SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite vs Nova Pro Wireless: Which to Buy?
▼ Summary
– The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is priced at $599.99 and the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless at $379.99, with the Elite being significantly more expensive but both offering premium value.
– The Elite features new carbon fiber drivers with brass surround for superior audio quality, while the Pro Wireless uses neodymium drivers, both delivering excellent sound.
– Both headsets support wireless connectivity via a 2.4Ghz dongle and Bluetooth 5.3, but the Elite adds Hi-Res audio transmission and enhanced Bluetooth codecs.
– The Elite includes a dual-mic system with better frequency response and improved ANC, though the Pro Wireless microphone is still highly rated for clarity.
– The Elite works across all gaming systems out of the box and offers more color options, while the Pro Wireless may require a specific version for full compatibility and is often discounted.
Choosing between the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless presents a fascinating dilemma for gamers seeking a premium audio experience. Both models deliver outstanding performance, but they cater to slightly different priorities and budgets. This comparison will help you determine which of these high-end wireless gaming headsets is the right investment for your setup.
When it comes to price and overall value, the difference is substantial. The Arctis Nova Elite carries a premium price tag of $599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349, positioning it firmly in the super-premium category. In contrast, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is more accessibly priced at $379.99 / £329.99 / AU$735. This significant price gap means your decision heavily depends on how much you value the Elite’s additional features. The Nova Pro Wireless frequently appears in sales, making it an incredible value proposition when discounted, whereas the newly released Elite will likely hold its price for some time. For sheer bang-for-your-buck during a promotion, the Nova Pro Wireless is hard to beat.
Delving into specifications and performance reveals where these headsets truly diverge. Both feature 40mm drivers, but the technology inside is different. The Elite utilizes custom-designed carbon fiber drivers with a brass surround, engineered for audiophile-grade, Hi-Res audio certified sound. The Nova Pro Wireless employs high-quality neodymium drivers that are also exceptional. In practical use, the Elite’s audio reproduction is simply breathtaking across all media and game genres, offering a level of clarity and depth that is a noticeable step up. Both headsets provide robust wireless connectivity via a 2.4GHz dongle, but the Elite’s wireless is specifically engineered for lossless Hi-Res audio transmission. They also share impressive battery systems, offering up to 60 hours of use with their dual-battery “Infinite Power System.”
The microphone systems further distinguish the two. The Elite boasts a dual-mic setup, combining a high-spec retractable boom mic (100-14,000Hz frequency response) with on-ear beamforming microphones. The Nova Pro Wireless features a very capable retractable ClearCast mic (100-6500Hz). While the Pro’s microphone is among the best in its class, the Elite’s more advanced system provides greater versatility and clarity. Another key advantage for the Elite is its compatibility with the Arctis Companion App, allowing for on-the-fly audio customization on consoles and mobile devices, a feature not available for the Nova Pro Wireless.
From a design and dimensions perspective, the two headsets are clearly siblings. They share the same comfortable headband design and form factor, with nearly identical physical dimensions. The primary physical difference is a slight weight variance, with the Elite at 380g and the Nova Pro Wireless at 339g. In practice, this difference is negligible and doesn’t impact comfort during long gaming sessions. The Elite does offer a more distinctive sage and gold colorway alongside the standard black, while the Nova Pro Wireless comes in black or white. A major functional advantage for the Elite is its universal compatibility; it works seamlessly across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch out of the box. For the Nova Pro Wireless, you must purchase a specific variant for full Xbox compatibility. Both support multi-device connectivity, but the Elite can play audio from all connected sources simultaneously, a unique feature for those who like to mix audio from different devices.
So, which one should you buy? Your choice ultimately hinges on your needs and budget. If you are an audiophile gamer who demands the absolute best performance, desires universal compatibility without buying separate versions, and wants cutting-edge features like Hi-Res wireless audio and a dual-mic system, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is worth the significant investment. It represents the pinnacle of gaming audio technology. However, if you are looking for a phenomenal high-end headset that delivers a premium experience without the top-tier price, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless remains an outstanding choice. Its audio quality is still superb, its feature set is robust, and when found on sale, it offers some of the best value in the premium headset market. You truly cannot go wrong with either, but your personal priorities will guide you to the perfect headset.
(Source: TechRadar)
