Headsets and headphones / Compare
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Product A: Microsoft
61 of 161 known
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
HyperX Cloud III
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core
Turtle Beach Stealth 500
Logitech G G335
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
CORSAIR VOID Wireless v2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
Change Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
Compare the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 with
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
HyperX Cloud III
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core
Turtle Beach Stealth 500
Logitech G G335
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
CORSAIR VOID Wireless v2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 WirelessProduct B: SteelSeries
75 of 161 known
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
CORSAIR VOID Wireless v2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
ASUS ROG Pelta
Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset
Turtle Beach Stealth 500
Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
Turtle Beach Atlas Air
Razer Kraken V4
Change SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Compare the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset with
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
CORSAIR VOID Wireless v2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
ASUS ROG Pelta
Sony PULSE Elite Wireless Headset
Turtle Beach Stealth 500
Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
Turtle Beach Atlas Air
Razer Kraken V465 of 152 fields differ
- 24 different values
- 41 known for one only
- 19 the same
- 68 missing for both
Weight
0 to 400 g
Headset weight
A320g
B253g
All 161 fields
Every value links to where we found it.


General
5 of 8 differ
Series
Not available
Model numbers
61631, HS-000242Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026Structured data gives SKU 61631 for the black wired model. HS-00024 is the regulatory model number from the product guide.3Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_nova_3_pig_web.pdfRead 11 October 2026Regulatory page prints Model No. HS-00024.
GTIN / EAN
8500141197682Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026Structured data gives UPC 850014119768 and EAN 5707119043670. The Amazon US listing repeats the UPC. Spec rows match the archived launch page.8Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B09ZWMYHCTRead 11 October 2026Amazon US listing for model 61631 gives UPC 850014119768.
Announced
Status
Predecessor
Not available
Not available
Successor
Not available
Not available
Launch price (US)
Launch price (EU)
Markets
Colours
Segment
Design
5 of 7 differ
Form factor
Over-ear6Retailer pageglobal.channelonline.com/colbeta/oetc/Products/overview/M025670782Read 20 October 2026Catalog lists headphone form factor full size. Windows Central describes leatherette ear cups with a tight fit for larger heads. No source uses the word over-ear.7Retailer pagetecisoft.com/products/microsoft-xbox-wireless-headset-blackRead 20 October 2026US reseller listing for SKU TLL-00020 calls it a premium over-the-ear gaming headset with cushioned earcups.
Ear cup enclosure
Not available
Wearing style
Folding
Not available
Flat1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20220823165838/https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026AirWeave Memory Foam text: earcups that fully rotate for easy transport and storage. Read as ear cups that turn flat. SoundGuys says the headset folds flat12Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-review-77788Read 21 October 2026Review: swivel the ear cups for fit, then fold the headphones flat for storage
Swivelling ear cups
Not available
Yes1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20220823165838/https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026AirWeave Memory Foam text: earcups that fully rotate for easy transport and storage.6Reviewpcworld.com/article/1363182/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-gaming-headset-review.htmlRead 11 October 2026Review: fully swiveling earcups.
RGB lighting
Not available
Drivers and sound
10 of 20 differ
Driver type
Not available
Dynamic13Reviewtechpowerup.com/review/steelseries-arctis-nova-3/1.htmlRead 21 October 2026Specifications list: Drivers 40-mm dynamic (neodymium magnet)14Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-nova-3Read 21 October 2026Public header of the review, Methodology v1.5: Transducer Dynamic. Numeric results are behind the RTINGS paywall and were not used
Driver size
Drivers per side
Not available
Not available
Diaphragm material
Not available
Magnet
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Wireless audio transmission band
Not available
Not available
Impedance (passive when specified)
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Not available
Not available
THD (claimed)
Not available
Max input power
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
Not available
Max digital audio bit depth
Not available
DAC
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
No9Maker product pagesupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/8599313013517-Does-Arctis-Nova-3-sound-better-than-Arctis-Nova-1Read 21 October 2026Support article describes the Nova 3 as software-based audio control with custom EQ adjustments through Sonar and GG. The Nova 1 is the model that works without software. SoundGuys says EQ cannot be changed on Steam Deck or Switch12Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-review-77788Read 21 October 2026On Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch the author cannot change EQ with any software, so the EQ lives in GG on the PC and is not stored in the headset
Custom EQ bands
Not available
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available
Spatial audio
2 of 3 differ
Spatial audio support
Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026Spatial Sound technologies like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. DTS Headphone:X may need additional purchases, app downloads and supported hardware.
SteelSeries Sonar 360° Spatial Audio, Tempest 3D AudioTech, Microsoft Spatial Sound1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20220823165838/https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026360° Spatial Audio supported through Sonar. Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound.
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Head tracking
Not available
Not available
Noise cancelling
0 of 10 differ
Active noise cancelling
ANC type
Not available
Not available
ANC microphones
Not available
Not available
Adaptive ANC
Not available
Not available
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
Not available
Not available
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Not available
Conversation detection
Not available
Not available
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Not available
Measured
1 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
Not available
Against the SoundGuys consumer target curve: under-emphasis in the sub-bass and midrange, a boost in the bass range and a boost high up in the treble range. Spatial sound in SteelSeries GG makes the bass more audible and tames the highs12Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-review-77788Read 21 October 2026Review updated 2025-03-06. SoundGuys lab frequency response chart compared with its consumer target curve. No numeric deviations are published
Bass amount
Not available
Not available
Treble amount
Not available
Not available
Deviation from target
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Not available
Measured noise isolation
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured, best)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic quality notes
Not available
Not available
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
Measured battery life
Not available
Not available
Battery life (measured, max)
Not available
Not available
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
Not available
Not available
Microphone
7 of 16 differ
Microphone
Fixed boom1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026Mic design: bendable boom with dual mics. Windows Central says the boom cannot be detached or retracted.8Reviewwindowscentral.com/accessories/headphones-headsets/xbox-wireless-headset-reviewRead 20 October 2026Review: the mic boom cannot be detached and is not retractable, so it is stored as a fixed boom. The boom is bendable per the maker.
Microphone element
Not available
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Not available
Voice microphones
Total microphones
Not available
Not available
Mic frequency response
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
DSP1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026Enhanced auto-mute and voice isolation that reduce background noise for crystal-clear chat. The page does not say how it works. The Xbox Wire post names no AI or DSP either. Stored as dsp because it is processing, and Windows Central says it is not an AI feature8Reviewwindowscentral.com/accessories/headphones-headsets/xbox-wireless-headset-reviewRead 20 October 2026Review: the reviewer would have liked AI-powered active noise suppression instead of the auto-mute, so the mic processing is not AI. Auto-mute detects significant background noise and mutes the mic
Flip to mute
Not available
Mute button
Yes1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026Controls row lists a mute button. Thurrott places it at the bottom of the mic boom on the left side.4Reviewthurrott.com/hardware/314728/xbox-wireless-headset-review-2024Read 20 October 2026Review: one button on the left earcup at the bottom of the mic boom turns the mic on and off.
Mute indicator
LED on mic1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026Mic design row names an illuminated LED on the mic. Windows Central says the LED on the mic shows when the mic is muted.8Reviewwindowscentral.com/accessories/headphones-headsets/xbox-wireless-headset-reviewRead 20 October 2026Review: an LED on the mic itself shows when the mic is actively muted. The maker spec text says the LED is illuminated when the mic is on. Both place the LED on the mic.
LED on mic3Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_nova_3_pig_web.pdfRead 11 October 2026Overview item 4 is the Microphone Mute LED. In the diagram it sits on the tip of the microphone boom. Item 7 is a separate mute button on the ear cup12Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-review-77788Read 21 October 2026Mute button on the back of the left ear cup. The LED on the microphone is red when muted
Sidetone
Yes2Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026Maker page: set and save primary headset sound settings, such as equalizer and mic sidetone, inside the Engine app9Maker product pagesupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/8599313013517-Does-Arctis-Nova-3-sound-better-than-Arctis-Nova-1Read 21 October 2026Support article lists sidetone control as a Nova 3 feature next to custom EQ adjustments, firmware updates and RGB lighting12Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-review-77788Read 21 October 2026Headset comes out of the box with sidetone on. Sidetone can be adjusted in SteelSeries GG
Adjustable sidetone
Yes1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026Thurrott: mic monitoring has three settings in the Xbox Accessories app. Windows Central says its volume is adjustable.4Reviewthurrott.com/hardware/314728/xbox-wireless-headset-review-2024Read 20 October 2026Review: mic monitoring controls how much of your mic audio you hear, with 3 sensitivity settings in the Xbox Accessories app.8Reviewwindowscentral.com/accessories/headphones-headsets/xbox-wireless-headset-reviewRead 20 October 2026Review: onboard mic monitoring with adjustable volume in the Xbox Accessories app.
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available
Not available
Connectivity
10 of 20 differ
Audio connections
Analog source plugs
Not available
3.5 mm TRRS3Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_nova_3_pig_web.pdfRead 11 October 2026Setup page 6: 3.5 mm connection for an Xbox controller uses the USB-C to 3.5 mm analog cable. The guide does not name the pole count. See the Xbox support article10Maker product pagesupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/8600584347533-Does-the-Arctis-Nova-3-work-with-XboxRead 21 October 2026One 3.5 mm plug carries stereo audio and the microphone to the Xbox controller jack, which takes four contacts (TRRS). The article does not name the pole count
Cable connector on headset
Not available
Longest included cable
Not available
Headset USB plug or port
Audio over USB-C cable
Not available
Passive wired listening
Not available
Wireless receiver
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth
Not available
Bluetooth codecs
Not available
Auracast
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
Not available
Not available
Multipoint devices
Not available
Not available
Paired devices remembered
Not available
Not available
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Not available
Base station
Not available
Not available
Latency
None of 2 known
Low latency mode
Not available
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available
Compatibility
2 of 3 differ
Compatible platforms
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, Android, iOS1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026System requirements: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 and mobile devices with Bluetooth. Android and iOS are the Bluetooth mobile platforms. Xbox 360 and PlayStation are not named.
Windows, macOS, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20220823165838/https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026Compatibility list: PC, Mac, Xbox (3.5 mm only, no RGB), PS4 and PS5, Switch, mobile. Multi-Platform USB-C text adds USB-C iPad.
Connection per platform
AMicrosoft Xbox Wireless Headset
| Platform | Connection | Microphone works |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S | 2.4 GHz | Yes |
| Xbox One | 2.4 GHz | Yes |
| Windows | Bluetooth | Yes |
| Android | Bluetooth | Yes |
| iOS | Bluetooth | Yes |
BSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
| Platform | Connection | Microphone works |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | USB | Not available |
| macOS | USB | Not available |
| PS5 | USB | Not available |
| PS4 | USB | Not available |
| Nintendo Switch | USB | Not available |
| Android | USB | Not available |
| iOS | USB | Not available |
| Xbox Series X|S | Analog | Yes |
| Xbox One | Analog | Yes |
Source1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20220823165838/https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026USB-C connects to PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch and mobile. Xbox uses the 3.5 mm analog cable. Microphone support is not stated per platform. The support article on Xbox adds that audio and microphone work over the 3.5 mm cable on an Xbox controller, so microphone_works is stored for the two Xbox rows only.10Maker product pagesupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/8600584347533-Does-the-Arctis-Nova-3-work-with-XboxRead 21 October 2026Xbox works through the controller's 3.5 mm headset jack with the included USB-C to 3.5 mm cable. The article says you can use audio and microphone features on Xbox
Official licence
Not available
Not available
Battery and charging
7 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
Not available
Not available
Swappable battery
Not available
Not available
Batteries included
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
AMicrosoft Xbox Wireless Headset
| Hours (h) |
|---|
| 20 |
BSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Not availableBattery life (claimed, max)
20h
Not available
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Charging port
Not available
Full charge time
Not available
Quick charge time
Not available
Quick charge playback
Not available
Use while charging
Not available
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available
Controls
3 of 6 differ
Controls
Volume control
Game and chat mix
Remappable controls
Not available
Wear detection
Not available
Not available
Voice assistant
Not available
Not available
Comfort and build
7 of 11 differ
Headband type
Headband material
Frame material
Ear cup material
Not available
Ear pad material
Replaceable ear pads
Yes4Reviewthurrott.com/hardware/314728/xbox-wireless-headset-review-2024Read 20 October 2026Review: the leatherette material on the earcups can be removed for cleaning9Reviewpress-start.com.au/reviews/xbox-series-x-reviews/2024/11/11/xbox-wireless-headset-2024-reviewRead 20 October 2026Review: the faux leather earcups can also be taken off and replaced
Yes3Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_nova_3_pig_web.pdfRead 11 October 2026Overview marks the AirWeave ear cushions with an asterisk: find accessories and replacement parts at steelseries.com.5Reviewbasic-tutorials.com/reviews/peripherals/steelseries-arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026Review: all cables and the soft AirWeave Memory Foam ear pads are removable and can be replaced.
Ear pad attachment
Not available
Not available
Ear pad opening
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Ear cushions4Reviewthurrott.com/hardware/314728/xbox-wireless-headset-review-2024Read 20 October 2026Review: earcup leatherette is removable. Press Start says the earcups can be taken off and replaced. No source says the maker sells replacement cushions9Reviewpress-start.com.au/reviews/xbox-series-x-reviews/2024/11/11/xbox-wireless-headset-2024-reviewRead 20 October 2026Review: earcups can be taken off and replaced
Elastic headband, AirWeave ear cushions, USB-C main cable, USB-A extension cable, USB-C to 3.5 mm analog cable3Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_nova_3_pig_web.pdfRead 11 October 2026Asterisked parts: elastic headband, ear cushions and the three cables.
Software
2 of 3 differ
Companion app
App platforms
User firmware updates
Yes9Maker product pagesupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/8599313013517-Does-Arctis-Nova-3-sound-better-than-Arctis-Nova-1Read 21 October 2026Support article lists firmware updates as a Nova 3 feature. A related support article is titled Do I need to update the firmware on my Arctis Nova 312Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-review-77788Read 21 October 2026GG is where you find firmware updates for the headset if any come out14Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-nova-3Read 21 October 2026Changelog of 2023-05-12: RTINGS tested firmware update DSP 0.10.62 / MCU 1.2.0, which users reported fixed popping over USB
Dimensions and weight
1 of 2 differ
Headset weight
Headset dimensions
Not available
Not available
Certifications
1 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Not available
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC ID
Not available
Not available
Other certifications
Not available
EU Declaration of Conformity: RoHS 2.0 (2015/863/EU), EMC Directive (2014/30/EU), LVD (2014/35/EU), REACH (EC) 1907/2006, UK Declaration of Conformity: EMC Regulations 2016, Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, RoHS Regulations 2012, FCC Part 15 Class B, Canada ICES-003 Class B, Japan VCCI Class B, Korea KC R-R-SS4-HS-000243Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_nova_3_pig_web.pdfRead 11 October 2026Regulatory pages 22 to 25: EU Declaration of Conformity (RoHS 2.0, EMC, LVD), REACH statement, UK Declaration of Conformity, FCC Part 15 Class B statement, Canada ICES-003 Class B, Japan VCCI-B, Korea certification R-R-SS4-HS-00024, ACMA, India, Turkey and China RoHS statements. These are maker declarations. No FCC ID is printed
In the box
2 of 3 differ
In the box
Arctis Nova 3 Headset, USB-C to USB-C Main Cable (4 ft / 1.2m), USB-C to USB-A Adapter/Extension Cable (5 ft / 1.5m), USB-C to 3.5mm Analog Cable (4 ft / 1.2m), Product Information Guide1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20220823165838/https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026Box content list on the archived maker page.
Cables included
AMicrosoft Xbox Wireless Headset
Not availableBSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
| Type | Length (m) | Count |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C to USB-C main cable | 1.2 | 1 |
| USB-C to USB-A adapter and extension cable | 1.5 | 1 |
| USB-C to 3.5 mm analog cable | 1.2 | 1 |
Carrying case
Links
Not compared
Product page
Spec sheet
www.microsoft.com/en-gb/d/xbox-wireless-headset/9203q8w23lhn10Maker product pagemicrosoft.com/en-gb/d/xbox-wireless-headset/9203q8w23lhnRead 21 October 2026Microsoft Store UK tech specs tab for the XBOX Wireless Headset. Lists system requirements, Accessories app, virtual surround, battery 20 hours, weight 320 g and warranty
web.archive.org/web/20220823165838/https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-31Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20220823165838/https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 11 October 2026Archived maker page from launch day 2022-08-23. The live page now lists the wired model and the 2025 Nova 3 Wireless family together.
Manual
Not available
EPREL registration number
Not available
Not available
Warranty
0 of 1 differ
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Both are also in the API. Back to all headsets and headphones.