# TLDR Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X Gaming Headset

*Published: 2025-12-26 | Updated: 2025-12-26 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/steelseries-arctis-nova-1x-gaming-headset*

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## Product: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X Gaming Headset
**Brand:** SteelSeries

## 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 non-durable 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.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Exceptional sound quality that especially helps with hearing important gaming cues like footsteps. | Sidetone (hearing your own voice in the headset) is weak and tricky to adjust, often requiring Windows sound settings tweaks. |
| Comfort is a major win, with extremely soft ear material and a lightweight design that suits long sessions without fatigue—even for glasses wearers. | Slight creaking from foam movement can be heard when moving the head—minor but noticeable. |
| Durable build with lasting volume control and solid overall construction, feeling premium for the price point. | Ears may slightly touch the inside fabric, which could bother people with protruding ears. |
| Clear, loud audio and strong noise cancellation help competitive gamers focus. | The volume control dial can be accidentally adjusted during gameplay, which may interrupt the experience. |
| Stylish RGB lighting adds a cool aesthetic without compromising comfort, working when connected via USB. | RGB lighting only works with USB connection; it doesn’t light up when using the AUX cable. |
| Versatile compatibility across Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices, with cables included for various setups. | Microphone quality is okay for the price but not exceptional, and some users have reported it breaking or being less durable. |
| Microphone is reasonably clear and functional, with the convenience of stowing inside the earpiece and adjustable game/chat volume dial. | Some units initially have communication or AUX cord issues affecting microphone or chat performance. |
| Easy disassembly for cleaning or cable replacement, and cables are detachable for flexibility and replacement. | Cable quality, especially the included USB cable, can feel non-durable but is replaceable. |
| Performs well compared to pricier headsets, providing great value for sound and comfort. | A few users mention the headset stopped working after short use—likely isolated defects rather than widespread. |
| Supported by responsive customer service and software apps for tweaking sound and lighting. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Amazon | $59.00  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*