Over the years, SteelSeries has continued to impress with their products by taking the feedback of their community and addressing it in different price points, form factors, and feature upgrades that aim to meet user needs, whatever they are. I respect that they take our criticisms to heart and try to make things better with each new release. Its new top-tier headset, the Arctis Nova Elite, might be a grand culmination of that philosophy.
SteelSeries’ premium, tippy-top-tier audio model addresses just about every complaint I’ve ever had about a SteelSeries headset. The main trade-off is that it comes with one of the largest price tags I’ve seen on any SteelSeries product and will definitely make you seriously question if you’ll use its most indulgent features enough to warrant that price.
### What’s in the Box?
The Arctis Nova Elite wireless headset retails at $599.99 and comes in two color styles: Black, and Sage/Gold. The package is about what you’d expect out of the Arctis Nova Pro before this. It includes:
– The headset
– A control deck
– Three USB-A-to-USB-C connector cables
– Two removable and rechargeable battery packs
– A pop filter for the retractable mic
– A 3.5mm audio cable
– A carrying bag
– The instruction manual
You can also download the free SteelSeries Arctis Companion App to access your headset’s onboard settings, unique sound profiles, and make adjustments through your phone. However, you still need the SteelSeries GG app on a PC to upgrade the headset firmware—unfortunately, the mobile app won’t suffice.
### Build and Comfort
The headset feels sturdy. The retractable mic is back and works great for gaming communication. There’s also a second internal mic on the opposite earcup from the retractable mic, designed specifically for phone calls when using Bluetooth or other lifestyle situations where you wouldn’t want the retractable mic exposed. I like having that option.
Under the ear cups, SteelSeries includes their latest passion project: carbon fiber audio drivers. These represent a notable upgrade even over the high-quality drivers of the Nova Pro.
The buttons on the headset have also improved, especially the volume control, which now features a textured surface I prefer over the smoother toggles on previous models. The headband is sturdier too, constructed with a combination of metal and leatherette layers. While that adds durability, it does tighten around the head more than before. It’s comfortable for short sessions, but wearing the headset all day during work left me with sore earlobes—so it’s not the comfiest fit SteelSeries has offered.
In terms of packaging, nothing is really missing. The main consideration is making space for the control deck and its wires. Interestingly, there are three USB cables included for a reason.
### Compatibility Across Platforms
You might notice there’s no separate PlayStation or Xbox version this time. That’s because the Arctis Nova Elite is the only SteelSeries headset that supports PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Bluetooth, and Nintendo Switch OLED (Switch 2) all out of the box. This makes it a true all-in-one solution, which is a significant advancement if you’ve been following SteelSeries products.
### Performance: All Needs Addressed
SteelSeries boldly calls the Arctis Nova Elite “One Audio System for All,” and it lives up to that claim. This headset feels like a step above nearly every SteelSeries product I’ve tried.
The audio drivers deliver absurdly clean sound with crystal-clear audio and extremely low compression or unintended distortion. They’re built for sound production technologies that aren’t even widely used yet, which speaks volumes about their quality.
The Arctis companion app offers over 100 audio profiles to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect sound signature for your taste. For example, the Armored Core 6 profile provides a nice balance of bouncy bass and crisp trebles, but you should have no trouble finding something that suits you.
Whether you want to stay aware of your surroundings or enjoy complete immersion, SteelSeries’ Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes have you covered. The ANC effectively blocks out surrounding noise when activated. Transparency mode works well when nothing is playing but struggles a bit when audio is running—I would have preferred better ambient sound during active playback.
### Multiple Audio Source Streaming
The Arctis Nova Elite isn’t “Elite” just because it sounds good. It also supports active streaming of audio from multiple sources simultaneously. While the Arctis Nova Pro could do this too, the Elite removes the barrier of platform-specific versions. This means you can have it connected to your PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Bluetooth all at once, with the option to stream audio from Bluetooth and at least one other source simultaneously.
The batteries provide ample charge, powering a full day of play right out of the box. Swapping and recharging batteries using the control deck’s battery slot remains as easy as ever.
This multi-platform, multi-source audio feature might sound like a niche benefit, but for those who juggle multiple devices daily or semi-regularly, it vastly simplifies the audio setup. No more unplugging cables or moving control decks between systems—everything stays connected and ready to go.
### Is the Price Justified?
It’s difficult to look at a $600 price tag on a gaming headset and call it reasonable, but that cost certainly gets you the very best SteelSeries has ever offered. The sound quality is supremely crisp, enhanced by extensive customization options in the Arctis Companion app. The battery life supports an entire day of use with a swappable design for added convenience.
I also appreciate the additional internal mic for lifestyle use outside gaming, like at the gym or on calls. For me, the standout feature is the multiple source audio streaming, letting me seamlessly operate across all my platforms without hassle.
Make no mistake: despite the hefty price tag, the Arctis Nova Elite delivers a massive collection of quality-of-life and ease-of-use improvements alongside its top-tier performance. It’s a compelling choice for enthusiasts who want the absolute best in versatility and sound from SteelSeries.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146835/steelseries-arctis-nova-elite-headset-review-score