Customer Ratings & Reviews

What's in the box: B+ Arriving in a monster sized box dripping with the extra bells and whistles, inside you will find your headset, your breakout/control box, extra battery (primary is installed in the headset), a soft carrying pouch, a box with your USB cables, 1/8" cable and mic adapters/covers. Overall lovely packaging with plenty of good stuff inside. For this price, a proper hard case for travel would have been nice. I do wish the control box matched the headset colors of Sage and Gold. Ergonomics, physicality and manual usage: C- When unboxing and holding them in your hand, you definitely know these are a cut above just about every set of gaming headphones out there. They have heft, are solidly built and are well built with no corners cut. The Arctis Nova Elite used the new fad of the floating strap for your head design. This is supposed to give you a more, secure fit based on tension and doesn't require the top of your head to mash against the top of your headset where a cushioned band would normally go. It has three manually adjustable settings. I have a fairly large noggin but with no hair to get in the way and to get the headset to fit and not feel tight or compressive, I had to go on the last notch as the cups themselves have ~1" of adjustability and either way at max setting my head is mashed against the top. If my head was a fraction of an inch bigger, these would not fit properly. This is the first set of gaming headphones that *barely* fit so be warned if you have a larger head. The ports are easily accessible with the USB-C port and battery being under each cap on the outside with the SteelSeries logo which is held on magnetically and can be popped off with the flick of a finger. Unlike many other sets, the USB-C port is only for charging if needed. It does not function as a charging/audio USB port. The volume wheel is smooth and controls are very straight forward which I like. One thing I do not like is the SteelSeries control box overrides Windows volume control and sets Windows to a permanent "100" and passes off total control to the control box or headset. I'm used to flicking the SteelSeries keyboard volume control roller. Comfort: D Sadly, these are far from the most comfortable headset I've worn and the first to cause me pain after prolonged use. I was disappointed with the comfort level of the headset and that is alarming. They clamp pretty hard and because of the tight fit and downward pressure after 3+ hours of gaming they start to physically hurt the top of my head. This is a first for me and any set of gaming or audio headphones I've used. I have used the Elite's for extended gaming sessions several nights in a row playing WoW or Fallout 76 and the eventual pain, discomfort and literal indentations on the top of my head is repeatable. In the end, the main culprit was the cushion/suspension strap. when stretched and pushed against my bald head, the edges were digging and cutting into my scalp. I removed the strap and then was left with the absolutely hard and rigid headphone band pressing into my scalp. I had to end up using a small towel to help offset the discomfort or just wear a slouch beanie. Music/Movie Audio: A For a pair of gaming headphones this expensive you expect top notch audio and that is exactly what you get. True, the law of diminishing returns are in full effect, but these are without a doubt the best sounding gaming headphones I've ever used and having gone back and forth over several days, best my current set of favorite headphones in several ways. The soundscape is fuller and more lush. The Elites aren't overly bright and the mids are a bit stronger. I also found the overall separation of the Elites better and listening to a lot of remastered classic, I discovered some ever so subtle sound pick ups that I could not pick up with my other gaming headsets. Gaming Audio: A There are two grades here. D with the GG software and A without it at the current moment. The actual average is a C+, but I will go with an A for the raw potential sans GG Software while it works out its issues. I played initially with the software and used the World of Warcraft preset and the audio was incredibly bass heavy, overly bright and action sounds were far away unless in combat and then they become kind of, muffled but front and center. I played with the settings numerous times and at one point just tried to adjusting the settings manually but in the end what worked best? Turning it off and exiting the software. Once eliminating the GG software, the sound was as it really should be. After several hours of manually switching headphones between my Cloud III S, Arctis Elites and even the Alienware Pro for good measure the final result was much more neutral, balanced sound coming out of the Elites with little bits of finer detail picking up. Another big thing was the overall soundscape of the Elites is much rich and fuller with good balance all around. The sound quality is definitely a step up. Inside the GG software, there is an option to test the spatial (surround sound) capability of the Arctis Elites. Left, right and center work great. Rear left and right? It's ok but definitely lacked the separation of the front testing or giving you the proper feeling/hear of something behind you....at least in the spatial test in their own software. Microphone: A This is a great mic full stop. While raiding, I actually had a few guild members ask was I using a new mic because I sounded much clearer and with more fullness and depth than with the Cloud III S which is saying something because that was already a good mic. The SteelSeries has better depth and boom and doesn't sound as hollow as the Cloud III S which wasn't even that hollow sounding in its own right. I love the retractable mic design. No need to look around for your detachable mic. The only downside to this is if it breaks or you want to assure yourself of true privacy and be able to remove it like some headsets allow completely severing mic functionality but I'll take the trade off. Noise Cancellation (ANC): C+ The noise cancelation is slightly above average at best compared to my Sonos Ace which are spectacular. My core test is my computer room sits right next to my HVAC blower and the blower is about 10ft away from where I sit. The more a headset can mute the blower noise output the better I rank them. Out of all my sets, the Sonos Ace are the only pair that completely remove the sound of my blower. My Studio Pros are next while allowing some noise to get through. The Elite's are a distant third. They definitely remove at least 50% of the noise, but it is clearly audible. I can clearly hear myself typing on the keyboard as I write this review with ANC on. Transparency mode you might as well turn it off. I can basically hear the blower almost at full strength. The strength in the Elite's ANC is fixing their own noise generation and removing small, little noises namely the sound of the cups themselves as you move about and rustles and noises around your ears. I use a back massager from time to time and with the ANC off the vibrations permeate every bit of the Elites in the worse way but with ANC on it makes it at least tolerable. Couple this while pumping audio through the speakers and it can help melt away most of the noise around you well enough. Battery life: A+ The Elites use a swappable battery system with one in the headset and the other charging in the control box. This means you have 24/7/365 uptime. ANC (which is mandatory in my opinion) drains the battery quicker, but not as quick as you can charge it in the control box so there is zero downtime. Another plus is the batteries are removable/replaceable so you know as they age you can always replace one or both fairly easy. This is a PERFECT way to approach headset battery charging. Problems: B In terms of issues and problems, they were limited and that's a good thing outside of general usage issues. I found a touch of static on the wired connection to my desktop and amp. I'm not sure why or if this was the cable itself, but the static/noise went away when connected wirelessly to the control box. Once connected wirelessly, I did get the occasional bump/click which can happen with wireless connections so sorry to say while the wireless signal has increased for quality and certification, the inherent nature of the technology is still suspect to signal hiccups. This is with the control box about three feet away tops from my headset. Overall: B For the price, I expected much more comfort as they are a tad small, clamp a bit tight and contact noisy requiring ANC to cancel out a lot of the noise and ergonomically, many of the much less expensive gaming headsets I tried were much more comfortable including the entry level sets I tested. The Elites are the first set of gaming headphones I've used to cause me actual pain and discomfort after prolonged use. The ANC is average at best but passable. The GG software still needs work for my needs and the audio profile for World of Warcraft was terrible to the point I did not use it at all nor GG Software when gaming. The saving grace is the raw audio and mic capabilities of the Arctis Pro Elites which are both best in class for my testing criteria. This is easily the best control box I've ever used allowing multi line input and mixing so you can not only have your headphones hooked up wirelessly to your system, but also pipe in other systems if you want along with other devices even your phone if you wish while charging your aux battery. After a solid week+ of testing, this has managed to beat out my current favorite set of gaming headphones which had triumphed over several previous pairs of gaming headsets I own or have tried (Probably over 30 at this point). The quality build overall of the headphones also can not be denied.

The price is steep, but for all the features that come included with these, it's worth it, in my opinion. The ability to connect to two USB-C sources (and bluetooth) simultaneously is perfect for my dual work/play PC setup. On top of features, these sound great with plenty of sound customization via Steelseries Sonar's PEQ. I used to have a ton of issues with Sonar and the Nova Pro, but haven't had any issues with the Elite so far. The ability to hot swap batteries is a killer feature as well as you essentially have infinite battery life, and if the batteries bite the dust down the line, you can just purchase new ones, extending the life the headset overall. On top of all this, the headset is stunning and feels very premium. Not the MOST comfortable headset I've owned, but I am able to wear these for a full day of work without much issue. Anyway, if you can stomach the price (or wait for a sale), these headphones are phenominal, especially for a multi-device setup. Highly recommended.

This is a very pricy gaming headset and is definitely not for everyone. However I think if you do your research and you intentionally will use the multi-system capabilities, the ANC, bluetooth, etc... This product is fantastic. The ANC is much improved over the previous nova pro wireless, the comfort is better, and the hot-swap batteries are still a killer feature. The mic should be better for the price, but I honestly think with EQ it's quite good. If you're doing podcasting or audio work you should probably be buying a separate dedicated mic anyways. Overall, this headset is the ultimate all-in-one package, just do your research first.

Overall this headset is a very good upgrade and possibly worth it coming from the previous Nova Pro. There are several differences between them like the metal frame and volume control knob which is a huge design feature that is actually helpful to change the volume and other headset controls and to me like the biggest reason I would even consider these over the Pros. The inner ear ANC bump is flat now and does not feel uncomfortable and feels the same to me. I love the look the matte black outside and the top band made of the leatherette looks very premium. As far as the sound goes I don't really notice that much of a difference between the new wireless hi-res and not having it. It sounds amazing and I'm sure the updated carbon fiber drivers with brass ring around it help a lot and makes for low distortion high clarity but it's about the same to me as the Pros. The ANC is kind of lacking to me even though this one is supposed to be 42% better than competitors. I like how you can change the noise cancelling from low to medium and high and I notice the difference but I can still make out some background noise even on high like a baby crying and other louder noises but it works for what most would use it for I'm sure and it's nice to have a transparency option too. The other amazing feature and difference is that I like how it's an OmniPlay system gamehub that allows you to connect multiple devices to it and have that seamless mixing. AI noise rejection seems to work well no complaints there which is nice if you have things going on in your background. I like that this Elite has an outer microphone so you don't need to use the boom mic if you don't want to which is super convenient. The 2 battery system is my all time favorite I really like how easy it is to swap batteries and have one charging all ready to go before the other battery dies and I don't have to plug it in if I don't have to, it's also nice it has the option to plug it in to charge if really needed somehow. Another difference is the use of SteelSeries' app which I found easy to use and kind of nice to be able to change EQ if I wanted to or if I switch games I can find the EQ for that game and change it fast without using the SteelSeries GG on the computer like you have to for the Pros. You could also try to change it on the gamehub but I feel the app is faster. The one thing I wish they had with this given the price is their hard case for the Arctis Nova line, the bag case this comes with is a leather feel and looks and feels super nice and has a inner zipper that seems waterproof and a nice magnetic closure but the hard case again would be actually better and to me worth the price increase. In conclusion, this headset does have a lot of very nice upgraded features that could be worth the premium price and the fact you can connect multiple devices and has an outer mic to talk with as well as the wireless hi-res sound (if you are an audiophile who can really notice the difference) or maybe want to future proof your headset this is the one to get. I love the metal knobs and matte black soft feel and just those exterior features alone to me are almost worth it.

This headset is awesome. It has a lot of pros to it. I currently use it on PC and the extra stuff it offers is great if you're one to record clips of your victories or kills in your game because this headset does this for you and has the program to make a montage for you as well. The fact it has a second battery is great as well, even though it last a long time its super easy to change and always charges while your playing. Comfort is snug. You cant hear anything once you put it on, much different than my seinheisser headset. The headset is a little heavier than your normal gaming headsets like hyper x. The ear muffs are super soft. Now the negative. It has multiple options in the program but the sonic portion which was a big selling part for me is difficult to get working properly. The weight of the headset is tiring after a few hours of wear. The program is a bit confusing to start with, you feel like you have things set right but then need to go back in to try again everytime you turn your PC back on. Overall i give it an A+ , because i know its mostly a learning point for me to figure out the program . Comfort though it gets a B. Price is pretty high but its quality and all the extra stuff makes it worth it.

Best headset ive ever owned. The ear cups feel like clouds on my ears and the eq options are outstanding tuning is a breeeze and you can easily tune the sound to your liking. The mic is phenomenal for a wireless gaming headset and there are so many options to tune the mic as well. All in all wonderful the price is abit steep would think more between 400 and 500 would be better than the 600 price tag but you are getting the best wireless gaming headset. It has hot swap batteries and a leather carry case

I’ve been using the Arctis Nova Elite for a few weeks now, and I’m seriously impressed. SteelSeries took everything great about the Nova Pro and refined it even further. The build quality feels premium — solid but lightweight, with soft, breathable ear cushions that stay comfortable even during long sessions. The new headband design adds better balance and less pressure on the crown of the head, which I really appreciate after multi-hour gaming sessions. Audio-wise, this thing is incredible. The sound clarity and separation are next-level, and the 360° Spatial Audio makes a huge difference for immersion and competitive play. You can really hear where footsteps or gunfire are coming from. The parametric EQ in Sonar lets you dial in your perfect sound profile, and the Elite drivers respond beautifully to fine adjustments.

Excellent Sound profile, super customization, endless power with the battery system, ANC, super comfort with plush earpads. The only issue is the higher-than-average price, but it's worth it

I had a lot of headphones over the years always one for xbox and one for the ps5 turtlebeach, older Steelseries and for the last year audeze Maxwell but the nova elite barely beats the Maxwell in weight it’s much lighter and equalizer convenience they have hundreds of presets that work right of my iPhone and plugging both systems to one control hub is just fantastic and last but not least the sound is flat out incredible the price is steep but worth it check all the boxes build, comfort, convenience, versatility and most important amazing sound!

This headset is the king of all gaming headsets. The build quality and sound are absolutely superb. It has more features than any other headset I have ever owned. And I can connect it to all of my different devices at the same time. Honestly the biggest and my only con is price and then it doesn’t have full functionality on Mac OS yet. The gg app doesn’t recognize it on Mac. But i would buy it again it’s that good. The black color is very sleek.

The ultimate high end premium gaming headset! Exquisite gaming trait set greatly updated from the fan favorite nova pro wireless now modernized with a touch of carbon fiber drivers manufactured inside the speakers. Already loved the previous nova pro wireless the nova elite further expands the steelseries brand into hi res audio fidelity territory. Works for every platform imaginable; PC , Mac, PlayStation, Xbox , Switch 1 &2 you name it. Not gonna lie paying $600 for headphones especially a gaming headset is over the edge I would have preferred $400 -500 to spend but they are other products that cost way more and imo don't justify their asking MSRP. Not necessarily saying you have to buy these to get the $600 experience but if there is a product that doesn't have a lot of misses and does everything else right I would definitely pick these (only if you have the budget to)

Bought the Arctis Nova Pros years ago and loved them so much that when it was time, I decided to go for these. They sound amazing, are super comfortable compared to the already comfortable pro's, and the build quality is amazing. I highly recommend the Sage Gold color too.

These are, hands down, the finest headphones I have ever used. The only caveat so far is the high price. I am using them for XBOX Series X gaming and AppleTV movies and music. The sound is superb; bright, clear, agreeable base and sharply defined speech. They remain comfortable after hours of uninterrupted use. The build quality, to my eye, is excellent and setup with both Xbox and Apple TV was a non event. So far though, the GG software has not recognized these headphones, a problem that may relate to the newest MacBook OP. I recommend the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headphones to others, price notwithstanding.

I previously owned the Arctis Nova Pro Wired for about three to four years and absolutely loved them, which made upgrading a big decision for me. After finally moving to the Arctis Nova Elite, I can confidently say this is the best headset I have ever owned in my entire life. From the very first use, it felt like a true premium upgrade in every possible way. The sound quality is outstanding. Audio is incredibly clear and detailed, whether I am gaming, listening to music, or watching videos. The bass is powerful without being overwhelming, mids are crisp, and highs are clean and accurate. Directional audio is especially impressive, making it easy to pinpoint footsteps and subtle environmental sounds in games. Everything feels immersive and balanced right out of the box, with plenty of customization options to fine tune it exactly how you want. Comfort is another huge win. These headphones feel incredibly light for how solid they are, and the ear cushions are soft and breathable even during long gaming sessions. I can wear them for hours without any discomfort or pressure. The build quality feels premium and durable, and nothing feels cheap or flimsy. They truly feel like a headset designed to last. The wireless performance completely exceeded my expectations. The connection is fast, stable, and reliable with no noticeable latency. Battery life is excellent and easily gets me through long sessions without worry. The convenience of wireless freedom paired with this level of performance makes it hard to imagine going back to wired. The microphone deserves special praise. For a wireless headset, the mic quality is beyond peak. Voice comes through clear, natural, and clean, with excellent noise handling. Friends and teammates consistently comment on how good I sound, and it honestly rivals or beats many wired headset microphones I have used in the past. Overall, the Arctis Nova Elite feels like a perfect evolution from the Nova Pro Wired that I loved for years. Every part of the experience feels refined and upgraded. If you are considering this headset and want top tier audio, comfort, build quality, and an amazing wireless microphone, I could not recommend it more. This headset has completely exceeded my expectations and is worth every bit of praise it gets.

The best sound I've ever heard. I know some of the features are also in other headphones but i love being able to listen to more than 1 device at a time.

Had these for a while now and will say they have been worth it. I find the sound amazing and the headset comfortable. Glad I upgraded from the Pro’s.

Here's the deal - this headset is not for everyone. You want something that will let you play games and hear your friends on Discord but don't have 3 consoles? See the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Have 3 consoles? This is your headset. The build on this headset is metal hinge and headband, which I believe is new from the NPW. Otherwise you'll have the same clear audio, form factor, and experience common to the Artcis Nova headsets. One new thing? You can have the OLED screen turn off after a few minutes (configure in GG). That's about it - you got $600 for a headset? You probably have 3 inputs to use with it. Otherwise, the $300-400 NPW is best.

Amazing fit and finish. Sound quality is awesome. Went from Arctis pro wired to this and am not looking back. Battery life is beyond the rated time. Little pricey but...

I have the previous generation and this new version is improved: better sound, better noise cancellation, more comfortable. Highly recommended. The only downside is the price.

This headsetis an upgrade from the arctis nova pro in every way. Its more comfortable, it sounds better and is more feature complete.