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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless specifications and in-depth review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless

Manufacturer: SteelSeries

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is an over-ear gaming headset designed for players who want flexible wireless connectivity across multiple platforms. Weighing 260 g, it offers a closed-back construction with passive noise reduction and dual-mode wireless support via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3, making it compatible with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox out of the box.

On the audio side, the headset uses 40 mm neodymium drivers capable of covering a frequency range from 20 Hz to 22,000 Hz, with a sound pressure level of 107 dB/mW and an impedance of 36 Ohms. The removable noise-canceling microphone operates between 100 Hz and 10,000 Hz and includes a dedicated mute function. Power comes from a built-in rechargeable battery rated at 40 hours of use, with a battery level indicator onboard, and the headset charges via USB Type-C.

Pros
  • Dual wireless connectivity via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 allows flexible use across multiple connection types
  • Compatible with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox without needing separate adapters
  • 40-hour battery life reduces how often the headset needs to be charged
  • The removable microphone can be detached when not needed, keeping the headset clean for casual listening
  • A battery level indicator helps users track remaining charge before sessions
  • Passive noise reduction helps block ambient sound without relying on active electronics
Cons
  • No multipoint support means only one device can be connected at a time
  • Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, which restricts movement when using wireless
  • No aptX, AAC, LDAC, or any advanced Bluetooth audio codec is supported, limiting Bluetooth audio quality
  • Surround sound and spatial audio are both absent, which may matter for immersive gaming use
  • The microphone frequency response tops out at 10,000 Hz, which is narrower than some gaming headset microphones
  • The battery is not removable, so the headset must be taken out of use entirely when it needs charging
Who is this for?

This headset is a solid fit for console and PC gamers who want the flexibility of switching between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, without dealing with complex setup. The 40-hour battery life makes it well suited to extended gaming sessions or long days of use without frequent recharging, and the removable noise-canceling microphone adds practical versatility for users who occasionally want a cleaner, mic-free form factor. Passive noise reduction also makes it a reasonable choice for moderately noisy environments where some ambient sound blocking is helpful.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prioritize high-fidelity wireless audio over Bluetooth will find this headset limiting, as it lacks support for advanced codecs such as aptX, AAC, and LDAC, which can affect audio quality when connected via Bluetooth rather than 2.4GHz. It is also not well suited to those who need spatial audio or surround sound for immersive gaming experiences, as neither feature is available. Additionally, users who frequently switch between two active audio sources simultaneously will find the absence of multipoint connectivity frustrating, since the headset can only maintain one connection at a time.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
weight 260 g
has RGB lighting ✕
has an open-back design ✕
has stereo speakers ✓

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless features an over-ear fit with a closed-back design, which helps with passive sound isolation during use. It weighs 260 g and includes stereo speakers, while omitting RGB lighting, keeping the aesthetic straightforward and understated.

Sound quality:

lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 22000 Hz
has active noise cancellation (ANC) ✕
Surround sound None
supports spatial audio ✕
driver unit size 40 mm
sound pressure level 107 dB/mW
impedance 36 Ohms
has a neodymium magnet ✓
has passive noise reduction ✓
drivers count 2

The headset relies on two 40 mm neodymium drivers to reproduce audio across a frequency range of 20 Hz to 22,000 Hz, with a sound pressure level of 107 dB/mW and an impedance of 36 Ohms. Passive noise reduction is present, helping to block ambient sound without active noise cancellation, which this headset does not include. There is no surround sound or spatial audio support, meaning audio output is standard stereo.

Microphone:

has a noise-canceling microphone ✓
lowest mic frequency 100 Hz
highest mic frequency 10000 Hz
has a removable microphone ✓
has a mute function ✓
mic sensitivity -12dBV/Pa
number of microphones 1

The headset comes with a single removable noise-canceling microphone that covers a frequency range of 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz and offers a sensitivity of -12dBV/Pa. A dedicated mute function is included, giving users quick control over their audio input during use.

Power:

Battery life 40 hours
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a battery level indicator ✓
has a removable battery ✕

The headset is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery rated for 40 hours of use, and a battery level indicator is included so users can monitor remaining charge at a glance. The battery is not removable, meaning it must be charged in place rather than swapped out.

Connectivity:

connectivity 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth
compatibility PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
Can be used wirelessly ✓
Bluetooth version 5.3
Has USB Type-C ✓
has aptX Adaptive ✕
has aptX Low Latency ✕
has LDAC ✕
has LDHC ✕
has Bluetooth LE Audio ✕
has aptX HD ✕
has aptX ✕
has Auracast ✕
has AAC ✕
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕
has fast pairing ✕

The headset connects wirelessly via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3, with a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m, and is compatible with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. USB Type-C is supported for charging and wired connectivity, though the headset does not include fast pairing or NFC pairing. On the Bluetooth codec side, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, LDAC, LDHC, AAC, LE Audio, and Auracast are all absent, meaning audio is transmitted using the standard SBC codec over Bluetooth.

Features:

control panel placed on a device ✓
multipoint count 0
can be used as a headset ✓
has a vibration function ✕
Has an in-line control panel ✕

The headset includes an on-device control panel for managing settings directly from the earcup, and it can be used as a headset for voice communication. There is no in-line control panel on the cable, no vibration function, and multipoint connection is not supported, meaning it can only be connected to one source at a time.

Final Verdict

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless presents itself as a practical multi-platform gaming headset built around the convenience of dual wireless connectivity and a 40-hour battery life. Its broad platform compatibility, removable noise-canceling microphone, and passive noise reduction make it a capable everyday option for gamers who move between devices and need a reliable, low-maintenance setup. Those with more demanding audio expectations — particularly around spatial sound or Bluetooth codec quality — will find its feature set modest in those areas. Overall, the Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is best understood as a versatile, endurance-focused headset that prioritizes connectivity flexibility and extended use over audiophile-grade wireless performance.

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