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The wired gaming headset from SteelSeries that supports several platforms is called the Arctis Nova 3. It supports Xbox, Switch, computer, PlayStation, and Android devices. A well-known name in the gaming audio sector is SteelSeries. We have already examined SteelSeries’ Arctis 9 Wireless Gaming Headset and their Arctis Pro Headset. The Arctis Nova 3 is one of their most recent products regarding wired gaming headsets. And for the money, it offers a lot of value. You receive a lovely plastic body that looks excellent and feels strong.
The headset has a lightweight design and offers tremendous comfort in terms of ergonomics. A variety of adjustment possibilities are provided by the fabric extension underneath the plastic headband, and the AirWeave memory foam ear cups tightly embrace your ears for a secure fit. The Arctis Nova 3 has respectable performance. It has the kind of bass that stands out from the other instruments in the orchestra and takes center stage. Therefore, give this headset serious consideration if you enjoy the low end. However, the peaks aren’t as stunning.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 review: Comfort
The incredibly comfortable AirWeave memory foam cushions on both earcups by SteelSeries have a rotating design. They fit comfortably around the ears and are soft but breathable. Additionally, glasses wearers can rejoice because this headset is pleasant to wear for extended periods of time and doesn’t put too much pressure on your lenses.
Returning is the supple overhead band, which enables the headset to lay peacefully on top of your head without exerting any additional pressure. It still ranks among my favorite aspects of the Arctis range of headsets, and up until this point, I haven’t discovered a more cushy set of gaming headphones. You can buy this headphone from its official website.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 review: Connectivity
If the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the high-performance sportscar of SteelSeries’ headset collection, the affordable Nova 3 is more like a sports sedan because it has a ton more style than a basic device but lacks some of the opulent amenities you receive with the Nova Pro Wireless.
As a result, it is primarily constructed of plastic and only has wired connectivity, although it does include some of the finer features of its pricier sister, such as completely swiveling earcups and a stretchy inner headband that hovers above your head. No matter what kind of media you’re listening to, it delivers excellent sound in the audio department as well. Additionally, its eye-catching RGB lighting is stunning day or night.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 review: Noise cancelling
The centre of the outer earcups of the Nova 3 are constructed of a soft, scratch-resistant material that prevents nicks and grazes while still displaying SteelSeries’ recognizable branding. The Nova 3 is clearly designed to please gamers. The exterior cans are encircled by brilliant RGB lighting rings as well. Through the SteelSeries GG software app, they can be programmed with up to 16.8 million colors and a variety of interesting lighting effects.
Although these capabilities aren’t particularly uncommon in low-cost headsets, the Nova 3 does have a few subtle design elements that set it apart from competitors. Two features come to mind: its detachable wires and fully retractable ClearCast Gen 2 noise-cancelling microphone. Credit to SteelSeries for going above and above; the former smoothly glides back into the earcup so that you never have to worry about losing your mic, and the latter keeps you from having to buy a new pair if you damage your wires.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 review: Audio performance
When it comes to PC and console peripherals, SteelSeries is a name that is instantly recognizable, and its Arctis headset line has had years of success in the audio market. And for good reason; the use of ski headbands by the firm has established itself as fairly iconic from a pure style and appearance standpoint, in addition to being fantastic for delivering in the comfort aspect.
Arctis audio is further optimized to produce a clear and natural sound across a variety of media and is compatible with a number of devices. No matter if it’s a high-end wired solution like the Arctis Nova 3 tested here or a high-end wireless Artis Nova 7, there is plenty of room for tweaking and fine-tuning thanks to the PC’s strong software support.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 review: Call Performance
The connection between my laptop and the headset took just a few seconds. The Arctis Nova 3 has a reasonably straightforward connecting procedure that only requires a wired connection. We connected the USB-C to USB-C cable to my laptop and the headset lit up in RGB as soon as we plugged in both ends. We played Call of Duty and PUBG on the headset before singing a few YouTube songs. We feel about its sound profile as follows.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 review: Final words
For wired gaming, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are suitable. If you prefer a different sound, you may alter them using the EQ and presets in their companion program. Their default sound profile is boomy, which helps bring out sound effects in games. They also include an excellent microphone, so you won’t have any trouble being heard clearly in a crisis. However, because of their propensity for inconsistent audio output, it’s crucial to spend the time each time you use them to optimize their fit, location, and seal.