SteelSeries - Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox X|S, and Xbox One - Black $249.99 - Best Buy

how are these?

Sound-wise, they're decent, but many normal audiophile headphones at even $99 will definitely smash these into the ground. There is a 10-band EQ that you can enable that can persist at the hardware level, which I do appreciate. There's also their Sonar software if you use them on PC.

Comfort-wise, I think a 6 or 7 out of 10. They're decent, but definitely not great for larger ears. They have a smaller ear cup compared to some other headphones. The ear pads are comfortable, but can get a bit sweaty.

You get two removable batteries in this system, so you can charge/dock one battery in the actual receiver while the other is in use in the headset. A pretty useful system. Somewhere around 40 hours of use across 2 batteries if I recall correctly.

ANC is alright, nothing to write home about. Same with transparency mode. Razer Barracuda Pro does a better job with ANC, and the Sony INZONE H9 is above that in terms of ANC performance. This is probably the weakest ANC on recent gaming headsets (that I've tried).

Microphone also decent, not serviceable when its retracted into the headset—so you do need to extend it out in front of your mouth to get any real use out of it. Not really a problem, just don't expect the micr to be a beamforming one like the kind you find on Bluetooth headsets. There is no hardware-persistent EQ for the mic, however. You can apply an EQ through their Sonar software, but that'll only work on PC.

Speaking of Bluetooth, it has it onboard, and you can use it simultaneously with 2.4GHz wireless as well.

Overall, one of the better headsets I've personally tested, but not a knock in the park that I think it should be considering the price you're paying.

I have a friend that's willing to drop up to $250 on a gaming headset but absolutely needs it to be white. Looking for ANC, wireless, retractable mic, and great sound quality (or at least the best given the other requirements). Any recommendations?

Skins maybe? I have good experience with them myself.

Dbrand, MightySkins, etc.

Unfortunately, they also refuse to use skins. Wish they would as it'd make it a lot easier to get them a headset.

I've seen the Arctis 7+ White thrown around. Is that as good as it's going to get?

Unfortunately, they also refuse to use skins. Wish they would as it'd make it a lot easier to get them a headset.

I've seen the Arctis 7+ White thrown around. Is that as good as it's going to get?

If you must get white, then yes. That is the absolute best its going to get if you're only looking at Steelseries.

If your pal is willing to look at other brands, a whole plethora of options avails itself.

Such as the new Astro A30s, or perhaps the white Razer Blackshark V2 pros. Just be sure to check reviews of course, so you know what each pair of cans offer.

I'd go with the Sony H9.

I have a friend that's willing to drop up to $250 on a gaming headset but absolutely needs it to be white. Looking for ANC, wireless, retractable mic, and great sound quality (or at least the best given the other requirements). Any recommendations?

how are these?

Sound-wise, they're decent, but many normal audiophile headphones at even $99 will definitely smash these into the ground. There is a 10-band EQ that you can enable that can persist at the hardware level, which I do appreciate. There's also their Sonar software if you use them on PC.

Comfort-wise, I think a 6 or 7 out of 10. They're decent, but definitely not great for larger ears. They have a smaller ear cup compared to some other headphones. The ear pads are comfortable, but can get a bit sweaty.

You get two removable batteries in this system, so you can charge/dock one battery in the actual receiver while the other is in use in the headset. A pretty useful system. Somewhere around 40 hours of use across 2 batteries if I recall correctly.

ANC is alright, nothing to write home about. Same with transparency mode. Razer Barracuda Pro does a better job with ANC, and the Sony INZONE H9 is above that in terms of ANC performance. This is probably the weakest ANC on recent gaming headsets (that I've tried).

Microphone also decent, not serviceable when its retracted into the headset—so you do need to extend it out in front of your mouth to get any real use out of it. Not really a problem, just don't expect the micr to be a beamforming one like the kind you find on Bluetooth headsets. There is no hardware-persistent EQ for the mic, however. You can apply an EQ through their Sonar software, but that'll only work on PC.

Speaking of Bluetooth, it has it onboard, and you can use it simultaneously with 2.4GHz wireless as well.

Overall, one of the better headsets I've personally tested, but not a knock in the park that I think it should be considering the price you're paying.

I have a friend that's willing to drop up to $250 on a gaming headset but absolutely needs it to be white. Looking for ANC, wireless, retractable mic, and great sound quality (or at least the best given the other requirements). Any recommendations?