Compare Turtle Beach Atlas Air Wireless Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1

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.

Reviewers consistently describe ANC as absent rather than a strength; the Nova 1 is a passive, analog wired headset without active noise canceling.

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.

Android and mobile use depends on having a headphone jack or adapter, so compatibility is useful for some phones but limited for modern jackless devices.

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.

The software story is PC-dependent: Sonar can add meaningful EQ and surround tools, but several reviewers note that analog use lacks full app benefits.

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 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.

Bass impressions vary sharply: some hear warm, punchy, or precise low end, while others find it restrained, dull, bloated, or overpowering.

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 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.

Bluetooth is not included; reviewers frame the Nova 1 as a strictly wired analog headset, which avoids wireless hassles but limits wireless convenience.

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.

Build quality is generally considered solid for the price, despite heavy plastic construction, with a few durability reservations around moving or retractable parts.

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.

Controls are simple and usually easy to use, centered on a volume control and mic mute button, though some reviewers dislike the mute feedback or placement.

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

Cable feedback is mixed: the included cable can be good enough, but reviewers criticize short length or proprietary-style replacement concerns.

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

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.

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

Clamp comfort is mixed: several reviewers find the fit secure and tolerable, while others report strong pressure during longer sessions.

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

Comfort is one of the most repeated strengths, especially because of low weight and padding, but a minority of reviewers report heat or discomfort over time.

Connectivity is broad through 3.5mm analog support, but that versatility depends on devices still having a headphone jack.

Console use is easy through controllers, but reviewers note console users miss PC-only Sonar tuning and may get weaker sound customization.

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 design is widely described as simple, sleek, muted, and low-key rather than flashy or premium.

The detachable 3.5mm cable is usually treated as a practical convenience for travel, replacement, and desktop splitter use.

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 microphone is not detachable; reviewers note SteelSeries replaced detachable mic convenience with a retractable design.

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.

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.

Earpad comfort is usually praised for AirWeave fabric and memory foam, although a few reviewers say the cups can get warm or feel low quality.

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.

Reviewers consistently value the rotating earcups, especially the ability to swivel or lay flat around the neck or in a bag.

Where discussed, earpad removal is treated as easy and useful for replacement or maintenance.

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.

Equalizer customization is strong on PC through Sonar, with reviewers praising detailed EQ and game-tuned sound adjustments.

Fit is generally secure and adaptable, but large ears, large heads, hair type, and clamp force can affect reliability for some users.

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.

Frequency response coverage is considered good for the price, with reviewers citing the 20Hz to 22kHz range and measured response as a positive.

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.

Game/chat balance is limited on the hardware itself, though Sonar can provide ChatMix-style audio features on PC.

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.

Headband adjustability is a recurring strength thanks to the ski-goggle style strap, notches, and height-adjustable earcups, though one reviewer disliked hair pulling.

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.

Hinge and yoke durability receive positive notes, especially where reviewers mention reinforced or split-fork construction.

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.

Included accessories are basic but useful, typically a 3.5mm cable and splitter or extension, with stickers mentioned in some boxes.

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

Instrument separation and detail layering are only average; several reviewers note limited separation even when overall sound is enjoyable.

The integrated retractable microphone is a major convenience, tucking into the earcup, though one reviewer reports retraction trouble.

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.

Maximum-volume clarity is mixed, with some reports of distortion or struggle at high volumes and one report of bass holding up loudly.

The microphone is usually seen as good for the price, with praise for clarity but some criticism of pickup level or passable quality.

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.

Microphone noise reduction is mixed: ClearCast and Sonar can help, but some reviewers still report hiss, weak isolation, or background noise.

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.

Voice capture for calls and chat is generally clear and loud enough, with multiple reviewers reporting intelligible or bright vocal pickup.

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

Midrange is usually serviceable to good, with comments ranging from pleasant mids to flatter or less airy vocal reproduction.

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.

Multi-platform support is a clear strength through the 3.5mm connection, spanning PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck, Mac, and mobile devices with jacks.

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.

Passive isolation is modest; reviewers repeatedly say outside noise is not blocked strongly.

Packaging is only lightly discussed, but one unboxing review describes protective packaging positively.

Portability is decent because the headset is light and the earcups lay flat, even though it does not fold into a compact shape.

Positional accuracy is highly mixed: some reviewers pinpoint footsteps well, while others say direction, distance, or competitive cues are weak.

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.

Preset EQ support is a PC-side Sonar strength, with presets for games and genres highlighted by reviewers.

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

Replaceable earpads are supported where mentioned, with removable memory foam pads described as a practical durability advantage.

RGB lighting is absent, which reviewers treat as part of the stripped-down, budget design.

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.

Sidetone and mic monitoring are weak or absent, with reviewers noting no sidetone, no monitoring, or limited mute feedback.

Smudge resistance is only mentioned once, but that review says the black model resists fingerprints relatively well.

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.

Setup is consistently simple because the headset works as plug-and-play analog audio and does not require software for basic use.

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.

Overall sound quality is generally good for the price, with clear and balanced performance, though not premium or consistently detailed.

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.

Soundstage is not wide; reviewers describe it as intimate or not cramped enough to ruin gaming, but clearly limited.

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.

Spatial audio is a meaningful strength when paired with PS5, Windows, Xbox, or Sonar surround features.

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.

Stability is good where discussed, with the headset fitting tightly enough not to slip around.

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.

Treble clarity is inconsistent: some reviewers hear clear or non-abrasive highs, while others cite dips, harshness, or uneven tuning.

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

USB-C is not part of the Nova 1 package; reviewers point to USB or USB-C alternatives when discussing what it lacks.

Value is one of the strongest themes, especially for buyers wanting a budget wired headset that covers the fundamentals well.

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.

Volume output is adequate for some but not outstanding, with one reviewer calling the Nova 1 among the quieter competitors.

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

Weight comfort is a consistent advantage, with many reviews highlighting the 236g-class lightweight build.

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

Xbox compatibility is a clear supported use case through the analog 3.5mm connection, with reviewers repeatedly naming Xbox among compatible platforms.