With the Arctis Nova 3P Wireless, SteelSeries recently introduced a new entry-level headset that can not only be connected wirelessly to PCs and consoles, but also via Bluetooth to Android smartphones and iPhones. Our test clarifies whether it’s worth buying and how it compares to the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless.
Technical data
| The product | Arctis Nova 3P Wireless |
| Design | over-ear |
| driver | 40 mm (neodymium) |
| Frequency range (headphones) | 20-22,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity (headphones) | 93 dB SPL |
| Impedance | 36 Ohm |
| Connectivity | Wireless (USB dongle / Bluetooth); Wired (USB-C) |
| Microphone type | ClearCast Gen 2.X , bidirectional, with AI noise reduction |
| Frequency range (microphone) | 100-10,000 Hz @ 32kHz/16bit |
| Range (wireless) | Approx. 10 meters |
| Battery life | Up to 40 hours (Bluetooth); Up to 30 hours (2.4 GHz) |
| Charging time | 1.5 hours (15 minutes for 6 hours of playtime) |
| Weight | 253 g |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, smartphone/tablet |
| Special features | 260+ game audio presets, app control, dual connection, 360° spatial audio |
| Price | € 109.99 * |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless review: Who should buy the headset?
We have already tested many gaming headsets from SteelSeries in the past and have always been quite impressed. To be honest, however, we have to admit that the manufacturer’s current line-up has become absolutely confusing.
There’s the Arctis Nova 1, the (old) Arctis Nova 3, the Arctis Nova 5, the Arctis Nova 7 and the top model in the form of the Arctis Nova Pro (Wireless). On paper, only 40 euros separate the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless and the model 5 in the RRP. If you look at the real prices, both headsets cost exactly the same at various retailers, namely 109.99 euros. Of course, this is also due to the fact that the Arctis Nova 5 is already around a year old and already discounted, while the 3 Wireless has only just been released. But honestly, who can see through that?
Especially as there is not much difference between the two headsets in practice. Both are capable of wireless 2.4 GHz radio and Bluetooth, both look almost identical (I’ll get to the details later), and the built-in drivers are the same.
At 243 grams, the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless is slightly lighter than the 5 Series, which has a positive effect on wearing comfort. The gaming headset uses the same soft and large ear pads and the ski goggle headband that characterize the other SteelSeries devices.
However, due to its lower weight and plastic construction, the Nova 3 is much more rickety than its larger siblings. Although the workmanship is largely okay, the headset does not appear to be really robust.
As is typical for the manufacturer, the design is very elegant and simple, with the gray upholstery forming a very pleasant contrast to our white test model.
Good operation and battery life
Differences between the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless and Arctis Nova 5 can also be seen in the operation, although this is simpler with the Nova 3. The controls on the left ear cup have been significantly reduced.
In addition to the 3.5 mm jack connection to which the microphone is connected and the USB-C port for charging, there is a power button that also allows you to switch between wireless and Bluetooth (including a charge level indicator), a pleasantly rasterized volume dial and a button to mute the microphone.
The mode selection button and the game chatmix wheel of the Arctis Nova 5, for example, are missing. Not really tragic, as this also works well via the power button, but I would have preferred a dedicated button.
With a battery life of up to 30 hours via 2.4 GHz radio and up to 40 hours via Bluetooth, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless is quite well positioned. However, even here it is inferior to the Nova 5, which lasts around 20 hours longer in both options.
Smartphone and PC app
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless has inherited the dual app connection. The Arctis app is used on the smartphone, where you can switch between the connectivity options, keep an eye on the battery life or select one of 260 equalizer presets, for example.
Customization of the EQ, however, is unfortunately only possible on the PC via SteelSeries Engine or Sonar. Of course, the powerful SteelSeries Sonar suite is available on the PC, which allows extensive adjustment of the equalizer and fine-tuning of the sound in a way that no other manufacturer can currently offer. Definitely the most powerful and far-reaching app for customizing a headset.
Playback and recording quality
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless also uses 40 mm neodymium drivers with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 22,000 Hz at an impedance of 36 ohms. The same setup that is also used in the Nova 5.
Interestingly, however, the Nova 3 does not achieve the sound qualities of the larger model. The factory sound is somewhat lacking in detail and is somewhat distorted in the bass and mids. This results in a sound image for music and games that differs noticeably from the actual sound in direct comparison with other headsets and headphones.
Fortunately, you can counteract this very well using the equalizer. However, even then, the Nova 3P does not achieve the level of detail, spaciousness and airiness of the Arctis Nova 5. Plus points are awarded for the balanced mix, where the bass is not too prominent.
The spatiality is very good, making the headset well suited for competitive games. This can also be further improved by activating Spatial Audio surround sound, although this feature is unfortunately only available on PC. Console gamers are left out in the cold here.
Microphone test recording SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless:
The microphone delivers a good sound and filters out ambient noise very well by default. This takes away some of the fine details from the voice reproduction, but ensures that you can be understood very well in the heat of battle.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless review: Conclusion
While the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless isn’t a bad gaming headset in and of itself, it does have one problem. And that is the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless, which is currently available in stores for the same price. The 5 model offers better workmanship, more features and better sound, which is why there are hardly any real reasons to recommend the Nova 3 P/X at the moment.
This is somewhat annoying, as the design, wearing comfort and dual connectivity actually suit the headset very well and the headset is extremely powerful, especially on the PC thanks to the powerful Sonar app. The conclusion is therefore very simple: If you don’t want to spend more than 120 euros on a headset, go for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless – and not the Arctis Nova 3P Wireless. However, should the price here fall to 80-90 euros, this model would also be an interesting choice.
- Incredibly comfortable
- Bluetooth and wireless
- Practical PC and mobile apps
- Good microphone
- Somewhat poorly detailed sound
- No game/chat mix
- Shaky workmanship
- RRP too high
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value For Money
87/100
Essentially a good headset, but it falls behind the in-house Arctis Nova 5 in all respects, which is available for the same price.
