How do you improve upon a classic? The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 has been a mainstay in my daily routine for the last three years, a constant companion for work, entertainment, and travel, thanks to its full suite of features. As great as it is, it was hard to imagine how it could be improved.
Until now, that is. With a Gen 2 update, SteelSeries has incorporated a small handful of changes that keep the Arctis Nova 7 at the top of the game, remaining one of the best headsets on the market and in its price range.
From the exterior, not much has changed since the first-gen Arctis Nova 7. The head on the retractable mic is a smidge longer, but still retracts just the same. Labels on the two power buttons are a little more obvious, while the SteelSeries logo on the earcups is a little more subtle. Telling the two apart side-by-side would be a tall order, though the wireless dongle on the Gen 2 is remarkably wider, almost as if the new dongle scaled up to keep pace with the Nintendo Switch 2’s increased size.
Luckily, it’s a very nice exterior to copy, and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 retains the same sleek, discrete design. AirWeave memory foam ear cushions remain comfortable during long play sessions, without getting as warm as the vegan leather options on the Nova Pro line. The ComfortMAX System’s steelhead is durable yet not heavy on the skull, with retractable arms and a nylon headband to fine-tune the fit.
“Best of all is the option to choose a different EQ mode for each of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2’s audio modes.”
(One of my favourite little things remains: the ability to rotate the earcups and essentially lay them flat. This is a godsend when packing for travel, if nothing else. As a big proponent for headsets, this is a little point goes a long way to correct one common complaint with them, and therefore improve their practicality.)
If you were wondering if the wheel might’ve been broken while it was being reinvented, that’s not the case here. SteelSeries didn’t fix what wasn’t broken. Instead, the biggest justifications for the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2’s existence are the new ways you can use the headset.
“SteelSeries didn’t fix what wasn’t broken.”
The single biggest change is compatibility with the SteelSeries Arctis app. Introduced two years ago with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, the manufacturer’s app seeks to address a major flaw in gaming headsets’ practicality with console gamers: EQ settings. Previously, console gamers would have to plug their headset into a computer in order to set the device to use one of the many preset equalizer options available through the SteelSeries GG app.
Picking the right EQ mode for the content you’re engaging with can make a big difference in how you experience it, but it’s simply not practical to hike over to your PC every time you want to swap from a game to a streaming show, and more often than not, users would simply settle for whatever setting they had already. The Arctis app changes all this and makes swapping EQ modes on the revamped Arctis Nova 7 as easy as switching your TV input or changing the disc in your PlayStation 5 (or easier, in some cases).
Since the app debuted in May 2024, the selection of presets has continued to expand nicely, cultivated by SteelSeries’ engineers or by the studios behind each game. Better still, there’s a wide array of games, not just limited to the most common esports—featuring a surprising selection of single-player and/or niche titles as well.
The app also handles some other features on the fly, such as microphone volume, sidetone, earphone volume limiters and the device’s defaults. Best of all is the option to choose a different EQ mode for each of the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2’s audio modes, so you can have one preset for your favourite game through a 2.4 GHz connection and another for the music you listen to through Bluetooth. Connecting to a PC when setting up the headset is recommended, as is plugging it in occasionally to check for firmware updates, but otherwise, console gamers are less tethered than ever before.
- REAL-TIME GAME AUDIO CONTROL — Pinpoint enemies with what GamingTrend calls “the biggest cheat code in the industry. 200+ game specific audio presets to choose from
- IMPROVED 50H+ BATTERY LIFE — Over 40% more charge than the previous generation, plus optimized USB-C Fast Charge
The other major improvement in the next-generation SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is an upgraded battery. Previously rated at 38 hours of use, the Gen 2 can now last for more than 50 hours. While the previous capacity was nothing to scoff at, increasing it by roughly another third makes this headset a true powerhouse, pun intended. It is all the more feasible to go for extended stretches, like a whole work week or a weekend getaway, on a single charge.
“The Arctis app is a literal game changer for performance and practicality, yet still somewhat situational.”
And, of course, when the time does come to charge it, fast-charging tech makes the process smoother. With only 15 minutes plugged in, it is possible to get about six hours of use, perfect for those mornings when you are running behind and need to top up on your way out the door.
Lastly, SteelSeries has slightly expanded the colour options for those who like to coordinate their devices or express themselves, adding a striking magenta to the traditional black or white options. The slick design shines through regardless of the hue, and there’s a decent chance other colours and limited edition collab variations will crop up over time.
The Gen 2 upgrade is a subtle change to the Arctis Nova 7 overall, enough to make the best headset in the $250 CAD range even better. But is it worth that price tag? The answer will depend on your circumstances. As someone who has been singing this headset’s praises for years, and eyeing the Arctis app up hungrily, I was pleased with the revitalized version but found it didn’t have quite the same “wow factor” as the first time around.
Thus, if you already have the Gen 1 version or a comparably high-end headset in good shape, the Gen 2 may not necessarily warrant a full-price upgrade. The Arctis app is a literal game changer for performance and practicality, yet still somewhat situational. For this reason, audiophile gamers may find it worthwhile to move up from the 2022 iteration. This upgrade is more about realigning the product with the newer standards of both the industry and the manufacturer, which is adding app support to multiple products.
But if you are looking to upgrade to a serious gaming headset and have the money to spend, you cannot go wrong with the Arctis Nova 7, especially with the Gen 2’s bells and whistles. This is the sweet spot in SteelSeries’ stellar lineup, balancing utility and price. The audio drivers deliver amazing sound, the dual-connection tech is perfect for travellers or multitaskers, and the Arctis app enhances both of these features. It is maximum versatility and power, without shelling out as much as the Arctis Nova Pro, and it is built to last all the same.
