TLDR Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Headset
Published: January 5th, 2026
Pros
- •Premium materials provide a weighty yet comfortable feel, ensuring durability and comfort.
- •Soft leatherette earpads with memory foam offer excellent comfort, particularly for larger ears and while wearing glasses.
- •Superior sound quality with clear highs, warm mids, and tight, punchy bass, ideal for both gaming and music.
- •Excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) that is adjustable through the Sonar software, enhancing overall immersion.
- •Impressive battery life of about 25 hours, with easy battery level management.
- •Multluetooth connectivity allows seamless switching between multiple devices, perfect for work and gaming integration.
- •Exceptional build quality with upgraded metal connectors and a leather headband for a hignd look.
- •Convenient transparent mode available for situational awareness when needed, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings.
- •Customizable sound with numerous EQ presets, allowing for an enhanced listening experience.
Cons
- •Some users report the bass can be overpowering, potentially tiring for extended listening sessions.
- •Male vocals can lack emotion, leading to a smaller soundstage that might not satisfy all listeners.
- •Noise cancellation isn’t complete; background conversations can still be heard, although white noise is effectively managed.
- •Compatibility issues for Mac users, including problems with Apple silicon Macs where software is not recognized.
- •Considered pricey, which may deter some potential buyers looking for budget options.
- •If you own the Nova Pro, the upgrades may not justify a new purchase, making it less appealing for current Nova Pro users.
Bottom Line
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is a robust wireless gaming headset that boasts exceptional sound quality, comfort, and build quality, making it a worthy investment for gamers and audio enthusiasts alike. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations with Mac compatibility and the price point. If you're already a Nova Pro owner, the upgrades may not be compelling enough. For those without a premium headset, this is an excellent choice for long-term use.
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