Arctis Nova Elite vs. Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Find out which one suits you more.
Torn between purchasing an Arctis Nova Elite or an Arctis Nova Pro Wireless? Let's examine them side by side and help you decide.
So you've been eyeing the shiny new Arctis Nova Elite. We don't blame you. The critics love it, and so do we. While you're debating whether it's worth the price, let's put it to the test against one of our flagship headsets, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, which is absolutely one of our top-sellers.
Arctis Nova Elite absolutely takes the gaming audio to the next level; in reality, there is no wrong choice. We'll start by comparing some of the similarities, then branch out to explain what's unique to each headset.
Do note though, that even though some of the features are shared, Arctis Nova Elite does upgrade some of them, such as the microphone or battery life.
Arctis Nova Elite vs. Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Comparison
Similarities
Before diving into the distinctions, it's important to note the world-class features both of these headsets share, making them miles ahead of the competition:
Infinite Power System: Both headsets include the revolutionary hot-swappable dual battery system, ensuring you never have to plug in to charge. One battery charges in the Base Station while the other powers your headset, offering truly endless playtime. The batteries last longer on Nova Elite (about 30 hours compared to about 22 hours per battery).
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both models feature Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency Mode, allowing you to tune out distractions or tune back into the real world with ease. The ANC has been improved on Arctis Nova Elite.
Dual Wireless: Simultaneously connect via low-latency 2.4GHz for gaming and Bluetooth for mobile, calls, or music—all at once.
AI Noise-Cancelling Mic: The retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone uses AI-powered software (Sonar on PC) to silence background noise, ensuring your voice is crisp and clear. However, the Arctis Nova Elite features on-board AI noise rejection no matter what platform you're on.
Arctis Nova Elite Differences: Specific Features
The Arctis Nova Elite takes a true flagship approach, pushing the boundaries of wireless fidelity and connectivity for the most demanding audiophile and multi-system user.
Arctis Nova Elite (The Audiophile) | Key Feature Highlight |
|---|---|
Hi-Res Wireless Certified | The world's first Hi-Res Wireless Certified gaming headset, delivering ultra-fidelity 96kHz/24-bit audio over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. This is a massive leap in audio clarity and detail. |
Carbon Fiber Drivers | Upgraded, custom-engineered 2-piece carbon fiber drivers with a brass surround. This lightweight, rigid design provides faster response and even cleaner sound reproduction, making individual sound cues easier to distinguish. The best drivers SteelSeries has to offer. |
OmniPlay GameHub | Next-gen GameHub. The base station is upgraded to support three USB inputs, allowing for seamless mixing and connection to up to four sources simultaneously (e.g., two USB, one Bluetooth, and Line In). It's the ultimate command center for a multi-platform gamer. |
Mic with AI Noise Rejection + Secondary Mic | Powerful noise cancellation on the mic everywhere. Plus, a secondary discreet mic that you can use when out and about (activates while the main mic is fully hidden). |
Arctis Companion Mobile App Function | Control virtually everything and take advantage of a growing library of game-specific EQ presets, right from the touchscreen of your mobile phone. Easy EQing for Bluetooth. |
Premium Aesthetic | Cold-rolled steel, die-cast aluminum. Metal wheel for better tactility and luxurious feel. Beautiful Sage & Gold and Obsidian editions. |
Compatibility | Virtually everything, including Xbox. One headset to rule over all. |
The Tried-and-True, Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Differences: Specific Features
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the battle-tested, award-winning headset that defined the premium gaming audio category. It offers an exceptional balance of features, performance, and value.
Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (The All-Rounder) | Key Feature Highlight |
|---|---|
Industry-Leading Audio | Features Premium High-Fidelity Drivers delivering an ultra-detailed soundscape and the powerful Nova Acoustic System for an amazing out-of-the-box experience. |
Multi-System Excellence | Its Wireless Base Station offers two USB inputs, perfect for effortlessly swapping between two primary systems like PC/PS5 or PC/Xbox. |
Ultimate Comfort | Known for its supremely comfortable, lightweight design, ensuring long-haul gaming sessions remain fatigue-free. |
Compatibility | Very wide; for Xbox gaming, need the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox |
Great Value | Offers all the core flagship features — hot swap batteries, ANC, Dual Wireless — at a more accessible price point than the Elite. |
The Final Verdict: Which Headset is Right for You?
Choosing your headset is all about finding the perfect match for your style of play:
Choose the Arctis Nova Elite if... you are an uncompromising audiophile who demands the absolute highest quality wireless sound (Hi-Res Certified 96kHz/24-bit) and needs the most flexible multi-source connectivity for a complex, multi-platform setup (4 sources mixed at once). Plus, luxurious style and better communication with two mics (and AI-noise rejection). App compatibility.
Choose the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if... you want a balanced, award-winning premium experience with all the essential flagship features (hot swap batteries, ANC) and need reliable, seamless switching between two main systems.
No matter which one you choose, you're investing in the best of SteelSeries engineering.
Arctis Nova Elite could be the only headset you'll ever need. Read about hi-res wireless audio to see if you're ready to make that leap.
Wordsmith at SteelSeries. Enthusiastic about Dota 2 and fighting games. A cat dad.
