The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless headset offers a compelling blend of performance and affordability, challenging the notion that high-quality gaming audio requires a premium price tag. This review delves into the headset's features, design, and sound quality, comparing it to other models within the SteelSeries Nova lineup and its competitors in the market. We'll examine the comfort, microphone performance, and the impact of its extensive EQ customization options via the SteelSeries Sonar software.This in-depth analysis covers the headset's unboxing experience, highlighting the improved, compact wireless dongle and its convenient accessories. We'll explore the control scheme, discuss its design similarities and differences with other Nova models, and assess the overall sound signature, including its bass response and the capabilities of its parametric EQ. Ultimately, we'll determine whether the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless delivers exceptional value for its price, making it a worthwhile purchase for both casual and competitive gamers.
Pros And Cons
- Detachable microphone (requested by many users)
- Smaller, offset dongle, preventing port blockage
- Includes USB-A to USB-C adapter
- Faster charging than older models (9 hours of gameplay from 15 minutes of charging)
- Full parametric EQ on board
- Mobile app with over 200 game presets for sound customization
- Good microphone quality, cleaner and less compressed than some competitors
- Excellent sidetone with no hiss
- Interchangeable ear pads with other Nova headsets
- Good value for the price ($110)
- Game-to-chat mix adjustment requires a 2.5-second hold of the wheel
- Indeterminate positioning of the game-to-chat mix wheel during adjustment
- Slightly boxy sound signature out-of-the-box
- Retractable microphone
- Dedicated game-to-chat mix wheel
- Good comfort and adjustability
- Full parametric EQ on board
- Mobile app with over 200 game presets for sound customization
- 50 hours battery life (wireless), 60 hours (Bluetooth)
- Good microphone quality
- Interchangeable ear pads with other Nova headsets
- Not simultaneous Bluetooth
- Metal headband
- Simultaneous Bluetooth
- 10-band EQ
- Swappable plates for customization
- Dedicated game-to-chat mix wheel
- 3.5mm analog input
- Retractable microphone
- 38 hours battery life
- Single mounting point on earcup (though reinforced)
- Only 10-band EQ
- White noise in sidetone even at low levels
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Unboxing and Included Accessories
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless headset comes in a minimalistic box. Inside, you'll find the essentials: a short USB-C to USB-C cable for charging, and a remarkably small and offset wireless dongle. This new dongle design is a significant improvement, preventing it from blocking adjacent ports on consoles or PCs. The inclusion of a USB-A to USB-C adapter is also a welcome addition, enhancing compatibility and eliminating the need for extra cables.
The compact size of the dongle is particularly beneficial for users with limited port space on their gaming consoles and PC setups. The offset design prevents blocking adjacent ports, making it significantly more convenient than previous models. The added USB-A adapter ensures compatibility across a range of devices.
Design and Controls
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless shares a similar design language with the wired Nova 3 and Nova 5 Wireless models. The earcup layout is consistent, but the control scheme differs slightly. The placement of the USB-C charging port remains consistent across the range. One notable difference is the detachable microphone, a welcome feature for many users.
The controls consist of a volume wheel, a power button, and a microphone mute button. The volume wheel offers a satisfying digital clicky feel and infinite rotation. The power button serves dual purposes, acting as a power switch and a pairing mode activator (press and hold). A tap while in pairing mode toggles between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth pairing.
Comparison with Other Arctis Nova Models
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is compared to other SteelSeries headsets within the Nova lineup: the Nova 3 Wired, Nova 5 Wireless, and Nova 7X. The wired version features RGB lighting and a retractable microphone, whereas the wireless versions offer a detachable microphone and different control schemes. The Nova 5 Wireless has a retractable mic and dedicated game/chat mix and volume controls on separate earcups.
The Nova 7X, a more premium model, boasts a metal headband and swappable plates. However, it features a single mounting point, which was a known issue in older Arctis models, though SteelSeries seems to have addressed this. The Nova 7X also offers a 3.5mm analog input in addition to its wireless functionality and a different dongle design. The Nova 3 Wireless shares the same comfortable headband design as the Nova 5.
Microphone Performance and Sidetone
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless boasts impressive microphone quality for its price point. It delivers a clean and less compressed audio than some competitors, even surpassing some higher-priced models. The sidetone is also exceptional, providing a clear and real-time audio feed without any noticeable hiss or noise gating.
The sidetone feature is particularly noteworthy, providing crystal-clear audio feedback without any background noise. The microphone's performance is significantly improved compared to previous SteelSeries models. This makes communication in games significantly clearer and more natural.
Sound Quality and EQ Customization
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless utilizes the same driver as the Nova 5 Wireless, resulting in a similar frequency response. While the out-of-the-box sound is bass-heavy and slightly boxy, the headset's strength lies in its extensive EQ customization options. Users can utilize the SteelSeries Sonar software for both PC and mobile platforms to fine-tune the audio profile.
The parametric EQ in the Sonar software allows for precise adjustments to various frequencies. The reviewer provides custom EQ profiles for general/music listening and FPS gaming, highlighting the potential for personalized audio optimization. This level of customization is rare in headsets at this price point.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless offers excellent value at its price point, particularly considering its impressive microphone quality, comfortable design, and extensive EQ customization. The lack of simultaneous Bluetooth, like the Nova 5, might be a drawback for some users, but the faster charging and overall performance more than make up for it. The Nova 5 has advantages in dedicated controls but is slightly more expensive.
Compared to other gaming headsets in a similar price range, the Nova 3 Wireless stands out due to its parametric EQ capabilities, allowing for more precise sound adjustments. While some higher-end headsets may offer superior detail and instrument separation, the Nova 3's customization potential and overall performance make it a compelling choice for casual and competitive gamers alike. It excels in its ease of use and wide compatibility across various platforms.