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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset

SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset

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Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset ranks #5 in our Best Budget Gaming Headsets Under $75 list. Its biggest strength: works on most platforms via 3.5mm. The main caveat: wired.

Overview

What the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset does well

A lightweight wired headset that works across PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch.

The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Works on most platforms via 3.5mm
  • Very light and comfortable
  • Noise-cancelling mic
  • Spatial audio support

Cons

  • Wired
  • No onboard volume dial on some versions
  • Bass is modest
Fit check

Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming?

Buy it if you're…

  • Shopping for budgets under $75

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Wired
  • No onboard volume dial on some versions
  • Bass is modest
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Budget Gaming Headsets Under $75#5 / 5
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: gaming headsets

  1. Check the exact connection your platform needs: PS5 and PC play well with most USB/2.4 GHz headsets; Xbox requires licensed wireless or wired via controller. Don't assume cross-compatibility.
  2. Larger drivers (50 mm) can move more air for impactful bass, but tuning matters more than millimeters. Look for headsets praised for positional cues in competitive games if you play FPS titles.
  3. Detachable boom mics generally beat integrated ones. If you stream or take calls, prioritize headsets whose mic reviews mention clarity, not just 'good enough for Discord'.
  4. Clamping force, earcup depth, and weight (under ~300 g is comfortable for most) decide whether a headset survives a four-hour session.
  5. 2.4 GHz wireless now matches wired latency for gaming; Bluetooth adds phone convenience but more lag. Wired remains the zero-fuss, zero-charging option.

Read the full guides

Answers

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset: common questions

Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset ranks #5 in our Best Budget Gaming Headsets Under $75 list. Its biggest strength: works on most platforms via 3.5mm. The main caveat: wired.

Who is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset best for?

Based on our research it suits budgets under $75. It's ranked #5 of 5 in our Best Budget Gaming Headsets Under $75 list.

What are the downsides of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: wired; no onboard volume dial on some versions; bass is modest.

What are the best alternatives to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset?

Worth comparing: Corsair HS55 Wireless Core, JBL Quantum 360 Wireless and HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Gaming Headset. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

Why does my headset microphone work on PC but not on PS5?

PS5 has strict USB audio device compatibility requirements. Many PC gaming headsets with USB transceivers are not recognized by PS5 as a microphone input, the audio output works, but the PS5 does not detect the microphone channel. The Sony Pulse 3D Wireless, Astro A50 Gen 4 (with firmware for PS5), and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are confirmed compatible with PS5 microphone input. For headsets not on the compatibility list, use the 3.5mm port on the DualSense controller instead of the USB transceiver, this connects directly to the controller and bypasses the PS5 USB audio compatibility issue.

My headset mic works but sounds terrible, what can I do?

Three improvements require no new hardware. First, position the microphone at the corner of the mouth, not directly in front, this reduces plosives and breath sounds. Second, lower the input gain in Windows if the microphone is loud and distorted, or raise it if it is quiet and thin-sounding. Third, enable software noise suppression: Nvidia RTX Voice, Discord's Krisp-based noise suppression, or OBS's built-in noise gate filter reduce keyboard noise, fan hum, and room echo that make gaming headset microphones sound amateur. These three adjustments improve perceived microphone quality more than most hardware upgrades.

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