Organizer
Gadget news
I really like Beyerdynamic’s newest on-ear headphones, but more for their looks, battery life, and portability than their sound quality
2:00 pm | November 2, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100: Two-minute review

I really like the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 and have enjoyed my time reviewing them, but feel a little conflicted because their sound quality may actually be one of their least interesting qualities.

That’s not to say that they don’t sound good – in fact, I think anyone shopping for a pair of headphones for under $250 (and are used to cheaper headphones) will have nothing but great things to say about how these sound. They’re fun to listen to, just a little exaggerated in their tuning (a little hyped, if you will) particularly through the low end and not as detailed as I would expect, especially from an audio specialist such as Beyerdynamic.

But if their big brother, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, can hang with the best wireless headphones in terms of audio quality, the Aventho 100’s best attributes have more to do with their design, from the cool old-school Aviator look to the fact that they fold up to a relatively small size for easy portability. They also come with a very healthy battery life that adds to their long-haul flight appeal.

Overall, these are fun headphones that are great for anyone looking for something a little distinctive or a bit more portable, where the last word in audio quality is not the most important factor (again, they sound good, but they don’t do anything particularly special on the audio front at this level either).

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 headphones on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100: Price and release date

  • Priced $229.99 / £199.00 / AU$314.00
  • Released on July 8, 2025
  • Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 100‘s price tag of $229.99 / £199.00 / AU$314.00 is firmly in mid-range territory. And that’s appropriate for these headphones. They have a solid feature set, but it’s not the full kitchen sink. And these on-ear headphones are meant a little more for those looking for a unique looking pair of 'lifestyle' headphones than those wanting the ultimate audio performance, which in the Beyerdynamic ecosystem are the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300.

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 are available in the US, UK, and Australia. If you’re in the EU, they’ve been available since July of this year whereas those in North America have been able to order them since September.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: Specs

Drivers

Not stated

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

More than 60 hours (or more than 40 hours with ANC)

Weight

220g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive; USB-C charging

Waterproofing

N/A

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 headphones on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: Features

  • No proprietary spatial audio or headtracking
  • Supports lossless over Bluetooth
  • Adaptive ANC and transparency modes available via app

While the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 doesn’t have the full bag of tricks of more expensive headphones like head tracking or Dolby Atmos, they have enough to satisfy most people. To start, these headphones support lossless audio including aptX Lossless and the aptX Adaptive codec (which automatically balances quality and latency over Bluetooth) as well as the more vanilla AAC and SBC. Multipoint connectivity is on offer as well, which is useful.

Most of the Aventho 100’s adjustable features are accessible via the easy-to-use mobile app. The presses and holds on the action button can be remapped to a small number of different options, though I do wish Beyerdynamic could have facilitated the enabling / disabling of active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes here.

On that note, not only are both ANC and transparency modes available in the companion app, but both have three levels (low, medium, high). Both work reasonably well. I was able to use the ANC while working in a cafe and didn’t hear anything but the music I was listening to. The transparency mode does a good job as well, though as soon as I play music at anything but a low level, I can’t really hear my surroundings.

Overall, I appreciate the inclusion and think these profiles work well, particularly so given that these are on-ear headphones, but they aren’t going to be quite as robust as what you'll find in flagship Bose or Sony headphones – Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), I'm looking at you… 

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 headphones on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: Design

  • Cool if not quite premium old-school Aviator aesthetic
  • Foldable with soft case
  • Very long battery life

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 100’s design are notable in comparison to other headphones not only because they’re on-ear as opposed to over-ear (as the majority of $200+ headphones tend to be these days), but because they sport an old aviator-style aesthetic that is marked contrast from the competition.

Of course, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 aren’t the only aviator-inspired on-ear headphones out there. The Master and Dynamic MH40 already fit the bill (see the heritage MW50 Wireless too), but are also often double the price. Unlike those M&D headphones, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 are half metal and half molded plastic, which keeps them from feeling as premium on my ears as they look in their advertising images. Still, whether you get the black, brown, or cream colorway, they do have quite the vibe.

Filling out the look are the removable ear cups and headband padding. Both have a relatively plush feel and are covered in what I can only assume is some kind of pleather-type material.

On that note, the feel and fit is comfortable. There is plenty of adjustment for different size heads via the ear cup yokes and that padding is soft enough that I’m able to wear the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 for long listening sessions without feeling fatigued. They do sit a little tight on the head initially, but this can be stretched out.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 headphones on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

The controls all sit on the right earcup (left and right are marked on the cloth inside the earcups) and consist of a volume up, action, volume down, and power / bluetooth pairing button. And they responded quickly and accurately, whether I’m adjusting the volume or pressing the action button twice to go to the next track.

One thing I appreciate about the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 is that they’ve been designed for easy travel. They not only come with a soft traveling case and USB and Aux cables (the former for charging), but have foldable ear cups so that they take up less space. That makes these much more attractive for those who travel light like myself over something like their big brother, the Aventho 300, or even bigger headphones like the Apple Airpods Max or Sony WH-1000XM6.

Lastly, the battery life on the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 is quite impressive. With ANC on, they still last 40 hours, and without, can last 60 without needing a recharge. Plus, if for some reason you get really low, 15 minutes of charging turns into 15 hours of playback. That kind of fast charging is very helpful.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 headphones on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: Sound quality

  • Lots of bass
  • Fun, but not very neutral or accurate sound
  • Has low latency for watching media

When using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100, I listened to all sorts of music for a benchmark. This included rock, hip hop, electronic dance to acoustic and jazz. After my extended time with these headphones, I was struck by the amount of low-end the default audio profile has.

In fact, I had to go into the EQ settings in the app and use the “neutral” setting to get a more balanced sound. Simon & Garfunkel's Scarborough Fair doesn’t sound quite as good as Kendrick Lamar's DNA. It’s no surprise then that this setting cuts the bass quite a bit, along with an extreme high-end cut.

Speaking of that high end, the Aventho 100 have plenty of presence, sometimes even sounding a tiny bit harsh (also helped with that neutral setting). Somehow though, they don’t have quite the resolution that I’ve experienced with other Beyerdynamic headphones.

I appreciate that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 support lossless audio, but these are not audiophile-grade listening headphones. I may sound a bit negative on these headphones, but they actually do sound fun to listen to. They’re just not accurate in the way the Aventho 300 are – and I also tested those.

Since many people also use headphones when watching TV and movies, it’s worth noting that these work well with streaming Netflix or Youtube. Not only do they use Bluetooth 5.4 but have a low latency mode available through the app. I didn’t notice any lag or latency when watching something on my phone or computer.

  • Sound quality: 4/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 headphones on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: Value

  • Not overpriced, but not exceptional value, either
  • Significantly cheaper than their big brother
  • Competition at this price will have other compromises

Some headphones punch way above their weight compared to their price tag and some come with a hefty price tag that are only really justified by their name or because they’re marketed as "premium".

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 fit into neither of those categories. At $229.99 / £199.00 / AU$314.00, they’re about what I would expect them to cost. As mentioned, they look cool but are partially molded plastic instead of more premium (and costly) materials. Their sound quality is also fairly middle-of-the-road. Of course, they’re a step down in terms of sound quality from the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, but those have an MSRP of $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640). That’s almost double, and it's not lost on me – because the Aventho 300 do sound better.

I’ve also mentioned the Master & Dynamic MH40, a pair of headphones that takes similar influence from past headphones but use more premium materials, sound a little better, but also cost around $400.

At a similar price point, the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro focus less on style and more on value. They’re also slightly cheaper at $199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$300), though being an Anker product means it will see regular discounts below that price tag. They support high-res audio but aren’t any more detailed than the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100.

  • Value: 4/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 headphones on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100?

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

ANC, transparency mode, and multipoint connectivity are just some of the features on hand, only missing Dolby Atmos support.

4.5/5

Design

The Aventho 100 look cool and fold into a small package, making them fairly portable

4.5/5

Sound quality

The sound quality is good with plenty of bass, but doesn’t sound as detailed as one might hope from this brand.

4/5

Value

They cost about what they should, neither being overpriced or offering a particularly excellent value

4/5

Buy them if…

You want some cool looking on-ear headphones
If you don’t mind the half plastic build, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 look really cool with their throw-back vibes.

You want portability and a long battery life
These headphones last a long time and fold up pretty small making them ideal for on-the-road use.

Don’t buy them if…

You care about audio quality above all else
I feel bad that I keep saying this because they sound good, but you can find other headphones in the same price point with fewer features or stripped down in some other way that sound better.

You want premium
While these look very cool, they still don’t look like the premium headphones that their aesthetic presents them as. This is a small gripe, but worth noting since the Aventho 100 are big on style.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: Also consider

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro
The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are just a little cheaper with a comparable audio quality. There’s plenty of bass and a decent (though not great) amount of detail. They also have have an impressive battery life. Of course, aesthetically, they’re a bit on the chunky side.
Read our full Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300
The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 might be almost double the price, but they offer the kind of pristine audio quality that Beyerdynamic is known for. They’re also a little more feature-filled, mainly including Dolby Atmos, not to mention have a similarly long battery life.
Read our full Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review

How I tested the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100

  • Tested the various features over two weeks
  • Tested with different music as well as video streaming

I spent a week using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 as my daily headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip hop to rock and acoustic music to compare the frequency range and soundstage. I also tested them with streaming video and used the various settings such as ANC, transparency mode, EQ, and multipoint.

After testing, it seems that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 are best suited for those wanting a pair of headphones that look and sound fun.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

  • First reviewed in November 2025
I’ve spent a few weeks with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, and it is simply the best gaming headset I have ever used
1:59 pm | October 24, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: one-minute review

If you’re someone who craves the best in gaming audio and the most performant gaming accessories, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is the only wireless gaming headset you need to consider buying - it is the best I have ever tested, and probably the best gaming headset, period.

While its price tag means it’s more expensive than most of the best gaming consoles, if you’re someone who strives to build the most performant gaming setup, or someone who craves the highest-quality audio for gaming, then the Elite is for you - and boy does it prove to be worth it for that audience.

Its design and build are something I’ve never experienced before, and I simply have no complaints here. The headset is extremely robust with its all-metal frame, and is as comfortable to boot with its super plush leatherette ear pads. All controls and buttons are intuitively placed and a joy to use, with genuinely satisfying motions to the volume wheel and microphone.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset on headset stand in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

The feature set is even more impressive. First and foremost, it really is the first certified Hi-Res (96kHz/24bit) wireless gaming headset on the market, and it’s such a joy to use in all its premium quality audio goodness. This is in no small part provided by its 40mm carbon fiber drivers that are stretched over a brass surround ring inside each cup, and supported by a brilliant GameHub DAC unit, which also offers multiconnectivity and even multimedia play - simultaneously. The brilliant SteelSeries’ Infinity Power battery system returns, and the microphone is now dual-fold with a brilliant boom mic supported by a beamforming built-in mic – taking over automatically whenever the boom one is retracted.

The performance of the Elite is otherworldly when it comes to gaming audio. It’s rich and detailed, with zero harshness or muddiness, and only the best, most rounded and fulsome profiles being directed down your ears at all times. It is relentlessly good. Throw in the fact that you can make it your own audio-wise with the Sonar PC app, or the mobile Arctis App to change things on the fly, and it’s elevated further.

Whether you're looking for a PC gaming headset, PS5 headset, Xbox headset, or even a Nintendo Switch headset, this is the ultimate one to strive for, and one that all other premium gaming headsets should now be measured against. In a similar vein to how I described the Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) premium golf watch I reviewed recently, if you want to go once, go hard, go premium, and go big on a gaming headset, then this is the one.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: price and availability

  • List price: $599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349
  • The most expensive gaming headset I’ve tested, and nearly twice the price of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
  • Offers its own premium, audiophile-grade vision of value

There’s no denying that the SteelSeries Arctis Elite is expensive. At the above price, it’s more than a PlayStation 5 and not that far off a PlayStation 5 Pro either. You could also get two 512GB Xbox Series S consoles for the same price or almost three DualSense Edge controllers. Anyway, it’s expensive, but where does it sit in the market?

In terms of direct competitors at the price point, in the gaming headset market, there are basically none. SteelSeries’ own Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is generally my pick for a premium gaming headset with its $350 / £330 sticker price (though it is often discounted now) - but the Elite comes in at nearly twice the price of that now. Similarly, outside of the SteelSeries ecosystem, it’s also comfortably more than the likes of the audiophile-focused Audeze Maxwell and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, too.

To find direct competitors pricewise, you’re looking to the core audiophile headphone market and products like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, Focal Bathys, and the Elite is still even more expensive than the Sennheiser HD 660S2 as well - and they all, of course, do not feature any gaming headset features or enhancements.

However, and hopefully this review shines light on all the reasons why, I genuinely believe that there is robust value in the Elite if you are the precise audience it is targeting. If you are that ultimate setup gamer, or an audiophile gamer who wants the best gaming audio money can buy above all else, then the Elite is absolutely for you, and you will see and hear the benefits and boosts.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: specs

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

Price

$599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349

Weight

13.4oz / 380g

Drivers

40mm carbon fiber with brass surround

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile

Connection type

Hi-Res wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3 + LE Audio

Battery life

Up to 60 hours (2 x fully-charged batteries), Infinite Power System

Features

Certified Hi-Res audio (96kHz/24-bit) ClearCast Gen 2.X - Retractable Boom Mic and Smart-Switching On-Ear Beamforming Microphone with AI noise rejecting, ANC, Omniplay GameHub (connect four devices simultaneously),

Software

SteelSeries GG/Sonar, SteelSeries Arctis Companion App (iOS & Android)

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: design and features

  • Every part of the build is premium and of superb quality
  • A host of first-ever premium features built into its DNA
  • Two great colorways and a robust but comfortable build, epitomized by the metal frame

Starting off with the obvious, yes, this is another headset cut straight from the same SteelSeries Arctis Nova cloth as many others - at least, in terms of overall aesthetic, shape, and form. Which is fine - if it isn’t broken, why fix it? Instead, enhance it, as the Elite does, by offering a metal frame and hinges made of rolled steel and aluminum for starters.

However, elsewhere, literally every part of the Elite’s design and build looks and feels premium. This includes the volume wheel, which is incredibly satisfying to use, offering a lovely click with each notch you reach. The trademark retractable mic extends and rolls away with a new level of smoothness that I haven’t felt on any headset before, let alone a SteelSeries one, and the comfort of the plush leatherette earpads is something like never before, too.

It also comes in two distinct colorways, with the sage and gold combination being particularly striking and very evocative of the luxurious lifestyle device that SteelSeries is keen to describe the Elite as being. The other obsidian colorway is more familiar on a gaming headset, but the shine of the metalwork of the build gives it a chic edge. The dial on the accompanying GameHub DAC unit matches the gold or obsidian, respectively, of each colorway, too.

Ensuring we cover the necessities, on the left cup, we have the retractable bidirectional, 32KHz ClearCast Gen 2.X boom mic, the mic mute button, the power button (which also acts as the ANC and transparency mode button), the volume wheel (which can also be pressed in to remotely control the GameHub’s function), and audio jack port. On the right cup, we have the Bluetooth button (which controls media on your connected devices too, with a range of different presses) and the secondary beamforming mic, a ClearCast on-ear microphone, to be precise.

Both earcups have the swappable metal plates on the outside that SteelSeries fans will know and love, and they both hide something important, as they do on other headsets from the brand; on the right, it’s the replaceable battery, and on the left, it’s the USB-C port.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

As with Nova Pro headsets, the Elite comes with a DAC unit that connects to your device. The version with the Elite is called the GameHub with OmniPlay and is a beefed-up version of the ones that accompany the Pros, which still offers the way to charge your removable batteries and tinker with settings, but has a trick up its sleeve.

This time, you can connect to all types of consoles or platforms from this one unit, from PC to PlayStation, and from Switch to Xbox - on top of the added Bluetooth connectivity the headset has too. The result is that you can connect up and listen to the audio of four different sources all at the same time - hence the term, OmniPlay. And it really is magic.

Underneath the physical features is where the real magic lies, and one of the most unique things about the Elite, which makes it truly different among its peers. First and foremost are its brand-new drivers: custom-designed 40mm carbon fiber drivers with a brass surround ring. These offer a frequency response of 10-40,000Hz and are at the core of the Elite’s bona fide, certified Hi-Res (24-bit/96kHz) audio offering - a first in gaming headsets.

The ANC onboard is formed of a four-mic hybrid active noise cancellation that features a transparency mode, and complementing that is the mic’s AI noise rejection tech, which is also witchcraft, given how much noise it can block out when in chaotic environments like busy streets and when trains scream past. You’ve also got the brilliant multi-faceted Infinity Power system (two removable batteries, one of which can always be charging in the GameHub, while also offering a USB-C port for quick charging), so you’ll likely never run out of battery, and a convenient method of charging the headset. Plus, Bluetooth codec support is excellent, with the 5.3 version supporting LC3 and LC3+.

I think the only feature missing from such a premium headset package would be a hard case, or at least something more protective than the leatherette one included.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: performance

  • Simply the best gaming audio from a headset I have ever experienced
  • Seamless and abundant connectivity, with a brilliant mic
  • Brilliantly comfy and easy to use, and perfect for all other media

Where do I start? The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite simply excels in every single audio manner, on every platform, and for every media and genre of game you can throw at it. That’s it, I could leave it there.

But I won’t, naturally. In practice, the audio is incredible on the Elite. I can immediately hear a difference from other sets I have to hand, like a SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 or the also excellent Drop + Epos PC38X, and it’s almost certainly better than my Sennheiser HD 550 headphones, which I put above many gaming headsets.

Across all my testing on PC, console, and mobile, the Elite excelled. The world of Ghost of Yotei was alive through audio alone; the chaos of hectic scenes in the Battlefield 6 campaign on PS5 was incredibly bombastic and rich, without ever being muddy or boomy; and the details of Control and Frostpunk 2, to name but two, on PC were a sheer delight.

Technically, the Elite is fully unleashed as a PC gaming headset due to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, sadly, not being able to output at the highest res - though you’ll also need to manually change a setting or two in Windows to ensure your PC outputs in Hi-Res too. Given that Hi-Res edge that the Elite has on PC, it does leave me wondering whether it’s an equally wise investment for someone who exclusively games on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or Nintendo Switch. It feels almost like a disservice to the headset - and the money you spent on it - to leave it tied to any single platform, and maybe more so a console that can’t unleash the full power of the Hi-Res headset.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

However, that really isn’t to say you’ll not be having an awesome, spectacular time on console, so don’t let that put you off either, especially if you’re an audiophile who plays on PS5, for example. As previously mentioned, I still had a breathtaking time on console with the Elite, so you’ll still have a super quality headset for console, and the Elite’s other premium qualities will make it shine.

Away from gaming, as a pair of bona fide enthusiast audiophile headphones, the Elite absolutely holds up. They certainly sound just as good as my Sennheiser HD 550s, and perhaps better, after testing them across a range of music and video. Basically, if you’re at all concerned about how the Elite transposes its gaming audio prowess to other media, don’t be. This was echoed by my time using the Elite out and about as a set of contenders for best headphones on walks or travel; the audio never failed to impress, and the ANC is impressive too.

As with other modern SteelSeries audio devices, you can get even more out of the Elite with the companion app on mobile to give you flexibility and customization options on the fly - great when playing on console. And on PC, you can tap into all the SteelSeries GG and Sonar have to offer to tailor the Elite even more acutely to your preferences if need be.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Should I buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite?

Buy it if...

You want the absolute best gaming headset money can buy
Simply put, if you want the best of the best, then this is the headset to get, no matter your preferred platform; as close to perfection as you’ll get from build quality and feel, to audio quality and feature set.

You’re an audiophile gamer
If you are a gamer who prioritizes your audio, no matter what games you play or how you play them, and crave the highest audio quality money can buy, and you want to remain cord-free, then my advice is simple: buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset.

You want a single, premium solution for all your devices
If you’re looking for a total solution across your consoles, PC, and mobile devices, then the Elite can do it all and be your one, single awesome headset to service each and every one of them - in an exquisitely premium manner.

You want your gaming headset to also be a top pair of headphones
The Arctis Nova Elite headset shines as a pair of everyday headphones as well as for gaming. The ANC is a joy, the headset is supremely comfortable and robust, and you can change your audio preferences on the fly via your phone for music and podcasts, too.

Don't buy it if...

You play on console only and don’t need best-in-class features
If you only play on console and aren’t convinced you’ll be able to make the most of all the class-leading features and Hi-Res audio the Elite offers, then it’s likely not for you.

You’ve already got a quality mid or high-end headset and don’t crave Hi-Res audio
If you have already thrown a bit of cash at your gaming headset in the past few years, and are on the fence about needing Hi-Res audio, then you’re probably fine to skip the Elite - unless you crave one or more of its particular features. Otherwise, it’s an upgrade for a specific range of folk.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Also consider

If the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is either not what you’re after or a bit rich for you, then here are two competitors that might hit the mark.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Audeze Maxwell

Price

$599.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,349

$379.99 / £329.99 / AU$735

$329 / £319 / about AU$450

Weight

13.4oz / 380g

9.5oz / 266g

17.3oz / 490g

Drivers

40mm carbon fiber with brass surround

40mm neodymium

90mm Planar Magnetic

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile

Playstation or Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Mac, Mobile


Connection type

Hi-Res wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio, LC3, LC3+)

Wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (USB-C), Bluetooth 5.3

Wireless (2.4Ghz via dongle), Wired (USB-C & audio jack), Bluetooth 5.3 (LC3plus /

LC3 / LDAC / AAC)

Battery life

Up to 60 hours (2 x fully-charged batteries), Infinite Power System

Up to 60 hours (2 x fully-charged batteries), Infinite Power System

80+ hours

Features

Certified Hi-Res audio (96kHz/24-bit), 40mm carbon fiber, brass ring surround drivers, ClearCast Gen 2.X - Retractable Boom Mic and Smart-Switching On-Ear Beamforming Microphone with AI noise rejecting, ANC, Omniplay GameHub (connect four devices simultaneously)

Companion App, 40mm Neodymium magnetic drivers, 360-degree spatial audio, retractable ClearCast 2.X mic

Detachable hypercardiod mic, beamforming mic with physical and AI reduction, FILTER™ Noise Reduction Technology, embedded Dolby Atmos license (Xbox),

Software

SteelSeries GG/Sonar (PC), SteelSeries Arctis Companion App (iOS & Android)

SteelSeries GG/Sonar (PC)

Audeze HQ (PC)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The closest competitor within SteelSeries' own impressive lineup, the Arctis Nova Pro is a fine choice for those looking for impressive audio and connectivity, while not spending as much money as the Elite demands. A super wireless headset, no matter your platform.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless reviewView Deal

Audeze Maxwell
Offering perhaps the closest wireless audiophile gaming headset experience to the Elite, Audeze’s Maxwell headset is a solid alternative. It still demands a sizable price of admission, but offers excellent audio from its planar magnetic drivers.

For more information, check out our full Audeze Maxwell reviewView Deal

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset in front of a white brick background and on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

How I tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

  • Tested almost daily for nearly five weeks for work, gaming, and on the go
  • Used on PC and PS5 Pro on a wide variety of games, and work and home tasks
  • Compared directly to a set of Sennheiser HD 550 headphones, as well as other gaming headsets

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite has been my daily gaming headset for work and play for around five weeks for review. I have integrated them into both my gaming PC and PS5 Pro setups, as well as used them out and about as a pair of audiophile headphones.

On my RTX 3090 gaming PC (a machine teamed with an Acer Predator X32QFS gaming monitor), where I was able to test the Hi-Res audio after changing a setting in Windows, I played a host of games, including the Titan Quest 2 Early Access build, Frostpunk 2, Control, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3. I also used them extensively for work and video calls.

On console, I primarily tested the Elite with my PS5 Pro, but also with my office setup’s PS5 Slim for good measure. On PS5, I tested the Elite with almost my entire playthrough of Ghost of Yotei, as well as some of Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Battlefield 6, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (the PS5 version) and the Claws of Awaji expansion for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and for multiplayer testing I used the Elite for finishing a Ghost Recon: Breakpoint playthrough with my buddies as well as an Aliens: Fireteam Elite playthrough.

As well as using the Elite as headphones while on dog walks, I also tested them with music and entertainment. I used them as I normally would with the likes of Spotify and YouTube, but also hi-res audio providers like Tidal. During my testing, I was able to compare the Elite to my set of HD 550 headphones as an audiophile headphone reference point, as well as a Drop + Epos PC38X headset, and a SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 headset.

First reviewed September-October 2025

Read more about how we test

Astro A30 review: stellar if not completely out of this world
7:25 pm | February 4, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Astro A30: One-minute review

Astro always aims for the stars, and its latest offering, the Astro A30, is no different. While the brand doesn’t always get there – specifically with its more budget-friendly offerings – the tactic at least gets it to the moon, and that's especially true here. 

The Astro A30 looks great and inherits some of the A40’s customizability. And, it’s a quality purchase as well, delivering in audio performance, comfort, and versatility – even if you do have to pay a slightly hefty price to get it. However, it’s not devoid of shortcomings, although some of those can be remedied by mere EQing, and despite having all the right elements, it doesn’t do enough to really stand out.

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Still, it's great where it matters. It's also among the latest models to join this new breed of gaming headsets that tries to do it all, which I'm absolutely here for, especially since it also means that it could potentially save users money (and perhaps even lower their carbon footprint).

Is the Astro A30 going to win the race to the stars? Probably not, but it’s still a stellar choice and one of the best wireless gaming headsets right now.

Astro A30: Price and availability

  • How much does it cost? $229.99 / £229.99 / $429.95
  • When is it available? Available now
  • Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia
Astro A30: SPECS

Interface: 2.4GHz transmitter, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm aux cable
Platforms: PS5, PC/Mac, Xbox Series X|S
Mic: Removable boom mic, Built-in mic
Surround sound: 3D audio
Weight: 326g

I wish the Astro A30 wasn’t so steeply-priced. At $229.99 / £229.99 / $429.95, it is a hefty purchase for most people, particularly because we’re in the middle of high inflation. That isn’t to say it isn’t worth it because you are getting a versatile pair here that can be used for PC and console gaming, and can moonlight as headphones. 

But, there are other gaming headsets with very similar features and capabilities at a more affordable asking price. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is a terrific example. For just $179 / £174 (about AU$310), it also delivers slightly better sound quality and promises a longer battery life.

If you have cash to spare, however, and are a fan of Astro headsets, like the legendary Astro A50, you might prefer the Astro A30. It’s also a good one to add to your collection if you’ve got one going.

  • Value: 3.5 / 5

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Astro A30: Design

  • Comfortable and customizable but some clamping force
  • Plastic yoke is easily scratched
  • Mobile app support

Personally, I adore the Astro A30’s look and design. I appreciate the uniqueness of its rounded square ear cups since many of the newer releases from Astro’s rivals have gone with an oval design. Plus both its speaker tags and ear cups are magnetically attached so you can swap yours out to match whatever aesthetic you’re currently into.

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

There are things that I wish were better, however. The plastic yoke that attaches the ear cup to the band is easily scratched – so much so, I’ve had to gently remove shaved bits of it whenever I accidentally scrape it against something. And, I tend to be a little OCD about my gear so I’m usually very careful and take good care of them.

On top of that, the Astro A30 has a bit more clamping force than most of the gaming headsets I’ve tested in recent months. Coming from someone with a regular-sized head, that’s saying something. To offset that, I put the headset over my cats’ food bin and kept it there for 24 hours. That seemed to fix the issue.

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

I don’t think either of those things is a massive deal-breaker. Besides, the Astro A30 has a slew of excellent design features that more than make up for those. The memory foam ear cups, for one, are plush, comfortable, and soft to the touch. The physical controls are intuitive and easy to remember. And, the overall fit is great, so as long as you break it in a little, it should stay comfortable for hours.

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Another fantastic feature worth highlighting is the mobile app support. The Astro A30, as I’ve mentioned, isn’t just for PC and console gaming. It moonlights as a great pair of headphones as well, one you can use with your phone, wearables, and tablets to consume other forms of entertainment via Bluetooth. With your phone, you can download the Logitech G mobile app and manage your audio mix, check on battery life, and most importantly, personalize the audio with its five-band EQ.

  • Design: 5 / 5

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Astro A30: Performance

  • EQ and dual-audio mixing
  • Good sub-bass and balanced high end
  • Clear microphones

One cool thing about the Logitech G mobile app is that its five-band EQ, which is available for the Astro A30, is actually pretty powerful. It lets you cut or boost a frequency by 12db, which has allowed me to fix the minor complaints I have about its default audio performance. I could offset the sibilance a little, for example, that’s present at default due to the high end being a little too pronounced. 

Another cool feature here is the dual-audio mixing. Not only does the Astro A30 offer multi-connectivity and multi-platform compatibility, but also lets you hear audio from two different sources at the same time. It does a good job of balancing them as well. I personally don’t have a lot of use for such a feature, but very few gaming headsets offer it so it gives the A30 a bit of an edge.

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Not that it needs extra frills to be great. The Astro A30’s audio performance hardly needs assistance, delivering good sub-bass extension, good mids, and a fairly balanced high end. Listening to tunes like Kendrick Lamar's DNA, Naseebo Lal & Abida Parveen's Tu Jhoom, and Rihanna's Lift Me Up has been enjoyable, though perhaps not perfect.

When listening to music, I’m definitely not getting a lot of rumble here, even with bass-heavy tunes and even when I’m EQing – that rumble is at around the 60Hz frequency, and the mobile app’s EQ band stops at 125Hz. Meanwhile, the high end tends to be a little pronounced so some sibilance appears when listening to things with a bit of sizzle. Finally, there tends to be strong low-mids, so depending on what you’re listening to, things might sound a little muddy.

As far as soundstage goes, the Astro A30 is not the most intimate headset as it feels like there's some distance between the listener and the music. It’s not bad, but it also feels like you're watching musicians from the audience instead of standing on stage or in a small room with them.

You’ll get a slightly different experience when you’re playing your favorite PC games. I’ve found when playing Control, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Rocket League that the lifted high end allows games to sound more detailed and the boosted low-mids make everything sound a little fuller. As for the soundstage, that little bit of distance actually helps immerse you in the game.

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Adding to its versatility – and ability to moonlight as a pair of headphones – is its dual-mic design. The removable boom mic tackles your communications during gaming, while the built-in mic allows you to keep things compact when you’re at the airport or train station. They’re a great pair of microphones too. The boom mic comes through clearly and has decent background noise isolation, despite the frequency range not being very wide and having a little less high end. Meanwhile, the built-in mic has a little more high end, though you will sound farther away and the background noise will come through a little louder.

There’s certainly decent battery life here, giving you about 27 hours of playtime, but honestly, for a pair of headphones that doesn’t have RGB lighting, I expected more. Its longevity seems to extend a bit when on Bluetooth, however.

  • Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Astro A30?

Astro A30 on a lavender desk mat

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

If our Astro A30 review has you considering other options, here are two more gaming headsets to consider...  

Astro A30: Report card

  • First reviewed February 2023

How I tested the Astro A30

When testing PC gaming headsets, I pay very close attention to audio quality, testing its frequencies, volume, soundstage, and sound imaging. Because a lot of gamers prefer a lot of rumble to really get into the most intense moments of their game, I also feel for any rumble a gaming headset can offer. If there's EQ-ing offered via software or app, I play around with that as well, especially if a headset's default sound performance isn't quite on par.

I also don't just test with games; because most gamers use the same headset for watching movies and listening to music, I see how well one fares play other media as well. I also test it with different inputs, especially if it has multi-platform compatibility.

Of course, equally important are a gaming headset's comfort, versatility, build, and mic performance, especially for gamers who stream or play a lot of multiplayer games. If it's a wireless headset like the Astro A30, I test its wireless performance and range.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test