The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is the successor to the SteelSeries Arctis 7, one of the best gaming headsets we've ever reviewed When the Arctis 7 debuted, it set a new standard for convenience, combining a versatile USB-C adapter with a comfortable fit and robust customization features

In a way, the Arctis Nova 7 is the perfect upgrade; SteelSeries made several smart improvements to the Arctis 7's design, including a larger volume dial, a more hidden microphone, a more durable headband, a convenient Bluetooth mode, etc At $180, the Nova 7 is a bit more expensive than its $150 predecessor, but the new features are definitely worth the premium

On the other hand, the biggest problem with the Arctis 7 was that the sound quality was good, if not great; SteelSeries' software protocol called Sonar can improve performance on a PC to some extent, but the $180 headset is more rich and clear sense that it should be able to deliver a more nuanced soundscape

Still, unless you're a hardcore gaming audiophile, the Arctis Nova 7 should serve you well; for a review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, see here

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 will be familiar to those who have used the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro; like the Pro Pro, the Arctis Nova 7 has a black plastic and metal housing with an adjustable elastic headband The foam ear cups are large and plush, with the SteelSeries logo on each side

When it comes to controls, the Arctis Nova 7 is quite complex On the right side, there is a power button, a separate Bluetooth button (which can be activated together or independently), a chat mix button (which doubles as a Bluetooth volume dial), and a USB-C charging port On the right side, there is a microphone mute button, a volume dial (which, confusingly, moves back and forth rather than up and down), a retractable microphone, and a 35mm audio port; while it is commendable that SteelSeries has split the functionality between both earcups, there is a lot going on here

Like its predecessor, the Arctis Nova 7 is comfortable to wear for extended periods of play I wore it for hours at a time and never felt any pain, even over glasses or long hair Overall, however, I don't find it to be more comfortable than the older Arctis 7 model The Arctis 7 had a loose headband and the fit was loose overall The Arctis Nova 7 feels tight, though not uncomfortable However, it is not as comfortable as the Arctis 7

Similarly, the height of the ear cups can now be adjusted This gives the user more control over the feel of the Arctis Nova 7, but it loses the effortless fit that the earlier Arctis 7s offered While I do not dislike the redesign of the Arctis Nova 7, I am not convinced that it is strictly better than what it replaces

The Arctis Nova 7 sounds pretty good, almost great on some platforms If you are using the Nova 7 primarily as a PC accessory, it should be in pretty good shape; the SteelSeries GG software has a feature called SteelSeries Sonar, a proprietary surround sound protocol that tweaks the soundscape of competitive games While SteelSeries suggests that Sonar works best in first-person shooters, emphasizing footsteps and gunshots, I have found that it enhances all game sounds, including voice work, sound effects, and music

I tested Arctis Nova 7 on Age of Empires IV, Cyberpunk 2077, Doom Eternal, and Final Fantasy XIV on PC and was torn between "this sounds good" and "it should sound better" "Without Sonar enabled, each game's soundscape had a distant, slightly metallic feel, as if I were listening with a $50 headset instead of a $180 headset FFXIV, in particular, featured an intricate mix of energetic voice performances, varied sound effects, and magnificent orchestral music

The experience on the PS5 and Switch was a bit more complex, as the consoles could not run Sonar The sound of games such as "Assassin's Creed Valhalla" and "Bayonetta 3" was not bad, but the high frequencies were heavy and straightforward Similarly, Bluetooth connectivity for games on the phone was workable, although definitely better than wireless earbuds

The Arctis Nova 7's lack of strong bass negatively affected music performance more than gaming I tried listening to Old Crow Medicine Show, Flogging Molly, The Rolling Stones, and GF Handel, but the sound image was flat and uninteresting It is adequate for everyday listening, but will not win the hearts and minds of audiophiles

Where the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 excels is in its connectivity The default version can connect to PC, PS4, PS5, Switch (portable and docked), and cell phones; the Xbox version works with all of these, plus Xbox consoles that use Microsoft's proprietary protocols If you have an Xbox console, or Bluetooth connectivity is also a smart addition over the previous Arctis 7 model, making it simpler to connect to cell phones, tablets, and smart TVs with mobile phones, tablets, and smart TVs

In addition, the SteelSeries Engine software lets you adjust the equalizer and microphone options I wish there were more EQ presets, but the software does what it needs to do Likewise, the microphone provides clear sound, and battery life is 26-38 hours, depending on Bluetooth settings, which is significantly better than the older Arctis model

The Xbox edition of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is an incredible recommendation for anyone who wants a headset that can connect wirelessly to any gaming system in the house with the push of a button; if you are looking for PS5/PC accessories, the situation is much simpler It is not

With Bluetooth connectivity and a comfortable elastic headband, the Arctis Nova 7 has a lot to offer However, with adequate sound quality and a tight fit on the ear, the Arctis Nova 7 is a great alternative to the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, or many mid- to They are in tough competition with high-end wireless gaming headsets The good news is that you can't go wrong with any of these models