The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2: Subtle Changes That Might Be Just Right

I’m all in for any headset that stands out with simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity. A few years back, the ability to connect to two devices at once was a game-changer in the headset arena, but today, it’s still mostly found in the high-end models. The original SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 made dual connectivity its defining feature when it launched in 2022, but often seemed overshadowed by its own family members.

After using the original Arctis Nova 7 for over a year, I recently switched to the updated Gen 2 model. It feels like I’m in a long-term, slightly rocky relationship with it. While I believe it’s a solid, durable gaming headset for the price, I can’t shake the feeling of disappointment. The Gen 2 promised to address some minor comfort and design issues I’ve always found problematic, but it seems like I’m the only one still invested in this relationship, as the changes are minimal at best.

Maybe I’m being too harsh? Perhaps it’s unfair to expect this headset to evolve when many gamers clearly appreciate its existing features. Still, the new version feels a bit too cautious and doesn’t quite differentiate itself from its siblings. On the bright side, SteelSeries has kept the price at $179.99 / £179.99, so you’re getting improved mic and audio quality without shelling out more cash.

Realistically, SteelSeries was likely going to play it safe with this iteration. The Arctis Nova line is incredibly popular, frequently appearing in various headset buying guides. The beauty of this family is the shared design and interchangeable parts, which many users seem to love. However, the absence of any physical changes makes this “Gen 2” model feel more like a rehash than a true upgrade.

You might see things differently, but as someone who’s been using this headset for over a year, I believe there were straightforward improvements that could have been made to the design.

The ear cushions on this headset and other Arctis Nova models are quite good. The foldable mic is a clever feature, allowing you to wear it casually without looking like a gamer. Plus, the swappable aesthetics are an underrated aspect that I appreciate.

However, I have to admit that from the first time I wore it, the fit felt off. As a glasses wearer, I experienced pressure on the sides of my head, limiting me to very thin frames while using them. The elastic headband adds a nice touch for consistency across the Arctis Nova line, but it doesn’t provide the comfort and secure fit I expect from a mid-range or higher-end product. After extended wear, the ear cushions often leave a noticeable gap at the back of my ears, which compromises audio quality, especially since there’s no noise cancellation.

While the ear cups can adjust for size, you’re limited to just two headband fit options: one that’s too tight and another that’s more comfortable but exacerbates the gap in the ear cushions. If any aspect needed a redesign for the refreshed Arctis Nova 7, it was the finer details of the fit. A simple extra hole in the removable headband or more adjustable parts could have made a significant difference.

As it stands, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 looks identical to the original, and aside from a new magenta color option, there’s nothing to distinguish them.

Despite my gripes about the headset not evolving, I genuinely enjoy the sound quality of the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2.

The design of the USB-C wireless dongles is also worth mentioning. While it’s great that they’re USB-C, the wider dongle design blocks adjacent ports on every device I’ve connected it to. The Xbox version I’m testing is particularly cumbersome, making it a hassle when connecting to laptops or gaming PCs.

I can’t understand why SteelSeries didn’t address this in the Gen 2 version, which adds to my feeling that this is more of a minor update than a worthy sequel.

On a positive note, I appreciate the onboard controls of the Arctis Nova 7. They’re easy to locate, user-friendly, and well-placed. Connectivity is robust, and I’m glad the Gen 2 model retains both USB-C and 3.5mm wired connections on the left ear cup. Many gaming headsets overlook the 3.5mm option, but as someone who uses it with a mixer, it’s essential for managing audio.

The main selling point of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is its simultaneous Bluetooth connection at a more accessible price than the Nova Pro. Beyond that, the differences from the Nova 5 are minimal, and you miss out on premium features like leather ear cushions and active noise cancellation.

In essence, the newer version has nearly the same specs but can deliver louder sound while using less power. It seems SteelSeries has made the existing components more efficient rather than introducing new drivers.

Choosing the right Nova headset comes down to how much you value the ability to mix audio from your phone with your gaming platform. I love that feature, but I’m not keen on spending over $180 on a headset, so I’d personally stick with the 7, though your preferences may vary.

Overall, the Nova 7 has always felt like a well-rounded mid-range headset that doesn’t require the SteelSeries software or the extensive audio profiles that many users seek. The 7 stands strong on its own, and as someone who has experimented with the software only to uninstall it, I believe you can get your money’s worth without it.

However, the lack of changes is notable. The Gen 2 model retains the same 40mm Neodymium magnetic drivers as the original, with a frequency response of 20-22,000Hz and an impedance of 36 Ohm. The only difference is that the headphone sensitivity has increased from 93dBSPL to 105 dBSPL @ 1kHz/1mW. Unless you’re an audio engineer, that might sound like jargon.

In summary, the newer version has nearly identical specs but can produce louder sound while being more power-efficient, resulting in a more balanced audio experience.

The microphone has also seen improvements. The Gen 2 features a fully retractable boom mic with higher sensitivity, which, combined with AI noise cancellation, enhances clarity and quality.

Battery life is another area where the Gen 2 shines. It boasts a quoted battery life of 54 hours on a 2.4GHz wireless connection, 42 hours via Bluetooth, and 38 hours with both connections active. This is an upgrade from the original model’s 38-hour battery life.

Despite my complaints about the headset not evolving, I genuinely appreciate the sound quality of the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2. The increased power in the drivers allows for more detail in quieter soundscapes. With the original, I had to crank the volume to get the best experience, but with the Gen 2, I found a rich balance at around 75% volume.

And that’s without the SteelSeries Sonar software. I’m not a big fan of software that claims to enhance gaming audio through custom profiles. With the rise of immersive 3D audio in games, many now come with their own audio settings, which can clash with additional profiles, often degrading the audio experience.

I also feel that many profiles in the SteelSeries library are more marketing gimmicks than actual enhancements, but that’s a discussion for another time. The Sonar app is available, but I conducted most of my testing without it.

Using either a USB-C or 3.5mm wired connection, I found the sound detail and balance to be impressive. As someone who plays a lot of Hunt: Showdown, where sound design is crucial, I rely on quality headsets to catch important audio cues. In that game, even the smallest sound details can determine the outcome of a fight, and while I think the Fractal Scape I’m also using offers better sound quality at this price point, it lacks the simultaneous Bluetooth feature, which the Nova 7 provides.

As mentioned, I wish the Nova 7 Gen 2 had improved comfort. The main issue arises during longer sessions when I find myself adjusting the headset frequently. The more I talk to teammates, the more the headband shifts, causing pressure on my ears or sliding forward. It’s not uncomfortable per se, but the fit isn’t as secure as I’d like, and tightening it can lead to discomfort.

Where improvements have been made is with the microphone. I’ve included audio samples of the Gen 2 mic compared to the original Nova 7 mic. These samples haven’t been processed, so you might notice some subtle differences. I’ve also discussed sidetone differences in these tests, so if that’s something you’re interested in, take a listen to see what’s changed.

In general, the Nova 7 Gen 2 immerses you in your games. While replaying Dishonored 2, I enjoyed a solid mix of ambient sounds and atmospheric music. The heart mechanic in that game made Empress Jesamine’s voice feel like it was resonating from within my mind.

With the added power, action-packed games with dynamic soundtracks like TowerFall Ascension felt vibrant. It also excels in scarier soundscapes; the ominous sound effects in Hell is Us really showcased the bass potential of the Nova 7 Gen 2. However, using a wired connection sometimes made the audio feel less rich, likely because the software isn’t fully utilized. In Hades, sword and spear sounds came across as a bit tinny compared to the clarity offered by the 2.4GHz connection. Thankfully, this difference is less pronounced in the Gen 2 version.

One of the nice features is the ability to take calls or take a break from gaming with a Bluetooth connection to my phone. If you don’t have a streaming mixer to manage your PC audio, this feature is a great way to listen to music, chat on the phone, or take a breather.

At the same price as the original, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 offers quality-of-life upgrades without requiring a larger investment. You get better audio balance at lower volumes, and the improved mic will surely be appreciated by your friends and teammates. If you’re like me and want simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity without the premium price tag, this is a fantastic choice.

I just wish there had been bolder design changes to showcase the potential future of the Arctis Nova line, especially regarding comfort and fit. Enhancements in these areas could have positioned this headset as a strong alternative to flagship options, especially with the Nova Elite now available.

Overall, this remains the same great gaming headset I would have recommended before the Gen 2 refresh. Despite my minor frustrations, I’m still committed to this headset.

I integrated the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 into my gaming setup for about a month before writing this review. I used it across various gaming platforms, including multiple gaming PCs, the Asus ROG Ally X, laptops, my phone, and the PS5. I tested it across different gaming genres, explored the Sonar software, and used it both wired and wirelessly.