Headsets and headphones / Compare
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless
Product A: Microsoft
61 of 161 known
CORSAIR VOID Wireless v2
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
Razer BlackShark V3
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
JBL Quantum 250
Logitech G522 LIGHTSPEED
beyerdynamic MMX 100 wireless
JBL Quantum 520X Wireless
CORSAIR VOID v2 MAX Wireless
Change Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
Compare the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless with
CORSAIR VOID Wireless v2
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
Razer BlackShark V3
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
JBL Quantum 250
Logitech G522 LIGHTSPEED
beyerdynamic MMX 100 wireless
JBL Quantum 520X Wireless
CORSAIR VOID v2 MAX WirelessProduct B: SteelSeries
68 of 161 known
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
CORSAIR VOID Wireless v2
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
ASUS ROG Delta II
Change SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless
Compare the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset with
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
CORSAIR VOID Wireless v2
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
ASUS ROG Delta II55 of 152 fields differ
- 24 different values
- 31 known for one only
- 21 the same
- 76 missing for both
Biggest differences
Each bar uses the scale of all 149 headsets and headphones.
- Quick chargeA: 4hB: 9hSteelSeries is 5 h higher.
- Battery life (claimed, max)A: 20hB: 40hSteelSeries is 20 h higher.
Weight
0 to 400 g
Headset weight
A320g
B260g
All 161 fields
Every value links to where we found it.


General
4 of 8 differ
Series
Not available
Model numbers
61686, 61687, 61688, 61692, 61689, 61690, 61691, 61693, HS40, HS40TX, HS40TXX1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026The 3P rows are 61686 Black, 61687 White, 61688 Aqua and 61692 Lavender. The 3X rows are on the Xbox page. HS40, HS40TX and HS40TXX are the regulatory models from the declarations of conformity.2Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 202661689, 61690, 61691 and 61693. A separate Arctis Nova 3 Wireless for PC edition (61775 and later) and a Fortnite edition appeared in 2026. They are not stored because their hardware match was not checked.4Regulatory filingsupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/37160573591437Read 14 October 2026Regulatory models HS40, HS40TX, HS40TXX.
GTIN / EAN
5707119059510, 810052988429, 5707119059534, 810052988436, 5707119059558, 810052988443, 5707119061315, 810052989266, 5707119059572, 810052988450, 5707119059596, 810052988467, 5707119059619, 810052988474, 5707119061339, 8100529892731Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Each 3P and 3X variant page gives an EAN-13 and a UPC-A in its product data. The EAN-13 is used for the variant row.2Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Variant pages 61689 to 61693 give each EAN-13 and UPC-A.
Announced
Status
Predecessor
Not available
Not available
Successor
Not available
Not available
Launch price (US)
$109.991Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026The press release gives NA 109.99 USD MSRP. The live store price is the same for the black 3P and 3X, and some colours are discounted.3Press releasesteelseries.com/press/155-steelseries-unveils-the-arctis-nova-3-wireless-series-headsets-x-arctisRead 14 October 2026Arctis Nova 3P/3X Wireless: NA 109.99 USD, APAC 109.99. Excludes tax.
Launch price (EU)
Markets
Colours
Design
2 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
Not available
Swivelling ear cups
Not available
Not available
RGB lighting
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available
Drivers and sound
6 of 20 differ
Driver type
Not available
Not available
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
THD (claimed)
Not available
Max input power
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio bit depth
Not available
Not available
DAC
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
Not available
Custom EQ bands
Not available
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.
360° Spatial Audio, Tempest 3D AudioTech, Microsoft Spatial Sound1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Maker spec: 360° Spatial Audio supported. The press release says it is fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound.3Press releasesteelseries.com/press/155-steelseries-unveils-the-arctis-nova-3-wireless-series-headsets-x-arctisRead 14 October 2026
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
3 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
Not available
Bass is emphasised between 100 and 200 Hz and there is a dip between 300 and 600 Hz. Treble peaks sit at 3 to 5 kHz and 8 to 10 kHz with a dip near 6 kHz. The curve changed a lot between fittings.8Measurementsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3x-wireless-review-lost-in-transmission-138951Read 14 October 2026Summary of SoundGuys' measured curve for the Nova 3X replacement retail unit against the SoundGuys house curve. The review says measurements vary a lot between fittings.
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
AMicrosoft Xbox Wireless Headset
Not availableBSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless
| Connection | ANC | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | No | 22.2 |
Battery life (measured, max)
Not available
22.2h
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
Not available
Not available
Microphone
9 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
Not available
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
32kHz1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Maker spec: Microphone Bandwidth 32KHz/16Bit. The press release calls it 32KHz/16bit audio. The route is the wireless connection.3Press releasesteelseries.com/press/155-steelseries-unveils-the-arctis-nova-3-wireless-series-headsets-x-arctisRead 14 October 2026
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
Not available
Flip to mute
Not available
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.
Sidetone
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.
Connectivity
6 of 20 differ
Audio connections
Analog source plugs
Not available
Not available
Cable connector on headset
Not available
Not available
Longest included cable
Not available
Not available
Headset USB plug or port
Audio over USB-C cable
Not available
Not available
Passive wired listening
Not available
Not available
Wireless receiver
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth
Bluetooth codecs
Auracast
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
Not available
Multipoint devices
Not available
Not available
Paired devices remembered
Not available
Not available
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
No1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Maker spec: Quick-Switch Yes (Not simultaneous). Tom's Guide says both sources can play at once on a PS5. The maker value is stored.7Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3x-wireless-review-lost-in-transmission-138951Read 14 October 2026Review: you cannot use the 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections simultaneously, only one at a time.
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, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, iOS, Meta Quest1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Maker compatibility tags for the 3P page: Mac, Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, VR. The 3X page adds Xbox and also keeps PlayStation. Per-platform detail comes from Tom's Guide.2Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 20263X compatibility tags: Mac, Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, VR, Xbox.9Reviewtomsguide.com/gaming/gaming-peripherals/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-wireless-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review: the 3X works with Xbox Series X, Series S and Xbox One. The 3P works with PS5 and PS4. Both work with Switch 2, Switch, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 2.
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 Wireless
| Platform | Connection |
|---|---|
| Windows | 2.4 GHz |
| macOS | 2.4 GHz |
| PS5 | 2.4 GHz |
| Nintendo Switch | 2.4 GHz |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 2.4 GHz |
| Meta Quest | 2.4 GHz |
| Android | 2.4 GHz |
| Android | Bluetooth |
| iOS | Bluetooth |
Source3Press releasesteelseries.com/press/155-steelseries-unveils-the-arctis-nova-3-wireless-series-headsets-x-arctisRead 14 October 2026Release: the small USB-C dongle swaps between Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, Meta Quest, handhelds and USB-C phones and tablets. Bluetooth 5.3 is for mobile and everything else. Android over the dongle and Bluetooth, and iOS over Bluetooth, follow the mobile and USB-C wording.9Reviewtomsguide.com/gaming/gaming-peripherals/steelseries-arctis-nova-3-wireless-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review: the 3P was tested with an OG Switch, Switch 2, MacBook Pro M1 and PS5 Slim through the dongle.
Official licence
Not available
Not available
Battery and charging
7 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
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 Wireless
| Connection | Hours (h) |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | 30 |
| Bluetooth | 40 |
Source1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Maker spec: up to 30 hours on 2.4GHz Wireless or 40 hours on Bluetooth. Test conditions are not stated.3Press releasesteelseries.com/press/155-steelseries-unveils-the-arctis-nova-3-wireless-series-headsets-x-arctisRead 14 October 2026Release: a standard single charge gives up to 30+ hours in 2.4G and up to 40+ hours in Bluetooth.
Battery life (claimed, max)
20h
40h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Charging port
Full charge time
Not available
Quick charge time
Quick charge playback
Use while charging
Not available
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available
Controls
1 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
5 of 11 differ
Headband type
Headband material
Inner steel metal band with foam cushioning1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026Materials row: Headband inner steel metal band with foam cushioning. LG's retailer spec sheet lists Foam, Steel
Not available
Frame material
Not available
Ear cup material
Not available
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
Ear pad attachment
Not available
Not available
Ear pad opening
Not available
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
Software
3 of 3 differ
Companion app
Arctis App (mobile), SteelSeries GG Engine and Sonar (PC)1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Maker software list: Arctis Companion App for iOS 15.6 and Android 9, GG Engine for Windows 8.1 and Mac OS 10.13, GG Sonar for Windows 10.
App platforms
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/headsets/xbox-wireless-headsetRead 20 October 2026Footnote: audio customization via the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows 10/11.
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026
Dimensions and weight
1 of 2 differ
Headset weight
260g(9.2 oz)1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026The product text and press release say 260 g. Whether the boom microphone is included is not stated.3Press releasesteelseries.com/press/155-steelseries-unveils-the-arctis-nova-3-wireless-series-headsets-x-arctisRead 14 October 2026
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
FCC Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (HS40, HS40TX, HS40TXX), UK Declaration of Conformity (HS40, HS40TX, HS40TXX)4Regulatory filingsupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/37160573591437Read 14 October 2026FCC SDoC dated 2025-02-11 for marketing name Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, models HS40, HS40TX and HS40TXX. It is a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, so there is no FCC ID.5Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/37160266900109Read 14 October 2026UK Declaration of Conformity dated 2025-03-12 lists Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 and ETSI EN 300 328 for models HS40, HS40TX and HS40TXX.
In the box
3 of 3 differ
In the box
Arctis Nova 3P Wireless Headset, Arctis Nova 3X Wireless Headset, Compact USB-C Wireless Dongle, USB-C to USB-A Adapter, USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable (1 ft / 0.3m), Microphone Pop Filter1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 2026Box content differs by edition: the 3X box adds a USB-C to USB-A adapter.2Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-3Read 14 October 20263X box content adds the USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Cables included
AMicrosoft Xbox Wireless Headset
Not availableBSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless
| Type | Length (m) | Count |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C to USB-C charging cable | 0.3 | 1 |
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
Not available
Manual
Not available
support.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/37458643882253-Arctis-Nova-3P-Wireless-User-Manual-and-Product-Information-Guide6Owner's manualsupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/37458643882253-Arctis-Nova-3P-Wireless-User-Manual-and-Product-Information-GuideRead 14 October 2026Maker support article Arctis Nova 3P Wireless User Manual and Product Information Guide. The support site blocks agents, so only its title and link were read from search results. The 3X has its own article.
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.