Compare Cooler Master CH351 Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset

There is no strong case for active noise canceling here; one included review flatly says the headset is not noise-canceling.

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.

Android support is explicitly listed for the CH351, making mobile pairing part of its intended use case.

Software support is inconsistent in the included reviews, ranging from no companion app at all to optional PC software on another Cooler Master unit.

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.

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

Bass is a recurring strength, delivering weighty explosions and energetic low end without fully burying other cues.

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.

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.

Wireless stability is the CH351's biggest weakness, with persistent static and buzzing reported even during active 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.

Material quality looks decent for the money, though not every component feels equally premium.

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.

Control usability varies sharply, from simple inline buttons on one review unit to a crowded, error-prone earcup layout on the other.

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.

The CH331's permanently attached fabric-wrapped cable is long, practical for desk use and presented as a solid part of the package.

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.

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.

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 mixed: soft pads help, but weight and head pressure are recurring complaints.

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.

Styling lands well in both reviews, whether you prefer playful colorways or a more subdued black-on-black look.

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.

Cable convenience is mixed across the included reviews, with one headset using a removable aux cable and the other a fixed cord.

A detachable boom mic adds welcome flexibility for switching between gaming use and a cleaner everyday setup.

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 CH351 includes a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle, but the wireless experience is undermined by static noise.

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 ear pads are a consistent positive, described as soft faux/protein leather and generally comfortable on the ears.

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.

Cup movement is limited overall; the CH331 cups pivot outward but do not offer especially generous articulation.

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.

EQ customization is weak overall, either missing entirely or present but not especially effective.

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.

The drivers reproduce both heavy bass and finer ambient details well enough to sound convincing, even if the signature is not neutral.

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.

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.

The CH331 offers useful headband extension, giving it enough adjustment range for fit tuning.

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.

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.

The CH351 package is well equipped with a dongle, aux cable and detachable microphone.

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.

The reviews point to good layer separation, making footsteps, ambience and soundtrack elements easier to distinguish.

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.

Microphone functionality is a core feature across the included reviews, even though the exact implementation differs.

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.

The CH351 mic does a notably good job suppressing nearby household noise in the included test.

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.

On the CH351, the detachable mic is clear and loud enough for chat or streaming without sounding thin.

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.

Midrange detail is solid for the class, with dialogue and vocal texture coming through better than a typical one-note budget tuning.

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.

The CH351 stands out for broad platform support across consoles, computers and mobile devices.

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.

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 limited, with one review explicitly noting that room sounds still bleed through.

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.

Portability is not a strength, as the included evidence points to a desk-first design rather than a travel-friendly one.

Preset tuning is not a standout, with profiles either absent or too similar and bass-skewed to feel useful.

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.

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.

RGB lighting exists on the CH331, but control is minimal and limited to basic on or off behavior rather than real customization.

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 easy enough, but the overall experience is weakened by limited customization and, on the CH351, awkward controls.

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.

The included reviews consistently praise big, immersive gaming sound, although the CH351's wireless buzzing drags down the overall experience. Both reviews paint wired operation as a strong scenario, with seamless connection and better overall sound performance.

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.

Wide staging is one of the clearest strengths, helping worlds feel larger and positional cues easier to place.

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.

Spatial or virtual surround performance is a real highlight, adding convincing depth and directionality in games.

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.

On-head stability is only average, with one review noting that the headset can slide around during movement.

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.

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 detail is good enough to keep smaller environmental sounds audible, including birds, crackling fire and distant effects.

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.

USB-C is part of the CH351 setup, appearing in its dongle and port layout.

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.

Volume output is described as lively and forceful, with enough punch to make games and music sound exciting.

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.

Both reviews call the headset noticeably heavy, which becomes more obvious the longer you wear it.

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.

Xbox support is not a strength in the included evidence, and one review specifically steers Xbox shoppers toward other models.

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.