Previously, we covered the flagship Nova 5 Wireless model for the SteelSeries headphones. This time, we received the high-end variant for the SteelSeries line, the Nova 7. But, this is not any Nova 7 Wireless. This time, we have the exclusive "Year of the Dragon" Nova 7.
This device is priced at RM1129. You might wonder, is the difference between the Nova 7 and the Nova 5 obvious enough? This is our verdict on this sexy beast.
Huge fan of the packaging
Sexy and bold, the way we like it
For your information, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is a premium gaming headset designed to deliver high-quality audio, robust connectivity options, and long-lasting comfort. At least, that is how the company describes it. Based on our experience, it is quite comfortable and light to wear. Save for the red colourways, both variants feel the same on our heads.
Design-wise, it features AirWeave fabric ear cushions that are breathable and soft, reducing ear fatigue during extended use. The adjustable ski-goggle headband ensures a secure fit without excessive pressure, making it suitable for various head sizes and shapes. The only difference between this variant and the last one lies in the rotary dial on both sides.
Bluetooth, power buttons and gamechat dial on the right earcup
Mute button, volume dial and retractable mic on the left earcup
In addition, there is an extra dial for game chats. So, you can alternate between your Discord chats and in-game BGMs easily. Interestingly, both dials are located on the smaller exterior cups. In contrast, the buttons and dials were placed on the outermost cups for the Nova 5. If you are into customisations, the outer plates can also be replaced. But, we would let the exclusive design stay if we were you.
Moreover, this model features 40mm neodymium drivers. The Arctis Nova 7 Wireless delivers a rich and immersive sound experience. The audio quality is exceptional, with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz that captures both deep bass and crisp highs. Whether you're gaming, listening to music, or watching movies, the sound is clear and detailed, enhancing the overall experience. This is quite an improvement to the already excellent Nova 5 headphone.
The earplates are customisable
Spicy
We will keep the exclusive plates on if we were you
You can also turn it into an old skool headphone with this cable
According to SteelSeries, you can customise audio settings via the SteelSeries Engine software. That means you can tweak the sound profile to your liking, offering personalised audio experiences. However, we found that the mobile app support for the Nova 7 is region-locked. The SteelSeries GG software can take some time to learn and we had to pair the device manually. So, that is a bit of a dampener for the device.
The Nova 7 also features a 2.4 GHz wireless connection for low-latency audio and gaming. Meanwhile, its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity allows easy pairing with mobile devices. Interestingly, we managed to record our voice on an IG story and still have the PS5 BGM playing in the background simultaneously. That's super cool, to be honest.
Mic-wise, the retractable ClearCast microphone is a big improvement to the Nova 5 model. It also offers bidirectional noise cancellation to ensure clear communication and better battery life. 5 hours of intense gaming session flew by us and the battery is still solid.
Personally, RM1129 could be a tough ask for many people. Even for audiophiles, that is quite a sum to spend. Regardless, it will be a RM1129 well spent.
Tech Specs and Features
- 40mm neodymium drivers
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Sensitivity: 98 dB
- Retractable mic with bidirectional noise-cancelling
- Frequency Response: 100Hz - 10kHz
- Wireless Range: Up to 40 feet (12 meters)
- Up to 24 hours battery life
- Charging: USB-C
- Connectivity:Wireless 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0
- 3.5mm wired connection
- Compatible with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile devices
- 325 grams
Pros: Excellent audio quality, great battery life, comfortable design, reliable microphone, compatible with multiple platforms
Cons: Quite pricey, limited noise isolation, and the mobile app support is region-locked
Summary: Get it if you can. If you can't, the Nova 5 is enough.
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