SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 headset review — Next generation greatness

SteelSeries’ crown jewel is their headset line. They've continuously raised the bar for these products, with their new Nova Elites being a huge stand-out in a crowded field. One model that hadn't seen the same care as of yet was the Nova 7s, and I'm glad to see that change as of today. As my lifestyle headset, there wasn't a lot I wanted changed, so instead SteelSeries has added to what works with recent innovations.

Opening the box you’ll find the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 wireless headset, the USB-C dongle, a charging cable, an adapter for USB-A for your dongle, and a 3.5mm cable. This is a wealth of cables (although in silicone sheaths instead of my braided preference), making for ease of use with your different devices. That, and they’re all of decent length, clocking in at five feet for the USB cables, and four feet on the 3.5mm audio connector.

This headset series is still the most comfortable headset on the market, and this newest installment is no exception. SteelSeries signature ski-band keeps things cozy, and with a metal frame on top, you won’t worry about damaging it anytime soon. The fabric and foam earcups fit nicely over your ears, creating a good seal to keep outside noises out, but providing enough distance to let the bass cone work. I can wear these headphones for hours on end without fatigue, and while that should be high praise, it’s the norm for SteelSeries.

On the earcups are your controls, and everything is more or less where SteelSeries left it on the last version. The right side holds your power buttons for 2.4GHz and Bluetooth capabilities, a game/chat balance wheel, and the USB-C charging port. The left side holds your mute button, volume wheel, 3.5mm jack, and the retractable microphone. Nothing here is new, but nothing needs to be. They’re also easily customizable, with removable magnetic earplates and ski-band.

I’m always impressed with SteelSeries level of compatibility, and the Nova 7 Gen 2 continues that tradition. These work with more or less EVERYTHING. With a 2.4GHz wireless connection that can be accessed via USB-C or A through the dongle, and featuring an Xbox security chip on the 7X, wireless is no problem. Bluetooth compatibility makes that even easier on other devices like your phone. Not only that, the simultaneous use of both is flawless, mixing your 2.4GHz with Bluetooth but allowing you to flip between either with equal clarity. This is the ultimate headset for connectivity across all your devices, even featuring a wired option via the 3.5mm jack.

One of the reasons this connectivity is so much better the second time is because of Sonar. Sonar is SteelSeries’ outstanding app, which was originally only for PC, but now has a mobile port as well. Several of their headsets and earbuds have received this update, but Nova 7s haven’t until now. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Sonar is a cheat code. More than 260 presets are now loaded into the app for a ton of different games, and are updated regularly. There’s a wide variety too, from games like Alan Wake 2, to Counter-Strike 2, to even LEGO Horizon Adventures. It completely changes your listening experience, letting you hear subtle movements in games you might otherwise miss. Having it at your fingertips now creates a new world for gamers on console or handheld – yes, there are Switch presets as well.

Between the addition of Sonar and the immaculately tuned Neodymium Magnetic Speaker Drivers, your game audio is at its apex. As I’ve played competitive (Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and 7 and Counter-Strike 2 to be specific) and immersive games (The Outer Worlds 2 and Borderlands 4) over the last two weeks, I’ve not skipped a beat – even versus the more expensive SteelSeries variants. Sure, there are certain cues that are clearer on the better model, but the Nova 7 Gen 2’s do their darndest, offering the ability to clutch a 1v1 or dive deeper into your favorite universe.

They’re also fantastic for someone as on the go as I am. I like to listen to music or watch YouTube while I fill out invoices, and using these to lock in at my desk is an easy win. My favorite songs sounded good on the previous Nova 7, but Sonar has given even more depth to my jam sessions. Volume is available everywhere, SteelSeries has the detail I crave in gaming and lifestyle headsets.

While I like the microphone on the Nova 7 Gen 2, it’s still a gaming headset microphone. Recording my audio through SteelSeries Moments software, even with the added Sonar enhancements it can be a tad fuzzy. My voice sounds clear to my teammates, but it’s the weak link in what is an extremely strong headset from SteelSeries. It being retractable, however, makes it easy to take with you.

Battery life is seldom an issue with a SteelSeries headset, and advancements on their side have made it even less of one. I charged it once after getting it, and it’s still going right now. With over fifty hours of charge available, and the 3.5mm jack if you somehow forget to charge it, this headset will keep ticking. Although, with their new fast-charging tech present in the Nova 3s, you can now get six hours of battery life in just 15 minutes – otherwise known as how long you’ll sit waiting for your buddies to hop in the lobby of your favorite multiplayer game.