The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 offers gamers and streamers excellent audio quality and comfortable wear. It boasts a clear microphone but no call or music controls.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 is a 2022-model wired gaming headset that uses a 40mm High Fidelity driver to deliver sound. This device was designed for PS4, but the 3.5mm cable also works on PC, mobile devices, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. It’s designed for comfort with a ski-band headband and memory foam earcup cushions. It has a retractable boom mic. However, see the best-ranked gaming headsets for a removable mic.
It has on-ear volume and muting controls and works with the SteelSeries GG companion software, offering access to a parametric EQ, presets, and mic-level settings. It also has customizable RGB lighting. Read our SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review if you prefer a noise-canceling wireless device.
Best For
CS:GO
Call Of Duty
Fortnite
Gaming
Nintendo Switch
PS4
PS5
Steelseries
Consensus
our Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 is a compelling choice for gamers and streamers, offering remarkable audio quality and a clear microphone for effective communication. Its versatile connectivity options, durability, and customization features are impressive, making it a solid investment for those seeking immersive gaming experiences. However, the headset’s smaller earpieces and snug fit could pose comfort issues, particularly during extended gaming sessions.
Despite these drawbacks, the Arctis Nova 3 excels in delivering competitive audio performance at an affordable price point. It strikes a balance between quality and cost, making it a valuable option for enthusiasts looking to enhance their gaming and streaming endeavors.
Reason to Buy
Warm sound profile
The Nova 3 headset is an outstanding pick for gaming that offers a warm sound profile with a bit of emphasis on the bass, and the sound output can be adjusted through its customizable software.
Comfortable fit
The Arctis Nova 3 headset is comfortable to wear with soft padding, but adjustability is limited.
Excellent microphone quality
Owners will enjoy clear audio quality, which facilitates hassle-free in-game dialogue. It ranks in the top quarter of other tested alternatives for mic quality.
Reason to Avoid
Limited headphone adjustment
The ski-band on the Nova 3 is not designed to accommodate users with large heads.
Steelseries Arctis Nova 3 Specs
Adjustable Headband
Yes
Auto-Adjusting Headband
Yes
Battery Life
n/a
Compatible Platforms
Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Connector Size
3.5mm
Detachable Mic
Yes
Driver Size
40mm
Earcup Foam Material
AirWeave Fabric
Headphone Fit
Over-ear
Max Frequency Response
22,000Hz
Min Frequency Response
20Hz
Noise Canceling
No
Product Weight
0.55 lbs
Programmable Buttons
No
Wireless
No
Wireless Connectivity
n/a
All Specs
Test Results
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The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 is a 2022-model wired gaming headset that uses a 40mm High Fidelity driver to deliver sound. This device was designed…
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 is a 2022-model wired gaming headset that uses a 40mm High Fidelity driver to deliver sound. This device was designed for PS4, but the 3.5mm cable also works on PC, mobile devices, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. It’s designed for comfort with a ski-band headband and memory foam earcup cushions. It has a retractable boom mic. However, see the best-ranked gaming headsets for a removable mic.
It has on-ear volume and muting controls and works with the SteelSeries GG companion software, offering access to a parametric EQ, presets, and mic-level settings. It also has customizable RGB lighting. Read our SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review if you prefer a noise-canceling wireless device.
With customizable RGB lighting, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 sets itself apart from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. Additionally, via the companion software, the SteelSeries…
With customizable RGB lighting, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 sets itself apart from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. Additionally, via the companion software, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 offers access to a parametric EQ and presets, unlike the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1, which has no software. Otherwise, the two devices are similar in appearance and performance. Check out our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 review for details.
Featuring Bluetooth technology and an analog cable connector, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is more versatile than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3, which uses a…
Featuring Bluetooth technology and an analog cable connector, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is more versatile than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3, which uses a cable connection only. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 offers customizable RGB lighting, which the Nova 7X lacks. Our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X review provides more info.
Equipped with virtual surround sound, the HyperX Cloud II provides more immersive gaming than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3, which lacks 3D sound. Additionally, it…
Equipped with virtual surround sound, the HyperX Cloud II provides more immersive gaming than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3, which lacks 3D sound. Additionally, it has a clearer microphone than the SteelSeries device. However, the SteelSeries model offers parametric EQ and mic level settings via its companion software, which the HyperX device doesn’t have.
Adjustable Headband
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
Auto-Adjusting Headband
Yes
Yes
No
–
Battery Life
n/a
Wired
26 hrs
–
Compatible Platforms
Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, VR Box, Windows
Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, VR Box, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
