What You Need to Know
Steelseries positions the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 as a mid-range gaming headsets, asking $59.99. After 3,131 customer reviews on Amazon, the verdict is a very good 4.0 stars. We've ranked it #33 out of 64 in this category. It's not a top pick - there are higher-rated and better-value options in the category - but specific shoppers may still find it fits their needs.
On the Head
Headsets live or die on long-session comfort. Most users find them comfortable, though glasses-wearers and those with larger heads sometimes report pressure after a couple of hours.
Worth noting on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 specifically - reviews repeatedly flag "Custom Nova drivers" as a standout.
The Numbers
- Brand: Steelseries
- Price: $59.99 (well above the $38.21 category average)
- Amazon rating: 4.0 of 5.0
- Reviews: 3,131
- Category rank: #33 of 64 in gaming headsets under $100
- Cheaper in category: 56 products
- Higher-rated in category: 57 products
- More-reviewed in category: 24 products
From the Reviews
A 4.0-star average from 3,131 buyers means most are happy, but a meaningful slice - roughly 15-20% - has at least some complaint. The pattern in the negative reviews matters more than the average itself.
Common positives:
- Custom Nova drivers
- 360° spatial audio
- Comfortable airweave cushions
Common complaints:
- No wireless option
- No RGB
For context, the average rating in the gaming headsets category is 4.3 stars, so this one is rated below typical.
The Field Around It
At $59.99, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 sits well above the $38.21 category average. 56 options are cheaper and 7 are more expensive.
The category leader is the BENGOO G9000 Stereo ($31.99, 4.3★, 121,484 reviews). It's $28.00 more expensive than the top pick despite ranking lower, which is a hard combination to justify unless a specific feature swings the decision.
Higher-rated options in this category:
- AOC Gaming Headset - $24.98, 4.8★ (15 reviews) · Better on both axes
- Logitech G325 Wireless - $79.99, 4.7★ (29 reviews) · Higher rated
- Ordtop Wireless RGB Headset - $35.99, 4.6★ (33 reviews) · Better on both axes
If rating alone is your filter, the highest-rated option in this category is the AOC Gaming Headset at 4.8★. If pure price is the filter, the cheapest is the HyperX CloudX Stinger 2 Core at $13.29.
Should You Buy It?
Skip. Rated below the category average, with cheaper or higher-rated alternatives available. There's no profile of buyer for whom this is the obvious choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Custom Nova drivers
- 360° spatial audio
- Comfortable airweave cushions
Cons:
- No wireless option
- No RGB
Bottom Line
6.1/10
Below-average rating in a category with several stronger options. Hard to recommend over higher-ranked alternatives unless a specific feature seals it.