SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review: do I still recommend it?

By Still Recommend Last tested: June 25, 2026 Published June 25, 2026

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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite gaming headset — Product image

Why I bought it

I wanted a no-compromise wireless headset, and the Arctis Nova Elite is sold as exactly that, with a price to match. At $600 it is the most I have ever spent on a pair of headphones.

What is wrong with it

Almost everything that matters. The mic is the worst I have used on a headset, full stop: thin and unpleasant in a way I would not accept at any price. The clamping force is too tight, so longer sessions start to hurt, and the pleather on the pads already feels like it is on borrowed time. The sound itself is not broken so much as unremarkable, heavy on bass and short on anything special.

What it cost SteelSeries

For $600 I expected a reference point. Instead it made me question the whole lineup. If this is the best SteelSeries has to offer, I can’t recommend any of their headphones right now.

What annoys me

The mic is the worst I have heard on a headset
Clamps too tight, so longer sessions get uncomfortable
Pleather pads already feel like they will not last
Sound is overly bassy and unremarkable, especially at $600

Frequently asked questions

How is the mic on the Arctis Nova Elite?

Bad. It is the worst mic I have used on a headset, which is hard to accept at any price, let alone this one.

Is it comfortable?

Not for me. The clamping force is too tight over a longer session, and the pleather pads feel cheap and like they will wear out.

Is it worth $600?

No. The sound is just bassy, not special, and nothing about the comfort or build justifies it.

Where to buy