What if there was a single headset that offered gamers exactly everything they needed? A headset that allowed for simultaneous connection to Bluetooth while allowing them to swap between PC and consoles simultaneously, all from the push of a couple of buttons. This is the exact headset that SteelSeries was able to deliver players in the Arctis Nova Pro. Though it bears a hefty price, this headset is unmatched in the versatility and audio experience that it provides its users.

What’s in the Box

I was pleasantly surprised at the fan-fare included in the contents of this box. Pointing out its $349.99 price tag, I was hoping that it would come with more than just a standard connector or two, and I was happy to see that SteelSeries didn’t disappoint.

Aside from the Nova Pro itself, owners get the wireless base station, 2 lithium-ion batteries, 2 USB-C to USB-A cables, a 3.5mm audio cable, 2 removable magnetic ear plates, a microphone pop filter, and its instruction manual. This is everything that you’ll need in order to fully take this headset to its full capabilities and luckily it’s all very easy to set up.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

This headset has some very nice design choices, specifically in its heavy use of metals. The removable ear plates, the top of the headband, and the various ANC grills all have a beautiful brushed steel look that makes this headset stand out from the rest. It exudes the premium quality look that one would hope to see in something in this price range.

As for its build quality, this is a very sound device. The ear pads feel soft yet durable, their ear cups swivel briskly, and the headband feels extremely flexible. I also managed to drop these on my desk and they came out of it pretty unscathed aside from a small scuff on the plastic near one of the ear pads. Keep in mind that this was a pretty hard tumble it took and I’m impressed with the results overall.

Specs and Audio Quality

There is a lot of ground to cover with this headset due to just how much it can do. Having the ability to swap between my PC and my Xbox audio on the fly is a beautiful feature to finally have and it’s even further made better by having a passthrough for both audio in and out, meaning that you can swap to speakers easily as well. Not to mention that Bluetooth can be used at the same time as your standard audio use, making playing Xbox and listening to a YouTube video or making a quick call a breeze.

Additionally, the wireless base station helps to make this experience as seamless as possible with its host of options that are maneuvered using its single-dial and a touch back-button. You can adjust overall volume, game chat volume, swap between your favorite audio presets, and even check on the Nova Pro’s battery level.

That leads me to the swappable batteries which are still something that I can’t get over. Having not only one but two batteries means that you never have to worry about the headset dying on you. The wireless base station has a small area just big enough to pop a battery in and then leave it on deck, ready for its time to shine. This is an idea that will easily be picked up by copycats because of how useful it truly is.

As for its audio, the Nova Pro packs the best and brightest sound I’ve heard in a SteelSeries headset. Tuning into the provided Sonar feature in the SteelSeries Engine software fully unlocks the abilities that this headset is capable of with a suite of presets for almost every major game as well as ones for music, videos, and the ability to mix it the way you want. There’s also the spatial setting that makes you feel like you’re truly in the middle of the action with the most intense experience I’ve yet had.

One aspect that I didn’t expect to finish the experience as the cherry on top of the sundae was the Nova Pro’s ANC. This feature is kind of insane in just how well it creates a faux vacuum of audio. As soon as you turn it on the world around you disappears in a snap. There is the choice to also turn it onto transparency mode as well which makes it great for gamers that enjoy the outside world while gaming too.

Infinity Power System – Gaming, unchained. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset provides unlimited battery life and always keeps players in the action with a dual-battery system. Gamers can charge the second battery while the first battery is in play.
Simultaneous Game & Mobile Audio – Play and communicate all ways with Quantum 2.0 Wireless. Gamers can mix two audio connections at the same time, engaging with friends over the phone while gaming on a PC or console. The powerful 2.4GHz wireless is perfect for earning that in-game hot streak while using Bluetooth for calls, Discord, music, or podcasts.
Active Noise Cancellation – Completely transport to another world like never before as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for gaming tunes out unnecessary distractions. The advanced 4-mic hybrid system removes outside sounds, while mics inside the earcups balance the audio for optimal clarity. For taking in surroundings, Transparency Mode is just a button press away with adjustable hear-through levels to suit each situation.
Wireless Base Station – Total control at the player’s fingertips. The Wireless Base Station acts as a command center across platforms and features adjustments for EQ, input device, volume, ChatMix, and much more on the fly, while never having to leave the game. The device remembers personal settings and a multi-function OLED display keeps users informed of battery life and other functions.

What It Could Have Done Better

There are two complaints that come to mind with the Nova Pro but neither really impacts this headset much overall. The first is the fact that the ski goggle headband that attaches to the headband frame can come unattached when you take the headset off. I never had issues wearing it but I did have to reattach it once in a while.

The other nitpick I have is that the ear pads don’t seem to be removable. This could prove to be an issue down the line if players really wear them down. That being said, these pads are extremely premium in feel and I really wouldn’t see this being an issue for years down the line, if at all.

Verdict

SteelSeries has proven in the past that they could craft some fantastic headsets but nothing compares to the genius that is the Arctis Nova Pro. Not only does it provide the best audio experience the company has ever produced, but it’s filled to the brim with features that far surpass the standard creature comforts of premium headsets available. This is a gamechanger and I would even say that it’s a necessity for gamers that surround themselves with technology. If you want a seamless connection to your gaming setup, this is it, it’s here.