SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1

Overview

The Arctis Nova 1 is a wired-only entry into SteelSeries’ Nova lineup at $59.99. Released October 2022, it runs 40mm neodymium drivers, ClearCast Gen 2 retractable mic, and a 3.5mm connection that works across every platform with a headphone jack. Weight comes in at 236 grams — one of the lightest over-ear gaming headsets on the market. No wireless, no RGB, no removable speaker plates. That’s the trade-off for the price.

Key Features

40mm Neodymium Drivers: Same drivers used in the Nova 3 and Nova 7. 20Hz–22kHz frequency response, 36-ohm impedance, 93 dB sensitivity. Tuned toward clarity in the mids and highs rather than bass-forward impact.

ClearCast Gen 2 Mic: Bidirectional, fully retractable into the left earcup. Reduces background noise up to 25dB through SteelSeries Sonar’s AI noise cancellation on PC. On console, performance depends on the source device’s analog input quality.

Ski-Goggle Suspension Headband: Self-adjusting elastic band — no manual adjustment notches. Distributes weight across the skull rather than concentrating it at a single pressure point. AirWeave memory foam cushions run breathable mesh fabric, not leatherette.

Universal 3.5mm Connectivity: Ships with a 4-foot straight cable for controllers and mobile, plus a 5-foot Y-splitter extension for PC with separate headphone and mic jacks. Works on PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck.

SteelSeries Sonar (PC Only): 10-band parametric EQ, 360° spatial audio, AI mic processing. Plug-and-play on everything else — Sonar is the differentiator for PC users specifically.

Audio Quality

The 40mm drivers deliver a balanced profile — clear mids and highs, controlled bass. Footsteps and environmental audio read cleanly in competitive titles. The soundstage is adequate for a closed-back design, not exceptional. Bass is present but won’t satisfy anyone coming from a bass-heavy tuning preference.

On PC with Sonar, the 10-band EQ gives you room to compensate. The spatial audio processing adds directional clarity in titles like CS2 or Valorant. Without software — on console or mobile — the headset performs for its price point, but you’re getting the unprocessed analog output with no adjustment available.

Comfort & Build

236 grams with a self-adjusting headband is the comfort story. The ski-goggle suspension eliminates top-of-head pressure. AirWeave foam runs cooler than leatherette over long sessions. Ear cup dimensions fit most adult ear sizes — some smaller-headed users report tighter clamping than expected. Glasses-friendly across the board based on consistent community feedback.

Build is plastic throughout. Sturdy, not premium. The elastic headband has reported stretch over extended long-term use — worth noting for anyone planning multi-year ownership. Left earcup houses the volume wheel, mute button, and 3.5mm jack. Included cables are basic — functional, not braided.

Verdict

The Nova 1 is the right pick for budget-conscious gamers, console players who want plug-and-play simplicity, or anyone needing one headset across multiple platforms. The comfort system and mic quality both overperform for $59.99.

The weaknesses are real: analog-only limits mic quality on console compared to USB options, bass response won’t satisfy heavier tuning preferences, and the plastic build isn’t built for punishment. PC users who run Sonar get meaningfully more out of it. Anyone prioritizing wireless, stronger bass, or USB clarity on console should step up to the Nova 5 or Nova 7 instead.