The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are the wired counterpart of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]. Released in 2022, these headphones come with the GameDAC Gen 2, a digital to analog converter that offers several inputs and customization features like an EQ and channel mixing right at your fingertips. That said, even though they're wired, they come in either a PC/PlayStation or Xbox variant, as the Xbox model's DAC has a dedicated port for this console. There are also a few minor differences between this model's performance and the wireless model, particularly in build quality and noise isolation.
Our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are sub-par for sports and fitness. They're not designed for this purpose as they're bulky, and the audio cable can snag on something and pull them off your head. The headphones can also fall off your head with moderate physical movement.
- Comfortable and well-built design.
- No call or music-related controls.
- Can fall off your head with moderate movement.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are disappointing for commuting and traveling. They're not really designed for this purpose, as they have a bulky design. They also struggle to block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines and mid-range noise like passenger chatter. They lack call and music-related controls, so you'll need to pull out your device if you want to do even the simplest of commands, like playing and pausing audio. On the upside, they're comfortable, well-built, and don't rely on a battery.
- Comfortable and well-built design.
- Poor noise isolation.
- No call or music-related controls.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are mediocre for office use. They have a comfortable fit suitable for long listening sessions and don't leak much audio at high volumes. If you need to take calls, they have a retractable boom mic, which does a very good job capturing your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments. Unfortunately, they struggle to block out mid-range sounds like ambient chatter.
- Very good overall boom mic performance.
- Comfortable and well-built design.
- Poor noise isolation.
- No call or music-related controls.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are wired headphones, and you can't use them wirelessly.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are good for wired gaming. Thanks to their GameDAC, you can connect them to your console while keeping controls like channel mixing and EQs close by. These headphones have a comfortable fit suitable for long gaming sessions, and their boom mic ensures that your teammates hear you clearly. You can customize their performance to your liking using their companion software's EQ and presets.
- Very customizable sound.
- Very good overall boom mic performance.
- Comfortable and well-built design.
- Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have decent audio reproduction accuracy. They perform impressively in objective metrics like stereo matching and harmonic distortion, so they'll render audio without timbral issues in the stereo image consistently and accurately. However, their warm frequency response is subject to noteworthy peaks and dips in the treble range, which can cause sibilant sound effects to sound alternately piercing and dull, depending on their pitch. The headphones' drivers excite your pinna, providing spatial cues, too, but they don't fully match the PRTF of angled speakers used as the benchmark.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have disappointing noise isolation performance. They're closed-backs which afford some attenuation of treble- and mid-range frequencies. Nevertheless, their lack of active noise cancelling means that most low-frequency sound from engines, construction, and footsteps will penetrate their purely passive protection. On the plus side, they won't let much of your audio out, so you likely won't disturb anyone seated nearby.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have a very good microphone system. While there's little software trickery for attenuating environmental noise, the boom microphone's pickup pattern, by default, places an emphasis on your voice, despite significant background noise. You'll be audible over even loud and sustained noise, with your voice reproduced intelligibly.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have poor frequency response consistency. Depending on your physical characteristics, your listening experience may differ substantially from our measurements, particularly in bass delivery. If you wear glasses or have thicker hair, an interrupted seal will result in a loss of significant bass energy.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Jan 26, 2026:
This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.0, which adds the following tests: Stereo Mismatch, Group Delay, Cumulative Spectral Decay, PRTF, Harmonic Distortion, and Electrical Aspects. We've added new performance usages and updated the text throughout the Sound tests and side-by-sides.
- Updated Dec 23, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 2.0, which updates our sound tests and adds performance usages. You can read more about this in our changelog.
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Updated Jan 21, 2025:
The following test groups have been updated following Test Bench 1.7: Noise Isolation - Full Range, Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios, and ANC Wind Handling. Several Sound tests have also been updated following Test Bench 1.8. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Jan 15, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.8, which updates our target curve and Sound tests. You can read more about this in our changelog.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are the wired variant of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]. These headphones also come in either a PC/PlayStation or an Xbox variant, so it's important to ensure you have the right model for your console. We tested the PC/PlayStation variant, which only comes in one color variant: 'Black.' You can see our model's label here. The Xbox variant's GameDAC has a dedicated port for this console.
If you come across another variant, please let us know in the comments.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are wired headphones with a lot of customization options. They come with the second generation of the GameDAC. Much like its predecessor found with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC, you can easily customize their performance with features like built-in EQs and channel mixing. They also have robust companion app support with a ton of extra features to help you get the most out of these headphones. They don't feel as well-built as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox] due to their squishy padding, and they aren't as comfortable.
Check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best headsets for PS5, and the best headsets for Xbox Series X/S.
Depending on how you game, you may prefer either the Astro A50 Gen 4 or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The Astro are wireless gaming headphones that are more comfortable, better built, and have more consistent audio delivery. Additionally, their boom mic has a significantly better overall performance. However, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are wired headphones that come with a GameDAC so that you can make adjustments as you game. Their companion software offers significant customization features too.
The Audeze Maxwell are better than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The Audeze are wireless gaming headphones with better build quality. They come with a boom mic for gaming and an integrated mic for more casual use. Their boom mic has better noise handling for when you're gaming in noisy environments, and the headphones support Bluetooth as well as non-Bluetooth wireless connections. On the other hand, the SteelSeries are wired headphones. They have a more comfortable fit for most people and better mic recording quality.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are similarly performing wired gaming headphones, meaning you may prefer either one. While both headphones are comfortable and have similar sound profiles, the Arctis Nova Pro's boom mic offers a better recording quality. They also have more customizability via their companion app, and they use a 1/8" TRRRS cable instead of a mini B 8-pin, which makes it easier to replace if it gets damaged.
If versatility is important to you, then the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have the edge over the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The Arctis Pro are wireless headphones that you can use wired. They support Bluetooth, which means you can use them more casually. They're also better built and their microphone performance is a bit better. However, the Arctis Nova Pro offer a bit more customizability, thanks to their companion software.
Test Results
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have a warm sound signature. They sound very similar to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox], with a touch of extra bass to help bring out sound effects while gaming.
Therefore, it's quite useful that you can tune the sound of these headphones to your liking using the included graphic EQ and presets. These headphones also sound virtually identical whether they're connected via analog or USB.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have bad frequency response consistency. They're very prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery due to fit and seal. You may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses, as this can break the ear cup's seal. However, there's little variation between wears on the same individual.
The bass target compliance is very good. There's extra low bass, so kick drums have added thump. However, a dip between the low and mid bass means this thump is inconsistent and dependent on the pitch of the drum. A big peak across the mid and high bass adds warmth and punch to basslines, but again, the inconsistency of the bass range means some bass pitches sound fuller than others.
These headphones have excellent mid-range target compliance. The range is fairly flat, so vocals and lead instruments sound present and clear. A small dip in the low-mids thins out instruments like guitars a touch, but also stops them from being rendered as too muddy. A gentle, broad peak in the high-mids ensures vocals stay prominent in dense mixes. In the second verse of Loretta by Ginger Root, the synth violins are present and generally well-balanced, if ever so slightly honky.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro's treble accuracy is okay. The response is a bit uneven, so vocals and lead instruments lack detail while sibilants like S and T sounds are piercing. The high synth melody in the middle of Glass Ocean from Neon White's soundtrack sounds a bit veiled instead of bright and clear.
These headphones have a reasonable peaks and dips performance that looks a lot like that of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]. This indicates the frequency response doesn't deviate from the headphones' warm sound signature too much. However, there are some noticeable inconsistencies in the response. The dip between the low to mid bass lessens the amount of thump and punch in your mixes, while a bump in the high bass adds extra boom. The alternating peaks and dips in the treble can render certain vocalists harsh relative to others, while cymbals may be reproduced as piercing, depending on their type, size, and how they're played.
The headphones' L/R drivers are impressively well-matched. Overall, the weighted amplitude mismatch is minimal, so the audio isn't louder on one side over another. While there are minor phase and frequency response mismatches in isolated bands, they're not significant enough to pose an issue for stereo positioning for most people, especially with normal content.
The headphones' PRTF somewhat resembles our benchmark angled speaker setup. This means the drivers excite your pinna, providing spatial cues, in a similar way to our reference, if a bit less natural.
The headphones have excellent harmonic distortion performance. Though the THD Ratio graph shows fairly high distortion at our highest tested levels, most people won't notice timbral coloration.
The headphones are easy enough to drive for most mobile devices like laptops when connected via analog.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have a spatial audio feature available in their companion software. It has settings to better suit gaming or movies, and you can even move a slider to change the distance of the passive soundstage. If you're gaming on the PS5, you can also access Tempest 3D AudioTech in the console's settings.
These are the settings used to test the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro look nearly identical to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]. They have a shiny plastic frame with a ski-band headband design to help distribute weight across your head. Although the headphones themselves only come in 'Black', if you're looking to add a pop of color to your setup, you can purchase the Arctis Nova Booster Pack separately. This pack comes with one set of speaker plates and a nylon strap in one of several colors: 'Cherry Red', 'Lilac', 'Mint', and 'Rose Quartz'.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have a comfortable fit. They don't clamp as tightly on the head as other SteelSeries headphones, and they're lighter too. That said, they still have a bulky design, which is normal for gaming headphones. While the padding feels soft, it also feels squishier than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]. As a result, you can feel the plastic edge of the ear cups against your head more than with the wireless variant. Due to their ski band headband design, you can only expand the headphones to the limit of the metal headband too, which is a little frustrating if you have a large or wide head.
These headphones have passable controls. There are only two controls, which are both found on the left ear cup, but they're easy to use. There's a volume wheel with a min and max stop and a mic mute button. Different tones let you know when you're muted, and the mic has an LED light that turns red when muted.
These headphones come with a DAC that provides controls at your fingertips. You can access channel mixing, EQs, the virtual soundstage feature, gain, sidetone, and mic volume. However, it can be tricky to use since there are only two buttons.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro aren't very portable, but that's normal for gaming headphones. The ear cups can swivel to lay flat, but the headphones can't fold to take up less space. In their default position, they still have a somewhat large footprint.
These headphones, like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox] come with a cloth pouch to help protect them from dust. The fabric feels sheer, and you can even see through it, so it won't protect the headphones from water or drop damage. The drawstring also doesn't fully close the pouch, which is a little disappointing.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro have a good build quality. Like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox], they're mostly made of plastic with a metal headband plate and nylon sling. The mic is retractable too, and you can remove the ear plates if you want to swap them out for a different color. However, the ear cups feel less stiff than the wireless variant's and seem like you can easily remove them from the frame, making them seem a little cheap.
These headphones are fairly stable. They're not designed to be worn during workouts and can fall off your head with moderate head movements. They shouldn't move around if you're gaming at your desk or on your couch.
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headphones
- GameDAC Gen 2
- 2x USB-A to USB-C cable
- 1/8" TRRS cable
- Mic wind screen
- Pouch
- Manuals
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro's noise isolation performance is disappointing. Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox], they lack active noise cancelling (ANC). As a result, they don't block out any of the low rumble of bus or plane engines. While they do a better job of tackling ambient chatter and the high-pitched hum of an A/C unit, they still struggle in this regard. This shouldn't be a problem if you're gaming in a quiet area, but it can be more annoying if you share a gaming space with others.
These headphones do a poor job of blocking out the sounds of everyday life. They stop almost none of an airplane's engine rumble from reaching your ears and fare a little better when isolating you from the ambient sounds of an office. These headphones are a bad choice if you plan on using them in noisy areas or out and about on sidewalks. They'll work for gaming at home, but you'll want to consider headphones with ANC, like the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless, if you'd like to listen to your audio on the bus or while strolling down the street.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro's leakage performance is very good. The leakage is mostly concentrated in the mid to treble range. Escaping audio sounds a bit thin. If you like to game with the volume cranked up to high, it's unlikely you'll bother those around you.
The boom mic has an excellent recording quality. It performs better than that of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox] as its advertised frequency response range is wider (100-10000Hz) than the wireless variant (100-6500Hz). As a result, your voice sounds clear and easy to understand. However, there's a bump in the low to mid-treble range, which can make parts of your voice sound bright and piercing.
The boom mic's noise handling performance is decent. With the noise gate turned off, your voice is still easy to understand, even in moderately noisy environments. However, there's a bit more background noise audible in recorded speech than what we measured in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]'s performance.
The companion software offers two additional features to help improve noise handling: 'ClearCast AI Noise Cancellation' and 'Noise Gate On'. However, we didn't notice a difference in performance while using these settings.
SteelSeries GG and Sonar are excellent companion software. GG is the default software, and it offers a graphic EQ and presets as well as volume control and mic side tone. That said, if you're looking for even more features, GG supports Sonar, which is another software integrated into the GG ecosystem. This software offers a parametric EQ and presets plus dedicated pages for microphone and chat features like the mic's EQ.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro come with two USB-A to USB-C cables so you can connect them to a console and your PC at the same time. They also come with a 1/8" TRRRS cable, which allows you to use the mic and receive audio. If you connect the PlayStation/PC variant's DAC to your PC using USB, you'll experience low latency, so your audio and visuals stay in sync while gaming. With that said, the Xbox variant of these has multiple user reports of high latency when using the headset with Xbox consoles and PCs; check out the Xbox Compatibility section for more information. Our unit isn't the Xbox variant, so we can't test for this.
These headphones are fully compatible with PCs, whether you use an analog or wired USB connection. Users have reported high latency with the Xbox variant when connected to their PCs, but we can't test that for comparison because our unit is the PlayStation/PC variant. Read more about that in the Xbox Compatibility section.
You can connect to PS4 and PS5 consoles via analog or wired USB. Either connection results in full audio and mic compatibility.
The PC/PlayStation variant can't connect via wired USB to Xbox consoles. You can still use the PC/PlayStation variant with an analog connection for full audio and mic support on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. If you want to use a wired USB, you'll need to purchase the Xbox variant instead, but unfortunately, users have reported unacceptably high latency with the Xbox variant using Xbox consoles (and PCs). You can read comments about the high latency at the bottom of this review, as well as Reddit posts here and here. Our unit isn't the Xbox version of the headset, so we can't check this.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro come with the second generation of the GameDAC. It offers multiple connectivity options as well as controls that you can adjust on the fly. Overall, it offers a lot more versatility and function than inline controls from other high-end gaming headphones like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset.
