Asus ROG Kithara vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Asus ROG Kithara | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming | Gaming |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $190 |
| HearWiki score | 62 / 100 · Average | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2026 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | 100 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 55,000 Hz | 10 Hz - 22,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 93 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | - | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 22 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 36 h |
| Battery incl. case | - | 44 h |
| Full charge time | - | 15 min |
| Quick charge | - | 15 min = 3 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | none | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 420 g | 337 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | none | - |
What reviewers said
Asus ROG Kithara
The Asus ROG Kithara is a premium wired over-ear gaming headset built around large 100mm planar magnetic drivers, delivering a wide 8 Hz to 55 kHz frequency response. It's designed for multi-platform use (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch) and includes a noise-canceling mic and RGB lighting, though it lacks active noise cancellation and any onboard controls. Its low 16-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive, but the 420g weight and non-folding design may reduce portability and comfort over long sessions.
- Pro:Large 100mm planar drivers for detailed sound
- Pro:Very low impedance (16 ohms) works with most devices
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrades
- Con:Heavy at 420g, may cause fatigue during long gaming
- Con:No active noise cancellation or water resistance
- Con:No onboard controls or volume adjustment on the headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium gaming headset that pairs solid wireless freedom with hybrid active noise cancellation and a handy hot-swappable battery setup. Its balanced sound, clear detachable mic, and strong app-based tuning make it a versatile pick for gamers, though it comes at a steep price and carries some tuning quirks. The included base station adds extra flexibility by juggling multiple audio sources and offering quick battery swaps for longer sessions.
- Pro:Hot-swappable batteries for extended playtime
- Pro:Versatile base station with dual audio connections
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Con:Pricey compared to many rivals
- Con:Frequency response consistency could be better
- Con:ANC performance is decent but not class-leading
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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