The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 is an updated version of a popular headset, adding Mac support for the first time, and it has immediately become the model that all other headsets need to beat.
SteelSeries is a mainstay of the gaming accessory market, making some of the most popular headsets. Its Nova 7 sits towards the top of its audio lineup, and while the X version adds Xbox support, it works with everything.
With this second-generation model, SteelSeries has iterated on a winning formula. The result is one of the best gaming headsets around right now, especially in its $200 price bracket.
With great audio, premium features, and some really well-thought-out additions, SteelSeries really hit the spot with this one. And now, for the first time, Mac gamers can officially get in on the action. And you really should.
Add support for every platform you can think of, and there's so much to like here. Oh, and it even handles music with aplomb, too.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 review: Design
Right out of the box, the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 makes an impression. It feels solid, but not too heavy, and gives the impression that SteelSeries isn't messing around here.
The headset itself comes in three different colors: black, white, or magenta. I've been using the white model for a few weeks now, and it looks as it did when I unboxed it. It's somehow spotless after hours upon hours of sitting on my head.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 review: The mic is flexible and retractable
Up top, the Nova 7X Gen 2 comes with a ComfortMax suspension system that sits between your head and the metal-reinforced headband. It's adjustable to allow for head sizes and acts as a soft cushion to help distribute the headset's weight.
Moving to the earpads, SteelSeries uses AirWeave memory foam pads, which make for a comfortable fit. The breathability is welcome, while still helping keep outside noise away from your ears.
Each cup is laden with buttons and wheels that handle the headset's various features. Over on the left, there's a retractable microphone that disappears when you're not using it.
Staying with the left cup, you'll find a volume wheel and a mute button for the microphone. Press it, and a red light appears on the tip of the microphone so you know when it's active. If it's off, you're live.
The power button can be found over on the right cup, as can the Bluetooth button. It's also where the ChatMix wheel lives, a brilliant feature that I'll get to in the next section.
As for connectivity, there's a USB-C port for charging and wired connections under the right cup. There's also space for a 3.5mm headphone cable beneath the left cup, too.
Speaking of the cups, they rotate so that you can find the perfect fit. But that rotation also makes them easy to place flat on a desk when you're done playing. That's something Apple's AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 could learn a thing or two from.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 review: Specifications
Let's kick things off with compatibility, because SteelSeries makes things more complicated than they need to be. Thankfully, there's an easy fix.
I've been reviewing the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, but SteelSeries also makes the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2. The only difference between the two is that the model with an "X" supports the Xbox Series consoles.
The oddity here is that the Nova 7X also supports all the same devices that the standard Nova 7 does. Which raises the question of why there are two versions at all.
I don't have an answer for that, but I do know that it doesn't matter. I recommend buying the Nova 7X just in case you ever want to use it with an Xbox in the future. They're priced the same and come in the same colors, after all.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 review: Controls can be found on the headset itself
The full list of devices that the headset works with includes: Mac, iPhone, Xbox, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Android devices, and basically anything that supports Bluetooth. But not all of the headset's features will work on all of those devices, which is a shame.
Depending on the device you're connecting to, you'll use either Bluetooth, a cable, or the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The dongle is the way to go wherever possible, and it has a switch that enables the Xbox support when you need it.
On the Mac front, the headset works just fine, except there is no support for SteelSeries' ChatMix feature. And that's unfortunate, because it's an excellent feature. Again, more on that in a moment.
Moving into cold, hard specs, the Nova 7X headset sports 40mm Neodymium drivers with a frequency response of 20Hz to 22,000Hz. They certainly pack a punch, that's for sure.
A good gaming headset's sound is just part of the equation, though. It needs to have a microphone so you can talk to your friends and talk smack at your foes.
In the case of the Nova 7X Gen 2, you get a retractable microphone that sits flush with the left earcup when it's not being used. Pull it out, and you can adjust it however you like, ensuring you can place it in just the right spot.
The mic itself uses SteelSeries' ClearCast Gen 2 technology so everyone can hear you well. That's backed up by bidirectional noise-cancelling tech, so they don't also hear your keyboard or surroundings. There's even a mic EQ with preconfigured settings, should you need to reduce the bass, among other things.
Next, this is a wireless headset, which means it has a built-in battery. And, thankfully, you won't need to reach for the USB-C charging cable too often.
SteelSeries says the headset can run for 54 hours when connected to the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. That drops to 42 hours when using Bluetooth, and you'll get 38 hours if you use them simultaneously.
Yes, you read that right. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 can connect to two devices at once; one via Bluetooth, the other via the dongle.
I've found that to be a great feature because it allows me to connect the headset to my Xbox and my iPhone simultaneously. That allows me to adjust the headset's EQ mid-game, something that wouldn't otherwise be possible.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 review: Features
A headset's specs mean nothing if they don't allow its features to shine. Thankfully, the Nova 7X Gen 2 doesn't have that problem.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X review: The headset's companion iPhone app is excellent
We already mentioned that I sometimes change the headset's EQ on the fly. But that's only half of the story, because those EQ presets are the star of the show here.
The Nova 7X Gen 2 comes with over 200 presets for you to choose from, and you'll find the usual suspects like Bass Booster there. But the real fun comes when you start using the game presets.
Choose the game that you're playing, and the headset's EQ adjusts to match. And, according to my testing, it makes a huge difference.
I've been testing the headset, largely playing "Marathon" and "Arc Raiders" on the Xbox Series X. And it sounded great right out of the box. And then I chose "Arc Raiders" EQ, and everything changed.
I could hear footsteps from further away. It was easier to tell where the enemy was coming from. And all without losing the thumping bass that I enjoyed with the out-of-the-box setup.
The same EQ has done wonders in "Marathon," a game that relies heavily on using the sound stage to find foes. For a feature that I expected to be a gimmick, I can't get enough of it.
Both the headphone and microphone EQs can be configured using an iPhone or a Mac. The latter's more advanced SteelSeries GG app is truly awful, but it offers a custom EQ function the iPhone's Arctis Companion can't match.
Another winning feature is ChatMix, and it's another I've made heavy use of when playing multiplayer titles.
ChatMix is a feature that allows you to change the balance of in-game audio and voice chat on the fly. There's a wheel on the right ear cup so you can adjust ChatMix without ever leaving the action.
Turn the wheel one way, and you'll hear more of your friends and less game audio. Turn it the other way, and your friends blend into the background as game volume increases.
This is hands down one of my favorite features of this headset, and it fixes a pet peeve I've always had with online gaming. It works great when I'm playing games on my Xbox Series X. I just wish it worked on the Mac as well.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 review: Great sound, actually useful features
It should be clear by now that I'm a huge fan of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2. It's my favorite gaming headset right now, and it's going to take some beating.
Playing "Marathon" and "Arc Raiders," I've found the headset to sound great. A wide sound stage helps pinpoint where individual sounds come from, whether booming gunshots or the pitter-patter of footsteps. And with gobs of bass, you'll know when something explodes. Then you'll reach up to turn the volume down before it happens again.
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SteelSeries Arctis 7X Gen 2 review: The headset is available in three colors, including white
I've had no complaints from my friends and teammates when using the built-in microphone, which is great. And when I'm playing alone, I like that I can stow it for a cleaner look.
I've also found that the battery life is just a little short of black magic. Using the 2.4GHz connection should give me 54 hours of battery life. I've charged this thing once since it arrived a few weeks ago, and I've played a lot of games in that time.
But with all this gushing, it's important to note that the Nova 7X Gen 2 isn't perfect. In fact, there's one missing feature that could be enough to stop a lot of people from buying it.
That feature is active noise cancellation, or ANC. The Nova 7X Gen 2 doesn't have ANC support and relies on its fit and comfy cup pads to keep the outside world where it belongs.
The good news is that I've found the headset to do a good job of just that. But I also tend to play in a quiet room when the rest of the household is in bed. Your mileage may well vary, and if you really need ANC, this headset probably isn't for you.
And that would be a huge shame, because I really like this headset. I think it's a great addition for gamers, whether playing on a Mac or elsewhere.
It's earned a place atop my head for the foreseeable future. And it'll take an exceptional headset to take its place.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 review: Pros
- Almost never-ending battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Custom and preset EQ
- Wide gaming sound stage
- ChatMix chat volume control
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 review: Cons
- Confusing Nova 7 and 7X lineup
- No active noise cancellation
- Not all features work with all devices
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Where to buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 costs $199.99 and is available from Amazon in multiple colors. Alternatively, you can also buy the same headset for the same $199.99 from SteelSeries' website.
