The Best $100 Gaming Headset in 2026? SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Review
What if you could get a wireless gaming headset that feels premium, sounds great, and doesn’t break the bank? That’s the question I kept asking myself when the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless landed on my desk earlier this year. Now, heading into 2026, with prices often dipping under $100 on deals, this SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 review will tell you if it’s still the best budget wireless gaming headset out there.
Released in mid-2025, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless quickly became a favorite for gamers who want solid features without spending $200+. At around $110 MSRP, but frequently on sale for $90-99, it packs RGB lighting, long battery life, and that signature SteelSeries comfort. I’ve used it for hundreds of hours—FPS marathons, late-night chats, even music while working. Here’s the honest breakdown.
(Above: Clean design shots, RGB glow, and official black variant—looks sharp in any setup.)
Design and Build Quality: Lightweight and Durable
SteelSeries nailed the look. The Arctis Nova 3 has that clean, gamer aesthetic with subtle RGB zones on the ear cups. It’s not over-the-top flashy, but the lighting syncs nicely with SteelSeries GG software for custom effects.
The build feels sturdy yet super light—at just around 260g, you barely notice it during long sessions. The ski goggle-style headband distributes weight evenly, and the ear cups use breathable AirWeave memory foam.
It comes in variants for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with full multi-platform support via 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth. The retractable mic tucks away cleanly when you don’t need it.
One small gripe: no carrying case included, but at this price, that’s common.
(Close-ups: Retractable mic details, lavender color option, and front view.)
Comfort and Fit: Perfect for Marathon Gaming
If there’s one thing SteelSeries always gets right, it’s comfort. The Arctis Nova 3 comfort is top-tier in the budget category. The adjustable headband and soft ear cushions let you wear it for hours without hotspots or fatigue.
I tested it during 8-hour gaming days, and it never pinched or got sweaty. The passive isolation from the cushions blocks decent background noise without needing ANC, which this model skips to keep costs down.
Tip: If you wear glasses, the flexible band helps a lot. Just adjust the tension gently for the best fit.
For smaller or larger heads, the extendable sliders give plenty of room. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable wireless headsets under $100 I’ve tried.
(Ear cup and headband details—breathable and lightweight.)
Sound Quality: Balanced and Customizable
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 sound quality surprised me in the best way. It uses custom Nova drivers for clear, punchy audio right out of the box.
Bass is solid for explosions in shooters, mids keep voices crisp in team chats, and highs handle footsteps without being harsh. It’s not audiophile-grade, but for gaming, it’s excellent.
The real magic? SteelSeries GG app. You get a full parametric EQ to tweak everything. For example:
- Boost lows for immersive single-player games
- Enhance mids for better dialogue in story-driven titles
- Sharpen highs for competitive FPS like Valorant or Call of Duty
Spatial audio works great on supported platforms, giving you that 360-degree awareness. Pair it with Sonar for virtual surround—free in the app.
Compared to cheaper headsets, the Nova 3 delivers way more detail and width.
Microphone Quality: Clear and Reliable
The retractable ClearCast mic is a highlight. It uses AI noise reduction to cut out background sounds—like keyboard clacks or room echo.
In Discord calls and in-game chat, friends said I sounded natural and clear. No muffled or robotic tone here.
Quick tip: Position it close to your mouth for best results. The mic also has a mute button on the ear cup—super handy mid-game.
For streaming or content creation on a budget, the Arctis Nova 3 mic quality punches above its weight.
(Mic extended and controls close-up—easy access during play.)
Battery Life and Connectivity: All-Day Power
Battery life is impressive. SteelSeries claims up to 40+ hours on 2.4GHz, and in my tests, I got around 35-38 hours with RGB on and moderate volume.
Bluetooth mode stretches it even further for mobile use. And rapid charging? 15 minutes gives you 6 hours—perfect if you forget to plug in.
Connectivity is rock-solid. The USB-C dongle switches seamlessly between PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. Simultaneous Bluetooth lets you mix game audio with phone calls.
Occasional dropouts in crowded Wi-Fi areas, but that’s rare. Firmware updates via GG have improved stability over time.
Controls and Software: Intuitive and Powerful
On-ear controls are simple: volume wheel, chat/game mix dial, power button, and mic mute. Everything feels clicky and precise.
The GG app is a game-changer for budget buyers. Customize RGB, create EQ presets, adjust sidetone (hear your own voice), and even set per-game profiles.
Pro tip: Download community presets for popular games—they save tons of tweaking time.
Arctis Nova 3 vs Competitors
Vs Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The Pro is premium ($300+) with ANC and hot-swap batteries. But for half the price, the Nova 3 gives 80% of the experience.
Vs Razer Barracuda X or HyperX Cloud
Similar price range. Nova 3 wins on comfort and software; others might edge in bass.
Vs Logitech G435
Cheaper alternative, but Nova 3 has better mic and build.
In the 2026 best budget wireless gaming headset lists, the Nova 3 consistently ranks high.
Current Deals and Value in 2026
As of late 2025, deals hit $89-99 on Amazon, Best Buy, and SteelSeries sites—especially post-holidays. Into 2026, expect similar sales.
At under $100, it’s an unbeatable value. The features—like full RGB, app support, and multi-platform wireless—make it feel like a steal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredible comfort for long sessions
- Great customizable sound via EQ
- Solid battery life and fast charging
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Clear mic with noise reduction
- Seamless multi-platform support
- Excellent value under $100 on deals
Cons:
- No active noise cancellation
- RGB drains battery faster
- Dongle is platform-specific in some variants
- App required for full features
FAQ
Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 worth it in 2026?
Yes, especially under $100. It holds up amazingly against newer budget options with comfort, sound, and features.
How good is the Arctis Nova 3 battery life?
Around 35-40 hours in real use. Fast charging makes it reliable for daily gaming.
What’s the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 mic quality like?
Very clear and natural. AI reduction handles noisy rooms well—great for chats and streaming.
Is the Arctis Nova 3 comfortable for long sessions?
One of the best. Lightweight design and breathable cushions prevent fatigue.
Best gaming headset under 100 in 2026?
The Nova 3 Wireless is a strong contender, thanks to wireless freedom and RGB.
How to set up Arctis Nova 3 RGB?
Use SteelSeries GG app—easy presets or full custom colors.
Arctis Nova 3 vs Nova Pro: Big difference?
Pro has ANC and extras, but Nova 3 is plenty for most gamers.
Where to find SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 deals?
Amazon, Best Buy, SteelSeries site—watch for sales dropping it below $100.
Final Thoughts: Still a Budget King in 2026
After all this time, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless remains my go-to recommendation for anyone hunting the best budget wireless gaming headset. The comfort, sound customization, and overall value make it hard to beat—especially when you snag it on sale.
If you’re tired of cheap, uncomfortable headsets but don’t want to spend big, this is it. Heading into 2026, it still feels fresh and competitive.
Spot a deal? Jump on it. Your ears (and wallet) will thank you. Game on!
