Is the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless still worth the money in 2024?

In this review I ask is the Steel Series Arctis Nova Pro wireless worth the money in 2024? And furthermore can it replace all of my other headphones and be used for gaming, editing, music and exercising and replace my Sony XM4's?!
Links:
Steel Series Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - Xbox/PC - amzn.to/49ffmaN
Steel Series Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - PS5/PC - amzn.to/3UG8Lm3
Sony XM4 - amzn.to/4bn8PN6
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My Equipment:
Sony A73 - amzn.to/4bgP4Xz
Sony 16-35 f4 - amzn.to/4bgP8Xj
Batis 25mm f2 - amzn.to/3OqgnVK
Samyang 85mm f1.4 - amzn.to/3udtSRL
Samyang 24-70 f2.8 - amzn.to/3SkODD1
Apple MacBook Pro M3 - amzn.to/3SpqECR
Logitech Litra Glow - amzn.to/3vV1V1v
Hyper X Solocast Microphone - amzn.to/481LJZw
Hyper X Desk Arm Mic Stand - amzn.to/48WoeTc
Elgato HD60X Capture Card - amzn.to/3HGffJF
Dell G2724D 27" Gaming Monitor - amzn.to/3SpqECR
Huawei Mateview Monitor - consumer.huawei.com/en/monito...
Xbox Series S - amzn.to/3w6kMGN
Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller - amzn.to/3SpwiEK
Anker Soundcore Speaker - amzn.to/3Ulj8LG
Sandisk Pro G-Tech Harddrive - amzn.to/3vWabyq
Kalibri Wooden Stand for MacBook - amzn.to/3w6l8gB
0:00 Intro
1:22 Unboxing
2:06 Review:Look & Feel
2:40 Sound
3:17 Wireless & Bluetooth
4:16 Gamedac
4:40 Comparison for everyday use
5:19 Video editing
5:35 Music & Phone
6:13 Gym/Exercise
6:52 Conclusion

[@tigerarmy40able]

Not sure if I have a faulty pair of headphones but when I connect them to my ps5 I get a lot of interference. Tried updating them it’s updated to the latest firmware and tried repairing them still have the same issue?

[@nick_malone]

Yeah sounds like a faulty model for sure I've not had a single case of interference. Get them sent back and replaced!

[@creechavo]

Can someone tell me if I can use any 3.5mm jack on these or those it need the proprietary 5pole to 4 pole 3.55 jack for the mic to work? Because I've bought on that came with 4 pole on both ends and no mic functionality with those. Wondering if my mic is Dead on arrival.

[@Kudluck]

Hi, would I be able to use a USB switcher o similar product so that I could have even more things connected? I don’t mean to use them all at once, but so I don’t have to disconnect the USB cable from the PS5 and connect the PC all the time.

[@nick_malone]

I think it’s just the two USB sources available, not sure if you could use that to extend it but worth a try!

[@Kudluck]

@@nick_malone Thanks for your reply!

[@hmzh94]

While in-meeting Zoom/MSTeams and listening to Spotify simultaneously, does the audio from Spotify change 'quality' to "hands-free" quality?

[@nick_malone]

Not sure on that one but I'll check this evening and get back to you 👍

[@nick_malone]

Hey, so when I'm connected to Zoom via Bluetooth and in a live call and also listening to Spotify, the quality DOES indeed drop to a lower quality. I don't see it listed as 'hands free' but definitely a drop in quality compared to just using Bluetooth. However when I connect the USB wireless connection I can run a Zoom call and listen to Spotify with ZERO drop in quality. So if you want to do this make sure you're connected via USB wireless and not Bluetooth. Hope that helps :)

[@paulgal]

@@nick_malonehow do you listen to Spotify wireless without losing quality? Do you need to play Spotify through the Xbox ?

[@nick_malone]

@@paulgal The Gamedac allows 2 USB connections so I have one going to my Xbox and one connected to my Macbook so that allows me to listen to Spotify with full quality whilst gaming, but to be honest most of the time I just use the Bluetooth for this as the quality is still great, it's only when connecting to something like Zoom or Teams that the quality jumps down to something noticeable. Using Spotify through the Xbox would also work great for this I'm sure but I've found it a bit annoying and unreliable to use that Spotify Xbox app so I prefer having the usual Spotify controls at my disposal whilst playing.

[@Gogla1017]

i bought this mic last week but when im on discord with multiple people it prioritizes the first one who speaks. any idea how to fix? i can barely hear the others talking at the same time.

[@nick_malone]

I haven't run into that issue at all sorry, used it with Discord on both computer and Xbox with no issues so I'd have to assume it's a Discord issue.

[@MrKelthar]

go the the software > Sonar > chat then you scroll down and disable clearcast ai noise cancellation

[@Jeffmd2020]

I’ve always ALWAYS been a diehard Astros guy but I recently switched to PC gaming and I noticed the Astros a50 gen 4 headset is locked at a 16 bit 48000 hz bit rate and the sound in warzone is amazing but when it comes to different frequencies for directional audio it kinda runs together and hard to determine which direction someone is. I found out the steelseries arctic nova pro wireless is a 24 bit 48000 hz bit rate which gives you better sound frequency. So I’m confused on which to get. The new Logitech (Astro) A50X headset or the steel series arctic nova pro wireless…

[@michaelklein3244]

A50x

[@nick_malone]

It's a tough one, I looked at the Astros as well because so many people swear by them and honestly I think it was only aesthetics that tipped me towards the Steel Series in the end, without that factor could have easily gone for the Astros. Let me know what you choose! @@michaelklein3244

[@AbeAlaric]

I have had the astros a40's for years they are built extremely well although its time for a upgrade I'm going for the steelseries 💯

[@juancarlosfonseca9843]

Steel series artic nova pro wireless are my favorite I've had mines going on for 3 years and they work just as good as when I first got them Absolutely love them

[@Jeffmd2020]

@@juancarlosfonseca9843 I bought a pair and they lasted all of 5 minutes. They are quiet, extremely uncomfortable cause of the noice cancelling thing inside the ear piece and the side tone for the mic to be able to hear yourself through the headset sucks. Worst $280 I ever spent. I knew better then to stray away from Astros so I went and bought headphones A50X the very next day

[@xeric1953]

I've had these for 2 years and still cannot update the firmware. It won't detect that it's connected via cable. Been scouring the internet for years with no proper fix to this.

[@nick_malone]

I haven’t tried to update yet but I know that USB-C cables are not all created equally. I’ve had issues that have driven me mad like that which just came down to the cable I was using wasn’t the right kind of data cable etc. I’ll see if I can update it and get back to you.

[@muhammedpatel4960]

what cable were you using to charge it? where can I buy it

[@nick_malone]

I got you - www.temu.com/goods.html?_bg_fs=1&goods_id=601099513301308&_x_sessn_id=0075mp5u92&refer_page_name=bgt_order_detail&refer_page_id=10045_1712954237568_9j6c8mn1lk&refer_page_sn=10045

[@muhammedpatel4960]

Thanks dude 🙂

[@nick_malone]

Best USB-C cable I've ever used and very cheap, enjoy :)

[@last_raven]

The biggest thing with these is to replace the cushions with Wicked Cushions DAY ONE. Trust me

[@nick_malone]

Oh really? I’ll have to check those out right now, any particular ones you recommend?

[@bigcoop45]

Are they good with glasses on ?

[@juancarlosfonseca9843]

Yup I wear my glasses all the time with mines and are super comfortable The new white ones just came out if u are planning to buy a pair go for the white ones they did a couple of updates to them like the noise cancellation nub that use to stick out on the old one After a while I can feel it on my ear and gets a lil annoying bit still great

[@craigc.6006]

Is there a way while in game, like modern warfare call of duty… To lower the chat so people talking is not so loud without affecting the game volume?

[@nick_malone]

Yes on the Gamedac there is a slider that allows you to control Game and Chat volume so it starts in the middle and you turn the wheel to increase either game or chat volume, it's really quick and easy and is such a great feature

[@NoizeTank]

Just to add, you can do the same with the wheel on the headset itself. Clicking it in switches between controlling the overall volume and the game/chat mix

[@juancarlosfonseca9843]

SteelSeries artic nova pro wireless lets you control that strait from your headphones Litterly do it all the time when I'm playing with my cuzzin and he's being loud or his kids crying down in the back round I just click the volume bottom and turn it down I hear the game more and his less

[@Jomygunz]

I been using the headset for almost a year now and it pretty good only downside is I would say that the mic kinda suck for the price but if you want a good mic just buy a real microphone and not a build in one And I been thinking about buying a wicked ear cushion but idk 🤔

[@nick_malone]

Yeah the mic isn't the best but it works a treat for game chat and sounds plenty good enough using Discord when connected via the USB, AND more importantly as you say if you want a decent mic then pick one up they're not expensicve. Thanks for watching!

[@harrytoowavy3436]

I bought one and man did it change my life. Definitely recommend buying one

[@Jomygunz]

@@harrytoowavy3436 I never realized how bad my old headset was until I got the arctis nova pros 🥲 and could actually hear footsteps in games or just being able to hear overall 😌

[@asmrvideos-street]

i just bought the nova 1's wired i havent felt like spending 300+ dollars on a headset

[@mdc3227]

Yes. But there are MUCH better options on the market if you need your cans for anything other than gaming. The Audeze Maxwell's for example. The Nova mic quality sounds like you're underwater and I find they're really muddy when listening to music, I don't find them accurate at all. The Maxwell's are low-grade audiophile quality, they sound amazing with custom EQ and I own a pair of HD 820's for mixing which I think compare very favorably to the Maxwells. They're head and shoulders better imo.

[@nick_malone]

Yeah that was my conclusion also with the XM4s beating them easily. I did find them totally fine for editing when connected via USB but as soon as it's bluetooth the quality suffers a lot, the retractable mic is the main plus that beats out a lot of others cause Im not walking around with a mic hanging out xD

[@Justmeandmy20cents]

Audeze Maxwell. It's the only headphone that tops the Nova Pro. Once you try it, you'll never look back.

[@dnoco]

Damn, bad timing bro, I just ordered of amazon £269, turned up today

[@nick_malone]

I've had it for a little while now so I'm not too upset, if I bought it last week I would be returning them immediately 😅

[@dnoco]

haha yeah I don't blame you, great video Nick, really enjoyed the insight! @@nick_malone

[@nick_malone]

**ON SALE ON AMAZON RIGHT NOW £268.99**

[@juancarlosfonseca9843]

Love my SteelSeries artic nova pro wireless Absolutely my all time favorite headphones I just wish they had the new white ones 2 years ago I want the new white nova pros

[@JR-jp7mi]

Maxwell audeze?

[@nick_malone]

What about them sorry? Im not familiar with that headset

[@JR-jp7mi]

@@nick_malone everyone is saying the Maxwell audeze are king, I was looking at your header but decided to go with maxwell

[@nick_malone]

Looks to be quite different to these to be honest so wouldn't be what I would go for(I like the retractable mic too much) but I hope they serve you well!@@JR-jp7mi

[@JR-jp7mi]

@@nick_malone good luck with the channel

[@stemill1569]

they are very much hyped but they also lack features. I mean...I wish I could get them from Amazon here in Germany. Then I could try without problems for myself as I am looking for new ones since my Razer Barracuda broke. they had such a good transparency. I once talked with my boss and joked they have great noise cancelling. He laughed as he could hear how good the transparency was. (don't do that with every boss)

[@davidgray8863]

question incoming. I refuse to use my steelseries headsets, not because sound is less than adequate, the sound is quite good 8.7 out of 10, and, not because the battery life went from 27 hours to 16 hours average between charges in 9 months of use but because the features are locked behind the requirement of creating an account. Does steelseries still hide Sonar access behind an account?

[@freakylix3484]

Hope steelseries make the mic better

[@louiienation8497]

There is new presets in the software to make your mic sound a lot better, theyre not the best but steel series defintely helped make them mic sound so much better. I finally bought a pair of these steel series headsets and was messing with the software. The software is absolutely a game changer, and im coming from Astro gaming a50's and their software looks like a joke compared to steel series. I was almost convinced i wasnt going to like them and was planning to return them since i have 14 days to return them at bestbuy but i might actually keep them. Like i said, its not the best but the mic has improved so much better with the software update that its do-able now for sure.

[@Saardist69]

Im not 100% happy with the sound. Tried different eq settings. To flat or to washy...

[@nick_malone]

Is this in game or using the Bluetooth? I’ve found the game sound fantastic

[@Saardist69]

@@nick_malone its ingame. Do you use Sonar ore anny EQ settings?

[@sebastiancardona6546]

@@Saardist69i personally used focused for fps fames but now we have the presets that it helps with the sound

[@stemill1569]

No. I got one and after installing the GG Software my base station stopped working. Support was only telling me what I told them I already tried. And the problem with the base station is known for years when reading reddit and other sites. ANC is garbage compared with my old Razer Barracuda. I mean if you want to reduce the sound of your cooling devices...might be good enough. If you share a room with some asshole who is shouting while gaming as I did. You want the ANC that headphones like the Razer Barracuda are providing. I didn't know how lucky I was. What's really good is the sound. Even when just using Bluetooth. As that was all I could try. So no. They don't worth the money at any point. I would recommend the Razer...even Razer is bullshit when it comes to warranty. But when buying from Amazon...you might be good. And for Murricans...well you are anyways bent over and fucked. Amazon is your only chance to get some basics...I guess. For the gym I would recommend earbuds. Honestly...Soundcore is doing alright work. And they won't cost the world and are decent at ANC and transparency. But if something that costs 100 bucks or less falls on the ground and gets damaged it's alright. If my 300+ bucks headphones I prefer for gaming and music at home get destroyed...I might cry.

[@Disco44]

my nova pro wireless just randomly stopped working. tbh i wouldnt ever buy a steel series product again.

[@nick_malone]

In warranty?

[@Disco44]

@@nick_malone i had always steel series before and never had a problem so i didnt realy keep the invoice somewhere extra. it might be still arround not sure. wrote steel series anyways a ticket explained all. didnt even get an awnser :x that one is on me i guess but who would think a headset of this price point just stops working. PS: I handled it always with care :D

[@Disco44]

@@nick_malone should be I bought it January 2023. should be 2 years? I was hoping they maybe can check with the number the headset has. But it was not directly steel series was media market in Germany

[@Leinsterbaby]

Sound yeah ..mic sucks

[@nick_malone]

Well this was just a quick test in OBS with the headset connected via Bluetooth, it'll sound much better with the USB connection and some proper adjustments, it sounds very clean through Discord, need to test that out!

[@AbeAlaric]

Just buy a separate mic, all headset mics suck compared to a mic you can buy separately.

[@Leinsterbaby]

@@AbeAlaric well, HS 80 got a hell of a mic, sound is not the best though.... there is no all rounder! :))))

[@Seitenwerk]

Short answer: No. Flat „Can like“ sound, mic is very bad. I like steelseries, but it’s an example of a „gaming“ headset. Low quality for a high price. For only a few bucks more you can get yourself the best gaming headset made: Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset. 90mm planar drivers, 80h battery life, no base stations require. EQ, AI mic noise reduction etc all build in the headset, which means the features work everywhere including consoles or on the go. Full EQ config via mobile app, so PC and software not required. Etc etc

[@Sebas6]

I have them and I love them. The Maxwell probably sounds better, but I love the Dac and the versatility that gaves. Also the Maxwell doesn't have simultaneous BT + 2.4, which I wouldn't buy them just for that in my case. Also there's nothing like the infinity battery from these and for me the design is so much better. But if you prioritize sound quality they're probably the best, Audeeze is an amazing audiophile brand

[@Seitenwerk]

@@Sebas6 indoor See the DAC as given versatility. The Maxwell just has it build in. That’s much better as it allows having all EQs including custom EQs in the headset. You can toggle them with a button press and modify them with an app. This in turn means they work with any audio source even when used on the go with your phone. The Maxwell of course also allows connecting to a mobile phone via BLE while playing with the dongle. The only limit is playing music from the phone at the same time. (Any other thing like calls work) but that’s not a downside as any kind of connected device being a PS5 or PC has its integrated music app and mixture anyway (and the dongle will always get you better audio). „Unlimited“ power as in two batteries that you can swap is an inferior solution against a headset that runs as long as nearly 7 of those batteries in a single charge :) 80h runtime is so long, that you will basically never have a single session were this will every run out. It will probably last you a month of gaming ^^ Add to this the crazy sound, the Nova Pros really don’t sound good compared to them (and I actually loved steelseries, but the Maxwell are more on the level of studio headphones then the typical lower quality gaming headsets)

[@Sebas6]

@@Seitenwerk Bro, I think you're a pretty fanboy from the Maxwell haha. And confused about the features of both. First at all both sounds amazing, you can check in any comparative. The Maxwell sounds better and clearer, but the soundstage of the Nova is better, which is pretty important in competitive games. Also, the eq in the DAC it saves in the headset and works in any platform, console, mobile, and you can tune it anytime in the dac. The GG eq software it's the one that only works in PC. Also the Maxwell software really sucks, but almost don't need it. Even with 80 hr you would need to charge them and stop playing for awhile, thats why infinity batteries it's just better, forget about the cables forever. And with the Maxwell you miss ANC and transparency mode which are pretty handy. The Maxwell lack of simultaneous BT it's definitely a con, for example if you play in the Switch and want to listen to music or a call while you playing. Both are great, I don't why you wanna hate Nova Pros haha. For me I prefer features like ANC, simultaneous audio, swappable batteries, design (subjective) and the dac. Over the some better audio quality and mic quality.

[@Ncc-tt3gh]

nice video and information and just put another idea for another video check out the Wicked Cushions for this headset they will make the headset more cofable for longer gaming sessions Just a few notes for every one that you havnt mention :- for conform that dos work well if you got two wires from the deck so PC and PlayStation \ switch or PC and Xbox Also just for note for you can use the Xbox Version on PC , Xbox, PlayStation and Switch where the PlayStation version only works with PlayStation onlyy

[@user-tv5lo8cv8i]

I gave it a thumbs down only because it was boring and a lot of stating the obvious. It would have been nice to put your Audio settings IMO thanks.

[@prostreetcamaro]

Maxwell shits all over these. Just being honest.

[@steviedjohnson]

£280 now with welcome code if you subscribe.