SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite specifications and in-depth review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

Manufacturer: SteelSeries

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is an over-ear gaming headset designed for use across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It supports both wired and wireless operation, with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and a 3.5mm analog input as alternatives depending on the setup. The headset carries a rechargeable, removable battery and includes a battery level indicator to help users track remaining charge during sessions.

On the audio side, the Arctis Nova Elite covers a frequency range of 10 Hz to 40,000 Hz using 40 mm drivers, with a sound pressure level of 101 dB/mW and an impedance of 38 Ohms. It features active noise cancellation alongside passive noise reduction, and supports spatial audio for a more dimensional listening experience. The microphone system includes four mics with noise cancellation and a mute function, operating between 100 Hz and 14,000 Hz. Multipoint connectivity supports up to four simultaneous device connections, and Bluetooth LE Audio is included among its wireless capabilities.

Pros
  • Supports wireless use via Bluetooth 5.3 alongside wired options through 3.5mm and USB Type-C, offering flexible connection choices
  • Removable and rechargeable battery with up to 30 hours of rated life and a built-in level indicator for monitoring charge
  • Multipoint connectivity supports up to four devices simultaneously, reducing the need to manually switch between paired sources
  • Both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction are present, addressing ambient sound on two levels
  • Four-microphone array with noise cancellation covers voice pickup needs for gaming and communication use cases
  • Compatible with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, covering a wide range of common gaming platforms
Cons
  • At 380 g, the headset is on the heavier side for extended wear sessions
  • The microphone is not removable, which limits flexibility for users who prefer a cleaner look when not communicating
  • No aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, or AAC codec support, restricting higher-quality Bluetooth audio codec options
  • Does not support NFC pairing or fast pairing, making the initial Bluetooth setup more manual
  • Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, which may be restrictive in larger spaces
Who is this for?

This headset is well suited to gamers who regularly switch between multiple platforms, given its compatibility with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox alongside multipoint connectivity for up to four simultaneous device pairings. Users who game in noisy environments will benefit from the combination of active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction, while those who participate in voice chat or online multiplayer will find the four-microphone noise-canceling array practical for clear communication. The removable battery with up to 30 hours of rated life also makes it a reasonable fit for long gaming sessions where consistent wireless use is expected.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prioritize high-fidelity wireless audio through advanced Bluetooth codecs will find this headset limiting, as it lacks support for aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, and AAC, which are commonly sought for improved wireless audio quality. At 380 g, it may also be uncomfortable for users sensitive to heavier headsets during extended wear. Those looking for a portable or travel-friendly option will be further discouraged by the non-folding design, and anyone who prefers a detachable microphone for a cleaner profile when not in communication use will find the fixed mic arrangement unsuitable.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
has a detachable cable
weight 380 g
has RGB lighting
can be folded
has an open-back design
has a tangle free cable
has stereo speakers

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.

Sound quality:

lowest frequency 10 Hz
highest frequency 40000 Hz
has active noise cancellation (ANC)
supports spatial audio
driver unit size 40 mm
sound pressure level 101 dB/mW
impedance 38 Ohms
has a neodymium magnet
has passive noise reduction
drivers count 2

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.

Microphone:

has a noise-canceling microphone
lowest mic frequency 100 Hz
highest mic frequency 14000 Hz
has a removable microphone
has a mute function
number of microphones 4

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.

Power:

Battery life 30 hours
has a rechargeable battery
has a battery level indicator
has a removable battery

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.

Connectivity:

connectivity 3.5mm
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 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.

Features:

control panel placed on a device
multipoint count 4
can be used as a headset
has a vibration function
Has an in-line control panel

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.

Final Verdict

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is a capable multi-platform gaming headset that brings together a solid set of features for users who move across different devices and gaming environments. Its broad platform compatibility, combined with multipoint connectivity supporting up to four simultaneous pairings and a long-lasting removable battery, makes it a practical choice for dedicated gamers who value versatility in their wireless setup. While it falls short for those seeking advanced Bluetooth codec support or a lighter, more portable form factor, its dual-layer noise management and four-microphone array demonstrate a clear focus on communication-heavy gaming scenarios. For users whose priorities align with cross-platform flexibility and reliable wireless performance, the Arctis Nova Elite presents a well-rounded specification set that addresses those needs directly.

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