Alza discounted the popular SteelSeries headset after several months. It offers decent sound and RGB

Looking for a headset that you can connect with a single cable to your computer, PlayStation, and phone, and that will light up your desk a bit while gaming? The popular SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 has returned to its summer price after four months. With code ALZADNY40, you can buy them on Alza for 1,554 CZK instead of 1,899 CZK, which is even 40% less than the commonly listed price of 2,590 CZK.

Quick summary:
✅ Go for them if you want a lightweight headset for PC or console with an in-app equalizer and don’t mind a cable.
⚠️ Be prepared that customers often criticize the included cable and the SteelSeries GG software can sometimes be troublesome.
💡 For 1,554 CZK, you’re getting headphones with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 at their lowest price since June.

Back at June’s Price

The lowest price before the promotion was 1,899 CZK, according to Alza. With code ALZADNY40, the headphones now cost 1,554 CZK, which is 345 CZK cheaper. The Nova 3 headset was last sold at a similarly low price in June, when we wrote about that discount. Those who missed it in the summer now have a second chance.

What Does It Offer Extra Compared to the Cheaper Nova 1?

A few days ago, we wrote about the discounted Arctis Nova 1 headset, which you can now get on Alza for 1,014 CZK. That one connects only via a classic jack. Nova 3 adds USB-C connectivity and RGB backlighting, but you’ll pay an extra 540 CZK for both. The cable is detachable, and the package also includes adapters for USB-A and a 3.5mm jack.

Via USB-C, you can connect the headphones to a computer, Mac, PlayStation, or Switch, and even to a phone when you’re not gaming. According to the manufacturer, the backlighting can handle 16.8 million colors, and you can synchronize it with other SteelSeries accessories via the PrismSync platform. Those who don’t care for the light show can turn it off with a switch on the right earcup, according to owners.

Lightweight Headphones with a Retractable Microphone

Inside, 40mm drivers are at work, and the manufacturer promises compatibility with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound in Windows. On a computer, you can fine-tune the sound in the SteelSeries Sonar application, which offers a ten-band parametric equalizer and presets that, according to Alza, were prepared by professional gamers.

According to Alza, the headphones weigh 253 grams. The earcups around the ears feature AirWeave memory foam, the headband adjusts in four positions, and the earcups can be rotated flat, allowing the headset to fit into a backpack. The microphone retracts into the earcup when not needed, and ambient noise, including keyboard clicks, is said to be filtered out by artificial intelligence, according to the manufacturer. However, the headphones do not have active noise cancellation for your ears.

Sound Praised, Cable and Software Criticized

On Alza, the headphones have 4.4 out of 5 stars from 109 ratings, are recommended by 83% of customers, and over 2,000 units have been sold. In 32 written reviews, the most frequent praise is for the sound in games, low weight, and comfort even during long gaming sessions. Most owners describe the microphone as clear, but there are exceptions who found it not sensitive enough.

Most complaints are directed at the stiff included cable, which can disintegrate at the connector. Fortunately, it can be replaced. For several people, the USB-C connector directly in the headphones failed after a year or two. The software is also annoying: according to some owners, the SteelSeries GG application switches the sound to speakers by itself, and for some, the microphone doesn’t work after a computer restart until they reconnect the cable. Alza reports a complaint rate of 3.07%.

When to Choose a Different Headset

If you want to play wirelessly, the Nova 3 won’t give you that freedom, and you’ll have to pay extra for a wireless model. Don’t buy them as your main headphones for listening to music; the tuning is aimed at games, and for several owners, music doesn’t sound good in them. And if you don’t want to install or set up anything, the USB connection and application might rather slow you down. In that case, the simpler Nova 1 with a jack will suit you better.

Who Will Benefit from It for 1,554 CZK?

The Arctis Nova 3 will be appreciated mainly by gamers who want a lightweight headset with USB-C, backlighting, and an equalizer and don’t mind occasionally spending time on app settings. For 1,554 CZK with code ALZADNY40, they are back at their June low, and you’ll get them for more than a thousand CZK cheaper than the commonly listed price. Those who want a wireless connection or a headset for music should look elsewhere.

Do you need RGB backlighting on your headset, or will you just turn it off right away anyway?