- Design: Open-back, Over ear.
- Noise Control: Noise Isolation
- Impedance: 36Ω.
- SPL: 93 dB.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
- Connectivity: Wireless, Simultaneous Bluetooth
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Price: $179.99
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless headphones offer an impressive combination of sound quality, comfort, and versatility, making them an excellent choice for streamers who priritize gaming, especially those that play among various platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and PC gamers.
The Nova 7 features spacious over-ear memory foam earcup cushions encased in SteelSeries’ “AirWeave” fabric, a lightweight nylon material. AirWeave, known for its breathability, but differs from the leatherette used in the Nova Pro by offering slightly less passive noise cancellation.
The ear cushions of the Nova 7 are generously sized, ensuring complete ear coverage without exerting undue pressure. SteelSeries appears to have perfected the clamping force, as you will be able to wear this headset for extended periods without experiencing any discomfort.
While they come at a relatively higher price point that similar headphones from the competition, their platform-specific focus might limit their versatility for users who switch between different gaming platforms frequently.
Read our test of the best headphones for streamers
Table of Contents
Are They Worth It?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 marks the evolution of an already highly-acclaimed gaming headset such as the SteelSeries Arctis 7. The debut of the Arctis 7 was a game-changer in terms of convenience, thanks to its versatile USB-C adapter, comfortable design, and robust customization features.
However, in many aspects, the Arctis Nova 7 is the ideal upgrade. SteelSeries has made several intelligent enhancements to the Arctis 7’s design, such as a more substantial volume dial, a discreetly concealed microphone, a sturdier headband, and a useful Bluetooth mode.
Although priced at $180, a slight increase over its $150 predecessor, the new features undeniably justify the premium.
Nonetheless, the primary challenge that Arctis Nova 7 face, just like the Arctis 7, is that while their sound quality is good, it falls short of the “great” category, which is why audiophiles are commonly tempted to look elsewhere.
Although a software protocol called SteelSeries Sonar can enhance performance on PCs to a certain extent, there’s a distinct feeling that a $180 headset should deliver a richer auditory experience.
Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless headphones are very solid gaming headphones, especially if you play lots of PlayStation games as they offer seamless wireless compatibility with both PS4 and PS5 consoles.
These headphones are not only durably constructed but also provide exceptional comfort during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, their impressively low latency ensures a lag-free gaming experience, and the high-quality boom microphone excels at capturing your voice, even in noisy surroundings.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P’s Noise Isolation
Unfortunately, these headphones don’t have any noise cancelling characteristics, and their noise isolation performance is subpar to say the least, as they provide minimal sound blocking, particularly for bass-range noise such as bus or plane engines.
They also struggle to effectively reduce mid-range sounds like ambient chatter, which is probably the least you expect from a pair of headphones these days. Nevertheless, their performance is relatively better when it comes to diminishing treble range noise, such as the hum of an AC unit.
So, with that said, just like the Logitech G935, it is safe to say that the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P will let exterior noise interfere with your listening experience, so if you’re planning on using them for other things other than streaming in a relatively quiet room, you may need to look for a different option.
How to Connect the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 provides three versatile connectivity options, offering compatibility with a wide range of devices. For gaming purposes, the primary connection method is the bundled 2.4GHz USB-C RF dongle. This dongle can be effortlessly plugged into your PC or console, delivering seamless wireless audio with minimal latency.
Additionally, the headset boasts Bluetooth 5.0 support, utilizing the SBC Bluetooth codec, which broadens its mobile compatibility and provides an alternative option for consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
In addition to its wireless capabilities, the Arctis Nova 7 also offers wired audio connectivity through 3.5mm connections, enhancing compatibility with Xbox consoles and serving as a reliable backup when the battery runs low. While the headset comes with a USB-C charging cable, it does not facilitate audio transmission via wired USB connections.
Notably, the Arctis Nova 7 supports simultaneous connections, enabling you to link it to your phone through Bluetooth and to a gaming console using the USB dongle. However, it’s essential to note that these configurations are incompatible with the wired connection.
So, Should You Buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless?
While they can certainly provide your setup with a clean and attractive look, I believe the main two reasons why you should get these headphones are because they have above-average sound quality, and do a great job at capturing your voice clearly, even in noisy environments, which are two crucial aspects for gaming streamers.
If you’re an avid gamer, then the only con I could think of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P is the fact that it is not compatible with Xbox, so if you are looking for a headset to cover all platforms, unfortunately these won’t do the trick for you.