Compare Turtle Beach Atlas Air Wireless Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2

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 noted the headset lacks active noise cancellation, making this a clear absent feature rather than a strength.

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 support was directly evidenced through USB-C dongle compatibility with Android and smartphones or tablets.

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 app ecosystem was a major strength, with SteelSeries GG, Sonar, and the mobile Arctis app repeatedly praised for control and convenience.

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.

Audio-video sync was context-dependent: Bluetooth lag or sync drift was noted, while the 2.4 GHz dongle avoided the issue.

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 was consistently described as punchy, deep, or immersive, though a few reviewers found it overemphasized or capable of masking subtler cues.

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

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly confirming roughly 50-plus hours or multi-day use.

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 was praised for simultaneous-device use and app access, though codec limits and occasional power or latency quirks kept it from being flawless.

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 was generally strong thanks to the metal headband and solid materials, with a few concerns about controls or plastic finish.

Hi-res playback evidence was limited to one reviewer noting 24-bit/48 kHz support over the dongle.

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.

Physical controls were generally praised for tactile feedback, sensible placement, and quick operation, with one reviewer criticizing cheap-feeling dials.

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

Cable evidence was mostly practical: reviewers liked the included wired and extension options, though one preferred braided sheaths.

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

Carry-case evidence was limited to the included canvas carrying bag, with no deeper durability testing.

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.

Charging was excellent thanks to fast-charge claims and repeated reports that 15 minutes can restore hours of playback.

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

Clamping comfort was mixed: some found the clamp light and comfortable, while glasses wearers reported pressure after longer sessions.

Codec support was weak because multiple reviewers noted Bluetooth is limited to SBC, with no higher-quality codec support discussed.

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

Comfort was one of the strongest areas overall, with most reviewers saying it remained easy to wear through long sessions, though glasses fit varied.

Connectivity versatility was a standout strength, with reviewers praising 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, and broad device support.

Console limitations depend on model choice: the Xbox version is the most universal, while other versions have compatibility tradeoffs.

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.

Design impressions were generally positive, emphasizing a clean, understated, mature SteelSeries look with few flashy gaming cues.

The detachable wired cable option was useful as an analog fallback, especially for controller or console connections.

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 mic is retractable but not detachable; reviewers liked the hidden boom design but confirmed it remains attached.

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 dongle was the most repeated hardware complaint, with reviewers frequently saying its wide shape blocks adjacent ports.

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.

Ear padding was widely praised for soft fabric, foam, pleather sealing, and breathable comfort.

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.

Ear cup rotation and swivel evidence was positive, with reviewers noting rotating cups, full swivel, and easy adjustment.

Earpad replacement evidence was positive, with reviewers noting pads can come off and aftermarket or replacement pads remain compatible.

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 was strong, especially on desktop with parametric EQ, though mobile custom EQ creation was repeatedly limited.

Fit and seal reliability was mixed, with one reviewer praising consistent seal while another reported gaps and pressure.

Footstep-oriented tuning and profiles were useful for competitive play, but too much bass could still interfere with subtle cues for one reviewer.

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 evidence was mixed, with reviewers measuring or hearing bass-forward tuning, midrange recesses, and treble peaks rather than strict neutrality.

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 controls were widely praised for quick multiplayer adjustment, although exact wheel function varies by model and platform.

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 was a strength, with elastic bands, multiple positions, and extendable arms helping fit a range of heads.

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.

Durability evidence focused on the metal frame and durable hinge/headset construction, which reviewers generally trusted.

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 were solid, with reviewers listing useful cables, adapters, the dongle, and a carrying bag.

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

Instrument separation was mixed: some reviewers praised layered game sound, while others found tonal separation or chaotic scenes less clean than higher-end models.

The integrated retractable boom mic was a strong convenience feature, letting the headset work as normal headphones when the mic is hidden.

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.

One reviewer found maximum volume cleaner than the prior model, noting the new unit did not distort at max volume.

The microphone was acceptable for chat but not a highlight; reviewers split between clear enough and noticeably tinny, airy, or midrange.

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.

Noise reduction was a real strength when using ClearCast or Sonar features, with reviewers repeatedly noting reduced 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.

Call and chat intelligibility was usually acceptable or clear, but several reviewers described the mic tone as tinny, limited, or not streamer-grade.

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

Midrange evidence was generally positive for voices and dialogue, but lab-style impressions noted dips or less fullness in some vocal ranges.

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 compatibility was excellent, especially with the right version, covering PC, consoles, mobile devices, and handhelds.

Simultaneous 2.4 GHz plus Bluetooth was one of the most consistently praised features, with most reviewers reporting useful, reliable dual audio.

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 was serviceable but not complete; reviewers said noise was muffled or reasonably reduced, while loud surroundings still came through.

Packaging evidence was positive but limited, with one reviewer describing the package as simple and clean.

Portability evidence was limited but positive, based on the cups rotating flat for desk or neck use.

Positional audio was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly saying footsteps and enemy directions were easy to locate.

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 profiles were widely praised as useful and plentiful, especially for game-specific tuning and console use.

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

Replaceable earpad evidence was positive but limited, based on compatibility with aftermarket pads on the Gen 2.

Replaceable ear plates were positively noted as a cosmetic customization option, though they do not hide functional parts.

RGB lighting customization was not a strength; one review explicitly noted there is no classic RGB lighting.

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 was useful but uneven; some liked the dedicated wheel, while others found high settings loud or hissy.

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 was mostly friendly and plug-and-play, although Sonar and app configuration could feel complex or desktop-dependent.

Sound leakage was mixed: some padding reduced leakage, but another review said sound still bleeds through with a seal.

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.

Reviewers broadly found the headset strong for gaming sound, with good all-around audio and only a few caveats around tuning and driver detail.

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.

The limited soundstage evidence was positive, describing a spacious or three-dimensional presentation for a closed-back gaming headset.

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 support was considered useful for immersion, though a few reviewers preferred stereo or custom tuning for competitive play.

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 evidence was positive but limited, pointing to stable wireless use and no interference in the tested setups.

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 helped with detail and competitive cues, but several reviewers also found it sharp, bright, or potentially tiring without EQ.

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

USB-C support was broadly useful for the dongle and charging, though not every connection type supported direct USB audio.

Value was generally positive at around $200, though some reviewers advised waiting for a sale or considering cheaper alternatives.

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 was generally strong, but the evidence includes warnings about harsh beeps or extreme settings becoming unpleasant.

The only water-resistance evidence says there is no IP rating, so the headset should not be treated as sweat- or water-resistant.

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

Weight comfort was excellent, with reviewers repeatedly calling the headset lightweight or well-balanced despite being around 325 to 326 grams.

Wireless latency over the 2.4 GHz dongle was consistently praised as effectively latency-free or wired-like.

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

Xbox compatibility was strongest on the 7X version, which reviewers repeatedly recommended for cross-platform use.