With the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, SteelSeries offers a gaming headset for PC, PlayStation, and the Switch. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann explains whether the headset is worth your while and why you should keep an eye on it.
With the “Nova” series, the Danish manufacturer SteelSeries has updated its popular Arctis models. There are mainly minor detail improvements. I have taken a look at the current SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless and will explain in the review whether the headset might be worth it for you.
I bought the device privately in November 2022 and mainly used it on the PS5 and repeatedly on the PC. Overall, I have used the headset for about 14 months on the PS5.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless in review:
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 vs 7P vs 7X
- Design and construction
- Processing
- Software
- Comfort, weight and battery life
- Sound
- Microphone
- Conclusion
Who tested this?
I have a penchant for hardware and tech and currently own over 20 gaming mice, as well as several keyboards and controllers. For MeinMMO, I have been testing hardware for our readers since 2019. In addition to the PC and major consoles, I also play on the Steam Deck.
Our device is a self-purchased unit that I bought from a retailer.
Benedikt Schlotmann
Hardware Editor MeinMMO
Here you will find all the important technical details of the headset in a table:
| Model | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless |
| Connection | 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth |
| Platform | PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile |
| Package Contents | Headset, USB-C transmitter, USB-C to USB-A charging cable, USB-C to USB-A extension cable, manual |
| Features | Dual Wireless: Bluetooth and radio can be used simultaneously |
| Weight | 325 grams |
| Price (RRP) | 199.99 |
SteelSeries Arctis 7 vs 7P vs 7X
Are there differences? SteelSeries offers three different models of the Nova 7. The technology used is identical, but compatibility varies. You can also recognize the various models by the color of the headset:
| Model | Connection: Wireless | Connection Wired | Headset Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | PC, PS5 | PC, PS5, and Xbox | Black |
| 7P | PC, PS5 | PC, PS5, and Xbox | Blue |
| 7X | PC, PS5, and Xbox | PC, PS5, and Xbox | Green |
In my test, the standard 7 model was used without additions. However, all three models have the same speakers, and the ergonomics are also identical.
Design and Construction
What is included in the package? The gaming headset comes with a variety of accessories: In addition to the headset, there is a USB-C transmitter, a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, a USB-C to USB-A extension cable, and a manual. Additional ear cushions or similar are not included.
Construction of the headset: The headset comes in plain black, the 7P comes in blue, and the 7X in green. The ear cushions completely encompass the ears and are made of fabric. SteelSeries opts out of genuine leather cushion appearance and memory foam. The microphone cannot be detached but can be stored in the headset’s housing.
Through the controls, the volume can be adjusted, you can turn the headset on and off, and additionally activate Bluetooth for the wireless connection or put the headset into pairing mode. Through the jack connection on one earcup, you can also use the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless with a cable.
Processing
The gaming headset relies on a plastic body, and hinges and other moving parts also use plastic. After almost a year, I can’t complain about the processing; so far, everything works perfectly.
The headband is reinforced with a metal plate, and the fabric strap (the headband) can be adjusted for a better fit. The ear cushions are made of fabric and can theoretically be removed and washed. I haven’t tried that during my testing period yet.
Software
The headset can be controlled on the PC with the “SteelSeries GG” software. This can only be installed on PC; it’s not possible on the PS5. The software is still quite cluttered; upon startup, you are bombarded with advertisements for in-house products, their own blog, and bonuses for games.
Some features, such as the sound feature “Sonar,” are locked behind an account. If you want to use that, you need to create an account and log in. Once you click through all the stuff, you will find your installed devices under the “Engine” menu item.
Here you can set numerous details in a clear interface: Equalizer, microphone volume, and microphone monitoring. This is where the “SteelSeries GG” software comes into play. But I also wonder why one needs all that extra baggage. Razer’s controversial “Synapse” software is almost harmless in comparison.
Comfort, Weight, and Battery Life
What does my head look like? My head circumference is about 58 cm, so I have a rather small head.
Comfort: When it comes to comfort, the headset from SteelSeries, in my opinion, shows its great strength: The ear cups are not only height-adjustable but also rotatable. Additionally, the gaming headset comes with an elastic headband that can also be removed. The official “Pulse 3D” from Sony is, however, ergonomically a disaster.
With many options, the headset fits excellently on my head and provides me with a pleasant wearing comfort even after several hours. My partner and a colleague have also worn the headset or the nearly identical predecessor and find it very comfortable as well.
The ear cushions are made of fabric, which I find much more pleasant than memory foam. Fabric cushions are much more comfortable to wear in summer because you don’t sweat as much as you do under artificial leather.
Weight: At 325 grams, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is not necessarily lightweight, but overall comfortable to wear. For comparison: The Razer Kaira Pro for the PS5 weighs almost the same at 330 grams.
Battery life: The manufacturer states the battery life as 38 hours for wireless connection and 26 hours for dual wireless connection.
Sound
The headset offers powerful, slightly emphasized bass, which is especially practical in gaming. For example, sounds like footsteps can be clearly perceived. The mids are also clear and present in sound,
The weak point of the headset lies in the high range. Particularly high instruments and female voices sound little detailed and almost a bit thin. However, the equalizer can still bring out a lot from the sound.
Also positive: The headset blocks well, so external people do not have to hear my sound. Here, open headsets are at a disadvantage.
Microphone
The microphone has the typical strengths and weaknesses that come with a wireless headset: I am clear and easily understandable, but my voice sounds artificial and strained. However, this is also due to the wireless connection: something has to be saved in the transmission of my voice over the wireless connection.
In other words: For communication in multiplayer, the headset is very suitable; for extensive audio recordings, such as podcasts, you should get a better headset or a good tabletop microphone. My recommendation is, for example, the JBL Quantum Stream for around 100 euros, which is a real value-for-money tip for me.
Conclusion: Excellent headset with minor weaknesses
Who is the headset suitable for? With the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless from SteelSeries, you get an excellent headset for PC, the Switch, and the PS5. At a street price of around 160 euros, you can’t go wrong: The headset offers high wearing comfort, good battery life, and the dual wireless connection is also practical. The sound is almost always really good, only the highs could use more detail.
The Kaira Pro from Razer offers similarly good features but has a shorter battery life, and especially weaker ergonomics (no headband and limited adjustable ear cups). The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless can also be used on the PS5, but does not offer dual wireless, which I personally missed.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Multi-Plattform Gaming-Headset– PC, PS5, VR – Magnetische... | Zu Amazon |
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What alternatives are there?
- The Kaira Pro from Razer is a very good alternative. The device also relies on fabric cushions, but the ergonomics are not as good as the SteelSeries model.
- The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless is also an excellent option that can also be used on the PS5. Good battery life and comfortable wearing comfort, but no dual wireless.
- A compromise, if you really don’t want to spend more than 100 euros, would be the official “Pulse 3D Audio” headset for the PS5 from Sony. However, I found the wearing comfort personally below average, while the sound was good.
Further gaming headsets in all price categories from 50 to 300 euros can be found in the buying guide on MeinMMO:
