The SteelSeries Arctis Pro and Arctis Nova Pro gaming headsets offer exceptional audio experiences for gamers. The Arctis Pro features a premium design with a lightweight aluminum frame and comfortable leatherette earcups, while the Arctis Nova Pro boasts a refined construction with a durable steel headband and breathable Fabric AirWeave ear cushions. Both headsets are equipped with high-quality drivers that deliver immersive surround sound, making them ideal for competitive gaming and intense audio experiences. Additionally, the Arctis Pro and Arctis Nova Pro offer a wide array of connectivity options, including USB, optical, and Bluetooth, providing versatility for various gaming setups.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro vs. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: Spec Showdown
SteelSeries has long been a leading brand in gaming headsets, and their Arctis line is one of the most popular. The latest additions to the family are the Arctis Pro and Arctis Nova Pro, which offer a range of impressive features for serious gamers. But how do these two headsets stack up against each other?
Key Differences
- Drivers: The Arctis Pro uses 40mm neodymium drivers, while the Arctis Nova Pro uses 50mm high-resolution drivers.
- Wireless connectivity: The Arctis Pro is wireless, while the Arctis Nova Pro is wired.
- Microphone: The Arctis Pro has a retractable microphone, while the Arctis Nova Pro has a detachable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone.
- Surround sound: The Arctis Pro supports DTS Headphone:X, while the Arctis Nova Pro supports Tempest 3D AudioTech.
Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Arctis Pro | Arctis Nova Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 10Hz-40kHz |
| Microphone | Retractable, bidirectional | Detachable, unidirectional |
| Wireless range | Up to 10 meters | Not applicable |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours | Not applicable |
| Weight | 346 grams | 420 grams |
Comfort and Design
Both the Arctis Pro and Arctis Nova Pro are designed for comfort, with adjustable headbands and plush ear cushions. However, the Arctis Nova Pro has a slightly larger ear cup, which may be more comfortable for people with larger heads.
Audio Quality
The Arctis Pro and Arctis Nova Pro both offer excellent audio quality. The Arctis Pro has slightly more bass response, while the Arctis Nova Pro has a more balanced sound profile. Both headsets support high-resolution audio, so you can enjoy your music and games with the best possible sound quality.
Microphone Quality
The Arctis Pro has a retractable microphone that is good for everyday use, but it’s not as good as the detachable microphone on the Arctis Nova Pro. The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone on the Arctis Nova Pro is one of the best gaming microphones available, and it offers excellent clarity and noise cancellation.
Surround Sound
The Arctis Pro supports DTS Headphone:X, which is a virtual surround sound technology. The Arctis Nova Pro supports Tempest 3D AudioTech, which is a more advanced surround sound technology that is designed for PlayStation 5.
Which Headset is Right for You?
The Arctis Pro and Arctis Nova Pro are both excellent gaming headsets, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Arctis Pro is a good choice if you want a wireless headset with good audio quality and a retractable microphone. The Arctis Nova Pro is a better choice if you want a wired headset with excellent audio quality, a detachable microphone, and advanced surround sound.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro vs. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: Which Gaming Headset Reigns Supreme?
For Wireless Connectivity
- Arctis Pro: Bluetooth connectivity only
- Arctis Nova Pro: 2.4 GHz wireless with Bluetooth backup
For High-Resolution Audio
- Arctis Pro: Supports up to 96 kHz/24-bit
- Arctis Nova Pro: Supports up to 96 kHz/24-bit (wired mode only)
For Active Noise Cancellation
Arctis Pro: Does not have ANC
Arctis Nova Pro: Features hybrid ANC, with two ANC modes
For Battery Life
- Arctis Pro: Up to 10 hours (wireless)
- Arctis Nova Pro: Up to 22 hours (2.4 GHz wireless); up to 18 hours (Bluetooth)
For Microphone Quality
Arctis Pro: Bidirectional retractable microphone
Arctis Nova Pro: ClearCast Gen 2 bidirectional microphone
For Comfort
- Arctis Pro: Airweave ear cushions
- Arctis Nova Pro: Leatherette or fabric ear cushions
For Price
Arctis Pro: Typically more expensive
Arctis Nova Pro: Typically less expensive
Hey, thanks so much for sticking with me through this comparison of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. I know it was a bit of a deep dive, but I hope it helped you make an informed decision. If you still have any questions or want to learn more about gaming headsets, feel free to drop by again. I’m always happy to chat about this stuff. Take care!