Compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming Headset vs Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II

ANC was a weakness because reviewers noted its absence and framed that omission as disappointing or baffling at this price.

ANC is unusually effective for a gaming headset, cutting steady hums, appliances, and even nearby construction. A few users report cabin pressure, seal-related rumble, wind weakness, or occasional artifacts.

The Android version of Swarm II mirrors the useful PC controls, letting players adjust headset settings from a phone while using another gaming source.

The app/software was a major value driver because reviewers praised mobile presets, Sonar, GG customization, and usefulness, despite a few complexity complaints.

Swarm II exposes ANC, microphone controls, button mapping, EQ, and device settings on PC and mobile. Its breadth is a strength, but several launch-period users encountered crashes, stalled updates, or transmitter-detection failures.

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.

The dual-driver design produces powerful, physical bass that makes games feel cinematic without always sacrificing detail. The stock tuning can be overly boomy, and extreme boost or ANC behavior may introduce distortion.

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.

Two roughly 40-hour removable batteries make battery anxiety almost disappear, with reported runtime ranging from about 30 to 50 hours per pack. The spare is normally charged and ready before the active one is depleted.

Bluetooth was viewed positively when tested, especially for painless switching, mobile use, and fallback connectivity.

Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio is excellent for calls, music, and gaming at once, with separate volume control. Pairing and call-volume bugs appear in some units, and this is not true multi-device Bluetooth multipoint.

Build quality was mostly solid for plastic construction, but reviewers also noted plasticky feel or merely steady construction.

Most users describe a premium, sturdy mix of metal, soft-touch plastic, fabric, and tactile controls that withstands normal knocks well. Concerns center mainly on the thin suspension mesh and isolated durability complaints.

The wired model’s USB DAC was useful mainly for extra volume and software access rather than a broad hi-res claim.

Certified 24-bit/96kHz playback gives the headset ample detail and headroom over compatible USB connections. Platform caps and subtle real-world differences mean the hi-res badge matters more to PC listeners than every console player.

Control usability was mostly simple and easy, but some reviewers disliked crowded or less intuitive one-hand control layouts.

The physical wheels and buttons are generally tactile, logically placed, and partly remappable. Some find the controls crowded, the volume steps too coarse, or individual functions hard to identify by touch.

Cable comments were negative, mostly because reviewers disliked the short charging cable or stiff wired headset cables.

The rigid fitted case is widely praised for protecting the headset, batteries, dock, mic, and accessories. It feels suitably premium, although its large footprint makes it less travel-friendly than it first appears.

Fast charging was one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly praising the 15-minute charge usefulness.

The compact transmitter dock keeps the spare battery charged and ejects it cleanly for a seconds-long swap. This rotation gives desk users nearly uninterrupted wireless operation.

Clamp comfort was mostly positive, balancing secure fit and comfort, though one review described the fit as tight.

Clamp is comfortable or moderate for many heads and helps maintain a reliable seal. Others experience initial tightness, vacuum-like pressure, or concentrated discomfort, so fit is highly head-shape dependent.

Support for modern Bluetooth codecs such as LC3+ and LDAC can deliver high-quality wireless streams on compatible devices, though availability varies by headset version.

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.

Soft sculpted cushions and good weight distribution let many reviewers wear the headset for full workdays or marathon gaming. Others develop top-of-head pain within an hour or two, making long-session comfort the product’s most divisive trait.

Connectivity versatility was a clear strength, with reviewers praising broad platform use, USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired options depending on model.

CrossPlay switching, dual wireless audio, and optional transmitters make the headset exceptionally flexible across rooms and systems. Extra dongles cost more, only one 2.4GHz stream plays at a time, and some launch setups were unreliable.

Console compatibility limitations were limited in current evidence; one Switch 2 concern was followed by successful firmware testing.

The Xbox model offers the broadest native compatibility, while the PC/PlayStation model cannot connect to Xbox. Game/chat mixing and certain codecs are also tied to the selected version, creating avoidable fine print.

Design and aesthetics were broadly liked, especially the soft color options, clean look, and less aggressive gaming style.

The understated metal-and-fabric design looks far more luxurious and less overtly gamer-like than earlier Turtle Beach headsets. Its large earcups remain bulky, but most reviewers are comfortable wearing it in public.

Detachable cable convenience was split between praise for replaceable/removable cables and criticism of a nonstandard aux-style cable.

Detachable mic convenience was mixed: reviewers liked the cleaner/travel-friendly look, but some preferred retractable mics or worried about losing the boom.

Removing the boom mic quickly converts the headset into a cleaner-looking pair of everyday headphones, while flip-to-mute is usually convenient. A few users prefer retractable designs or trigger mute accidentally when moving the boom.

Dongle feedback was mixed: reviewers liked the low-latency, slim, offset design, but some disliked port blocking or lack of onboard storage.

The included second transmitter is a major convenience for switching between separated systems without moving cables. Expansion units cost extra and have sometimes been unavailable, defective, or unrecognized by Swarm II.

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.

The angled memory-foam cushions are usually described as soft, breathable, plush, and glasses-friendly. A minority find the cloth scratchy or warm, and it isolates less completely than leatherette.

Swivel and rotation were praised for comfort, neck wear, and fit flexibility.

The cups generally swivel and tilt far enough to sit flush or rest comfortably around the neck. One customer found the movement slow enough to make single-ear listening awkward.

An incorrectly seated earpad can cause unwanted ANC noise or rumble. Reinstalling and fully twisting the pad into place resolved the issue in testing.

Earpad replacement ease was supported by a reviewer calling the pads easily replaceable.

The cushions use simple twist locks, making them straightforward to remove and reinstall without tools.

EQ customization was a strength overall, especially on PC and mobile, although some mobile implementations lacked a true custom equalizer.

The onboard-saving 10-band EQ can tame the strong bass and treble or create game-specific profiles. It is effective, though some reviewers want finer bands, more presets, or a truly neutral starting point.

Fit/seal reliability was a small caveat because one lab review found sound quality sensitive to positioning and fit.

The contoured pads and swiveling yokes usually form a secure ANC-friendly seal across varied head shapes. Small heads, unusually large heads, and seal-sensitive users report slipping, pressure, or vacuum sensations.

Footstep-focused preset evidence was positive, with one reviewer saying the preset made footsteps more pronounced in stealth gameplay.

Superhuman Hearing can make footsteps and gunfire more obvious in tactical shooters. Its heavy rebalancing often hollows out music, dialogue, and other effects, so many prefer a custom EQ instead.

Frequency-response commentary was mixed: the tuning served gaming clarity, but some reviewers found music tonal balance less accurate or less pleasant.

The default signature is intentionally V-shaped rather than neutral, emphasizing bass and upper treble while keeping most mids audible. Listeners seeking studio accuracy will need EQ and may still notice uneven low-end character.

Game/chat balance was useful where available, though one reviewer disliked the hold-and-wheel implementation compared with a dedicated wheel.

The dedicated mix wheel is convenient where supported and can be reassigned. Its function depends on the headset version and platform, and mobile control behavior was inconsistent for at least one tester.

The large cushions and ProSpecs relief channels are repeatedly praised for avoiding painful pressure on glasses arms. Even long-session glasses wearers generally report a comfortable fit.

Headband feedback was mostly positive for pressure distribution and adjustability, but some reviewers noted sweet-spot or large-head limitations.

The metal sliders hold their position securely but can require excessive force and are awkward to change while worn. Several users also need frequent repositioning or cannot size the headset down enough.

Durability evidence around hinges and arms was positive, with reviewers highlighting flexible construction and stress-resistant support.

The frame feels robust overall, but one owner added a headband accessory out of concern that the suspension structure might deteriorate over time.

Included accessories were a weak point in one review because the included charging cable fell short of expectations.

The package is generous, with a hard case, two batteries, charging transmitter, second dongle, detachable mic, and cable. Some buyers still wanted another transmitter or charging cable included at this price.

Separation was generally adequate, but one reviewer noted it could feel jumbled during dense action scenes.

The dual drivers usually keep layered effects, music, and ambience distinct, even in busy shooters. Separation can become less convincing in chaotic battle-royale mixes or beside strong open-back and planar competitors.

The integrated retractable mic on the wired model was praised as convenient and clean when not in use.

The built-in beamforming mics are convenient for calls when the boom is removed and provide more discreet public use. They pick up more room noise, sound less polished, and were buggy or inaccessible for some reviewers.

LDAC can provide higher-quality Bluetooth listening, but support is restricted to the PC/PlayStation version rather than the broadly compatible Xbox model.

One reviewer praised maximum-volume bass clarity, noting thump without distortion.

The headset can play very loudly while staying impressively clean in many tests. At the extremes, boosted bass or sharp treble can become distorted, fatiguing, or painful.

Microphone feedback was generally good for gaming chat, ranging from exceptional to adequate, with some caveats about fuzziness or headset-like tone.

The detachable 9mm boom is one of the strongest headset microphones in this class, often described as clear, warm, and suitable for meetings or casual content creation. Some listeners hear thinness or sibilance, and a few launch units suffered severe bugs.

Microphone noise reduction was one of the stronger mic-related areas, with multiple reviewers praising barking, room, episode, keyboard, or background-noise suppression.

AI processing and noise-gate controls can reduce keyboards, chatter, and machinery without heavily damaging speech. It is not always aggressive enough, and some reviewers prefer it off because it flattens the voice.

Call and chat voice quality was generally clear, with reviewers reporting adequate Zoom/call performance and clear detailed mic sound.

Teams, Discord, party chat, and work calls usually sound clear and full through the boom mic. The integrated microphones are less dependable, and one customer experienced unusably low voice volume.

Midrange was usually clear enough for voices and dialogue, though one measurement-focused reviewer found it recessed before tuning.

Mids and vocals are generally detailed despite the strong bass, supporting both games and music well. The stock tuning can recess dialogue in dense scenes or become muddy before EQ correction.

Multi-platform compatibility was one of the strongest positives, especially for the 3X model and cross-console/mobile use.

The Xbox version works across Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch, and mobile, making it the safest all-platform purchase. The PC/PlayStation version is similarly flexible except for its complete lack of Xbox support.

Multipoint reliability was a caveat: reviewers liked switching modes, but several criticized the lack of true simultaneous Bluetooth or device limitations.

The headset mixes one Bluetooth source with one 2.4GHz source, but it does not provide true Bluetooth multipoint. Some users report device-priority confusion or call-volume failures when multiple connections are involved.

Passive isolation was acceptable for quieter rooms but not strong, with reviewers saying it blocked some outside sound while leaving plenty of awareness.

The sculpted cushions create a useful passive seal that blocks a surprising amount of room noise before ANC is enabled. Cloth coverings and imperfect fit can still let voices and sound leakage through.

The dominant view is that this is a flagship headset with exceptional audio, battery convenience, microphone quality, and platform flexibility. The premium price, polarized headband comfort, and early software bugs keep it from being universally safe.

The presentation feels premium and carefully organized, matching the headset’s flagship positioning.

Portability was helped by folding/flat ear cups and an understated look, though this was more prominent on wired or travel-adjacent comments.

The removable mic and restrained styling make the headset usable away from a desk. Nearly 400 grams, deep earcups, and an oversized case prevent it from being genuinely compact travel gear.

Positional audio was a strength for gaming, with many reviewers hearing footsteps, gunfire, reloads, and directional cues clearly.

Most reviewers locate footsteps, gunfire, distance, and movement with excellent precision, especially in tactical shooters. Dense action, low-volume complaints, and a few negative customer experiences show performance is not flawless for everyone.

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.

The built-in profiles provide quick tonal changes and several reviewers enjoy them. Bass-heavy or competitive modes can sound exaggerated or hollow, making custom EQ the more reliable option.

Replaceable earpads were praised for interchangeability and long-term support.

The stock pads can be removed with easy twist locks, simplifying replacement or reseating when the ANC seal is wrong.

Only the battery-side faceplate is removable, so the design does not meaningfully support interchangeable cosmetic plates or broad aftermarket customization.

RGB customization was mostly praised on wired models as subtle, customizable, and tasteful, with one reviewer saying options were limited.

Sidetone quality was a strength in the few reviews that discussed it, especially for real-time, clear monitoring.

Mic monitoring is useful for controlling speaking volume, but current implementation is inconsistent. It can be very quiet, fail to work as expected, or become unavailable when ANC is active.

Smudge resistance had limited but positive evidence from one reviewer praising the non-fingerprint-prone ear plate surface.

Soft-touch surfaces and ridged metal plates readily show oils, dust, and trapped debris, although fingerprints generally wipe away without much effort.

Setup simplicity was mixed: wired setup was plug-and-play, but PC software routing could become confusing.

Basic pairing and source switching are often instant and intuitive out of the box. Firmware updates, first-time CrossPlay configuration, and Swarm II detection caused serious friction for a notable minority.

Sound leakage was the clearest serious drawback, with one reviewer calling leakage shockingly bad even at low volumes.

The breathable cloth cushions do not contain sound as effectively as denser leatherette pads, so some audio can escape at higher levels.

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.

The broad consensus favors rich, punchy, highly immersive sound with strong detail for games, music, and movies. Its stock bass and treble are not neutral, and a minority finds the result muddy, sharp, or inferior to cheaper alternatives.

Soundstage was serviceable but not universally expansive, with one review saying it lacked full wraparound immersion and another calling the stage wide enough.

The closed-back headset creates a surprisingly broad, enveloping stage with strong depth and atmosphere. It still trails good open-back designs in openness, and one customer found it narrower than an older Turtle Beach model.

Spatial audio was praised for gaming immersion and directionality, especially through Sonar or console spatial systems.

Dolby Atmos adds enjoyable height, distance, and environmental detail in supported games and movies. Competitive players may prefer native game audio because virtualization can add reverb or soften precise cues.

Stability evidence was positive in one review that said the headset did not slip accidentally.

The main 2.4GHz link is usually rock-solid, reconnects quickly, and reaches through walls farther than most rivals. Isolated low-battery hiccups, Bluetooth pairing problems, and defective dongles temper that strength.

Transparency mode is useful for hearing family, calls, or surroundings without removing the headset, and its level can be adjusted in the app. On-headset mode control is less flexible than some users expect.

Treble drew mixed responses: some heard clearer highs, but others found high tones shouty, recessed, or occasionally irritating.

Highs are crisp and reveal fine effects, but the stock tuning often pushes them too far. Sensitive listeners report sibilance or painful sharpness, which is usually reduced with EQ.

USB-C was viewed as a useful upgrade because it enabled better connectivity and subtle sound/software advantages.

USB-C supports charging and wired digital playback on compatible PC and PlayStation setups. Wired platform support and included cable types are limited enough that some users will need an adapter.

Value was a strong consensus positive across nearly every review, with reviewers repeatedly calling it a good budget or midrange buy.

At about $350, the headset is undeniably expensive, but enthusiasts often see the money in its audio, ANC, mic, batteries, case, and connectivity. Casual players and comfort-sensitive buyers can obtain solid results for much less.

Volume output was a mild weakness in the evidence, with reviewers calling the default output quieter or less efficient than some competitors.

Output ranges from extremely powerful on some PCs to unexpectedly quiet on PS5 or Bluetooth for several users. Coarse wheel increments and occasional control bugs make level adjustment less consistent than it should be.

Weight comfort was a major strength, with many reviewers emphasizing the headset’s lightness and reduced fatigue.

At roughly 382–396 grams, the headset is objectively heavy, though good cushions and distribution make it feel manageable for many. Others develop head or neck discomfort quickly because the narrow mesh carries too much load.

Wireless latency was consistently praised, with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth testing producing low-latency or no-lag impressions.

The 2.4GHz connection and low-latency Bluetooth options produce effectively immediate game audio, with multiple reviewers reporting no perceptible lag.

Xbox compatibility was positive for the 3X variant, though buyers must choose the Xbox-capable version.

The Xbox version works natively with Microsoft consoles while retaining broad support for PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile. It is the preferred version for buyers who own multiple console families.