SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Beginner Friendly Review

If you are searching for a gaming headset that looks great and performs well, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X might be just what you need. Many headsets focus on either looks or features, but this one finds a good balance between both. Whether you love pastel colors like lilac, blue, black, or white, the Nova 3X offers attractive designs that stand out, especially in the vibrant lilac version. Even the microphone pop filter matches, making it a stylish pick for gamers who care about aesthetics.

The Nova 3X is not just about appearance. This wireless headset feels sturdy for its price with a mostly plastic build that does not creak and can likely handle a light drop. You can smoothly adjust the earcups to fit your head. Its floating headband uses an elastic strap to distribute the 260 gram weight evenly. Combined with soft foam earcups, this headset is comfortable enough to wear all day—perfect for long gaming or work sessions.

Sound quality is solid for both music and games. Out of the box, the headset has a neutral sound profile that works for most people. If you want to fine-tune your experience, the SteelSeries app lets you pick sound settings (EQ profiles) for games, music, or movies. There are even game-specific settings so you can get the best sound for titles like Doom: The Dark Ages or Hi-Fi Rush. The headset uses 40 mm drivers, so bass is good but not overwhelming. You can even create your own custom sound settings using the SteelSeries desktop app.

Battery life is decent, offering up to 30 hours with wireless and up to 40 hours with Bluetooth. A quick 15 minute charge gives up to 9 hours of use. Compared to some other headsets in the same price range, this battery life is average rather than outstanding, but fast charging makes up for it somewhat.

The Nova 3X’s controls are simple. On the left earcup, you will find a mute button, a volume dial, and a power button that also handles Bluetooth pairing and switching between wireless and Bluetooth modes. Although convenient, the lack of buttons for skipping songs or pausing can be a downside if you use the headset with your phone when you are out and about. Also, there is no waterproof rating, so avoid using them in the rain.

The microphone is detachable, flexible, and good enough for voice calls or chatting with friends. Muting the mic is easy, but you might forget you have done it since there is no indicator. The audio quality is fine for most uses but not ideal for professional recording.

For connectivity, you get both Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz wireless connection using a USB dongle. The sound quality is best when using the 2.4 GHz dongle for gaming. Some people may run into issues with sound distortion if multiple EQ profiles get applied at once through the software, but this is easily fixed by adjusting settings.

When it comes to comfort, this headset really shines. The lightweight build and soft padding make it suitable for hours of use, whether you are gaming, working, or on the move. However, if you want to connect to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously, this headset does not support that feature; you have to switch connections manually.

Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X stands out for its comfort, style, and solid performance at a mid-range price. It works best if you want a headset that looks great and feels even better, even though there are others with longer battery life or more advanced features. If comfort, good sound, and a touch of color are what you care about, this headset is definitely worth a look.

Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-headsets/steelseries-arctis-nova-3x-review/