TLDR Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X Gaming Headset
Pros
- •Exceptional sound quality that especially helps with hearing important gaming cues like footsteps.
- •Comfort is a major win, with extremely soft ear material and a lightweight design that suits long sessions without fatigue—even for glasses wearers.
- •Durable build with lasting volume control and solid overall construction, feeling premium for the price point.
- •Clear, loud audio and strong noise cancellation help competitive gamers focus.
- •Stylish RGB lighting adds a cool aesthetic without compromising comfort, working when connected via USB.
- •Versatile compatibility across Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices, with cables included for various setups.
- •Microphone is reasonably clear and functional, with the convenience of stowing inside the earpiece and adjustable game/chat volume dial.
- •Easy disassembly for cleaning or cable replacement, and cables are detachable for flexibility and replacement.
- •Performs well compared to pricier headsets, providing great value for sound and comfort.
- •Supported by responsive customer service and software apps for tweaking sound and lighting.
Cons
- •Sidetone (hearing your own voice in the headset) is weak and tricky to adjust, often requiring Windows sound settings tweaks.
- •Slight creaking from foam movement can be heard when moving the head—minor but noticeable.
- •Ears may slightly touch the inside fabric, which could bother people with protruding ears.
- •The volume control dial can be accidentally adjusted during gameplay, which may interrupt the experience.
- •RGB lighting only works with USB connection; it doesn’t light up when using the AUX cable.
- •Microphone quality is okay for the price but not exceptional, and some users have reported it breaking or being less durable.
- •Some units initially have communication or AUX cord issues affecting microphone or chat performance.
- •Cable quality, especially the included USB cable, can feel nourable but is replaceable.
- •A few users mention the headset stopped working after short use—likely isolated defects rather than widespread.
Bottom Line
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X Gaming Headset offers an outstanding balance of comfort, sound quality, and features for around $100, making it a smart pick for serious gamers who want great audio without paying premium prices. While the mic and sidetone aren’t mind-blowing and some minor build quirks exist, the overall experience is impressive compared to higher-priced rivals. If you want something equally comfy but with potentially better mic quality, you might look into other SteelSeries Arctis models, but for a versatile, multi-platform headset with signature Arctis sound and solid value, this one is hard to beat.
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