The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are wired gaming headphones. They're the step above the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1, and what sets them apart from their budget-friendly sibling are their wired USB connection, companion software, and customizable RGB lighting.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are decent for neutral sound. Out of the box, they have a warm sound profile that delivers extra boom to audio. While mids are fairly flat, a dip in the treble range veils vocals and instruments. We also experienced some driver mismatch with our unit and encountered a warping sound using the wired USB connection. However, the sound wasn't present using the USB-C to analog cable. The headphones are also prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery, so it's crucial to take time and adjust them to fit your head correctly. Luckily, you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion software's EQ and presets.
- Robust customization features via companion software.
- Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 aren't the best choice for commute and travel. They're designed with gaming in mind. They're bulky, lack a carry case to help protect them when you're on the go, and won't isolate you from the low rumble of bus or plane engines. They also have simplistic controls that lack dedicated call and music commands, so you can't adjust your audio without pulling out your device. On the upside, they're comfortable and well-built.
- Comfortable fit and good build quality.
- Won't adequately block out most kinds of background noise.
- Not very portable and lack call/music controls.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 aren't suitable for sports and fitness. They're gaming headphones and have to be used wired. The audio cable itself can pose a snagging hazard while the headphones can move around or fall off with moderate head movements. On the upside, they have a comfortable fit and have a sturdy build quality.
- Comfortable fit and good build quality.
- Not very portable and lack call/music controls.
- Can fall off of your head with moderate head movement.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are sub-par for office use. They're gaming headphones, but if you're okay with their look, they can be easily plugged into your PC, thanks to their USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to analog connection. They have a comfortable fit suitable for long days at your desk and have a good mic if you need to take any online meetings. They don't leak much audio at high volumes either, meaning you won't disturb others around you. Unfortunately, they don't block out much background noise like chatty coworkers.
- Comfortable fit and good build quality.
- Won't adequately block out most kinds of background noise.
- Not very portable and lack call/music controls.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are wired-only headphones, and you can't use them wirelessly.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are good for wired gaming. Their default sound profile is boomy, which helps bring out sound effects in gameplay, but if you prefer a different sound, you can customize them to your liking using their companion software's EQ and presets. They also have a good mic, so you'll have no problem being heard clearly in the heat of the moment. That said, they're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, so it's important to take the time to adjust their fit, positioning, and seal each time you use them.
- Boom mic has good overall performance.
- Robust customization features via companion software.
- Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are fair for phone calls if you don't mind the gamer-centric look. Their boom mic can pick up your voice clearly, meaning you won't have trouble being understood well. The mic can also separate your voice from moderate background noise, which is great if you need to take a call in a busy office. However, the headphones have trouble reducing background noise around you, making it harder to hear your conversation well.
- Comfortable fit and good build quality.
- Boom mic has good overall performance.
- Won't adequately block out most kinds of background noise.
- Not very portable and lack call/music controls.
Changelog
- Updated Sep 12, 2023: Compared their build quality with the newly-reviewed HyperX Cloud III's.
- Updated May 12, 2023: We have tested firmware update DSP 0.10.62 / MCU 1.2.0, which users reported fixed issues of popping and crackling sounds via USB. We have updated Sound Profile and Imaging to reflect this information but our results haven't changed.
- Updated Oct 21, 2022: Review published.
- Updated Oct 17, 2022: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 come in one color variant: 'Black' and you can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are the next step up in the Arctis Nova lineup from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. While they share a similar design, sound, and mic performance as their wallet-friendly counterpart, they also support a wired USB connection, have companion software, and even have customizable RGB lighting. They're also a significant improvement from the SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition Wireless, and even though you can't use them wirelessly, they're still better built.
Check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets under $100, the best headsets for PS5, and the best gaming headsets.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are the newer generation of the SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition Wireless and have a couple of improvements to their name. While both headphones are comfortable, the Nova 3 have better build quality and are compatible with SteelSeries GG as well as Sonar companion software, allowing you to customize their performance. They also support a wired USB connection. They also have adjustable RGB lighting on the ear cups, which some users may prefer. However, the Arctis 3 have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they support Bluetooth so that you can receive audio from your smartphone while gaming wired on your console.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 have different use cases. The Nova 5 are wireless gaming headphones, while the Nova 3 are wired. The Nova 5 are the better choice for most people due to their superior microphone, but if you're looking for cheap gaming headphones and are happy with a wired connection, the Nova 3 are a great choice.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless and their variants are more versatile gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, you can use the Nova 7 and their variants wired or wirelessly. While their 7X variant is designed with Xbox consoles in mind, this model can also be used wirelessly with PlayStation consoles and PCs. They also support Bluetooth, meaning you can receive audio from your smartphone and console simultaneously. However, if you only want a wired connection, the Nova 3 offer a similar sound and better mic performance when connected this way while also supporting customizable RGB lighting.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are the next step up from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. While both headphones are wired and have the same build quality and comfort, the Nova 3 have customizable RGB lighting on the ear cups, which some users may prefer. They can also access features like Spatial Audio, parametric EQ and presets, and even an adjustable mic level via their companion software. They also support a wired USB connection.
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