Average score
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.9
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.8
Active noise cancellation
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
2.5
ANC was a weakness because reviewers noted its absence and framed that omission as disappointing or baffling at this price.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetAndroid compatibility
P1Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
No score yet
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
5.0
Tom's Guide lists Android smartphones among supported devices, so Android compatibility is directly supported in that review.
App
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.4
The app/software was a major value driver because reviewers praised mobile presets, Sonar, GG customization, and usefulness, despite a few complexity complaints.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
1.3
Multiple reviewers note the absence of a companion app or software, making customization limited even though basic use remains simple.
Audio-video sync accuracy
P1Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
No score yet
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
5.0
Two reviewers report no sync or latency issues, including video use, supporting strong audio-video sync behavior.
Bass performance
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.6
Bass feedback was mixed: wireless reviews often praised boom and thump, while several wired or measurement-focused reviews noted restrained sub-bass, boxiness, or less low-end impact.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.3
Bass impressions are mixed: one reviewer had no need to adjust it, others found it tight or bass-heavy, while PCWorld said it lacked punch.
Battery
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.3
Battery life was generally strong for the wireless model, commonly described as enough for days or long sessions, though one lab test found less than the advertised 2.4GHz rating.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
5.0
Reviewers strongly agree battery life is a major strength, repeatedly citing up to 100 hours or 80-100 hours of use.
Bluetooth
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.2
Bluetooth was viewed positively when tested, especially for painless switching, mobile use, and fallback connectivity.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.5
Every review supports Bluetooth capability, with several specifying Bluetooth 5.1 and one citing Bluetooth 5.2 convenience.
Build quality
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.9
Build quality was mostly solid for plastic construction, but reviewers also noted plasticky feel or merely steady construction.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.9
Build quality is mostly positive for the aluminum headband and workmanship, but two reviews note cheaper controls or some flimsy areas.
Built-in DAC and hi-res playback
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.0
The wired model’s USB DAC was useful mainly for extra volume and software access rather than a broad hi-res claim.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetButton control usability
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.9
Control usability was mostly simple and easy, but some reviewers disliked crowded or less intuitive one-hand control layouts.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.3
Physical controls are easy to understand, but reviews also criticize cheap-feeling buttons and coarse volume adjustment.
Cable quality
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
2.3
Cable comments were negative, mostly because reviewers disliked the short charging cable or stiff wired headset cables.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.0
One video review calls the included USB-A to USB-C cable a nice long 2 m cable.
Carry case quality
P1Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
No score yet
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.8
Two video reviews mention a pouch or mesh bag, but evidence is about inclusion and convenience more than premium case quality.
Charging
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.9
Fast charging was one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly praising the 15-minute charge usefulness.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.5
Charging is praised because USB-C charging is available and the headset can be used while charging.
Clamping force comfort
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.0
Clamp comfort was mostly positive, balancing secure fit and comfort, though one review described the fit as tight.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.7
Comfort from clamp is split: some reviewers found pressure well distributed or spot-on, while others found it tight or less comfortable for larger heads.
Codec support
P1Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
No score yet
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
1.5
Basic-Tutorials says high-resolution audio codecs are not supported, indicating weak codec support.
Comfort during long use
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Comfort over long sessions was one of the strongest consensus positives, with many reviewers wearing it for full workdays, long gaming sessions, or glasses use comfortably.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.2
Most reviewers find the headset comfortable over long sessions, though two video reviews warn that it can feel tight for larger heads.
Connectivity versatility
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.4
Connectivity versatility was a clear strength, with reviewers praising broad platform use, USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired options depending on model.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.6
Connectivity versatility is a consistent strength thanks to 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, device switching, and broad platform support.
Console compatibility limitations
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.0
Console compatibility limitations were limited in current evidence; one Switch 2 concern was followed by successful firmware testing.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
1.7
The main console limitation is clear across reviews: no Xbox support, and some reviewers also note no 3.5mm jack.
Design and Aesthetics
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.4
Design and aesthetics were broadly liked, especially the soft color options, clean look, and less aggressive gaming style.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.3
Reviewers describe a simple, subtle, no-frills design with premium-looking elements, generally rating the aesthetic positively.
Detachable cable convenience
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.5
Detachable cable convenience was split between praise for replaceable/removable cables and criticism of a nonstandard aux-style cable.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetDetachable microphone convenience
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.7
Detachable mic convenience was mixed: reviewers liked the cleaner/travel-friendly look, but some preferred retractable mics or worried about losing the boom.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.4
The detachable boom microphone is repeatedly called convenient, with reviewers noting it can be removed, replaced, or popped off for headphone use.
Dongle
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.7
Dongle feedback was mixed: reviewers liked the low-latency, slim, offset design, but some disliked port blocking or lack of onboard storage.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.5
Reviewers repeatedly mention the supplied USB dongle or low-latency USB-A dongle as a core connection option.
Ear cup padding quality
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.2
Ear cup padding was usually praised for memory foam, fabric, breathability, and glasses comfort, though one reviewer found the material hot and not plush enough.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.4
Earcup padding is consistently praised for memory foam, faux/protein leather, breathable mesh, and softness, with one caveat about firmer pads.
Ear cup swivel/rotation range
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.3
Swivel and rotation were praised for comfort, neck wear, and fit flexibility.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetEarpad replacement ease
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.0
Earpad replacement ease was supported by a reviewer calling the pads easily replaceable.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetEqualizer customization
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.3
EQ customization was a strength overall, especially on PC and mobile, although some mobile implementations lacked a true custom equalizer.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
1.8
Equalizer customization is limited: preset modes exist, but reviews repeatedly say there is no app or granular tuning.
Fit/seal reliability
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.0
Fit/seal reliability was a small caveat because one lab review found sound quality sensitive to positioning and fit.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.7
Fit is generally secure, but evidence is mixed for larger heads and ears, where reviewers noted tightness.
Footstep sound level scaling feature
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Footstep-focused preset evidence was positive, with one reviewer saying the preset made footsteps more pronounced in stealth gameplay.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.7
Reviewers repeatedly highlight footsteps and acoustic cues cutting through clearly, especially for competitive shooters.
Frequency response accuracy
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.3
Frequency-response commentary was mixed: the tuning served gaming clarity, but some reviewers found music tonal balance less accurate or less pleasant.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.5
Tom's Guide reports that the headset reproduces nearly every sound accurately, supporting frequency-response accuracy in that review.
Game/Chat balance control
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.0
Game/chat balance was useful where available, though one reviewer disliked the hold-and-wheel implementation compared with a dedicated wheel.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetHeadband adjustability
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.0
Headband feedback was mostly positive for pressure distribution and adjustability, but some reviewers noted sweet-spot or large-head limitations.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.0
One video review directly notes the headset is adjustable, supporting basic headband adjustability.
Hinge durability
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Durability evidence around hinges and arms was positive, with reviewers highlighting flexible construction and stress-resistant support.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetIncluded accessories
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
2.5
Included accessories were a weak point in one review because the included charging cable fell short of expectations.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
5.0
Video reviewers list the included pouch, cable, microphone, wireless receiver, stickers, and manuals as enough to get started.
Instrument separation
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.8
Separation was generally adequate, but one reviewer noted it could feel jumbled during dense action scenes.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetIntegrated microphone
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
The integrated retractable mic on the wired model was praised as convenient and clean when not in use.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.0
Video reviewers describe the headset's microphone being built into or attached to the headset for voice pickup.
Maximum volume clarity
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
One reviewer praised maximum-volume bass clarity, noting thump without distortion.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.5
Tom's Guide says the headset can present both soft footsteps and loud explosions, supporting maximum-volume clarity only in that review.
Microphone
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.1
Microphone feedback was generally good for gaming chat, ranging from exceptional to adequate, with some caveats about fuzziness or headset-like tone.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.8
Microphone opinions vary widely, from fantastic or clear to mixed, thin, or the headset's biggest weakness.
Microphone noise reduction
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.4
Microphone noise reduction was one of the stronger mic-related areas, with multiple reviewers praising barking, room, episode, keyboard, or background-noise suppression.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.2
Noise reduction for the microphone is supported by reviewers who cite reduced background media, keyboard clatter filtering, and decent background rejection.
Microphone quality for calls
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.2
Call and chat voice quality was generally clear, with reviewers reporting adequate Zoom/call performance and clear detailed mic sound.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.8
Call and chat quality is mixed but mostly serviceable, ranging from clear and crisp to thin, tinny, or below average in recordings.
Midrange clarity
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.8
Midrange was usually clear enough for voices and dialogue, though one measurement-focused reviewer found it recessed before tuning.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
2.0
Midrange clarity is a recurring weakness in PCWorld and Basic-Tutorials, both describing mids as flat or lacking detail.
Multi-platform compatibility
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.6
Multi-platform compatibility was one of the strongest positives, especially for the 3X model and cross-console/mobile use.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.4
Multi-platform compatibility is strongly supported across reviews, including PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, phones, and mobile devices.
Multipoint connectivity reliability
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
2.7
Multipoint reliability was a caveat: reviewers liked switching modes, but several criticized the lack of true simultaneous Bluetooth or device limitations.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
1.3
Multipoint is a clear weakness: reviewers say the headset does not support multipoint or simultaneous modes.
Noise isolation (passive)
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.1
Passive isolation was acceptable for quieter rooms but not strong, with reviewers saying it blocked some outside sound while leaving plenty of awareness.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.0
One video reviewer says the closed over-ear design isolates well, supporting passive noise isolation.
Packaging quality
P1Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
No score yet
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.0
One video review describes the packaging as straightforward, clean, and not overloaded with information.
Portability/foldability
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.0
Portability was helped by folding/flat ear cups and an understated look, though this was more prominent on wired or travel-adjacent comments.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.0
Portability evidence is limited to the included mesh bag and the ability to travel with the accessories.
Positional audio accuracy
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.3
Positional audio was a strength for gaming, with many reviewers hearing footsteps, gunfire, reloads, and directional cues clearly.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.6
Positional audio is a major strength, with reviewers citing precise localization, directional cues, and easy location of footsteps.
Preset EQ profile quality
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.4
Preset EQ profiles were repeatedly praised for game-specific tuning and live switching, with only minor caveats that not every preset made a big difference.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
2.6
Preset EQ quality is mixed: some reviews say presets barely change the sound, while others find enough variation or partial help.
Replaceable earpads
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.8
Replaceable earpads were praised for interchangeability and long-term support.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetRGB lighting customization
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.2
RGB customization was mostly praised on wired models as subtle, customizable, and tasteful, with one reviewer saying options were limited.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
1.0
One review directly says there is no RGB, so RGB lighting customization is absent.
Sidetone adjustment quality
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Sidetone quality was a strength in the few reviews that discussed it, especially for real-time, clear monitoring.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetSmudge resistance
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Smudge resistance had limited but positive evidence from one reviewer praising the non-fingerprint-prone ear plate surface.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetSoftware/setup simplicity
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.3
Setup simplicity was mixed: wired setup was plug-and-play, but PC software routing could become confusing.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.8
Setup is simple in the reviews that discuss it, with plug-and-play use and quick readiness after inserting the dongle.
Sound leakage
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
1.0
Sound leakage was the clearest serious drawback, with one reviewer calling leakage shockingly bad even at low volumes.
P2Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
No score yetSound quality
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.4
Reviewers generally liked the sound, especially after EQ, describing it as detailed, immersive, or impressive for the price; a few wired-model notes called the default profile merely fine.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.4
Sound quality is broadly praised for gaming, clarity, immersion, and directional detail, with some limits for richer music or mids.
Soundstage width
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.5
Soundstage was serviceable but not universally expansive, with one review saying it lacked full wraparound immersion and another calling the stage wide enough.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.5
Soundstage is praised by reviewers who describe a wide or clean soundstage and good spatiality for shooters.
Spatial audio
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.4
Spatial audio was praised for gaming immersion and directionality, especially through Sonar or console spatial systems.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.5
Spatial audio evidence is mixed: Tom's Guide praises spatial audio, one video hears spatial sense, while PCWorld notes no surround sound.
Stability
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Stability evidence was positive in one review that said the headset did not slip accidentally.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.8
Wireless stability is strong, with reviewers citing long range, zero dropout, and stable connections across rooms.
Treble clarity
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.4
Treble drew mixed responses: some heard clearer highs, but others found high tones shouty, recessed, or occasionally irritating.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
3.8
Treble is generally clear and useful for cues, though Basic-Tutorials notes preset changes can trade off treble.
USB-C
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.0
USB-C was viewed as a useful upgrade because it enabled better connectivity and subtle sound/software advantages.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.5
USB-C support is well documented for charging, with reviewers noting USB-C charging and a USB-A to USB-C cable.
Value for money
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Value was a strong consensus positive across nearly every review, with reviewers repeatedly calling it a good budget or midrange buy.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.3
Value is positive overall, with reviewers citing a fair price, strong performance for the class, and comparisons to more expensive models.
Volume output
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
3.0
Volume output was a mild weakness in the evidence, with reviewers calling the default output quieter or less efficient than some competitors.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.8
Volume output is strong in reviews that mention it, especially Basic-Tutorials' praise for excellent maximum volume.
Weight comfort
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.8
Weight comfort was a major strength, with many reviewers emphasizing the headset’s lightness and reduced fatigue.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
4.2
Weight comfort is mixed: one reviewer forgot they were wearing it, another liked lightweight comfort, while Basic-Tutorials found it not lightweight.
Wireless latency
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Wireless latency was consistently praised, with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth testing producing low-latency or no-lag impressions.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
5.0
Wireless latency is consistently praised, with reviewers citing latency-free or low-latency dongle use and no delay.
Xbox compatibility
P1
Product 1: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming...
4.5
Xbox compatibility was positive for the 3X variant, though buyers must choose the Xbox-capable version.
P2
Product 2: Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming...
1.0
Xbox compatibility is poor because multiple reviews explicitly say there is no Xbox support or variant.