SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite (Xbox, PC) headset review — At the apex of headset luxury

The newest product from SteelSeries costs $599.99 – a price that’s hard to ignore.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is a high-end gaming headset, similar to other “Elite” products like the Xbox Elite Controller. Manufacturers recognize that many gamers are willing to spend more for top-of-the-line quality. The Arctis Nova Elite is designed for those who want a headset that offers everything, built with the most luxurious materials, and is currently the most premium Xbox headset available.

As a gaming blogger, I can’t imagine ever spending $600 on a headset, but if I could, it would be on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite. It’s the most high-end gaming headset I’ve ever tested, and its features and quality almost make the price worth it. However, this headset is really only for a select group of dedicated gamers.

SteelSeries provided us with a sample unit for this review. However, they didn’t have any influence over its content and hadn’t seen it before it was published.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Price & Specs

You already know how much it costs. It’s quite expensive, so let’s see if the features justify the price.

As an audio analyst, I can confidently say this headset delivers a truly premium experience. It’s hi-res certified, meaning it’s been independently tested and proven to reproduce sound with more detail than a standard CD – specifically, it handles 24-bit/96 kHz audio signals. Achieving this level of sound quality demands superior engineering and high-quality materials, and it’s clear this headset doesn’t cut corners.

From what I’ve seen, this is the first wireless gaming headset to reach this high level of audio quality – something usually found only in headphones designed for serious music lovers and professional recording studios.

This headset isn’t just about having top-quality sound. While it’s made with excellent materials, what really stands out is how incredibly versatile it is – we’ve rarely seen a gaming headset that can do so much.

The Arctis Nova Elite’s small, sleek control box is surprisingly powerful. It lets you easily swap batteries (the two included ones last up to 30 hours each) and keep them charged. You can also combine audio from up to four different sources: two USB-C connections, a standard 3.5mm audio input, and Bluetooth 5.3. This is the first headset to let you mix audio from Xbox, PlayStation, and PC at the same time – a feature that’s especially useful for gamers who stream and use a capture card.

The headset doesn’t cut corners anywhere, even with its packaging, clearly targeting serious gamers and audio enthusiasts. At $599.99, it costs as much as some Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 consoles, but it appears to be readily available for purchase right now.

The Arctis Nova Elite is a resounding success, performing exceptionally well in nearly all areas. Fortunately, any minor shortcomings can be addressed with software updates. Here’s a closer look at what makes it great.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Comfort & Design

From the moment I unboxed this headset, I could tell it was different. It’s the most expensive one I’ve ever tested, and the high-quality packaging really makes a statement.

The headset comes in a striking, solid-looking box – almost like something from outer space – with gold accents. If you’re familiar with the older Arctis Nova Pro, you’ll recognize the design: a pull-out microphone, magnetic side panels that hold the USB-C connections and battery, and a comfortable, floating headband. However, the Arctis Nova Elite takes everything about that design and elevates it to the highest level.

As a researcher, I was immediately struck by the premium feel of this headset. Everything, from the dials and buttons to the materials themselves, feels incredibly luxurious. A key upgrade is the use of metal in areas previously made of plastic – like the textured volume dial and the hinges for adjustment. The earcups, covered in a soft leatherette, are exceptionally comfortable; honestly, they feel amazing against the skin and are a clear improvement over fabric options. And the floating headband design continues SteelSeries’ commitment to comfort, making it ideal for extended use.

A slightly strange issue with this headset is that it can easily slip off if you get really into your music – and you definitely will, because the sound quality is fantastic. It’s built for extended use, but it’s good to be aware of this potential problem.

The boom microphone now retracts, and it remembers your preferred settings for each position. Even when retracted, you can still use it for calls – it focuses on your voice like earbuds do. When extended, it provides excellent audio quality for communication and can even be used for basic content creation. While it’s not quite as good as a dedicated XLR microphone like my Elgato, it’s one of the best gaming headset microphones I’ve tested.

This headset stands out because you can easily retract the microphone and switch to Bluetooth 5.3, making it practical for everyday use – something many gaming headsets don’t offer. Its understated black design is suitable for travel, like on commutes or flights, and it’s also available in a stylish grey color that complements Apple products.

From a design standpoint, the logos might be a bit too prominent for some people’s tastes. Luckily, you can easily swap them out for more understated or even bolder options. Unfortunately, the World of Warcraft Horde sideplates are currently unavailable. Also, while the soft-touch plastic feels nice, it does attract fingerprints, which are especially visible on the black version, but it’s a minor issue.

Whether you’re caught up in intense action in a Battlefield 6 match or writing about gaming headsets while listening to Nirvana, you probably aren’t focused on things like the device’s exterior or smudges. But when it comes to sound quality? It’s absolutely amazing.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Audio & Features

Let’s be direct: the Arctis Nova Elite provides the best gaming audio I’ve experienced in over ten years. I even compared them to a professional-grade Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO headset, and was surprised by how well they stacked up.

I originally bought this as a gaming headset, but I’ve been using it mostly for listening to music lately. It’s been surprisingly enjoyable—I’m hearing details in familiar songs that I’ve never noticed before, which is great because I usually just use earbuds or other gaming headsets for music.

The sound quality is incredibly clear and natural – once you experience it, it’s hard to settle for anything less. These headphones effectively block out noise on planes, trains, and buses thanks to their excellent noise cancellation. Plus, they’re easy to use with simple on-ear controls and a helpful mobile app, making them perfect for anyone who commutes.

This headset offers several connection options. The included digital audio controller lets you connect up to three devices, plus a fourth via Bluetooth directly to the headset. You can even combine all these audio sources and listen to them at the same time.

I haven’t found another headset this flexible and convenient. Most people probably won’t need all these features, but it’s been a game-changer for me as a streamer who uses both a laptop and an Xbox with a capture card. I no longer have to connect to my TV via Bluetooth for game audio, though I still can if I want to!

This headset is highly customizable. The Steelseries GG software, available on both computers and phones, has a ton of pre-made settings for all sorts of games – more than any other headset I’ve tested. It’s even got settings for less popular games, which is great. The only drawback is you can’t remove or favorite presets, so switching between, say, a gaming setting and a music setting can be a little annoying, but it’s a minor issue that could be easily addressed.

The software on this PC could be better. It occasionally freezes, and includes apps most users probably won’t need – like having to download Discord through SteelSeries. However, that’s really my only complaint about what it *can* do, and thankfully, software problems are usually easier to fix than hardware issues.

This headset is built to last and offers exceptional comfort. Earlier versions of the Arctis Nova Pro sometimes had a bump on the left earcup that could become irritating during extended use, but this model doesn’t have that problem. You can expect a supremely comfortable experience and outstanding, clear audio quality that will last for years.

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The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite remains a top pick for gamers. In games like Battlefield 6 and Overwatch, it delivers clear, immersive sound that helps you pinpoint enemy locations without sacrificing the overall soundscape. It truly enhances the gaming experience.

You have a lot of control over the sound quality. You can really boost the bass for a powerful effect, or keep it smooth and full, without losing any clarity. What’s impressive is how realistic the instruments sound – it truly feels like you’re hearing actual instruments, and you can even *feel* the impact of things like a bass drum or the texture of a bass guitar string.

Think about how incredible that feels in games with amazing sound – explosions and gunfire really seem to come from all around you. Because of this immersive experience, it’s hard to directly compare the Arctis Nova Elite to other gaming headsets. It’s simply outstanding.

The microphone sounds great. As you can hear in the audio sample, it delivers clear communication when extended, and still provides good quality when pulled in. You can also customize the sidetone, although the sidetone itself isn’t top-of-the-line, it works perfectly well for in-game chat.

Overall, there’s not much to complain about. While the apps could be simpler and more streamlined, it doesn’t affect the audio quality. The settings are easy to find and adjust, though the software can occasionally be a little sluggish. The good news is that it receives updates, so improvements are likely.

This headset is an absolute winner, but … it’s hard to look past that price point.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Competition

The Arctis Nova Elite is in a league of its own when it comes to headset quality. Its audio performance is so good, it rivals high-end headsets usually designed for listening to music, rather than gaming.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite offers a level of wireless flexibility rarely seen in headsets, comparable only to the Astro A50 (2025). However, the Arctis Nova Elite surpasses the A50 in terms of sound quality, comfort, and how easily it fits into everyday life. The Astro A50 is designed specifically for gaming and is significantly cheaper, costing $300 less.

If you’re not looking for a headset you’ll use constantly throughout your day, the Astro A50 offers similar flexibility at a lower price. However, it doesn’t match the Arctis Nova Elite in terms of sound quality, the ability to easily switch between multiple USB devices, or the convenience of swappable batteries. Ultimately, the Arctis Nova Elite is in a class of its own and offers a significantly better experience.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Final Thoughts

The Arctis Nova Elite is a top-of-the-line gaming headset that’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for serious gaming, but also excels at things like content creation – letting you easily manage audio from multiple devices. Plus, with noise cancellation and Bluetooth, it’s comfortable and convenient for everyday use.

The headset’s high-resolution certification isn’t just for show – you’ll notice the difference in sound quality as soon as you plug it in. The Arctis Nova Elite delivers exceptional sound reproduction, setting it apart from most other headsets on the market.

Let’s be honest, this isn’t an inexpensive purchase. You’ll need to be a dedicated audiophile with plenty of money, or someone who isn’t great with budgeting, to really justify buying it.

✅You should buy this if …

• You play a ton across multiple platforms.
• You want a headset that can double up for both gaming and lifestyle use.
• You have cash to burn.

❌You should not buy this if …

• You typically only play on one platform.
• You typically play from a sofa in the living room, given that the DAC will be generally out of reach anyway.
• You are fiscally responsible.

When I review headsets, I focus on what offers the best value for most users. Generally, very expensive headsets – like one costing $600 – aren’t realistic options for many of us, and that includes me. However, this headset is truly exceptional – the sound quality is so good, you have to hear it to believe it. It’s among the best available.

I’ve been using the Arctis Nova Pro as my main headset for years, and it still performs like new, with only the ear cushions showing any wear – which are simple to replace. Even if you’re on a tighter budget, I think this headset is worth considering if you want something that will last a long time and can be used in any situation. However, I’d hesitate to bring a $600 headset on public transport – I wouldn’t want to risk damaging it.

This headset is clearly designed for a particular user, and honestly, that’s okay. Considering its features, the price is justified. Ultimately, whether it fits *your* budget depends on your individual needs, but you can be confident you’ll be happy with the purchase.

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2025-11-08 17:13