After we recently had a look at the Arctis Nova 1 and Arctis Nova 3, the third gaming headset from SteelSeries now has to prove itself. While the two smaller models only differ in nuances, the Nova 7 Wireless makes a much bigger leap. Our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review explains how good the gaming headset sounds and what makes it stand out in particular.
Technical data
| Design | Over-ear |
| Driver | 40 mm (Neodymium) |
| Frequency range (headphones) | 20 – 22,000 Hz |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, wireless (2.4 GHz) |
| Microphone type | bi-directional, with noise reduction |
| Frequency Range (Microphone) | 100 – 6,500 Hz |
| Range (Wireless) | Circa 12 meters |
| Battery life | Up to 38 hours |
| Charge time | 2 hours |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, smartphone, tablet |
| Special features | 360° spatial audio; dual connection; chat mix |
| Price | € 164.57 * |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review: the scope of delivery
Since the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is a wireless gaming headset, even the scope of delivery differs from the two cheaper sibling models. In addition to the headset itself, there is a USB-C receiver in the box, which is required for the wireless connection.
In addition, there are a whole three cables. Among them is a USB-C to USB-A cable with a length of 1.5 meters, a 3.5 mm jack cable (1.2 meters) and a USB extension cable (1.5 meters long). In addition to the obligatory manual, the manufacturer exchanges the sticker sheet of the two sibling models from the Arctis Nova series for a template for the cardboard folding figure Lars.
Design and workmanship
- Simple, modern design
- Many controls directly on the headset
- Microphone can be fully recessed
In terms of design, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is also very different from the cheaper Nova 1 and Nova 3 models, and is much closer to the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, which we tested in August 2022.
This means that the 7 model also relies on rounded ear cups including a stepped area that is emblazoned with the manufacturer’s logo in gray. Unlike the Pro model, however, this elevation is not made of metal, but only of plastic.
The Arctis Nova 7 also does without the removable battery underneath the removable plates of the Pro model. You can remove these magnetic plates with just one finger, but there is nothing underneath.
The Nova 7 Wireless also uses soft fabric ear cushions instead of artificial leather. The size-adjustable ski goggle headband is taken from other headsets in the company’s portfolio.
The controls are also based on those of the Nova Pro Wireless, with certain differences. On the left side you will find the volume dial, mute button and the fully retractable microphone, as well as the 3.5 mm jack. On the right, on the other hand, are the USB-C port, the power button, the Bluetooth button, and a dial to adjust game and chat volume accordingly.
How good are the build quality and wearing comfort?
- Very high build quality
- Excellent wearing comfort, even in the long term
- Generous space in the ear cups
The workmanship of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is, despite its plastic construction, impeccable and definitely a bit higher quality than in the case of its cheaper sibling models. This is mainly due to the metal headband, which leaves a robust impression.
While the Arctis Nova 1 and Nova 3 already made a name for themselves in terms of comfort, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is even more comfortable. The soft, two-centimeter-high fabric pads and the ski goggle headband ensure that nothing pinches or hurts even during long gaming sessions.
Inside the ear cups, you have even more space at your disposal with 58 mm x 58 mm, which makes the gaming headset perfectly suitable for large ears.
Practice and operation
- Quick setup
- Dual connection via wireless and Bluetooth
- Operation possible directly on the headset
The practical use of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is as easy as pie. Simply connect the USB-C receiver with PC or notebook and the headset is recognized. Switch it on and you’re ready to go. The wireless connection also works effortlessly on consoles, if necessary with the help of the extension cable.
The headset can also be paired with smartphones and various other platforms via Bluetooth. To do so, you simply have to hold down the BT button, whereupon the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is immediately found and can be paired.
It is also particularly practical that a simultaneous connection via wireless and Bluetooth is possible. For example, to listen to the game sound or music from the PC and take a call on the smartphone.
Battery life, charging time and range
- Up to 36 hours of battery life
- Fast charging function: 15 minutes for 6 hours
- Up to 12 meters range
Unlike the Pro Wireless model, which comes with two batteries that you can swap out at any time, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless relies quite classically on just one battery. However, its runtime is also impressive. In our endurance test, we achieved a runtime of around 36 hours in 2.4 GHz wireless mode at around 90 percent volume, which is a very good value.
With a simultaneous connection, up to 26 hours of continuous use should be possible. Charging is also pleasantly fast. 15 minutes on the mains are enough to supply the headset with energy for 6 hours of playback. The wireless range is around 10-12 meters, both via Bluetooth and wireless. The way to the kitchen between two games should thus be possible without any problems.
Playback and recording quality
- Pleasant, relatively neutral sound
- Very good spatiality
- 360° Spatial Audio (PC only)
From a purely technical standpoint, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless relies on the same specifications as the Nova 3 and Nova 1, at least on paper. So, 40 mm drivers are used, covering a frequency response of 20 Hz to 22,000 Hz, with an impedance of 36 ohms.
After all, these are almost the same values that the Nova Pro Wireless also allows in wireless mode – up to 40,000 Hz in the trebles are only possible when used with a cable.
Accordingly, you cannot expect any surprises from a sound perspective. This is almost a plus point, especially in view of the wireless connection. The headset comes with a rich and surprisingly neutral sound in the default settings – which might leave bass fans in particular astonished at first.
But of course, you can do intensive fine-tuning here with the help of the companion software and select different equalizer presets or make the settings yourself using the 10-band EQ.
As with the manufacturer’s last gaming headsets, however, the Sonar software becomes the absolute gamechanger. I’ve already gone into detail about the advantages and abundance of options several times, so I’ll keep it short: 360° Spatial Audio and the settings it offers raise the sound to a whole new level. However, you can unfortunately only benefit from it on the PC and in conjunction with the (free) app.
How good is the microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless?
- Good sounding microphone
- Quality slightly worse due to the wireless connection
The microphone of the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is also almost the same as in the case of the Nova 3 or Nova 1, but the frequency response only goes up to 6,500 Hz in the treble (the others get up to 10,000 Hz). The difference is that the voice transmission is wireless in this case. And that, of course, also affects the quality.
Yes, the microphone on this headset also sounds good. However, the quality doesn’t quite match that of its wired siblings. For voice and gaming chat, however, what is offered is more than sufficient.
Software connectivity: SteelSeries GG / Sonar
The normal companion software SteelSeries GG offers the usual setting options like equalizer, microphone sidetone or microphone volume adjustment. In addition, you can, for example, set when the headset should turn itself off after inactivity or how it should react to an incoming call.
The latter is especially practical, since the headset can turn down the gaming sound or mute it completely as soon as a call comes in.
As mentioned earlier, however, you should definitely activate the Sonar software within GG, as the headset’s setting options and sound improvements are multiplied here. It’s definitely worth experimenting with the settings and taking your time to adjust everything properly.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Review: Conclusion
SteelSeries can do gaming headsets. The Danes have proven that several times now. After the inexpensive Nova 1 and the somewhat better equipped 3 model, the leap to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is now significantly larger.
Of course, on the one hand in terms of price, since the manufacturer charges twice the price of the Arctis Nova 3 as the RRP. But more importantly, technically, because you get reliable dual wireless connectivity, higher build quality, and even better comfort for that extra money.
So if you’re looking for a headset that you can use wirelessly and also connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is the right choice. The wireless gaming headset doesn’t really make any noteworthy mistakes and rightly takes the place between the Arctis Nova 3 and the Nova Pro Wireless.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
Workmanship
Comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
92/100
High-quality and all-around convincing wireless gaming headset with strong sound, long battery life and extensive dual connectivity at a fair price.
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