Compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset vs Turtle Beach Atlas Air Wireless Gaming Headset

ANC is effective for steady noises like HVAC, fans, and general room hum, and many find it meaningful for immersion. It is also commonly described as weaker than top consumer ANC headphones and may vary with fit, comfort, or long-term wear. You can toggle ANC and often adjust transparency, but control over ANC strength itself is limited in some reports. Overall, adjustability is seen as useful but not as granular as premium travel headphones.

There is no active noise cancellation. The open-back design prioritizes airflow and natural sound, so it can’t cancel distractions the way closed-back ANC headsets can.

Works on Android over Bluetooth and supports the Swarm II mobile app, but several advanced audio features are PC-centric and mobile options can feel limited.

SteelSeries GG and Sonar are praised for power and depth, especially for audio routing, EQ, and mic processing. At the same time, multiple reviewers complain about updater friction, UI clutter, or limitations on non-PC platforms.

Swarm II provides firmware updates plus access to EQ, mic controls, spatial options, and game/chat features. Stability and feature parity vary by platform, and some users report connection or preset issues.

Reviews that discuss codecs indicate aptX is not supported for Bluetooth playback.

Audio latency is best over the 2.4GHz dongle and 3.5mm wired mode. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening but not ideal when timing is critical.

Bass is typically slightly boosted yet controlled, giving impact for games and music without turning muddy. Several reviewers note it does not become subwoofer-like even with EQ, but it stays punchy and clean.

Bass is generally controlled rather than thunderous. Some reviews find it punchy enough for games, but many note weaker sub-bass and less impact for explosions or bass-heavy music.

Per-battery runtime is commonly cited around 18 to 22 hours, with some reports of higher depending on mode and settings. Even when batteries age, the dual-battery system makes downtime rare. The hot-swappable, replaceable battery system is widely viewed as best-in-class and a primary reason to buy. It effectively eliminates charging downtime and should extend the headset’s usable lifespan.

Battery life is repeatedly praised, usually meeting the advertised ~50 hours and sometimes exceeding it, so most users can go many sessions between charges.

Bluetooth is often stable for basic listening, but multiple long-term users report annoying device switching behavior and occasional glitches or brief distortion. Overall stability is good, yet not flawless across every phone and PC setup.

Bluetooth generally works reliably for calls and media, but it’s higher latency than the 2.4GHz dongle and switching between sources can take a couple seconds. True simultaneous game audio (2.4GHz) plus Bluetooth mixing isn’t supported. You can toggle/QuickSwitch between sources instead.

Build quality is routinely described as premium and sturdy, combining metal structure with solid plastics. Multi-year owners report the headset holds up well with minimal visible wear.

Build is mostly plastic to keep weight low and is generally described as solid and flexible. It doesn’t feel as premium as metal-framed competitors, and the unusual suspension design raises long-term questions for some.

On-head controls are generally praised for being well-spaced, tactile, and easy to find, with a clear mic-mute indicator. A common nitpick is the lack of a quick mute for headset audio on the wireless model.

Controls are mostly on one earcup with a prominent volume wheel. Some find them easy to locate, while others dislike similarly shaped buttons or coarse volume steps.

Pack-in cables are commonly braided, longer than average, and better than typical bundled cables, drawing positive comments across multiple reviews.

The included pouch/bag is useful for scratch protection but isn’t a structured case and offers limited impact protection.

Charging is highly convenient because the base station charges a spare battery while you play, enabling quick swaps. USB-C charging exists for travel, but several reviewers call its placement awkward and use it less often.

USB-C charging is convenient, with multiple reviews citing fast charging (often roughly under a couple hours) and the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.

Clamping is generally described as snug to support isolation and ANC, with many finding it comfortable after break-in. Larger heads or pressure-sensitive users may notice the clamp more than average.

Clamp is typically gentle and glasses-friendly, but the same light clamp can reduce stability for people who move around a lot.

Codec support is treated as functional rather than audiophile-focused, with stability and latency prioritized over high-res Bluetooth features. If you care about premium Bluetooth codecs, this is not the headset’s main strength.

Long-session comfort is a strong point for many thanks to the suspension strap and balanced weight. The most common drawbacks are warm leatherette pads, clamping that may need break-in, and a minority comfort issue tied to the inner ANC mic nub for certain ear shapes.

Comfort is a standout theme: lightweight build, breathable pads, and low clamp keep it easy to wear for hours, especially for glasses wearers.

The design is widely liked for looking sleek and not overly gamer-styled, making it plausible as everyday headphones. Customization options like alternate plates/headbands are also mentioned as a nice bonus.

A restrained, modern look with distinctive open-back grilles and floating cups. It reads more functional than flashy, which some prefer and others find plain.

The retractable boom mic is convenient and keeps the headset looking clean when not in use. Several reviewers note the mechanism can feel stiff, and audio quality is very poor if you try to use the mic fully retracted.

The detachable boom mic and flip-to-mute are convenient for switching between gaming and casual use. A few mention the boom length or ergonomics as minor annoyances.

The base station/DAC is a signature feature that centralizes settings, battery charging, and input switching with an OLED screen. A recurring complaint is that the unit is light, so pressing the knob can require a stabilizing hand.

The included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is the preferred mode for low-latency gaming and tends to be stable, while also enabling the best PC-only audio options.

The pads provide a solid seal and feel plush, but heat buildup is frequently mentioned. Some users also call the stock pads thin or prefer aftermarket options for better depth and comfort.

Earpads are described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, often using fabric rather than pleather to reduce heat. Many note they’re removable for cleaning or replacement.

The earcups swivel enough to help fit and let the headset lay flat, which reviewers appreciate. Wearing it around the neck can feel tight for some users despite the swivel.

The earcups don’t swivel flat, which makes it less convenient to rest around the neck or pack neatly compared with headsets that fold or rotate.

EQ control is a major strength, ranging from simple presets to deep parametric adjustments in Sonar. Several reviewers say EQ changes are clearly audible and can tailor the headset for specific games and music tastes.

A 10-band EQ with custom presets is a core strength (especially on PC). A few reviewers report EQ-related artifacts or odd behavior with non-default profiles.

Measured or described tuning is close to neutral with a modest bass lift and some upper-mid/treble shaping. Most agree it responds very well to EQ if you want to fine-tune accuracy.

Tuning is broadly balanced with a mild upper-frequency emphasis that favors detail and competitive cues. Multiple notes point to less sub-bass than many closed-backs and occasional treble unevenness.

Game and chat balancing is one of the headset’s standout features, available via the base station and supported by Sonar routing. The common caveat is that the chat output path can sound less hi-fi than the main game/media path.

Game/chat mix is typically handled in the companion software rather than with a dedicated hardware dial, which is workable on PC but less convenient mid-game.

Adjustability is improved with telescoping arms and a multi-position suspension strap, helping it fit a wide range of head sizes. Several large-head reviewers explicitly call the new fit more forgiving than older Arctis designs.

Adjustment relies on a suspension/velcro system rather than sliding yokes. It fits many heads well, but it’s less granular and some worry about long-term velcro tension.

Overall construction is viewed as robust, but multiple reviewers still flag plastic hinges/slides as the main long-term durability question. Most concerns are preventative rather than reports of actual failures.

The floating, band-suspended earcup design avoids traditional hinge stress points and feels robust in early use, but it’s unconventional enough that long-term wear remains an unknown.

Included accessories are typically generous for a gaming headset, commonly including two batteries, multiple cables, a pop filter, and a carry bag. Some also mention optional accessory kits for cosmetic customization.

The bundle typically includes the dongle, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, detachable mic (often with a windscreen), and a pouch. Braided cables and overall completeness get frequent praise.

Instrument and cue separation is a highlight, repeatedly praised for pulling out fine details like footsteps and layered music elements. Multiple reviewers describe the sound as precise rather than just loud.

Instrument and layer separation is strong, helping complex mixes and busy game scenes remain distinct rather than blending together.

Reviews that discuss codecs indicate LDAC is not supported for Bluetooth playback.

At very high volumes, the headset is reported to keep bass hits and transients clear without obvious distortion. This is repeatedly cited as a premium trait versus cheaper wireless headsets.

Clarity at high volume is generally strong with little distortion, though a few reports suggest certain EQ modes can introduce artifacts, especially at lower listening levels.

Noise reduction features like ClearCast AI, noise gates, and smart leveling are often effective at cutting fan noise, birds, and keyboard clatter. A few still notice minor wireless artifacts or remaining background hiss depending on settings.

Noise handling is generally good with adjustable noise gates and processing, but some reviewers hear occasional dips or artifacts when noise reduction is too aggressive.

For chat and work calls, the boom mic is generally serviceable to good, especially once Sonar presets and processing are applied. Out of the box, several users describe it as quiet, compressed, or just average for the price.

Mic clarity is above average for a gaming headset, especially over the dongle/high-bandwidth modes. Over Bluetooth it can sound more compressed and less full.

Midrange stays clear enough for dialogue and positional cues, and most do not describe it as muddy. A recurring note is that the secondary chat driver sounds less refined than the main audio driver.

Midrange is typically clear and present, keeping dialogue and key cues intelligible even in busy scenes.

Compatibility is broad across PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile Bluetooth use. Xbox support depends on buying the Xbox-specific version, which also influences how the two USB ports on the base station are labeled/used.

Connectivity is flexible via 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog, covering PC, PlayStation, Switch, and phones well. Xbox support is the main caveat because it isn’t wireless.

The dual-USB base station plus Bluetooth mixing is repeatedly called a standout for reliability and convenience. The main pain points are juggling source volumes and, in some cases, awkward switching between Bluetooth devices or modes.

Passive isolation is strong for a closed-back gaming headset thanks to the leatherette seal. Several users note it remains effective even when ANC performance is only average or turned off.

Passive isolation is minimal by design. Sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, so it’s poorly suited to shared rooms, offices, or commuting.

Preset profiles are widely considered useful, with game-specific options that emphasize cues and clarity. Some presets can sound aggressive or require small tweaks to avoid over-bright or over-scooped results.

The default Signature Sound profile is widely considered the most balanced and reliable. Superhuman Hearing and other presets can sound artificial or overly bright, and some profiles behave inconsistently.

Replaceability is reported inconsistently: some sources describe the stock earpads as not user-swappable, while others treat pad swapping as straightforward and many owners use aftermarket pads. In practice, assume you can refresh comfort, but details may depend on model, pad choice, and how you define replaceable.

Earpads are removable and replacements/mod options are available or expected, which helps hygiene and long-term maintenance.

Sidetone is adjustable through the base station and software, helping you monitor your speaking volume. A few reviewers note it can still feel too quiet even at maximum.

Mic monitoring/sidetone is adjustable and often described as hiss-free, but several reviewers found it too quiet unless set very high or noted it doesn’t feel especially strong.

The magnetic side plates tend to collect dust, fingerprints, and gunk, and some finishes feel easy to scuff. Expect occasional wiping if aesthetics matter.

Basic setup is usually easy, but optimal results often require firmware updates and some Sonar configuration. Several reviewers also note that key Sonar features are PC-centric and may not fully carry over to every console use case.

Setup is straightforward when everything behaves, but multiple reviews mention finicky detection, firmware/update hiccups, or settings that don’t persist, making the experience inconsistent.

Across reviews, sound is consistently described as detailed and competitive for imaging, with a generally balanced tuning. Many note it sounds best after Sonar EQ or presets, but it is still strong out of the box.

Overall sound quality is a highlight: detailed, natural-leaning audio with strong positional clarity. The most common caveats are lighter low-end impact and occasional brightness depending on content and EQ.

Imaging is strong, but the perceived stage is not described as unusually wide. Spatial processing and per-game profiles can make the presentation feel more speaker-like when desired.

Soundstage is notably wide and airy thanks to the open-back cups, creating a speaker-like sense of space that helps immersion and directional awareness in quiet rooms.

Spatial audio is frequently praised for convincing directionality and improved immersion, with support for common platform surround options and Sonar processing on PC. Competitive players like the imaging, while some prefer to dial effects back for pure stereo accuracy.

PC-focused spatial features (often Waves 3D) can add useful directionality, though results vary by game and some listeners prefer it off for the cleanest, most natural presentation.

Wireless performance is often described as rock solid and low-latency, especially on 2.4GHz through the base station. A minority report rare dropouts, glitch noises, or occasional reconnect events over long-term use.

Stability is mixed: it can sit comfortably when you’re stationary, but the light clamp and floating cups may shift with head turns or quick movement.

Transparency can be genuinely useful for hearing the room, but some reviewers find it amplifies noise or adds a bit of hiss. Most treat it as a situational feature rather than something left on all the time.

Treble is usually called clear and detailed without harshness, though some report slight blunting or hissy cymbals on certain tracks. EQ can brighten the top end if you want more sparkle.

Treble tends to lean bright for detail and cue pickup, but several reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance, especially with certain presets or EQ changes.

USB-C connectivity is a big part of the ecosystem, including dual USB inputs on the base station and USB-C charging/update access on the headset. Some users miss the optical input found on earlier generations, but most prefer the modern USB setup.

Charges over USB-C; reviewers treat the USB-C connection as power/charging rather than a full-featured wired audio link.

Overall output is loud with plenty of headroom, and reviewers report it stays composed at higher volumes. A minority mention odd Bluetooth volume stepping depending on the phone/device.

Overall loudness is adequate for many, but multiple reviewers note an odd volume curve or that it needs higher percentage settings to reach their preferred listening level.

Despite being a feature-packed wireless headset, most reviewers find the weight well balanced and comfortable over long sessions. A few note it is not the lightest, but the suspension strap helps prevent pressure hot spots.

Weight is consistently noted as very low for a wireless headset (around 300g), helping it feel almost invisible during long sessions.

When you have the Xbox version, Xbox connectivity is solid and is frequently recommended even for PlayStation-first buyers. The PlayStation version is commonly described as not working with Xbox consoles.

Xbox use is described as wired-only through the controller via 3.5mm, with no native Xbox wireless support.