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- Table of Contents
- Top
- Main Differences
- Sound
- Design
- Isolation
- Microphone
- Active Features
- Connectivity
- Comments
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X]
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X]
Tested using Methodology v1.5
Updated Oct 21, 2024 01:42 PM
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Walmart.comTested using Methodology v2.0
Updated Apr 22, 2025 01:09 PM
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Amazon.com
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/wslPncxh/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/design-large.jpg?format=auto)
TypeOver-ear
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureClosed-Back
WirelessNo
TransducerDynamic
MicYes
TypeOver-Ear
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureClosed-Back
Bass AmountVery Emphasized (6 dB)
WirelessYes
TransducerDynamic
Treble AmountBalanced (0 dB)
MicYes
Sound SignatureWarm
Variants
- Arctis Nova 3 (Black)
- Arctis Nova 7X (Black)
- Arctis Nova 7P (Black)
- Arctis Nova 7 (Black)
- Arctis Nova 7 (Diablo IV Edition)
- Arctis Nova 7 (FaZe Clan Edition)
- Arctis Nova 7P (White)
- Arctis Nova 7X (White)
- Arctis Nova 7 (World of Warcraft Edition)
Our Verdict
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X]
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless and their variants are more versatile gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, you can use the Nova 7 and their variants wired or wirelessly. While their 7X variant is designed with Xbox consoles in mind, this model can also be used wirelessly with PlayStation consoles and PCs. They also support Bluetooth, meaning you can receive audio from your smartphone and console simultaneously. However, if you only want a wired connection, the Nova 3 offer a similar sound and better mic performance when connected this way while also supporting customizable RGB lighting.
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Black
Arctis Nova 3
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Arctis Nova 7X
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Arctis Nova 3
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Walmart.comBlack
Arctis Nova 7P
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Arctis Nova 7
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Arctis Nova 7
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Arctis Nova 7
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Arctis Nova 7P
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Arctis Nova 7X
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Arctis Nova 7
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Finding storeMain Differences forNeutral Sound
Neutral Sound
Threshold
Neutral Sound
7.4
Full Comparison
Sound
Sound Profile
Sound Profile
Normalization Frequency
500 Hz
Bass Amount
Very Emphasized (6 dB)
Bass Amount
0.19 dB
Treble Amount
-3.11 dB
Treble Amount
Balanced (0 dB)
Sound Signature
Warm
Frequency Response Consistency
6.0
4.7
Consistency L
Consistency R
Avg. Std. Deviation
0.95 dB
1.98 dB
Raw Frequency Response
Bass Profile: Target Compliance
8.0
7.3
Bass Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
2.84 dB
5.7 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
15.2 Hz
20 Hz
Low Bass
-0.95 dB
5.07 dB
Mid Bass
1.67 dB
6.72 dB
High Bass
4.41 dB
5.01 dB
Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
8.6
9.0
Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
1.9 dB
1.47 dB
Low Mid
1.83 dB
-1.65 dB
Mid-Mid
-0.58 dB
1.35 dB
High Mid
-0.01 dB
0.56 dB
Treble Profile: Target Compliance
5.5
7.0
Treble Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
6.36 dB
4.21 dB
Low Treble
-3.43 dB
-1.91 dB
Mid Treble
-0.55 dB
1.81 dB
High Treble
-9.22 dB
-5.71 dB
Peaks/Dips
6.6
7.1
Peaks/Dips Graph
Peaks
2.1 dB
1.52 dB
Dips
2.24 dB
2.8 dB
Stereo Mismatch
5.7
Frequency Response Mismatch
Phase Response Mismatch
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
0.57
1.3 dB
Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch
2.95
1.7 dB
Weighted Phase Mismatch
9.07
2.8°
Cumulative Spectral Decay
CSD
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] CSD](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/qN1fHyXl/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/csd-large.jpg?format=auto)
PRTF
6.2
7.0
PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation)
1.72 dB
2.94 dB
PRTF Size (Avg.)
6.33 dB
6.6 dB
PRTF Distance
11.94 dB
11.49 dB
Openness
6.7
Acoustic Space Excitation
3.1
Harmonic Distortion
8.2
Harmonics Levels
WHD @ 94 dB SPL
0.464
0.32%
WHD @ 104 dB SPL
0.177
0.24%
Electrical Aspects
Impedance
Sensitivity @1kHz-1V
115.0 dB SPL
Bluetooth Max SPL
100.3 dB
Virtual Soundstage
2.0
2.0
Virtual Soundstage
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Virtual Soundstage](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/aaqOeqGY/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/virtual-soundstage-large.jpg?format=auto)
Head Modeling
No
No
Speaker Modeling
On/Off
On/Off
Room Ambience
No
No
Head Tracking
No
No
Virtual Surround
Windows Sonic Spatial Audio
Windows Sonic Spatial Audio
Test Settings
Firmware
1.2.0
1.10
Power
USB
On
Connection
Wired
Wireless (Proprietary)
Codec
PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz
PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz
Test Instrument
Audio Precision APx517B
EQ
Default
Default
ANC
No ANC
No ANC
Tip/Pad
Default
Default
Microphone
Boom
Boom
Imaging
8.1
Group Delay
Phase Response Mismatch
Weighted Group Delay
0.18
Weighted Phase Mismatch
9.07
2.8°
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
0.57
1.3 dB
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
2.95
1.7 dB
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
7.2
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.464
0.32%
WHD @ 100
0.177
0.24%
Design
Style
Design Picture 2
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Design Picture 2](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/hWmNpeO1/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/design-3-large.jpg?format=auto)
Type
Over-ear
Over-Ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Closed-Back
Wireless
No
Yes
Transducer
Dynamic
Dynamic
Comfort
7.5
7.5
Comfort Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Comfort Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/D5RHNIIt/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/comfort-large.jpg?format=auto)
Weight
0.56 lbs
0.72 lbs
Clamping Force
0.9 lbs
1 lbs
Controls
5.7
7.6
Controls Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Controls Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/tENx0QSG/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/controls-large.jpg?format=auto)
OS Compatibility
Not OS specific
Not OS specific
Ease Of Use
Good
Good
Feedback
Good
Good
Call/Music Control
No
Yes
Volume Control
Yes
Yes
Microphone Control
Mute/Unmute
Mute/Unmute
Channel Mixing
No
Yes
Noise Cancelling Control
No
No
Talk-Through
No
No
Additional Controls
LED On/Off
Bluetooth + Multi function
Breathability
Breathability After Picture
Avg.Temp.Difference
Portability
5.9
5.9
Portability Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Portability Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/Z4if8Kfm/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/portability-large.jpg?format=auto)
L
7.9" (20.1 cm)
8.1" (20.6 cm)
W
8.7" (22.1 cm)
7.4" (18.9 cm)
H
1.7" (4.2 cm)
1.9" (4.9 cm)
Volume
113.96 in³ (1,867.40 cm³)
116.42 in³ (1,907.80 cm³)
Transmitter Required
No
No
Case
0.0
0.0
Case Picture
Type
No case
No case
L
N/A
N/A
W
N/A
N/A
H
N/A
N/A
Volume
N/A
N/A
Build Quality
7.5
7.5
Build Quality Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Build Quality Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/6eXtttRp/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/build-quality-large.jpg?format=auto)
Stability
7.0
6.5
Stability Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Stability Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/7ruIvfTA/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/stability-large.jpg?format=auto)
Headshots 1
Angled Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Angled Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/444vSyoz/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/angled-large.jpg?format=auto)
Side Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Side Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/lcSiJ8LV/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/side-large.jpg?format=auto)
Headshots 2
Front Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Front Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/tSsPEpkD/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/front-large.jpg?format=auto)
Rear Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Rear Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/qOLEAXX5/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/rear-large.jpg?format=auto)
Top
Top Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Top Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/6QaNgtaz/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/top-large.jpg?format=auto)
In The Box
In The Box Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] In The Box Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/vKZmsjnH/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/in-the-box-large.jpg?format=auto)
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Full Range
3.5
4.8
Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph
Noise Cancelling
No
No
Overall Attenuation
-10.67 dB
-11.64 dB
Isolation Audio
Bass
0.56 dB
2.78 dB
Mid
-4.73 dB
-11.06 dB
Treble
-28.05 dB
-29.75 dB
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
4.1
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph
Airplane Noise Attenuation
-8.35 dB
Airplane Noise Isolation Audio
Office Noise Attenuation
-9.60 dB
Office Noise Isolation Audio
Street Noise Attenuation
-10.20 dB
Street Noise Isolation Audio
Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
Female Voice 1
Male Voice 1
Female Voice 2
Male Voice 2
ANC Wind Handling
ANC Wind Handling Graph
ANC Wind Noise
N/A
Leakage
7.3
7.0
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
37.55 dB
39.59 dB
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
No
No
In-Line
No
No
Boom
Yes
Yes
Detachable Boom
No
No
Mic
Yes
Yes
Recording Quality
8.4
7.8
Microphone Frequency Response
Recorded Speech
LFE
88.51 Hz
20 Hz
FR Std. Dev.
3.66 dB
2.89 dB
HFE
11,166.8 Hz
6,933.79 Hz
Weighted THD
0.141
2.446
Gain
15.12 dB
27.76 dB
Noise Handling
7.2
7.7
SpNR
22.94 dB
35.78 dB
Noise Gate
On/Off Toggle
On/Off Toggle
Speech + Pink Noise Handling
7.0
7.5
Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
Speech + Subway Noise Handling
7.5
8.0
Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample
Active Features
Battery
0.0
9.3
Battery Type
No Battery
Rechargable
Continuous Battery Life
N/A
33.3 hrs
Additional Charges
N/A
0.0
Total Battery Life
N/A
33.3 hrs
Charge Time
N/A
1.9 hrs
Power-Saving Feature
No
Auto-Off Timer
Audio While Charging
No
Yes
Passive Playback
Passive Headphone
Yes
Charging Port
None
USB-C
App Support
8.5
8.5
App Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] App Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/REH3Lpg3/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/app-large.jpg?format=auto)
App Name
Steelseries GG
Steelseries GG
iOS
No
No
Android
No
No
macOS
Yes
Yes
Windows
Yes
Yes
Equalizer
Parametric + Presets
Parametric + Presets
ANC Control
No
No
Mic Control
Adjustable Level
Adjustable Level
Room Effects
No
No
Playback Control
No
No
Button Mapping
No
No
Surround Support
Yes
Yes
Connectivity
Wired Connection
9.8
9.9
Cable Picture
![SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] Cable Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/dDMLlD8N/steelseries-arctis-nova-7-wireless-7-7p-7x/cable-large.jpg?format=auto)
Analog Audio
Yes
Yes
USB Audio
USB Type A
No
Detachable
Yes
Yes
Length
9.42 ft (2.87 m)
4.10 ft (1.25 m)
Connector
USB-C
1/8" TRRRS
Latency - Analog
0.3 ms
Latency - USB
6 ms
N/A
Recorded Latency
Recorded Latency Connection
Analog
Bluetooth Connection
0.0
7.9
Bluetooth Version
No Bluetooth
5.010
Multi-Device Pairing
No
Bluetooth + Console/Non-BT Wireless
NFC Pairing
No
Quick Pair (Android)
No
Quick Pair (iOS)
No
Line Of Sight Range
N/A
328.08 ft (100.00 m)
Latency - SBC
N/A
235 ms
Latency - aptX
N/A
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)
N/A
Latency - LDAC
N/A
Recorded Latency
Recorded Latency Codec
SBC
AAC Support
No
PC Latency (aptX HD)
N/A
PC Latency (aptX-LL)
N/A
iOS Latency
N/A
Android Latency
N/A
Wireless Connection (Dongle)
0.0
7.6
Line Of Sight Range
N/A
110.89 ft (33.80 m)
Latency - Dongle
N/A
29 ms
Recorded Latency
PC Compatibility
Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone
Wired USB
Audio + Microphone
No
Non-BT Wireless
No
Audio + Microphone
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone
PS4 Wired USB
Audio + Microphone
No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless
No
Audio + Microphone
PS5 Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone
PS5 Wired USB
Audio + Microphone
No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless
No
Audio + Microphone
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone
Xbox One Wired USB
No
No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
No
Audio + Microphone
Xbox Series X|S Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
No
No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
No
Audio + Microphone
Base/Dock
0.0
3.4
Type
No Base/Dock
Wireless USB Dongle
USB Input
No
Yes
Line In
No
No
Line Out
No
No
Optical Input
No
No
RCA Input
No
No
Dock Charging
No
No
Power Supply
No Base/Dock
USB-C
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Black
Arctis Nova 3
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Arctis Nova 7X
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Arctis Nova 3
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Arctis Nova 7P
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Arctis Nova 7
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Arctis Nova 7
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Arctis Nova 7
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Arctis Nova 7P
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Arctis Nova 7X
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Arctis Nova 7
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X]
Comments
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X]: Main Discussion
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