Compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset vs EKSA E1000 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.

Reviewers distinguish the headset from true active noise cancellation, noting that noise reduction is not on the headset itself but related to microphone processing.

Android compatibility is supported in one WT review that tested the headset with an Android phone.

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.

The WT model has app/software support on PC, with reviewers referencing SoundBase or companion software for sound and mic controls.

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

Audio-video sync looks strong in the WT evidence, with reviewers citing less-than-30 ms latency and reporting no noticeable lag.

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 generally helps games feel punchy, with reviewers noting strong low-end response, improved sub-bass, and boomy gaming impact, though one review says premium-level sub-bass is missing.

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 evidence is mixed: one reviewer got only 7-8 hours, while others reported or cited roughly 30-36 hours depending on lighting and use.

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 is not supported on the WT model in the reviewed evidence; reviewers repeatedly say it uses 2.4 GHz wireless instead of Bluetooth.

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 quality ranges from cheap-feeling plastic to sturdy-for-the-price construction; WT reviews tend to be more favorable than some wired E1000 reviews.

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.

Physical controls are widely covered and mostly practical, including inline wheels, mute switches, onboard volume wheels, and clear button operation.

Cable quality is generally praised for thick, braided, durable, or long cabling, although one review says the wired E1000 cable is too short.

Carry case quality is a small positive, with several reviews mentioning an included pouch, bag, or soft carrying solution.

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.

Charging is straightforward on WT reviews, with USB-C and about 2.5 hours to full charge repeatedly mentioned.

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.

Clamping force is a weakness in the wired E1000 evidence, with reviewers saying pressure lands on the ears and can feel tight.

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 highly inconsistent: some reviewers wore it for hours comfortably, but others reported tightness, pressure, hard padding, slipping, or discomfort after longer use.

Connectivity versatility is strong in WT coverage because reviewers mention both wireless and wired use across consoles, computers, and mobile-style devices.

Console limitations center on connection mode: wireless is not universal, with Xbox often requiring 3.5 mm and USB-A or PlayStation/PC support being more limited.

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.

Design is polarizing: reviewers like the RGB gamer look and visual flair, but some find it cheap, loud, or too obviously gamer-styled.

Detachable cable convenience depends on version: the wired E1000 is criticized for a fixed cable, while WT coverage praises the detachable 3.5 mm option.

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 microphone is not detachable on the reviewed units, although reviewers note it can fold, swivel, or tuck away.

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 USB dongle is important to the WT experience, with reviews describing it as supplied, easy to pair, and central to the wireless connection.

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.

Ear cup padding receives mixed-to-positive coverage, ranging from soft, thick, cushiony pads to cheaper-feeling or non-premium memory foam.

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.

Earcup swivel and rotation are clear limitations, with several reviewers saying the cups do not rotate, fold, or adjust ergonomically enough.

Earpad replacement ease is lightly supported by one video transcript where the reviewer checks the pads and says they are replaceable.

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.

Equalizer customization is a WT strength on PC, with reviewers noting custom profiles, game/music modes, and tweakable sound settings.

Fit and seal reliability are mixed: some reviewers report a snug seal, while others note gaps, fixed ear angles, or noise entering through poor alignment.

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.

Frequency response accuracy receives negative evidence from one review that says all ranges sounded weak and indistinct.

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.

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.

Headband adjustability is generally positive, with click adjustment, firm fit control, and matching length markers mentioned across reviews.

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.

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.

Included accessories are strongest on WT reviews, which mention cables, dongle, pouch, manuals, and charging gear, while one wired review found extras sparse.

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.

The headset includes an integrated boom microphone, with reviews noting rotation, fold-up movement, or a built-in mic arm depending on model.

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.

Microphone impressions are mixed overall: many reviewers praise clear or good-enough voice pickup, but a few find it scratchy, tinny, low-volume, or only suitable for game chat.

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.

Microphone noise reduction is one of the better-supported positives, with many reviews saying ENC or the noise-canceling mic reduced background sound and kept voice clearer.

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.

Call and chat quality is mixed: several reviewers found it useful for calls or conferencing, while others warned about Discord friendliness, low volume, or limited clarity.

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 feedback is limited and mixed, with one review hearing muddiness in the mids at lower volume while another says the headset emphasizes low and mid frequencies.

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.

Multi-platform compatibility is a major selling point across reviews, with PC, PlayStation, Mac, Xbox, Switch, mobile, tablets, and wired/wireless use mentioned.

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 varies by fit: some reviewers say it blocks outside sound well, while another says noise isolation leaves something to be desired.

Packaging evidence is limited and modest, with one review describing simple packaging plus a pouch and few extras.

Portability and foldability are weak because at least one reviewer says the headphones do not fold or rotate.

Positional audio is generally good for gaming, with many reviewers hearing footsteps, players, or sound direction clearly, though one review wanted better depth.

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.

Preset EQ coverage is positive on the WT model, with gaming, music, FPS, movie, MOBA, and genre presets described.

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.

Replaceable earpads are lightly supported by one video review that says the pads are replaceable.

RGB customization is a recurring limitation: reviewers like the lighting, but many say it is fixed, not programmable, or only on/off.

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.

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 mostly simple and plug-and-play, but one WT review says PC pairing instructions were incomplete until using troubleshooting steps.

Sound leakage evidence is limited but favorable in one review, which says the snug fit avoids large gaps where sound can escape.

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.

Sound quality is the most divided attribute: some reviews call the E1000 clear, immersive, and good for gaming, while others describe it as muffled, muddy, boxy, or less suited to music.

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 a recurring positive for gaming, with reviewers describing improved, wide, airy sound that helps create a larger sense of space.

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.

Spatial audio is a frequent gaming positive, especially when 7.1 or surround mode is enabled, though it is more of a gaming effect than audiophile tuning.

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 evidence is mixed, from one wired review saying the headset feels unstable to WT/wired reviews praising firm clamp or uninterrupted wireless performance.

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 evidence is limited to one review, which says the headset does not reproduce much of the higher frequencies, so treble clarity is not a strength.

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.

USB-C is supported for WT charging in multiple reviews and is presented as the charging port or included charging cable.

Value for money is generally positive because reviewers repeatedly frame the headset as inexpensive, budget-friendly, or strong for the price, though not always best-in-class.

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.

Volume output is mostly strong, with several reviewers saying the headset gets loud or is easy to control, though one PS5 reviewer found the wired model not very loud.

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 comfort is positive in WT reviews, which describe the headset as lightweight, comfortable, or well-distributed despite its size.

Wireless latency is a consistent WT strength, with reviewers citing low-latency 2.4 GHz operation and no noticeable delay in use.

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 compatibility is possible but limited, with evidence showing wired controller use rather than universal dongle support.