The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4X Wireless is the latest addition to the company’s high-quality line of gaming headsets. Serving as the successor to the Arctis 1 Wireless, this headset offers exceptional build quality and features at an affordable price.

Design and Features

When it comes to design, the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless closely resembles other offerings from SteelSeries such as the Arctis Nova 7 and Nova Pro wireless headsets. However, it does feature a few changes to achieve a lower price point.

Compared to its higher-tier counterparts, the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless incorporates more plastic. Thankfully, this does not compromise the overall quality of the headset. It remains solid and free from any creaking or groaning sounds. SteelSeries also made adjustments to the ski-goggle style headband, resulting in a slightly cheaper-feeling, yet more comfortable fit that offers ample stretchiness. The headband features green accents running across its entire length. The headset provides both 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C connections, and it comes with all the necessary cables for seamless use.

Furthermore, the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless is impressively lightweight at just 0.59 lbs. This makes it lighter than both the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless and the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headsets, which weigh approximately 0.72 lbs.

The headband can be easily adjusted up and down using three holes and molded pegs, allowing users to customize the fit according to their preferences. The ear cups can also be adjusted in and out of the headband on both sides, ensuring a perfect fit. The ear cups themselves feature the same design as other Arctis Nova headsets, complete with the company’s logo. Thanks to their AirWeave cushions, these ear cups provide outstanding comfort, even during extended gaming sessions. The breathable material prevents any discomfort caused by sweat accumulation.

On the right side of the headset, you’ll find the power button, ChatMix dial, and USB-C charge port. All buttons are conveniently placed and easy to reach. Powering the headset on and off simply requires a quick one-second press of the power button. An indicator light located above the power button indicates whether the headset is powered on or off.

Meanwhile, the left side of the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless houses the microphone mute button and volume control. These buttons are equally easy to access and operate, allowing for quick adjustments during gameplay or Discord conversations.

The microphone on the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless features a unique hidden design that keeps it conveniently tucked away when not in use. SteelSeries has improved upon this design compared to previous Arctis models. It now blends in seamlessly with the rest of the earcup, eliminating any wear and tear concerns commonly associated with detachable microphones. Additionally, the hidden design significantly reduces the risk of losing the microphone altogether.

One downside to note is that the short and wide dongle may make it somewhat awkward to plug the headset into the back of a PC without using the included cable extension.

Software

When used on a PC, the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless can be fully customized using the SteelSeries GG software. This software provides a wide range of customization options, including in-depth EQ presets, mic volume controls, sleep time, and more. One notable feature of the SteelSeries GG software is Sonar, which allows users to customize headset settings to an unprecedented degree. With Sonar, users can adjust volume levels for every app on their PC, similar to Elgato’s Wave Link. While it may take some time to familiarize oneself with Sonar, the software provides plenty of guidance along the way.

Sonar also offers additional customization options for the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless, such as an equalizer, spatial audio, and volume boost settings for games, chat, media, and auxiliary inputs. For the microphone, Sonar provides an EQ, ClearCast AI Noise Cancellation, Noise Reduction, Noise Gate, and Smart Voice compressor. Notably, all of Sonar’s options can be applied to any headset or microphone, not just those manufactured by SteelSeries.

It’s important to mention that the SteelSeries GG software is only compatible with PCs and does not function with Xbox or any other devices. Therefore, any customizations made through the software on a PC will not carry over to other devices.

Performance

SteelSeries is renowned for its high-end audio quality, and the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless lives up to this reputation. Straight out of the box, this headset delivers impressive audio performance. Music playback showcases crisp highs and punchy bass, with no distortion during intense bass drops. Gaming with the Arctis Nova 4X is equally enjoyable, as it provides clear and immersive audio. For example, while playing Need for Speed Unbound, I could easily distinguish between the police scanner and the sound of the high-performance vehicle I was driving. The headset’s industry-leading noise-canceling microphone is yet another standout feature. It effectively eliminates background noise, making it perfect for recordings or voice chats.

Battery life is another strong suit of the Arctis Nova 4X. With a single charge, the headset can provide an impressive 35 hours of use. During testing, the battery lasted exactly as advertised, ensuring worry-free gaming sessions.

Ultimately, the Arctis Nova 4X Wireless delivers the best microphone performance you can find in a wireless headset within this price range. The added customization options available through Sonar software on PC further enhance the overall experience.

Purchasing Guide

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4X Wireless headset is currently available for purchase at GameStop for $119.