Early Black Friday DealsNew Doorbusters every Friday.Shop now

Main Content

Customer Ratings & Reviews

Your price for this item is $599.99

Customer reviews

Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars with 62 reviews

Rating Filter

Rating by feature

  • Value

    Rating 4.1 out of 5 stars

  • Quality

    Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars

  • Ease of Use

    Rating 4.9 out of 5 stars

Pros mentioned filter

Cons mentioned filter

94%would recommend to a friend
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 3 Showing 41-60 of 62 reviews
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Best & expensive!!

    |
    |
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This is one of the best / expensive item i bought but it sound great and it works on both Playstation 5 & Xbox + PC

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 2 out of 5 stars

    Good but not $600 good

    |
    |
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The audio quality sounds fantastic and I love that I can use my phone to change the presets for different games when gaming on a console instead of my PC. However there are a few too many issues I wasn't expecting to be dealing with when spending this kind of money on a pair of headphones that make it feel like it is still a beta product. - The third USB C port is XBOX ONLY, which was not clear to me from the description. This port doesn't work for PC, PS5, or Switch/Switch 2. - Bluetooth frequently disconnects and reconnects from my phone mid usage on both my iPad Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. - There is an option to turn on both Bluetooth and the 2.4g connection when you first power it on, but no option to turn both off when you power it off. I don't want to power two separate connections off every time I turn off the headphones. - The desktop app constantly reminds you to set the EQ to flat to avoid distortion, even if it is already set to flat. - Headband CONSTANTLY slips off compared to my Arctis Nova Pro. Even the slightest motion will knock it out of alignment. The features are nice and the sound quality is amazing, but at $600 I can't recommend buying this until it receives a lot of quality of life/firmware updates to address these issues. If these get addressed I will update my review, but in this state you will be paying a premium to beta test a product for SteelSeries.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Amazing sound quality

    |
    |
    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Could hear footsteps from a mile away and they’re super clear!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Comfort, Connectivity, Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Comfortable High Resolution Wireless Headset

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This is probably if not the best wireless headphones I’ve used. That’s a bold claim but this is also the first High Res Wireless Audio certified headphones I’ve had the opportunity to use. That means higher clarity and definition in the sound output you’re getting in what you’re listening to. These are very comfortable and well built. There’s a mix of plastic and metal where it counts. The metal frame helps with the rigidity and structure while the plush soft leather ear cuffs are soft and breathable and create a great seal. The buttons are tactile and the plastic has a soft premium feel. I love how the boom mic is seated inside of the housing of the left ear cuff so it can be easily stored out of the way and pulled out when ready to chat. It also has a LED that shows when it’s muted. I’m not an audiophile so it’s a bit harder for me to describe the sound, but I thought playing Battlefield 2042 was a good medium for picking up a variety of sounds, how well I could hear footsteps and the direction in which gunfire was coming from. I was not let down. You can hear the explosions in the distance, the detailed sound of reloading your weapon and bullets whizzing by. I was able to go into the SteelSeries app and the Sonar function to select the preset for the game I was playing. There’s a very extensive list provided. The preset gives an enhanced sound profile specific to your game and highlights the sounds that might be important in the game your playing. Aside from the highly customizable sound, you can also toggle noise canceling which adds an additional layer to immersion. The noise canceling, while not breaking any records, works very well and isolates the game from the surrounding sound. If you’re gaming and need to listen out for your surroundings, there’s an ambient sound option as well which I feel works really well. To get noise canceling and ambient sound, you need microphones. There’s a boom mic that is easily pulled out from inside the housing, but if you want to take advantage of your ambient sound microphones used for noise canceling and ambient sound, those pick up voice too. You can also get a great bit of customization out of the microphone by using the SteelSeries app, selecting the profile that best compliments your voice. A few other things to note is connectivity. The wireless receiver has three different inputs as well as Bluetooth. You’re not going to get the studio quality sound from the Bluetooth connection, but if you’re like me and prefer to connect your phone for discord instead of using PC, it won’t matter too much. The base has several different display options as well as access to settings to adjust settings. You won’t get the full custom list of preset sounds, but you can change microphone gain, a few sound presets, as well as prioritizing Hi-res or range. If I could caution on a few things. I was a bit challenged to get the USB 1 connection to pickup correctly on my PC. I’m not sure if this was a driver issue or PC issue, but ultimately, connecting the receiver using a USB-C to USB-C instead of the C to A that was provided did the trick. It also creates 4 different sound output options in control panel so knowing the one to use at first can be confusing. I think there could be some work done here to make it more intuitive on PC. The receiver itself is lightweight and houses the spare battery for charging, but it’s not very laptop friendly. This isn’t a small dongle, but a receiver with a display, button, and multi use knob. If you’re going to use this headset on the go, be prepared to lug it around for the hi-res audio, or pair your Bluetooth to stay wireless. This is probably niche for most people, but worth calling out. In summary, these sound really really really good and are very well made. Music comes through crisp and clear, while games get the special touch with custom presets, creating an immersive experience in whatever your playing.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Alright.

    |
    |
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Alright, they are good but I don’t think they are worth the big price tag

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Connectivity, Design
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    excellent but pricey

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The Good: * Sound quality is phenomenal — crisp highs, full-bodied mids, and deep but controlled bass. In my testing, the sound stage feels wide and immersive, with accurate imaging that really benefits FPS and cinematic titles alike. * The understated, classic design makes it a great daily driver — premium without being flashy. The build feels solid, with a comfortable fit that’s ideal for long sessions. * Connectivity is seamless. Switching between PC, PS5, Xbox, and Switch is quick and reliable thanks to the dual wireless system (2.4GHz and Bluetooth). * Battery life is excellent — the dual hot-swappable batteries and included charging dock mean you’re practically never out of power. * Microphone quality is clear and natural-sounding, perfect for both gaming and work calls. * Fast transient response gives the headset that “audiophile” precision — drums, strings, and subtle game audio cues all come through with lifelike timing. * Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performs well without compromising tone. Transparency mode feels balanced and useful. * The companion app on desktop is robust, offering EQ presets, ChatMix, and sidetone control — ideal for fine-tuning your setup. The Bad: * Currently, there’s no mobile app support — you can’t yet connect these to SteelSeries’ mobile app, which limits EQ and customization on the go. Hopefully a future update fixes this. * The $600 price tag is steep, even for a flagship model. It’s a premium experience but definitely not for every budget. Overall:
This is the most refined headset SteelSeries has ever made, at least that I’ve heard — a true audiophile-grade wireless experience wrapped in everyday comfort and versatility. If you want top-tier sound, build quality, and flexibility across every platform, this is an easy 5-star rating for me, even with the elevated price point.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Comfort, Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Finally a headset that exceeds my Gen 2 Astro A50s

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    For years now Ive been trying all the new gaming headsets that have come out. And one after another just could not match the sound of my Gen 2 Astro A50's. The closest thing that came to that was the Steelseries Siberia 800s. But they just did not have the punch of the Astros. The way Ive had things set up prior to the Arctis was I have 2 separate A50 headsets and would just swap them out as needed for charging. This was not exactly convenient and after all those connects and disconnects the wires and charging ports would get loose. So I am very happy that Steelseries has gone with the swappable battery system. It is so much more convenient and easy to replace bad batteries after years of use. The headset itself is very very comfortable despite my rather large head. And I should mention that I use my gaming headsets for all my audio. So I have them on the entire time my TV is on. And long sessions are a breeze. And one of my 2 favorite features is that this can be used with all 3 of my consoles (PS5, XBOX Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2) without having to switch a bunch of wires and dongles around. It all just works. So with all these awesome features I was worried that just like before with so many others the sound just would not be as good. Well that is definitely not the case here. The sound is PERFECT for me! Perfect highs, mids, and especially punchy and accurate lows make for not just awesome gaming. But movies and music sound amazing as well. So in conclusion I have finally found the perfect headset for my set up. Compatibility with all my consoles, all day comfort, amazing gaming, and perfect audio for all my TV's output. Loving these!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Comfort, Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    The best wireless gaming headset I've ever used...

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This new SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset is an interesting product to review. It's feature packed, the software works well, the included dock works perfectly, the headset feels high quality, has some weight to it, is very comfortable, and the swappable batteries are a great feature. I love not having to plug this thing in overnight to recharge it. Just swap the battery out, and you always have a full battery ready to go. Overall, the user experience is pretty incredible. I'm running this headset at 24bit/96kHz on my higher end gaming PC, and it has worked flawlessly. The sound is incredible for a wireless headset. The ANC works well. I prefer to leave ANC off as my house is quiet and I don't need it, but it does work well. I have used wired headphones from BeyerDynamic and Sennheiser over the years, and while I loved them, I prefer the sound signature of these Nova Elites for gaming. I don't really have anything negative to say about them...other than the price. The price definitely puts this headset out of reach for most gamers, but I still feel compelled to recommend them if it's within your budget. The overall package, comfort, sound quality, and features make this headset a great option at the higher end, but there are other top rated wireless options at a lower price that will still make most people happy. As with most things, "value" gets a little more muddied as price increases. However, this is still the best wireless gaming headset I've ever owned.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Connectivity, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    The Endgame Headset - A True Game Changer

    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The Nova Elites really are the Endgame headset....if you can afford them. I am coming in from a SS Nova Pro. Upon opening the box, you can definitely tell how premium these are. They are a little bit heavier than the Nova Pro's due to the use of metal hinges instead of plastic, but this does not cause any strain on my neck. With the construction and feel, you can tell these are going to last for a very long time. For the sound experience, all I can say is WOW. Going from the Nova Pros to the Elites I could immediately tell the difference. When playing BF6, the sounds sounded much more crisp, especially on the low end. The bass really stood out as much more defined and less muffled as I could hear things at the low frequencies that I could not really hear before. It has really enhanced how I enjoy playing games and listening to music. I would say the sound is close to the maxwells as these use carbon fiber drivers. The added connectivity options are also a benefit. Being able to connect to and listen to multiple devices at the same time is a game changer. The only issue with this headset is the cost. At $600 this is a pricey headset and can be priced out of many people's budgets. It would have been nice to see this more at like the $500 level.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    There isn’t a better gaming headset available.

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is the cherry on top of what is now (IMO) the best gaming lineup you can buy. This headset slots in at the bleeding edge of mainstream luxury gaming headsets. I’m hard pressed to think of another headset that combines this feature set into one unit. ANC, aluminum and steel build, carbon fiber drivers, Bluetooth, 4 source mixing, and more. I’ve been using the Elite with Battlefield 6 on my PC and streaming music or playing local lossless via the 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections. This headset, more than any other, handles multipoint connections and mixing flawlessly. Off the bat, the Sage/Gold color combination is quite classy. The gold accents are not gaudy and the matte finish on the whole headset is very sharp. No cheap finishes, no corners cut, they look Elite. The stamped ear cups are rock solid and the single side arms on the headset are impressively stiff. There is a little play in the joint between the single sided fork and the ear cup itself, but I am not concerned at all with the way this thing is so thoughtfully designed and well built. The headband is wide and distributes the weight of the headset very well. They’re deceptively adjustable, and this suspension design seems to serve well across the Arctis Nova line. There was too much clamping force when put them on for the first time. Each wear since then has been more pleasant, they seem to be perhaps breaking in, the ear pads have softened up considerably. I have a giant dome, I wear 60mm eyeglasses, and this fits great after about 5 days of use. I look forward to spending some serious time between these drivers. They aren’t hot or heavy, nor do they have pressure points that cause fatigue. I’m able to wear this set for 2 straight hours and not really notice them. The sound is better than I had expected. Games, music, and movies are all wonderfully rendered. Usually gaming headsets are lackluster with music, but the carbon fiber drivers in the super-solid ear cups are tightly controlled and still dynamic. These are not critical listening, perfectly flat frequency response cans, they’re listenable and still have a personality. They can recreate thunderous sub bass of a BF 6 building falling on you while also perfectly playing the ridiculously high pitch tones in the background of Tool’s Chocolate Chip Trip instrumental. Directional sound is available on this set from the GG Sonar software or from spatial surround run through Windows. I have been using them with DTX: Headphone. Directional positioning is right on par with the best I’ve used, no complaints there. Good or bad directional sound is very game-dependent, so make sure you try a few different games and surround techs. ANC is good. It does not compare directly with other dedicated noise cancelling headphones out there, but I wouldn’t expect them to. It injects a notable white noise while running and the interior microphones will sometimes echo heartbeats back into my ears. It is, however, the best ANC on any of the high end gaming headsets I’ve tried. The isolation provided by the solid ear cups helps as well. The microphone is good. Noise rejection is adjustable in the Sonar software as well as the Arctis app, which works great with this headset. Those of us with giant heads are often outside the directional microphone’s ideal location. This causes some microphones to treat our voices like noise. The Elite manages to work for me, which is great, but the sound quality, tone and volume are all affected and it shows on the other side. Some sort of longer microphone boom or something would be cool, but I’m not sure how that would work with the inspired roll up mic stowage system. I have my PC on one port 1, which is the one that allows Sonar control, my Mac on port 2, where it is recognized as an audio device, and I have my Xbox Series X on port 3. While the Mac is able to run the GG software, I didn’t find any options for Sonar when I connected it to port 1, but it’s nice to have some access, usually Macs are left in the lurch. The transmitter remembers your settings so I can turn off the PC and use it on the Mac or Xbox without having to fuss with settings. The controls and interactions with the headset and software are well polished and responsive. The controls are simple and intuitive, especially the volume wheel peeking out of the bottom of the left ear cup. If you want to use Bluetooth, you press the bluetooth button and it turns on, otherwise, unless you specify, Bluetooth stays off if you don’t want it. It doesn’t make cheap chip beeps and bleeps when responding to controls. This one feels like someone took time to think through stuff, or it was an opportunity for the Arctis folks to put in some refinements they could not on lower end models. Whatever it was, even if pure coincidence, interacting with the Elite is a pleasure. There isn’t a better gaming headset available. Fully recommended.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    The Best is Now Even Better

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I’ve used a lot of gaming headsets over the years but the one I always come back to is my SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The sound quality is great for gaming, the noise cancelling is excellent, the convenience of the external DAC, the retractable mic, and best of all that I could hot swap batteries. The Arctis Nova Elite keeps all these features but makes improvements in several key areas. The Elite headphones support high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio over 2.4GHz wireless. The build is clearly better with metal frames, carbon-fiber audio drivers, and even the headband is a bit cushier than the Pro. The button layout is identical to the Nova Pro model with a power/function button, mic mute button, and volume/mix dial on the left earcup and the Bluetooth power/multifunction button on the right. From a comfort perspective you can tell that it’s improved from the older model when you wear them. The mixing capabilities of the Elite are next level. You can listen to four simultaneous streams at once, which just makes these incredibly versatile for a lot of use cases such as streamers who want to hear audio from their console and from their stream chat at the same time. There are now three USB-C input ports on the new GameHub, which is the external DAC that the headset wirelessly connects to. The Elite supports PC, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, Xbox or anything that supports USB-C audio output. As mentioned above, I use both a PC and Mac so being able to use both is also a plus. In addition, you can connect one analog source with the 3.5mm line-in input. One of my favorite features of this headset is that it can mix a Bluetooth call from my phone along with my game so I can multitask without missing a beat. Battery life is great, enough to get through a day. I use the headset a lot, for both work and gaming so I find myself swapping the batteries every 2-3 days but because the headset includes two batteries and one is always charging in the GameHub the downtime is minimal. I’ve gotten to where I can swap the batteries while still wearing the headset so in 30 seconds I’m up and running again. The sound quality is a step up from the Nova Pro, especially when you enable the 24-bit/96kHz audio. I was able to get this certified Hi-Res mode both in Windows and Mac by just going to sound settings and enabling it. The GameHub will confirm you’re in Hi-Res mode on its screen. The sound quality is superb and detailed, I listen to a lot of movie soundtracks when not gaming so having a headset that can faithfully reproduce an orchestra is important to me. When it comes to gaming, these provide a rich soundstage and support spatial sound which can really help in games where positional audio cues are helpful such as shooters. For cinematic titles, it deepens the immersion as you can truly get lost in the game, especially when combined with the ANC. However, there aren’t many games that support Hi-Res audio, so if all you do is gaming, and never listen to music the sound quality improvements may be negligible. I use SteelSeries Sonar software to manage the sound system on my PC, and I highly recommend it as it enables complete control over which apps should route to what devices and comes with an equalizer and presets for many popular games such as Fortnite. There is also a mobile app so you can change most settings even if you are not connected to a computer such as when using a console or just connected to your phone via Bluetooth. I find the noise cancelling and transparency of the Elite to be very good, on par with some of the best on the market right now. It really helps with gaming immersion when you can just mute everything else and only focus on the game. Most times my wife has to tap me on the shoulder to get my attention. The boom mic is a retractable bendable wire to make it easy to position, and a windsock is included if needed. New for the Elite is an additional on-ear mic that activates when the boom mic is retracted. In my test, the on-ear mic works just as good as the boom one which is great if you don’t want to use the boom mic. The boom mic does have the mute indicator, a bright red light when muted, which is helpful if you use the mute button often. Both mics support the sidetone feature, which lets you hear yourself as you talk and each can be adjusted individually in Sonar. Voice clarity and background noise was good in my tests. The only downside I know of, and this is from my experience with the Nova Pro which I’ve been using for three years, is that the OLED display of the DAC can suffer from burn-in. It doesn’t look like the screen of the newer GameHub that’s included with the Elite is any different from the old version so be sure to turn on the screensaver mode and set the display to turn off after a certain time as the default is the screen stays on if powered. Pros: - Excellent Audio Quality - Certified Hi-Res 24-bit/96kHz - Premium Build Quality - Strong ANC and Transparency Modes - Multiplatform: Xbox, PS5, Switch 2, PC - Supports Wired USB-C, 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, and AUX in. - Simultaneously supports four audio streams at once - Boom and On-Ear Mics with Sidetone - Includes 2 Swappable Batteries - Sonar Audio Software Cons: - Expensive Overview – In my opinion, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite replaces the Nova Pro as the absolute best headset money can buy for gamers who need multi-device connectivity or want something closer to audiophile quality.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Smart Tech & Design, Top Comfort, Superb Sound

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    It took me longer than usual to review this device; it just does so much. I even had to read through the manual and check a few things online to fully grasp its capabilities. Overall, this is one heck of a headset; it covers a remarkable range of use cases. It can easily be your one headphone for work, music, gaming, and streaming. The on-device controls are well thought out, and usability is top-notch. Software support is strong too, with both a mobile companion app and a PC app that work exactly as expected. If money isn’t a concern; just get this, you will not be disappointed. ________________________________________ My Setup and Use Cases I’ve been using it in two different setups: Home theater setup: connected to my PS5 and Xbox One X. It works flawlessly with both of them. Office setup: connected to both my work and personal PCs, and it performs perfectly (as expected). It also works with Android devices over USB-C. ________________________________________ Comfort It looks and feels premium. The earpads are plush and comfortable, and my ears fit nicely inside the cups even though they don’t appear very large. There’s minimal pressure, and I can comfortably wear them with glasses; a big plus for long PC gaming sessions. The smaller driver design also helps with comfort. The clamping force is lighter than the HD6XX or Ananda; which makes a world of difference, especially when wearing glasses. The HD550 is slightly more comfortable; but this one is still great for long sessions without causing fatigue. They are a bit heavy though; not ideal for walking around, but that’s not what they’re made for and I am not planning to go jogging with them. I loved the color and gold accents but will continue with the more subtle black QC45 outside. ________________________________________ Design and Usability The charging port and battery compartments are cleverly hidden under magnetic covers. Button placement is intuitive, covering most essential functions: • ANC / Transparency on the power button • Play/Pause and Next/Previous tracks over Bluetooth However, Bluetooth playback controls don’t work when connected via 2.4GHz; which I consider a small oversight. Hopefully, a firmware update can fix this. The volume wheel doubling as DAC control is an excellent touch; you can manage volume or mute directly from the headset without needing a remote or app. The inclusion of replaceable batteries is another highlight; that alone makes a huge difference for longevity; unlike my QC45, which will eventually become e-waste once the internal battery dies. The DAC also supports dual audio mixing. For example, you can stream with your mic connected to one PC while gaming on a console; and you can balance the two audio sources. You can even take a Bluetooth call while hearing your game; or set the app to mute the game when a call comes in. Very thoughtful design. ________________________________________ Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) ANC performance is solid; I’d rate it on par with the Bose QC45. When background systems like HVAC kick in, both block a similar level of noise. You can control ANC and Transparency either with the power button or through the companion app. I couldn’t test how ANC affects the microphone, though. ________________________________________ Gaming Gaming on PS5 was seamless; the headset was detected automatically and switched over without issue. Audio quality is clear and consistent even from 10+ feet away. The companion app includes plenty of game-specific presets. While there wasn’t one for Uncharted 4 (which I’m currently playing); there are several for The Last of Us series and various FPS titles; which seem to be the main focus. No issues while gaming on PC either. I mostly used the flat preset instead of Sonar, and it performed as expected. ________________________________________ Music Quality (on PC) Although music isn’t the primary use case; it’s worth mentioning how impressively this headset performs with music playback; close to my dedicated audio headphones. Honestly, it’s convenient to have one pair that handles gaming, work, and music so well. Using the GG app, I updated both the DAC and the headset firmware before listening. I’ve tested many headphones recently; HD550, HD6XX, Ananda, Sundara, K550, QC45, etc.; and this headset holds its own. For most songs, the sound quality was surprisingly close to the HD550 or Ananda. The Punchy EQ preset in the GG app made many tracks shine. Treble is bright like the HD550 yet remains clean and balanced; similar to the Sundara; a great mix of both. Instrument separation is excellent; though the soundstage isn’t as wide as the Ananda (which feels like having 6-inch speakers on your face). The HD550 can sound slightly more refined on some tracks, but the gap is smaller than I expected. While I don’t have objective measurements; my subjective experience tells me these are impressively tuned. Of course, preferences, fit, and head shape all matter; but I listened to around 50 tracks and enjoyed the sound on 90% of them. You still get sparkle in the highs, airy mids, and decent bass presence. In A/B tests, other audiophile headphones may win on specific tracks, but the difference is subtle. ________________________________________ Misses The only real downside is codec support. SteelSeries included LC3 and LC3+; but no other high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC. This means that if you’re using an older phone without LC3 support; it will fall back to basic SBC quality. My Pixel 10 Pro supports Bluetooth LE Audio; but I couldn’t confirm if the headset was actually using it since the developer option for Bluetooth codec selection was greyed out. ________________________________________ Final Thoughts This headset is an incredibly versatile all-rounder. It’s not cheap; but it delivers across every category; comfort, design, connectivity, sound quality, and longevity. If you want one premium headset that can truly, do it all; this is the one to get.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Best in Class!!

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Bottom Line Up Front The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is a do-it-all flagship wireless gaming headset that genuinely raises the bar for audio fidelity, noise cancellation, connectivity, and battery design. It combines hi-res 96kHz/24-bit wireless audio, industry-leading ANC and AI noise rejection, a versatile GameHub base station with multi-source mixing, and a best-in-class swappable-battery system into one polished package. Sound and microphones - Hi-Res performance:The 96kHz/24bit capability over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth delivers noticeably more detail and clarity when fed true hi‑res sources; music encoded in 24/96 sounds open, natural, and precise. - Drivers and signature: The 2-piece carbon fiber drivers produce fast transient response, low distortion, and excellent separation. The default tune is flat and neutral, which is ideal for fidelity; the 10-band EQ in SteelSeries GG lets you tailor the signature for gaming, movies, or music. - Mic quality: AI noise rejection and the onboard mic produce clear, distortion-free voice capture. Call recipients and teammates reported consistently clean audio. ANC, AI noise rejection, and immersion - ANC: Top-tier active noise cancellation greatly reduces ambient sound and improves immersion for both games and music. - AI noise rejection: Onboard AI reduces background noise extremely effectively during voice chat, which keeps communications intelligible in variable environments. - In-game spatial clarity: Excellent effect separation and forward, organic dialogue make it easy to localize sounds in competitive titles. GameHub, base station, and connectivity - OmniPlay mixing: The GameHub lets you mix up to four sources simultaneously and switch seamlessly between PC, console, Bluetooth, and line-in—useful for multitasking and content creation. - Controls and display: The OLED and big knob provide immediate, tactile control over EQ, mic, and noise settings. The display could benefit from higher resolution and color, but the interface is functional and responsive. - Wireless range: Exceptional 2.4GHz range; stable audio well beyond typical home distances with only minor degradation at extreme range. Battery, comfort, and extras - Infinite Power System: Swappable batteries with one charging in the GameHub means zero downtime. Each battery lasts up to 30 hours and fast charging gives ~4 hours from a 15-minute top-up. Swapping is quick and ergonomic. - Comfort and build: Lightweight carbon fiber drivers and balanced clamping force yield comfortable multi-hour wear. Fit and finish feel premium and durable. - App control: Companion apps for mobile and PC give granular real-time control of EQs and mic settings, plus automatic game-specific EQ presets that work well out of the box. Pros and Cons - Pros: Hi-res certified wireless performance; superb ANC and AI vocal clarity; industry-leading battery swapping and fast charge; multi-source mixing in GameHub; outstanding range and versatile connectivity. - Cons: Real hi-res benefit requires 24/96 source material; OLED could be higher resolution and more colorful; premium price point may be hard to justify for users who only game casually. Verdict The Arctis Nova Elite is the most complete wireless gaming headset I've used: audiophile-grade sound when you want it, unmatched connectivity and mixing flexibility, industry-leading noise cancellation and AI voice isolation, and a flawless swappable-battery system for uninterrupted use. If you demand top audio fidelity, advanced mixing, and exceptional wireless performance in one headset, the Nova Elite is an outstanding choice.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Is there such a thing as an elagent gaming headset

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The Steel Series Arctis Nova Elite is a follow up to the $390 Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset. The jump up to $600 might be... okay... most likely be a bit of a stretch for your wallet if you think of these as merely a gaming headset, but they are so much more. These are feature rich and looking at the whole package they might be worth the price tag. They look awesome, coming in either Obsidian black for a stealthy look or sage and gold for a more elegant look. Very slick!!!! The base unit pretty much stays the same except for the 3rd Xbox/USB port. With 3 USB ports you can plug in your PC and an Xbox and laptop/tablet/smartphone to utilize the headset for multiple devices, even simultaneously (using Sonar Audio software). I like the Line In and Line Out ports too. I have a set of PC speakers that use audio cables so the Line Out is perfect to allow me to easily switch between the headset and speakers. The base also continues the spare battery charging port. The second included battery pack gives me a backup in case the headset dies in the middle of a game. It makes it an easy battery swap, never missing a beat. The headset is really comfortable for long gaming (or music listening) sessions. The earpads are supple vegan leather with memory foam padding. The band expands and has an adjustable strap to fine tune your fit. While I prefer fabric covered pads the soft leather helps to ease my concerns of heat and overall comfort. The headset has 2 microphones. For gaming the flexible boom mic extends so you can put up close to your mouth. The optional foam cover helps cut down some ambient noise and onboard AI noise cancelling does a very good job of masking most ambient noise cancelling. Pushing the mic into the headset switches to the secondary mic in the earcup. I like the flexibility of dual mics with the onboard for making calls when connected to my phone. Now to the quality of sound. Steel Series punched up the audio quality on the Nova Elite. I'm not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination but I do appreciate a high quality output where you can hear everything crystal clear and pick up sounds missed on headphones of lesser quality (most definitely price). Not that I haven't spend a decent amount on stereo headphones, mind you. They've put carbon fiber drivers in the Elite and increased the fidelity over Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity. Most of the constraints are due to the bandwidth technology of the wireless connectivity. So back to the question... are these worth the $600? If you look at the big picture of improved performance and the ability to use with your home theater then these might be for you. Make the choice for your situation. I love these things and they should last me a very long time.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Elite sound!

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The Arctis Nova Elite Wireless headset is a top tier gaming headset geared towards those who want amazing sound, features and a bit of luxury. I own a lot of headsets and this one is at the top. The overall quality is fantastic. Absolutely amazing noise canceling and hi res sound. The game hub is really cool. Although I mainly use the iOS app, it’s nice to have a physical hub on the desk for quick adjustments. The app is going to give you tons of versatility, sound profiles and options to play with. This is where I’d start. I’ve been playing a lot of Battlefield 6 on my PC and the sound is so good. I’ve been using the Battlefield 6 profile in the app and it sounds perfect. Comfort wise I give it a 7.5/10. The ear-cups are nice and soft. I did get some pressure points after a couple hours since I wear glasses. The headset feels a bit tight on my head but nothing too bad. Hoping to have it broken in before too long. I really enjoy being able to connect my phone via Bluetooth while also having game audio. A simple feature I really enjoy. It’s great they give you an extra battery to swap out AND you can charge the second battery on the game hub so it’s ready to go when you need it. One of my favorite features! They give you plenty of cables and a very nice travel bag. Seriously the bag feels pretty high end compared to what everyone else incudes. My one negative, and for me this is a big one, is that the SteelSeries GG software doesn’t recognize my headset. The Arctis app tells me there’s a firmware update but you have to do it via PC. So at the moment, I am unable to update my firmware. Hopefully this gets addressed soon. Overall, I am loving this headset and definitely recommend the Arctis Nova Elite!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Wow

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Where have these been hiding? Let me start by saying quality, quality, quality. In the market for a new gaming headset with active noise canceling? I strongly suggest you check these out. So Im an avid gamer and typically play for a few hours a night after work. With kids already in bed things in the house need to be quiet. So I typically where a headset so i can hear in game sounds and if Im in a party, I can hear the party chat. For years I have used Turtle Beach headsets. But felt like there was something always missing. So I went on the search for something more to my liking. And I believe I have found it. The steelseries Arctis Nova Elites had every feature I was looking for plus some and honestly minus some. Lets start with the active noise canceling. These are very very quiet even with the ANC not turned on. Comfort, after gaming for a few hours, one can experience some fatigue from an extra pound on thier head. The Arctis Elites seem to distribute the weight on your head fairly well to the point you won't notice that youre even wearing them. Battery life, this is one feature I love about them. Forget to charge them after a long gaming session? No problem with the desktop control hub the second battery that comes supplied is already charged and waiting. Just swap it out. Do you need that perfect EQ setting for your favorite game? Dont worry Steelseries have you covered. There are tons of preset game specific EQ settings. Or you can make youre own custom EQ setting. You can control all these features from the desktop Hub or from the downloadable App. All in all these are amazing headphones. The only feature I would have l Iiked to see would be a second volume control to separate the party chat from the in game sounds.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Best Headset I’ve Ever Owned

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I’ve been using the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Wireless for a few days on my PlayStation 5, and it’s easily the best headset I’ve ever owned. The sound is incredible — games feel more immersive, and I can pick up on footsteps and details I never noticed before. The noise canceling works really well, and I love being able to connect my phone while gaming. The little digital display on the base is also really cool and makes it easy to see what’s connected. At first, I thought the price tag was too high, but after using it, I can honestly say it’s worth every penny. The swappable batteries are super convenient, and the build quality feels solid and premium, like it’s made to last. It is a little heavy, but honestly, it feels cool and I don’t mind the weight at all. My ears can get warm during long sessions, but that’s the only small downside. **Pros:** * Best headset I’ve ever owned * Fantastic sound quality on PS5 * Noise canceling works well * Connects to multiple devices at once * Swappable batteries = no downtime * Cool digital display on the base * Very well built and premium design * Price feels justified after using it **Cons:** * Expensive up front * Can get warm during long gaming sessions Overall, this is the best headset experience I’ve had. If you’re a hardcore gamer, you definitely need to own this. WELL WORTH THE MONEY FOR THIS PREMIUM HEADSET!!!!!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    The Ultimate Gaming Headset Wireless

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I had the previous gen of the Arctis Nova Wireless and can honestly say they have only approved on an already great headset. You get the headset, DAC, two batteries and all the cables necessary. Hot swappable batteries are a real treat, keeping one charged inside the DAC and being able to swap them within mere seconds keeps you gaming longer and frustration free. Microphone quality was really great and seems to hold its position nicely which is important to me. Bluetooth connection was really solid was able to go several rooms away without much signal loss. Sound on these things are amazing I felt myself picking out tracks on well known music and games I didn't even know was there previously. The spatial sound for footsteps in FPS really was a game changer too, this headset really just makes everything around you just pop. The software is really frustration free to download and use. There's so much configuration that can be done with ease so you can really cater everything to your specific needs and liking. I found the headset to be quite comfortable to wear for extended periods without my ears feeling too hot or the band digging into the top of my head too much. I'm really very impressed with this overall and while it carries a high price point you are getting the very best wireless gaming headset on the market in my opinion, no regrets.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great Premium Headset

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Phenomenal premium headset with a great fit and phenomenal sound. This headset fits perfectly on my head and is very comfortable and does hurt my head or ears after long hours of play. It has custom sound settings that can be adjusted to your liking or you can choose from optional presets. This headset can connect Bluetooth or 2.4 wireless connection and the included DAC allows you to connect to pc, Xbox, PS5 and Switch and allows you to switch between consoles easily. The headset comes with a batter already included in the headset along with a second swpable battery the can be stored and charged in DAC game hub which can be used to swap out really quick for long gaming sessions that drain your battery so you can continue playing during a all-nighter. All in all, this is the best sounding headset I’ve ever owned with clear audio for those for games. The feel and build of the headset is of premium high quality standard. The $600 price tag is worth the money as you can definitely tell where that extra money is being spent compared to other headsets on the market. If you’re willing to dish out the extra cash for the high quality build and audio that this headset dishes out then I would definitely recommend this headset. I’m absolutely loving this headset. Great job Steel Series! You have always and continue to make great products!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Fantastic gaming headset

    |
    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This is hands down one of the best gaming headsets I’ve have used. You can connect it to Bluetooth or 2.4ghz wireless. You can connect it with your phone, tablet, PlayStation 5, Xbox, switch or PC easily tho you’ll want to use USB C 3 for Xbox with the mixer thing if you want to have it work properly with mixing the audio. You can also do line in and line out wired if you want as well. Also comes with a second battery as well so you don’t have to worry about battery life as well. It’s high fi certified for wireless or wired as well with ANC. These are fairly good for music listening and on the subway if you just want one pair of headphones for gaming and everyday use. The boom mic retracts into the headphones so you don’t have to worry about losing it. It also has beam forming mics as well which work quite decently if you don’t want to use the boom mic. As far as for gaming goes this is great because I don’t have to use my laptop speakers to pay attention to every detail that I need especially for first person shooters

    I would recommend this to a friend
Sponsored