talk numbers. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro doesn’t come cheap — retailing around $320 USD. If you fancy adding the Nova Booster Pack, which comes in cherry red, lilac, mint, and rose quartz, be prepared to shell out extra.

This pricing isn’t shocking; SteelSeries’ flagship headsets have always hovered around the premium price point, much like their competitors. But with the Nova Pro, you truly get a lot for your money.

To put it in perspective, the Audeze Penrose costs roughly the same but lacks multi-device connectivity, isn’t as comfortable, and doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Rating: 3.8 / 5

Design: Sleek, Comfortable, and Surprisingly Versatile

• Elegant gaming headset look
• Multi-platform and multi-device connectivity
• One of the most versatile headsets we’ve tested

Weighing in at a modest 337 grams, the wireless SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro boasts a luxurious fit with soft, leatherette ear cushions and a flexible headband padded just right. The earcups rotate to accommodate different head shapes, delivering solid hold and comfort for extended gaming sessions. If only the leatherette were a tad more breathable!

This design is a refined, understated evolution of typical gamer style, crafted to be just as acceptable on your daily commute as it is in your battle station. A prime example? The microphone boom discreetly tucks into the left earcup, staying out of sight without sacrificing clarity.

While Razer has tried similar hybrid designs, SteelSeries nails it here. This headset looks fantastic both as casual Bluetooth headphones and as a hardcore gaming tool — in fact, I can’t wait to bring these on my next trip.

The headset comes with two swappable lithium-ion Fuji batteries, each offering up to 22 hours of juice. One battery slots into the right earcup behind a magnetic plate, and when it dies, just pop in the other one.

Need to charge? The base station has a charging slot for one battery, while the other charges inside the left earcup via USB-C. Both charge simultaneously — simple and efficient! Plus, a quick 15-minute charge gives you three hours of playtime.

Where the design falls short is in controls. The dual power buttons — separate for Bluetooth and wireless connection — can confuse users. Turning off the headset doesn’t always mean it’s fully off; Bluetooth can remain active, continuing music playback from your phone. And that base station button? Hit rate is sadly only about 25%.

The base station ensures compatibility across multiple platforms and devices, coupled with Bluetooth 5.0, making this arguably the most flexible headset on the market.

You can connect the Arctis Nova Pro wirelessly to two devices simultaneously. Plus, no base station is required for Bluetooth or wired 3.5mm connections, so you’re free to use these like premium headphones on the go — whether for hiking, work, or travel.

With such sleek design and versatile connectivity, this headset fits every lifestyle.

Design Rating: 4.6 / 5

Performance: Audio That Pulls You Right In

• High-resolution audio from 10 Hz to 40 kHz
• Stunning, detailed sound reproduction
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) leaves something to be desired

Thanks to its expansive frequency range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro delivers rich bass and crystal-clear highs that make your music, games, and movies pop.

The sound profile is nothing short of excellent — deep, rumbly bass even at moderate volume, sparkling highs packed with detail, and well-balanced mids that bring out every nuance. Whether you’re immersed in a game like Sable where sound plays a key role or jamming to Florence and the Machine’s “Dance Fever,” or watching a tense thriller like Extraction, the Arctis Nova Pro immerses you completely.

While some gaming headsets boast wider soundstages, the Nova Pro still offers a very respectable soundstage. Its standout feature is the 360° spatial audio, which perfectly maps out where sounds are coming from in games and films. You can literally hear a bear stalking you through the forest or footsteps creeping from left to right — an immersive delight!

The microphone is a gem here, too. It stays active even when tucked away, ensuring crystal-clear voice transmission whether you’re coordinating raids on Discord or hopping on a quick call with coworkers. Sadly, noise suppression features are Windows 10/11-only and don’t fully eliminate background noise — expect the person on the other end to catch ambient sounds like your AC humming.

The active noise cancellation system, while present, isn’t stellar. It handles distant traffic and background hums but won’t drown out louder noises like airplane engines. That said, the superior sound quality compensates for the ANC’s shortcomings for many users.

Performance Rating: 5 / 5

Other Headsets to Consider

• Astro A50: A solid choice with great sound and comfort but lacks Bluetooth and the extended frequency range of the Arctis Nova Pro.
• Audeze Penrose: Offers stellar sound quality for gaming and music but doesn’t support multi-device connections, isn’t as comfy, and lacks ANC.
• Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: Known for great audio and comfort, but the Arctis Nova Pro still outshines it in sound and features.

Overall Verdict: The Ultimate Gaming Headset?

"SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is literally the only gaming headset that does everything. What more could you want?"

Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro worth its lofty price tag? If you crave top-tier sound, comfort, and multi-platform versatility without compromise, it just might be. Sure, those confusing controls and so-so ANC are minor speed bumps, but the overall package is exceptional.

FAQ

• What makes the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro stand out from other gaming headsets?
  Its combination of multi-device wireless connectivity, swappable batteries, premium sound quality, and comfortable design makes it unique.
• How long does the battery last on a single charge?
  Each lithium-ion battery offers up to 22 hours of playtime, and you can swap batteries to extend usage without interruption.
• Is the active noise cancellation effective?
  It reduces ambient noises like distant traffic and AC hum but struggles with louder or constant noises such as airplane engines.
• Can I use this headset for both gaming and casual listening?
  Absolutely! The design is stylish enough for everyday use, and it supports Bluetooth and wired connections for versatility.
• Does the microphone work well for online communication?
  Yes, it provides clear and crisp voice transmission, even when tucked away, making it perfect for online gaming and calls.

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