SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Review: Gaming Headset Tested
▼ Summary
– The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X headset is praised for its striking lilac color, versatile sound quality, and comfort, making it suitable for both gaming and casual use.
– Despite its appealing design, the headset has some drawbacks, including lack of swappable earcups, limited on-board buttons, and no waterproof rating.
– The headset performs best with a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, offering clear and immersive audio, while Bluetooth mode may suffer from sound distortion due to EQ profile stacking.
– Battery life is decent (up to 40 hours via Bluetooth) but falls short compared to competitors, though fast charging provides 9 hours of playtime in 15 minutes.
– The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X is ideal for users prioritizing comfort, style, and versatility, but not for those needing multi-point Bluetooth connectivity or extended battery life.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X delivers impressive versatility and style in a gaming headset that performs well both at your desk and on the go. While its striking lilac colorway initially caught my attention, what kept me hooked was its comfortable design and crisp audio performance across different scenarios.
Build quality feels solid for the price, with a lightweight yet durable plastic construction. The floating headband design evenly distributes the 260g weight, making extended wear surprisingly comfortable. Memory foam earcups add to the plush experience, though the lack of swappable or wipe-clean pads might be a drawback for some.
Sound quality is well-balanced right out of the box, though the companion app unlocks deeper customization. With EQ presets for games, music, and movies, you can tweak the audio to suit your preferences. The 40mm neodymium drivers deliver punchy bass without muddying mids and highs, though audiophiles might crave a bit more low-end depth.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, though performance varies between the two. Bluetooth works fine for casual listening, but in-game audio can suffer from odd compression issues, likely due to software quirks or codec limitations. Switching to the low-latency 2.4GHz connection transforms the experience, delivering crisp, immersive sound that truly shines in fast-paced titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages and rhythm games like Hi-Fi Rush.
Battery life is decent but not class-leading, offering up to 40 hours via Bluetooth or 30 hours on 2.4GHz. A 15-minute fast charge provides 9 hours of playtime, which helps mitigate the need for frequent top-ups. Still, competitors like the JBL Tune 720BT offer significantly longer endurance at a lower price.
The detachable mic performs adequately for voice chats, though it struggles with proximity distortion if placed too close to your mouth. A dedicated mute button is handy, though its placement means you might forget you’ve silenced yourself mid-call.
Who should buy the Arctis Nova 3X?
- Gamers who want a stylish, comfortable headset for all-day use.
- Those who value versatile connectivity (Bluetooth + 2.4GHz).
- Fans of pastel colorways, the lilac and aqua options are particularly eye-catching.
Who should skip it?
- Users needing multi-device Bluetooth pairing (it doesn’t support multipoint).
- Anyone prioritizing ultra-long battery life over aesthetics.
- Those who prefer deep, thunderous bass, while good, it’s not the headset’s strongest suit.
Final thoughts: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X isn’t perfect, but it strikes an excellent balance between style, comfort, and performance. If you’re after a mid-range wireless headset that looks as good as it sounds, this one’s a strong contender, especially if you’re smitten with that gorgeous lilac finish.
(Source: PCGAMER)
