Following the enormous success of the Arctis Nova Elite, with which SteelSeries has created the best gaming headset money can currently buy, the manufacturer is launching another model. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 is aimed at price-conscious gamers who don’t want to miss out on impressive features. In our test, we find out whether it’s worth buying.
Technical data
| The product | Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 |
| Design | over-ear |
| driver | 40mm |
| Frequency range ( headphones) | 20 – 22,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 36 Ohm |
| Connectivity | USB-C (2.4 GHz); Bluetooth 5.3; 3.5 mm jack |
| Microphone type | ClearCast Gen 2 boom microphone |
| Frequency range (microphone) | 100 – 7,000 Hz |
| Range (wireless) | Approx. 12 meters |
| Battery life | 54 hours |
| Charging time | 1.5 hours |
| Weight | 325 g |
| Spatial sound | SteelSeries Sonar Surround for Windows; Spatial Audio |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch / 2, Xbox Series, Xbox One, smartphone/tablet |
| Special functions | Simultaneous connectivity (Bluetooth and wireless) |
| Price | € 199.99 * |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 review: Familiar design
- typical SteelSeries design
- high-quality workmanship
- excellent wearing comfort
The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 relies on the proven design of the series: a sturdy metal frame in the headband is complemented by an elastic spring band that evenly distributes the pressure on the skull and offers comfort even during longer sessions. The headband consists of a robust metal construction, supplemented by an adjustable headband (three adjustment points) and extendable ear cup arms, so that different head sizes are well served.
The ear cups themselves are made of high-quality, matt plastic with interchangeable outer plates – decorative, but without function behind the plates. The manufacturer uses a combination of breathable fabric for the padding, while the part towards the inner surface of the shell is made of artificial leather. This combines comfort with good shielding against sound leakage.
The overall finish is extremely solid and high-quality: no wobbly parts, clean gaps, good impression for a gaming headset in this price range.
One small drawback in the design concerns the USB-C dongle supplied: this is very wide (around 53.8 mm), which means it can block neighboring USB ports. A longer dongle would have made more sense here.
Wearing comfort is once again excellent, not least thanks to the familiar ski goggle headband. Especially as the headset weighs 325 grams and is not too heavy to ensure a comfortable fit over long periods of time.
Features and operation
- Versatile connectivity
- Radio and Bluetooth can be used simultaneously
- Clear operation
Compared to the first edition, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 has significantly improved its features in particular. The scope of delivery includes a USB-C dongle for 2.4 GHz wireless connections with very low latency to PC, Mac, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
Bluetooth can also be used at the same time, which makes it possible to listen to game sound and, for example, Discord sound from a smartphone at the same time. A 3.5 mm jack socket is also available for wired operation.
The controls include easy-to-reach volume controls and a mute button that provide clear tactile feedback. Players who have already used a headset from the manufacturer will find their way around very quickly, as the layout is based on the familiar SteelSeries concept.
On the right ear cup there is a power switch, a Bluetooth pairing button and a wheel for balancing chat/game audio (“chat mixing”), which is naturally extremely convenient, especially in multiplayer.
Compared to the more expensive models, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 does not have active noise canceling (ANC), but this is undoubtedly acceptable given the price.
The microphone can be extended, flexibly aligned and easily retracted again. The LED indicators on the headset provide information about the connection status and microphone mute function, but there is no classic RGB lighting.
Up to 54 hours of battery life
- Up to 54 hours of battery life
- Quick charge function
In terms of battery life, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 has once again made significant gains. The battery capacity has been increased by around 40 percent compared to the previous model. The manufacturer now promises up to 54 hours of use via 2.4 GHz wireless and up to 42 hours via Bluetooth. If you use both connection types at the same time, the wireless gaming headset will last up to 38 hours.
These are good, but by no means outstanding figures. Nevertheless, that’s enough to get you through a week of gaming without any problems. And if the battery does run out, you can simply continue playing while charging.
There is also a quick-charging function via USB-C, which makes the battery ready for another 6 hours of gaming time in 15 minutes. That fits.
App connection: SteelSeries GG and Sonar
- excellent Sonar app
- Smartphone app
The SteelSeries GG app offers versatile configuration options with which you can precisely adjust the sound. In addition to an extensive equalizer, special profiles are available that are tailored to different game genres. From shooters like “Call of Duty” to open-world titles.
The app also allows you to adjust the balance between game and chat audio and control surround sound options for an immersive sound experience. Firmware updates and detailed settings can also be easily managed, making the connection between hardware and software a core benefit of the headset. For less technically experienced users, the presets are a practical way to achieve a good sound experience without much effort.
I’ve already said it several times, but I’m happy to repeat myself: SteelSeries Sonar is the best companion app of all headset manufacturers, not least thanks to the parametric equalizer and the ability to adjust the sound down to the smallest detail.
The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 also inherits the option of making settings for console gamers directly via a smartphone app. Here you can also conveniently adjust all functions while playing – only the parametric EQ is unfortunately missing. Nevertheless, it is extremely practical for making changes during the game.
Audio quality and microphone
- convincing, lively sound
- very good spatiality
- good microphone; but weaker than the competition
The 40 mm neodymium drivers have been specially optimized for precise, detailed sound reproduction. The setup delivers a balanced frequency response with clear highs, defined mids and crisp bass. The spatial localization of sounds plays a particularly important role in shooter and action games, and this is where the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 shines with an outstanding spatial representation that enables excellent localization. So you know exactly where the footsteps are coming from.
The virtual surround function also ensures an immersive sound experience for all genres, but is not completely convincing for all games. In competitive multiplayer in particular, however, it offers noticeable added value.
In the standard equalizer, however, the bass range is somewhat overemphasized, while the treble is somewhat subdued. The upper treble, on the other hand, is slightly overemphasized, which can quickly lead to a sharp and somewhat tiring sound. Fortunately, this can be counteracted very well using the equalizer and the sound can be significantly improved.
Although the headset does not achieve the sound quality of the Arctis Nova Elite (which also delivers Hi-Res sound and costs three times as much) or the Arctis Nova Pro, it is still at the top of its price range. The acoustics hardly give any cause for criticism, especially in the gaming sector.
The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone offers clear voice reproduction with active noise suppression that reduces background noise by up to 25 dB. It is flexible and easy to position and also supports voice communication in noisy environments.
Microphone test recording SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2:
Microphone test recording SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite:
Microphone test recording Razer Kitty V3 Pro:
For normal multiplayer chats, streaming or conference calls, the microphone delivers very good sound quality. However, if you have the highest demands on microphone quality (e.g. podcasting, professional audio recordings), this microphone is of course only of limited use.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 test: Conclusion
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is an all-round convincing gaming headset with excellent audio quality, long battery life and broad compatibility. The ergonomic design ensures a high level of comfort even during long sessions.
The dual-wireless technology enables flexible use across multiple devices simultaneously, making the headset a multitasking-friendly companion. The extensive SteelSeries app, which is still unparalleled today, rounds off the package with a wide range of customization options that you won’t get from any other manufacturer.
The only points of criticism are the average passive attenuation and the lack of some high-end features such as active noise suppression, which is rather rare in this price range.
With a price of around 200 euros, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is primarily aimed at demanding gamers who are looking for a durable, versatile and technically convincing headset. Once again, they are very well served here. Those who want more, however, will find what they are looking for in the manufacturer’s high-end segment.
- Convincing sound
- Powerful app
- Simultaneous Bluetooth and wireless connection
- Good battery life
- USB-C dongle very large
- Microphone could be better
- Contra 2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value For Money
90/100
Convincing sound, high comfort, good battery life: with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2, the manufacturer also impresses in the range up to 200 euros.
