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Image © SteelSeriesSteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
71/ 100
Good
HearWiki score
Good value
$50
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated 
At a glance
- Brand
- SteelSeries
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2023
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound7.0
Calls8.0
Value9.0
The Arctis Nova 1 is a multi-platform premium wired gaming headset featuring the Nova Acoustic System with high-fidelity drivers, a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 noise-cancelling microphone, and a lightweight ComfortMAX design with AirWeave memory foam ear cushions.
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is a budget-friendly wired headset that delivers solid, balanced audio and a lightweight, comfortable fit, making it a strong pick for casual gaming and general use. Its simple 3.5mm connection works easily across many devices, though it skips wireless and active noise canceling to keep costs down. While it lacks the punchy bass and advanced features of pricier models, it offers dependable performance and clear imaging for the price.
What works
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Balanced, well-tuned sound for gaming
- Good value for entry-level users
- Solid imaging for competitive play
- Versatile 3.5mm wired connectivity
What doesn't
- Mic picks up some background noise
- Limited to wired 3.5mm connection
- Bass lacks punch compared to pricier options
- May feel slightly tight for larger heads over long sessions
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Weight | 253 g |
|---|---|
| Pad material | foam |
| Connector | 3.5 mm |
Design
| Weight | 253 g |
|---|---|
| Pad material | foam |
| Connector | 3.5 mm |
Calls
| Call noise reduction | Yes |
|---|
What the reviews said
7 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Positiveacross 6 videosReviewers largely agree that the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is a comfortable, well-built budget gaming headset with good audio clarity and a versatile 3.5mm connection, making it a solid value for gaming.
Reviewers liked
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Good audio clarity for gaming
- Solid build quality for the price
- Versatile 3.5mm connectivity
Reviewers flagged
- Microphone picks up background noise
- Sound profile can be bass-heavy or compressed
- May be uncomfortable for some users or larger heads
- Lacks excitement compared to premium models
5:28No Nonsense Review - Steelseries ARCTIS NOVA 1 Gaming Headset Review
The reviewer finds the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 to be a solid budget gaming headset, offering good comfort and decent audio for its price, though it has some drawbacks like a compressed sound profile and a microphone that picks up background noise. Overall, it's recommended as a good value option at around $60, with a passing grade for the mic and a premium feel compared to cheaper alternatives.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
9:22SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset Review, BUDGET BANGER?
The reviewer finds the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 to be a solid budget gaming headset, offering good comfort, build quality, and a natural, balanced sound for $60. While the microphone picks up a lot of background noise and the sound lacks the excitement of pricier models, it's a complete package for the price, with a detachable cable and versatile 3.5mm connectivity.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
8:04NAJTAŃSZE ARCTISY 👌 | test, recenzja: co potrafią SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1?
The reviewer finds the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 to be a solid, comfortable, and lightweight gaming headset with good sound quality for its price, though it has a restrained bass and may not fit larger heads well. They recommend it conditionally, noting the price is a bit high at launch but expect it to drop.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
13:41SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Headset Review - Honest Facts
The reviewer finds the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 to be a solid budget gaming headset, with exceptional comfort and a surprisingly good microphone for the price. However, the sound tuning is bass-heavy and inconsistent in the treble, making it less ideal for music, and it lacks volume headroom on some consoles. Overall, it's a strong value for gaming, especially if comfort and mic quality are priorities.
MixedWatch on YouTube
7:17SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 in 2025: What the Other Reviews Don't Tell You
The reviewer finds the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 to be a popular but disappointing headset, praising its sleek design and decent audio clarity for the price, but heavily criticizing its overwhelming bass that masks important game sounds, and especially its severe discomfort from low-quality ear cups and a tight, hair-pulling headband. They ultimately do not recommend it for most users, especially competitive gamers or those who value comfort.
NegativeWatch on YouTube
6:02SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Wired Gaming Headset Review | 2022
The reviewer finds the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 to be an excellent budget-friendly wired gaming headset, praising its lightweight and comfortable design, simple controls, and effective spatial audio for gaming. They note it sounds sharp and clean, though not as rich as premium models, and highlight its versatility across platforms, making it a great everyday option for casual gamers.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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