This lightweight, colorful wireless Xbox headset offers a lot of bang for your buck, but not always the best performance

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When it comes to selecting an amazing gaming headset for your setup, there’s plenty to choose from. However, if you’re also looking for one that’s compatible with Xbox consoles wirelessly, the choices become slightly more restricted.

The characteristic of Xbox Wireless is such that you don’t need to spend extra for a quality headset. SteelSeries has introduced a fresh alternative, the Arctis Nova 3X Wireless, which is an updated version of its highly popular Arctis 1 Wireless headset from before (that we previously reviewed).

For several weeks, I’ve been using this headset and I must say, its design and features at the given price point have left me quite impressed. What truly delights me is SteelSeries’ variety in color options beyond just black and white. While the Arctis Nova 3X isn’t flawless, it certainly stands as a strong wireless choice for Xbox users on a budget of around $100.

A lightweight headset with some actual personality

Initially, the Arctis Nova 3X shares the identical design aesthetic found in other Nova series products, featuring a two-level circular earcup design and a streamlined profile. The Arctis Nova 3X boasts an attractive appearance, and its detachable microphone lends it an added elegance suitable for everyday use as wireless headphones.

This headset is entirely made of plastic, which presents a mixed advantage. While the Arctis Nova 3X is exceptionally lightweight at just 260 grams and offers minimal discomfort on your head, it can feel somewhat flimsy when held, with a noticeable amount of squeaking.

The Arctis Nova 3X can take some abuse, so in this case “cheap” doesn’t mean “fragile.”

Despite its affordable price, the Arctis Nova 3X proves to be remarkably durable upon personal observation. Therefore, instead of associating “cheap” with “easily breakable”, you can feel confident that this headset will stand up well even when passed on to your kids, as durability is not an issue here.

The Arctis Nova 3X offers a mix of advantages and potential drawbacks regarding ergonomics. Its earpads are made from breathable fabric, offering good cushioning and comfort, while its wide suspension headband and lightweight design contribute to overall comfort. However, it’s important to note that this headset is relatively compact, which might make it a bit snug for those with larger heads.

As a fan, I must say what truly captivates me is the fact that SteelSeries has injected some vibrancy into the Arctis Nova 3X. While the classic black and white hues are still available, they’ve also introduced “Aqua” and “Lavendar”, or for those who prefer more familiar tones, blue and purple options.

Instead of being vibrant and eye-catching like neon shades, these hues lean towards the soft and subtle pastel tones. However, they still make the Arctis Nova 3X look fantastic. For those with keen eyes, these are the exact playful and bright colors found on the SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless mouse that I previously reviewed. This means you can coordinate your color scheme without breaking the bank.

Over the past few years, personal technology has grown increasingly bland in terms of color, largely due to the focus on minimalist design. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X stands out for me because of its vibrant color options, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s also a high-quality headset.

Features are there, but performance isn’t always

The Arctis Nova 3X boasts remarkable hardware at its price point. It features 40mm Neodymium Magnet drivers that support spatial audio, a high-quality noise-cancelling microphone for clear communication, and the convenience of both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections.

Regarding the audio quality, this headset offers excellent value for its cost – it’s not mind-blowing, but certainly impressive. The bass has a good kick to it, with clear and lively performance in both midrange and high frequencies. However, the soundstage could be broader.

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Additionally, there’s a constant, gentle hum in the backdrop with these Arctis Nova 3X headphones, a noise that might be noticeable on other headsets at higher volumes. However, this hum seems to always be present with the Nova 3X, even if music or audio is playing. The sound quality isn’t significantly impacted, but it does affect the overall clarity of the audio.

This microphone represents a significant upgrade from previous budget wireless headsets by SteelSeries. It offers decent depth, clarity, and effective background noise cancellation, features that are hard to come by at its price point of $110. It’s unlikely that many will find fault with this microphone.

The Arctis Nova 3X struggles slightly in terms of performance. Its dual connectivity via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth allows it to pair with virtually any device, including Xbox (requiring a dongle swap), however, its stability could use improvement.

The Arctis Nova 3X frequently encountered issues with interference and skipped audio, and it was persistently difficult to establish a stable connection with my Xbox. To make matters worse, the new SteelSeries mobile app, which is supposed to offer customization options for the Arctis Nova 3X, consistently failed to connect properly. This problem appears to be widespread, as suggested by numerous complaints on Google Play Store reviews.

The Arctis Nova 3X is fine 98% of the time, but that 2% may be enough to deter hardcore gamers.

The Arctis Nova 3X wasn’t a poor choice for use overall, as the SteelSeries GG software on Windows PC was sufficient for customizing EQ and other settings. However, users who predominantly utilize their device with mobile phones or Xbox should not fully depend on the mobile app, and enthusiasts seeking top-notch wireless performance for competitive gaming may find the Arctis Nova 3X less reliable in certain situations.

I don’t encounter any problems related to battery life whatsoever. SteelSeries claims up to 40 hours of continuous usage, and that seems spot-on based on my tests. Plus, it can be quickly recharged using USB Type-C, giving you extended use even with just a few minutes of charging time.

Arctis Nova 3X Wireless review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

  • You want a cheap wireless headset for Xbox, PC, and mobile.
  • You love fun colors and are tired of the same black/white designs.
  • You need a lightweight headset that can take a beating.

❌You should not buy this if …

  • You need the most reliable wireless performance (or a working mobile app).
  • You need a larger headset for a comfortable fit.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is an exceptional wireless gaming headset priced approximately at $100, making it a fantastic choice due to its compatibility with Windows PC, Xbox consoles, mobile devices, and other platforms.

This value-focused headset doesn’t always deliver optimal wireless performance (and unfortunately, its mobile app isn’t compatible with my setup), but I do have a few issues to share. Despite that, it’s enjoyable, robust, and surprisingly packed with various features.

I’ve noticed that both the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless and the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) are available for purchase, with the former priced at around $109.99 on Amazon and Best Buy. For budget-conscious Xbox gamers, the Nova 3X Wireless could be a fantastic choice. However, if you’re willing to splurge a bit more, our reviewed Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) still holds the title as the champion at approximately $200.

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2025-07-19 13:09