CONCLUSION

   Whenever I get my hands on a new gaming headset I test it 3 different ways, while listening to music (usually uncompressed FLAC using the FiiO M15), watching movies (usually either on the PC or my TV set via bluetooth) and of course playing games (lately mostly with Battlefield 2142, Gotham Knights and Forza Horizon 5). Of course, since the ARCTIS NOVA 7 is a wireless model, I had to use it both with the included 3.5mm cable and wirelessly (2.4GHz & Bluetooth) and the good news is that the end result is almost identical across the board (only volume levels change enough to make the distinction). That being said even though the ARCTIS NOVA 7 Wireless produces clear and accurate mids and highs (also good bass levels) I can’t say the same about its soundstage and so it wouldn’t be my choice for listening to music. I guess it’s not bad for that use if you already have it (always compared to other gaming headsets) but its primary target is gaming and there is where it excels. Yes, it may not produce the same crisp highs and rich bass as the NOVA PRO but it comes really close and in terms of positioning audio, I don’t think it has much to be jealous from its larger, more expensive brother. Granted, you may need to spend sometime tweaking the various sonar settings to get the most immersive positioning audio possible for the game you’re playing (if your game is listed in the EQ presets I do suggest using that and then tweaking it if need be) but the end result is well worth it. As for movies well I have no complaints here honestly (virtual surround works well as does everything else from vocals to bass levels), although again, gaming is where this headset excels at. In terms of battery life when using the ARCTIS NOVA 7 Wireless with its 2.4GHz connectivity I measured up to 34.5 hours of battery life (at around 80% volume), a number which is extremely good and pretty much ensures a full week of gaming without recharging, at least for most casual gamers.

   The ARCTIS NOVA 7 Wireless by SteelSeries currently retails for USD179.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 166.72Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which is certainly balanced for what you’re getting. Long story short i have no complaints from the ARCTIS NOVA 7 Wireless, quite the opposite really since i actually enjoyed using it the 3 weeks i ended up testing it. Yes, it’s by no means perfect but it’s still a very good wireless gaming headset well worth the Golden Award.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- HiRes Audio Quality (24bit/96kHz)
- Volume Levels
- 3.5mm Wired, 2.4GHz Low Latency & Bluetooth v5.0 Connectivity
- Very Comfortable
- 7.1 Positioning Audio Via Sonar
- SteelSeries GG Software

CONS

- Sonar Software Feature (PC Only)