The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 is not what I expected; like the Arctis 5, the Nova 3 features USB connectivity, a powerful software suite, and a price under $100. And, like Arctis 5, Nova 3 accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do.

The Arctis Nova 3 offers excellent gaming sound and a comfortable fit, honestly enough to recommend it as a gaming headset; what further boosts the Arctis Nova 3 is its versatile connectivity options, useful software features, and reasonable price.

The Nova 3 is not as compatible with console gaming consoles, and at least one aesthetic choice is questionable, but it is still an excellent wired gaming headset, especially for PC players Read our Arctis Nova 3 review.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 is similar to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. This is because SteelSeries recently redesigned the entire Arctis series, giving the headsets a more unified and modern look; the Arctis Nova 3 has a plain black plastic housing, an elastic headband, and memory foam ear cups, SteelSeries logo surrounded by LED rings on either side. It is an understated design.

The right earcup is rather sterile, with only a switch to enable/disable RGB lighting. On the left side are most of the headset's important features, including a volume dial, microphone mute button, retractable microphone, and USB-C port. This USB-C port is key to the entire enterprise, as it allows the headset to be connected to a variety of different systems.

In addition to the USB-C to USB-C cable, the Nova 3 also comes with a USB-C to 3.5mm jack cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. In theory, this means that the headset can be connected to a gaming PC or PS5 via USB-C, a docked Nintendo Switch via USB-A, or an Xbox Series X via 3.5 mm.

In practice, however, the cable is a bit on the short side and does not face straight ahead. Connecting the device to a console in the living room is impossible unless you buy a much longer cable. Even if you connect the headset directly to a PC, the almost taut cable will always get in the way of the keyboard; the Arctis Nova 3 is a versatile device, but you may need to add your own cables and adapters.

Like the other SteelSeries Arctis Nova headsets, the Nova 3 features a slightly different design than the previous Arctis lineup. This time around, the headband is slightly tighter and more elastic, with adjustable height for each ear cup.

Therefore, the headset does not fit perfectly when placed over the head, and the height of the arm must also be adjusted. There are no notches or numbers on the arm, so trial and error is required.

Once everything is adjusted into place, however, the Nova 3 can be worn comfortably for hours. Although a bit tighter than the older Arctis model, the headband is not prone to wear after extended use. Furthermore, at least in my experience, "tight" did not translate into "uncomfortable." I was able to comfortably wear the Nova 3 for extended periods of time, even with my glasses on.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 also excels when it comes to game sound; I tested the device with Age of Empires IV, Doom Eternal, Marvel's Midnight Suns, and Final Fantasy XIV on the PC and was impressed with the overall performance. I was impressed with its overall performance. Whether building a medieval village with a chilling string arrangement in the background or listening to the trials of a bickering superhero team, the Arctis Nova 3 did an excellent job of balancing music, sound effects, and voice work.

In fact, the Arctis Nova 3 sounds especially good in a variety of game genres thanks to the customizable SteelSeries Engine software. You can enable SteelSeries Sonar to enhance footsteps and other FPS sounds, with or without surround sound; Sonar supports individual profiles for games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Elden Ring Sonar supports individual profiles for games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Elden Ring. Even if you stick with standard stereo sound, you can boost the bass or create your own EQ profiles; Engine software can take Nova 3's sound from "good" to "great" with little effort.

The headset also handles music quite well; I heard tunes from Flogging Molly, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Rolling Stones, and G.F. Handel on the Nova 3. As a gaming headset, the Nova 3 admittedly lightens the bass end of the soundscape, but aside from that, the music comes through with clarity, warmth, and realism. It won't satisfy audiophiles, but it is more than adequate for everyday listening.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 offers many customizations with the SteelSeries Engine software. In addition to all sound settings, the device's illumination settings, microphone volume, and sidetone can also be adjusted. (Incidentally, my colleague described the headset's microphone as "great," so it should work fine for video chats and multiplayer matches.)

The headset's sound quality is excellent.

Illumination is probably my least favorite feature of the Arctis Nova 3, even though it is completely optional. Each ear cup has a small LED ring surrounding the SteelSeries logo, and this ring can be programmed to any color or combination of colors. I've never particularly appreciated RGB lighting on headsets (and I can't see it), and the Nova 3 is no exception. My major complaint is that there is a dedicated button for lighting, and I think that space would have been better used for a volume button or microphone mute button, which would have reduced the clutter on the left ear cup. I also think that without this extra feature, the device would have been a bit cheaper. [On the other hand, the Nova 3's best feature is how many different gaming systems it can support, although iOS devices seem to be out of the question due to the lack of USB-C and 3.5mm connections. Additionally, it can only connect to Xbox consoles via a 3.5mm jack, which limits sound quality and customization.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 commits a few minor missteps, but it is hard to find any major drawbacks. The device fits well and sounds great. The controls are easy to use and customize, and the price is reasonable. I wish the cord was a little longer and more flexible. ...... If you don't want to bother with the cords, you might be better off buying the Arctis Nova 7 instead.

In fact, while using the Nova 3, I missed the wireless efficiency and more robust feature set of the Nova 7. But the Nova 7 costs $180, nearly twice as much as the Nova 3. And it is really hard to find a headset that sounds as good, feels as good, and works as well as the Nova 3 for under $100. And if not, you can't go wrong with the Arctis Nova 3