This is a review I will be updating more or less yearly. I am probably the definition of a power user for these headphones because I wear the entire day while I work and game, so like 10+ hours of daily wear for years on end. I dual pair and pick up work and family calls. I walk around the house doing chores while on meetings so range is important, everything is being used here.
My previous pair fell apart after 3 years, what was the culprit? The plastic, the plastic arm that holds the cups literally started giving out, flexing and cracking, letting the headband slip out. These headphones still use plastic in those areas, so we'll see.
What I like:
Comfort: Excellent. I have a big ole head and the comfort on the novas is far superior. I can't describe it, the headband on the other ones would make my glasses leave marks behind my ears, real acquired taste, maybe a little masochism. These don't do that. The earpads are super soft and nice, I honestly like them more than the wear earwax trap aero weave or whatever the last ones had.
Sound: Seriously better. The novas along with the sonar software sound a lot brighter and clear. Apparently these near ear pads do some good work on the lowend, doesn't seem to be lacking. Certainly a step up. The previous version you could feel it maxing out and muddying up pretty badly, specially on the crucial low end parts. They could get a little fatiguing and the EQ feature was a little bizarre and harsh. Not horrible but I wouldn't put them anywhere on a top tier list.
User Experience: Same buttons on the side but they are now in this like, recessed area so you have to fiddle around to find them and any rubbing against the plastic translates to loud a** noise in your ears because of the seal the earpads have, it's meh, minor detail in the grand scheme of things but my hand is on those buttons all day, flipping to bluetooth, chatmix, volume, muting. Steelseries please make them like immediately obvious and protruding again please.
Microphone: Fantastic, a lot more sensitive to distance from the mouth than the previous version. I put it a bit too close and I was clipping like a mad man. Easy to get used to, love the fact that it can be EQd in sonar. Better than previous version I think, we'll see.
Build: They feel robust, similar headband deal going on, more subtle with only a couple of adjustment points.
Battery life: I could be biased given my previous set had a lot of use but I did buy many new sets of batteries. The novas seem to be able to about twice as far as the pro wireless battery wise.
I still think these headphones are the best pound for pound out there when it comes to all around feature set and quality. There's nothing that comes close. Steelseries contact me if you need feedback from someone that wears these 12 hours a day.
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Active Noise Cancellation, Quick-Swap Batteries |
| Included Components | Dual Wireless Base Station, 2 x USB-C to USB-A Cable, Headphones with Retractable Microphone, 1 x 4-Pole 3.5 mm Audio Cable |
| Age Range (Description) | Information Not Available |
| Material | Plastic |
| Specific Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Calling, Portable Electronics |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Consoles, Tablets, Telephones, Laptops, Desktops |
| Theme | Video Game |
| Impedance | 38 Ohm |
| Control Type | Media Control |
| Cable Feature | Without Cable |
| Item Weight | 3 Pounds |
| Frequency Response | 40000 Hz |
| Style | Nova Pro Xbox |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Battery Life | 40 Hours |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Meters |
| Bluetooth Version | 5 |
| Audio Driver Size | 40 Millimeters |
| Earpiece Shape | Over-the-head |
| Manufacturer | SteelSeries |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 40 Hours |
