Compare Cooler Master CH351 Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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