SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: The Ultimate Gaming Headset?

For gamers seeking the absolute pinnacle of audio performance and premium features, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite stands as a remarkable achievement in headset design. It represents a significant investment, but delivers an unparalleled auditory experience that justifies its position at the top of the market.

This headset distinguishes itself immediately through its exceptional construction. A full metal frame provides a sense of durability that inspires confidence, while the plush leatherette ear cushions ensure extended comfort during long gaming sessions. Every physical component feels meticulously crafted, from the intuitively placed controls to the satisfyingly tactile volume wheel. The retractable microphone operates with a smooth, premium action that sets a new standard.

Where the Arctis Nova Elite truly separates itself is in its groundbreaking feature set. It proudly holds the title of the first certified Hi-Res wireless gaming headset on the market, capable of 96kHz/24-bit audio. This incredible sound quality is driven by custom 40mm carbon fiber drivers with a unique brass surround ring. A powerful GameHub DAC unit enables seamless multiconnectivity, allowing you to link up to four different audio sources simultaneously through its innovative OmniPlay technology. The Infinity Power system, with its two swappable batteries, practically eliminates battery anxiety, and the microphone system intelligently switches between a high-quality retractable boom and a built-in beamforming mic.

In practical use, the audio performance is nothing short of spectacular. Whether navigating the subtle environmental sounds of a story-driven adventure or the explosive chaos of a competitive shooter, the headset reproduces sound with stunning clarity and richness. There is no muddiness or harshness, only a beautifully detailed and immersive soundscape. The active noise cancellation effectively isolates you from your surroundings, and the accompanying software, including the Sonar PC app and mobile companion app, provides extensive customization to fine-tune the audio to your exact preferences.

Priced at $599.99, the Arctis Nova Elite exists in a category of its own. It costs nearly twice as much as the highly-regarded SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and surpasses the price of dedicated audiophile headphones from brands like Sennheiser. This positions it as a specialist product for a specific user.

You should seriously consider the Arctis Nova Elite if your priority is obtaining the best possible gaming audio without compromise. It is the definitive choice for the audiophile gamer who demands top-tier performance across all their devices, from PC and PlayStation to Xbox and Nintendo Switch. It also functions superbly as a pair of high-end everyday headphones for music and media consumption, thanks to its robust comfort and impressive ANC.

However, this headset may not be the right fit for everyone. If you game exclusively on consoles that cannot fully utilize its Hi-Res audio capabilities, you might not experience its complete potential. Similarly, if you already own a quality mid-range or high-end headset and do not have a specific craving for lossless audio, the substantial investment may be difficult to justify.

For those comparing options, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless remains an excellent, more affordable alternative within the same ecosystem, offering fantastic audio and many premium features. The Audeze Maxwell is another strong contender, providing an exceptional planar magnetic driver experience at a lower, though still significant, price point.

![Image of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset] (Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Key Specifications:

• Price: $599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349
• Weight: 13.4oz / 380g
• Drivers: 40mm carbon fiber with brass surround
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile
• Connection: Hi-Res wireless (2.4Ghz dongle), Wired (audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3
• Battery Life: Up to 60 hours with dual-battery Infinity Power System
• Notable Features: Certified Hi-Res Audio, ClearCast Gen 2.X microphone with AI noise rejection, Active Noise Cancellation, OmniPlay GameHub

This evaluation is based on nearly five weeks of intensive daily use. The headset was tested across a wide range of scenarios, including gaming on a high-end PC and PS5 Pro, participating in work video calls, and listening to music on the go. Its performance was directly compared to other respected audio products, including the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, to provide a comprehensive and contextualized assessment of its capabilities.

(Source: TechRadar)