We've expanded this review to reflect the performance of each of the SteelSeries' Arctis Nova 7 lineup's variants: the 7, 7P, and 7X. Although we tested the 7X variant, we expect the other variants to perform similarly. The unique suspension headband found on the Arctis 7/7+ has been redesigned in the ComfortMAX System with more points of adjustment for improved fit options. The stretchy fabric band helps spread pressure evenly so it almost floats above your head, and new height adjustable, pivoting earcups provide more ways to adapt the headset to your individual head shape. 3. Dual Wireless, simultaneous listening Yes, we know you can’t do a 24-hour gaming session on the reg, but we know you want to! The Nova 7 brings over 1.5 days of battery, and USB-C fast charging adds 6 hours of play from only a 15-minute boost, up from the 3 hours in the Arctis 7+. 7. Design Since it has that simultaneous connectivity, SteelSeries has decided to include separate buttons for power and Bluetooth. If you’re connected to a Bluetooth source and use the power button to power off, the headset will still receive that Bluetooth signal. You have to press that Bluetooth button to power it off.

We have corrected information regarding a comparison with these headphones and the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless in Compared To Other Headphones.Considering all the connectivity on the Nova 7 Wireless, it’s no surprise that you can hook it up to just about any system. The USB-C dongle lets you use the headset with a PC, PlayStation, or Switch, while you can use the Bluetooth capability for Mac, tablets and phones. Of course, you can also connect it to any analog device thanks to the 3.5mm connection. Though the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is more than just a light refresh, you can still see the general outline of previous SteelSeries headsets in its design. The ear cups are oval where they meet the ear pads, and the headset still comes with replaceable ski goggle headbands and ear cup plates. It also uses similar materials, namely durable-feeling plastic for the earcups and metal for the headband (PVD-coated steel in the case of the Nova 7). That’s where most of the similarities end. While the Arctis Nova 7 works just fine out of the box with PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and others, you can really customize the audio with the SteelSeries GG app on PC. The standout feature of this app is Sonar, a Parametric EQ dashboard that enables 360-degree spatial audio and allows you to dial-in your preferred audio settings on a game-by-game basis. If this all sounds too overwhelming, you can easily take advantage of more than 20 presets for specific games that automatically tailor the soundstage with the push of a button. Users have reported connectivity issues like stuttering that affects audio quality and you can find more information on this in our Sound Profile test. We have also tested GG software's compatibility with consoles and you can read more about this in App Support.

Out of the box, it’s clear that the Arctis Nova 7P is a high-quality headset. Its build is incredibly strong, featuring a sturdy, metal form factor to help give it that premium feel. It’s got a deep blue-hued headband across the top for enhanced comfort, and the ear cups are made of a pleasantly soft material. The entire product is white aside from its blue band to mimic the stylings of the PS5. We have retested these headphones due to user reports of a hissing sound in Noise Isolation. We have also corrected the Firmware version in Test Settings. In addition to the Bluetooth capabilities, as seen with the recent Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the entire Arctis line of headsets have been redesigned to feature a slightly smaller form factor and decrease the overall weight by 14% when compared to last year’s Arctis 7+ line. Aside from its tried-and-true sound quality and design overhaul, the marquee feature of the Arctis Nova 7 is undoubtedly the simultaneous Bluetooth audio. Pairing wireless 2.4GHz game audio with a low-power Bluetooth 5.0 radio is the feature I never knew I needed – and it seriously is a game-changer. Not only can you consolidate all of your audio needs into a single headset, it allows for much-needed cross-platform party chat through services like Discord across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC with relative ease.

1. Nova Acoustic System

We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency. Experience 360° Spatial Audio with our free Sonar Software for total immersion (other formats, including Tempest 3D on the PS5, are also supported). 2. ComfortMAX System As far as compatibility goes, the 2.4GHz wireless connection of the Arctis Nova 7 uses a USB-C dongle to connect with PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Android, and USB-C iPads with up to a 40-foot range. The Bluetooth side of things works with any Bluetooth-enabled device, of course. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 – Software Battery life is an essential consideration when it comes to the best wireless gaming headsets since you don't want to have to worry about charging mid-match, and you’re free to use the headset for hours on end with no tether to a charging cable. As someone who is constantly forgetting to charge their tech, the battery life of the Arctis Nova 7P was a relief when I was jumping in and out of multiplayer games and Discord calls and simply not having to deal with a depleting battery light or audio signifier.