Compare Cooler Master CH351 Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Long-session comfort is mixed: soft pads help, but weight and head pressure are recurring complaints.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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