Over the years, SteelSeries has consistently impressed with their products by actively listening to community feedback and addressing it across various price points, form factors, and feature upgrades. Their commitment to meeting user needs, whatever they may be, is commendable. I respect that they take our criticisms to heart and strive to improve with each new release.
Their new top-tier headset, the **Arctis Nova Elite**, might be the grand culmination of that philosophy. This premium, flagship audio model addresses just about every complaint I’ve had about previous SteelSeries headsets. The main trade-off? It carries one of the largest price tags I’ve seen on any SteelSeries product—prompting serious consideration about whether its most indulgent features justify the cost.
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### What’s in the Box?
The Arctis Nova Elite wireless headset retails at **$599.99** and comes in two color options: Black and Sage/Gold. The package contents are similar to what you’d expect from the Arctis Nova Pro:
– The headset
– A control deck
– Three USB-A to USB-C cables
– Two removable and rechargeable battery packs
– A pop filter for the retractable microphone
– A 3.5mm audio cable
– A carrying bag
– Instruction manual
You can also download the free **SteelSeries Arctis Companion App** to access on-board settings, unique sound profiles, and make adjustments directly from your phone. However, keep in mind that the mobile app alone doesn’t support firmware upgrades—you’ll still need the **SteelSeries GG** app on a PC for that.
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### Design and Build Quality
The headset feels sturdy and well-constructed. The retractable mic returns and works excellently for gaming communication. Additionally, there is a second internal mic located on the opposite earcup designed specifically for taking phone calls via Bluetooth or for lifestyle use where the retractable mic might be inconvenient. I appreciate having this versatile option.
Under the ear cups are SteelSeries’ latest innovation: **carbon fiber audio drivers**. These represent a notable upgrade even beyond the already high-quality Nova Pro drivers, promising an enhanced audio experience.
The headset buttons have also been improved, particularly the volume control, which now features a textured surface that I prefer over the smooth toggles on previous models. The headband combines a metal band with a leatherette layer for added sturdiness. However, this extra firmness means it can feel a bit tight after extended wear. While not unbearable short term, wearing the headset all day—especially for work—left me with sore earlobes. It’s not the most comfortable fit I’ve experienced from SteelSeries.
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### Compatibility and Connectivity
There is no separate PlayStation or Xbox version this time. That’s because the Arctis Nova Elite supports **PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Bluetooth, and Nintendo Switch OLED** out of the box. This makes it a true all-in-one headset—a significant milestone for SteelSeries.
The package includes three USB cables to accommodate this multi-platform functionality, ensuring you can seamlessly switch between devices with minimal hassle.
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### Audio Performance and Features
SteelSeries confidently labels the Arctis Nova Elite as **“One Audio System for All”**, and it backs up that claim. This headset is a step above nearly every other SteelSeries model I’ve tried, addressing multiple past complaints.
The audio inside the ear cups is **absurdly clean**. It’s built using cutting-edge sound production technologies that aren’t even widely adopted yet, resulting in crystal-clear audio with extremely low compression and virtually no distortion.
The companion app offers more than 100 audio profiles, allowing you to tailor the sound experience to your preference. For example, the *Armored Core 6* profile delivers punchy bass paired with crisp trebles, but with so many profiles available, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
SteelSeries’ **Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)** and **Transparency modes** are also present and effective. The Noise Cancellation mode does a great job blocking outside noise when active. However, Transparency mode works better when no audio is playing—once your audio is on, it becomes harder to hear through the ambient sound. I would have preferred improved external awareness even during playback.
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### Multiple Audio Source Streaming
One standout feature is the headset’s ability to stream audio actively from multiple sources at once. The Arctis Nova Pro offered this feature too, but the Elite takes it further by removing platform restrictions.
You can have the headset connected to your PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Bluetooth simultaneously—with the option to run Bluetooth alongside at least one other source. This multi-source support is a **game changer** for anyone juggling several devices regularly, eliminating the need to unplug and reconnect constantly.
Battery life is solid, offering a full day’s use on a single charge. Swapping batteries is simple and can be done directly from the control deck’s battery slot—just like previous models.
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### Is It Worth the Price?
At $600, it’s hard to call the Arctis Nova Elite “reasonable” by typical gaming headset standards. That said, you are paying for SteelSeries’ best headset ever made.
The crystal-clear sound quality enhanced by extensive app customization, long-lasting swappable batteries, and the convenience of a built-in secondary mic for non-gaming use all justify the cost to an extent. But for me, the real star is the **multi-source audio streaming** feature. Being able to seamlessly operate across every platform I own—and even run some simultaneously—makes untangling cables and moving the control deck almost unnecessary.
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### Final Thoughts
Don’t be fooled by the heavy price tag. The Arctis Nova Elite delivers a massive collection of **quality-of-life improvements** and ease-of-use features alongside its top-tier performance upgrades. If you require multi-platform compatibility and crave the absolute best in sound clarity and convenience, this headset belongs at the top of your list.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146835/steelseries-arctis-nova-elite-headset-review-score
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