The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 offers a headset focused on user comfort, accurate audio reproduction, extended battery duration, and seamless transitions across PC, consoles, and smartphones. Its dual-wireless capability stands out as both functional and distinctive for headsets in its category.
Positioned as a flexible option in the mid-tier gaming audio market, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 aims to perform well across desktops, gaming systems, and portable gadgets. As the successor to the well-received Arctis Nova 7, it enhances established features with specific upgrades.
Key technical elements on spec sheets include 40mm neodymium drivers, support for both 2.4GHz via dongle and Bluetooth 5.3 with concurrent operation, battery endurance exceeding 50 hours, compatibility with multiple platforms, and an emphasis on ergonomic design.
This evaluation assesses if the Nova 7 Gen 2 lives up to these attributes during real-world use and identifies any shortcomings.
Externally, the headset adheres to SteelSeries' signature aesthetic, featuring matte black plastic and a streamlined appearance. A metal reinforcement in the headband adds durability, paired with a flexible suspension strap reminiscent of ski gear to evenly spread pressure.
Dubbed the ComfortMax system by SteelSeries, this setup delivers exceptional wearability free of discomfort spots. Testing confirmed its superior comfort, allowing multi-hour sessions without fatigue or slippage.
At about 325 grams or 11.4 ounces, the headset isn't the lightest, yet balanced distribution prevents it from feeling burdensome.
Ear cushions combine breathable textile with synthetic leather for a plush seal that promotes ventilation while the inner layer reduces audio leakage.
During use, ambient sounds receive moderate passive reduction, though the semi-open structure lets some through. Prolonged wear might cause slight warmth buildup around the ears, but the design's thoughtful ergonomics dominate the experience.
Construction feels premium, with no loose parts or rattles; the adjustable arms and strap positions accommodate various head shapes reliably. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 comes across as sturdy and suitable for regular gaming.
One minor flaw involves the included USB-C dongle, measuring roughly 53.8mm or 2.11 inches wide, which may obstruct adjacent ports. While an extension cable is provided, a narrower alternative would improve usability. Otherwise, the headset excels in straightforward design, superior fit, and practical engineering.
Functionally, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 provides robust connectivity. It supports wireless pairing through a 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth, allowing parallel and simultaneous audio from multiple sources.
The USB-C dongle enables low-latency links to PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in docked or portable modes. A toggle on the dongle activates Xbox-specific wireless for Series X/S compatibility due to Microsoft's protocol.
SteelSeries releases variants like the Nova 7P for PlayStation/PC and Nova 7X for Xbox-inclusive setups. Hardware remains consistent, but only the X model fully supports Xbox. Opting for the X version ensures broad platform coverage.
Testing revealed stable wireless performance with sufficient range for room-to-room movement without interruptions. For mobiles, the dongle works via USB-C or adapters, though direct phone connections occasionally glitch during motion, favoring Bluetooth for portability.
Bluetooth employs the SBC codec, adequate for music but prone to delays in games or videos. For gaming, the 2.4GHz option is preferable due to negligible lag.
Wired connectivity via a 3.5mm jack allows analog attachment to PCs, controllers, or handhelds, broadening access to legacy devices like the Switch Lite and providing a backup if power runs out.
Controls are intuitively placed: the right earcup houses the power switch, Bluetooth button, and a dial for balancing chat and game audio, useful in team play. The left side features volume adjustment and a tactile mute switch for the mic, with responsive feedback for in-game operation.
Active noise cancellation is absent, typical for sub-$200 gaming headsets. Padding offers standard passive blocking, dulling keyboard taps or soft talk but allowing louder intrusions.
Collectively, the features impress with cross-platform versatility, dual-link support, and wired fallback, rendering the headset highly adaptable. It connects effortlessly to desktops, consoles, and phones as a comprehensive tool.
The dual-wireless feature excels, enabling dropout-free mixing of sources like PC gaming with phone-based Discord. Calls auto-mute game mic during mobile use, resuming post-call for fluid integration.
Audio from the 40mm drivers prioritizes gamer needs while remaining versatile. It produces clear, nuanced output across frequencies, highlighting midrange and treble for details like footsteps or positional cues.
In gameplay, spatial awareness shines, pinpointing enemy directions in fast-paced titles—a edge over peers. Virtual surround via SteelSeries Sonar on PC or PS5's Tempest 3D enhances immersion, though stereo suffices for precise positioning.
Out-of-box tuning leans energetic, with robust bass and crisp highs that energize blasts but may sharpen sibilants. Mids ensure vocal and effect prominence for tactical clarity.
For music, it handles tracks dynamically without audiophile finesse, limited by gaming-oriented bass and treble. Default profile slightly boosts certain highs, potentially fatiguing over time.
The Sonar app's parametric EQ rectifies this, allowing custom tweaks for neutrality. Quick adjustments softened edges and balanced lows effectively.
Over 200 game-specific EQ presets, from shooters to adventures, deliver tailored enhancements like amplified steps or intensified effects. This elevates base performance, placing it among top mid-range options.
Premium rivals like the Arctis Nova Pro provide hi-res refinement at higher costs, but for $200, the Nova 7 Gen 2's audio satisfies most gaming scenarios comprehensively.
The retractable ClearCast Gen2 mic integrates neatly into the left cup for headphone-like portability. It bends into place but stays fixed, with LEDs for mute status and connection type.
In chats, it conveys speech intelligibly with noise reduction up to 25dB via AI. Peers noted clear transmission sans heavy backgrounds in Discord tests.
However, output sounds somewhat processed and thin, lacking warmth compared to dedicated mics—a common gaming trait for clarity. It's serviceable for casual use but middling for streaming.
Against peers like HyperX Cloud III S Wireless or Razer Blackshark V3 Pro, it lags in fullness. Positively, it ignores most key noise, and sidetone prevents over-speaking.
For best results, extend the arm; retracted use muffles voice severely. Flexible positioning aids this, though quiet modes reveal faint hiss, possibly fixable via updates—inaudible amid game audio.
Ultimately, the mic meets needs for in-game talk and calls adequately, though not standout. High-end seekers should consider pricier options or add-ons; others will find it sufficient.
Battery improvements boost capacity 40% over the prior model, targeting 54 hours on 2.4GHz, 42 on Bluetooth, and 38 with both. Real-world moderate use means monthly charges suffice.
Intensive daily sessions of 6-8 hours across a week required no recharges in tests. Software and onboard LEDs track levels, with alerts for low power.
Beeps every two minutes near depletion can irritate, but longevity minimizes surprises. Quick-charge yields 6 hours from 15 minutes, full in 1.5 hours.
Continued use during charging via USB-C keeps sessions uninterrupted. This endurance positions it highly among wireless peers, outlasting most except ultra-long models like HyperX's 100+ hours.
SteelSeries GG and Sonar suite enhance the experience with seamless integration. PC users access firmware updates, 10-band EQ, presets, mix controls, mic adjustments, and sidetone.
The interface suits novices with easy presets, while experts customize deeply. Sonar earns praise for EQ and 260+ updated profiles, extracting optimal performance.
New for Gen 2, the Arctis app extends basic tweaks like EQ selection, mix, and lights to phones for console/mobile users. PC handles advanced edits; pairing is simple without forced logins.
This software underscores quality, surpassing basic drivers. Initial complexity yields to quick learning, adding value over simpler rivals for most users.
This piece first appeared in our affiliate outlet PC-WELT, adapted from its German version.