The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite uses an over-ear fit and weighs 380 g, giving it a fairly substantial build that sits firmly around the ears. It features a closed-back design and stereo speakers, while RGB lighting and folding are not included. The headset comes with a detachable, tangle-free cable, which adds convenience for storage and cable management without the frustration of knots during everyday use.
The Arctis Nova Elite covers a wide frequency range of 10 Hz to 40,000 Hz through two 40 mm drivers, with a sound pressure level of 101 dB/mW and an impedance of 38 Ohms. It supports spatial audio for a more dimensional soundstage and includes both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction to help limit unwanted ambient sound. The headset does not use a neodymium magnet in its driver construction.
The Arctis Nova Elite features a four-microphone array with built-in noise cancellation, capturing audio across a frequency range of 100 Hz to 14,000 Hz. A mute function is included for quick silencing when needed. The microphone is not removable, meaning it remains integrated into the headset at all times.
The Arctis Nova Elite is equipped with a rechargeable and removable battery that provides up to 30 hours of use on a single charge. A battery level indicator is built in, allowing users to keep track of remaining power without guesswork.
The Arctis Nova Elite supports both wired and wireless use, connecting via 3.5mm analog input, USB Type-C, or Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum wireless range of 10 m. It is compatible with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, making it functional across a broad range of platforms. Bluetooth LE Audio is supported, while aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, aptX, LDAC, LDHC, AAC, Auracast, NFC pairing, and fast pairing are not included.
The Arctis Nova Elite can be used as a headset and includes a control panel placed directly on the device, though it does not have an in-line control panel on the cable. It supports multipoint connectivity for up to four devices simultaneously, allowing it to stay paired with multiple sources at once. A vibration function is not featured on this headset.