Compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 vs EKSA E1000 Gaming Headset

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

Reviewers distinguish the headset from true active noise cancellation, noting that noise reduction is not on the headset itself but related to microphone processing.

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.

Android compatibility is supported in one WT review that tested the headset with an Android phone.

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.

The WT model has app/software support on PC, with reviewers referencing SoundBase or companion software for sound and mic controls.

Audio-video sync looks strong in the WT evidence, with reviewers citing less-than-30 ms latency and reporting no noticeable lag.

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

Bass generally helps games feel punchy, with reviewers noting strong low-end response, improved sub-bass, and boomy gaming impact, though one review says premium-level sub-bass is missing.

Battery evidence is mixed: one reviewer got only 7-8 hours, while others reported or cited roughly 30-36 hours depending on lighting and use.

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

Bluetooth is not supported on the WT model in the reviewed evidence; reviewers repeatedly say it uses 2.4 GHz wireless instead of Bluetooth.

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

Build quality ranges from cheap-feeling plastic to sturdy-for-the-price construction; WT reviews tend to be more favorable than some wired E1000 reviews.

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.

Physical controls are widely covered and mostly practical, including inline wheels, mute switches, onboard volume wheels, and clear button operation.

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

Cable quality is generally praised for thick, braided, durable, or long cabling, although one review says the wired E1000 cable is too short.

Carry case quality is a small positive, with several reviews mentioning an included pouch, bag, or soft carrying solution.

Charging is straightforward on WT reviews, with USB-C and about 2.5 hours to full charge repeatedly mentioned.

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

Clamping force is a weakness in the wired E1000 evidence, with reviewers saying pressure lands on the ears and can feel tight.

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.

Comfort is highly inconsistent: some reviewers wore it for hours comfortably, but others reported tightness, pressure, hard padding, slipping, or discomfort after longer use.

Connectivity is broad through 3.5mm analog support, but that versatility depends on devices still having a headphone jack.

Connectivity versatility is strong in WT coverage because reviewers mention both wireless and wired use across consoles, computers, and mobile-style devices.

Console use is easy through controllers, but reviewers note console users miss PC-only Sonar tuning and may get weaker sound customization.

Console limitations center on connection mode: wireless is not universal, with Xbox often requiring 3.5 mm and USB-A or PlayStation/PC support being more limited.

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

Design is polarizing: reviewers like the RGB gamer look and visual flair, but some find it cheap, loud, or too obviously gamer-styled.

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

Detachable cable convenience depends on version: the wired E1000 is criticized for a fixed cable, while WT coverage praises the detachable 3.5 mm option.

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

The microphone is not detachable on the reviewed units, although reviewers note it can fold, swivel, or tuck away.

The USB dongle is important to the WT experience, with reviews describing it as supplied, easy to pair, and central to the wireless connection.

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.

Ear cup padding receives mixed-to-positive coverage, ranging from soft, thick, cushiony pads to cheaper-feeling or non-premium memory foam.

Reviewers consistently value the rotating earcups, especially the ability to swivel or lay flat around the neck or in a bag.

Earcup swivel and rotation are clear limitations, with several reviewers saying the cups do not rotate, fold, or adjust ergonomically enough.

Where discussed, earpad removal is treated as easy and useful for replacement or maintenance.

Earpad replacement ease is lightly supported by one video transcript where the reviewer checks the pads and says they are replaceable.

Equalizer customization is strong on PC through Sonar, with reviewers praising detailed EQ and game-tuned sound adjustments.

Equalizer customization is a WT strength on PC, with reviewers noting custom profiles, game/music modes, and tweakable sound settings.

Fit is generally secure and adaptable, but large ears, large heads, hair type, and clamp force can affect reliability for some users.

Fit and seal reliability are mixed: some reviewers report a snug seal, while others note gaps, fixed ear angles, or noise entering through poor alignment.

Frequency response coverage is considered good for the price, with reviewers citing the 20Hz to 22kHz range and measured response as a positive.

Frequency response accuracy receives negative evidence from one review that says all ranges sounded weak and indistinct.

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

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

Headband adjustability is generally positive, with click adjustment, firm fit control, and matching length markers mentioned across reviews.

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

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

Included accessories are strongest on WT reviews, which mention cables, dongle, pouch, manuals, and charging gear, while one wired review found extras sparse.

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

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

The headset includes an integrated boom microphone, with reviews noting rotation, fold-up movement, or a built-in mic arm depending on model.

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.

Microphone impressions are mixed overall: many reviewers praise clear or good-enough voice pickup, but a few find it scratchy, tinny, low-volume, or only suitable for game chat.

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

Microphone noise reduction is one of the better-supported positives, with many reviews saying ENC or the noise-canceling mic reduced background sound and kept voice clearer.

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

Call and chat quality is mixed: several reviewers found it useful for calls or conferencing, while others warned about Discord friendliness, low volume, or limited clarity.

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

Midrange feedback is limited and mixed, with one review hearing muddiness in the mids at lower volume while another says the headset emphasizes low and mid frequencies.

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.

Multi-platform compatibility is a major selling point across reviews, with PC, PlayStation, Mac, Xbox, Switch, mobile, tablets, and wired/wireless use mentioned.

Passive isolation is modest; reviewers repeatedly say outside noise is not blocked strongly.

Passive isolation varies by fit: some reviewers say it blocks outside sound well, while another says noise isolation leaves something to be desired.

Packaging is only lightly discussed, but one unboxing review describes protective packaging positively.

Packaging evidence is limited and modest, with one review describing simple packaging plus a pouch and few extras.

Portability is decent because the headset is light and the earcups lay flat, even though it does not fold into a compact shape.

Portability and foldability are weak because at least one reviewer says the headphones do not fold or rotate.

Positional accuracy is highly mixed: some reviewers pinpoint footsteps well, while others say direction, distance, or competitive cues are weak.

Positional audio is generally good for gaming, with many reviewers hearing footsteps, players, or sound direction clearly, though one review wanted better depth.

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

Preset EQ coverage is positive on the WT model, with gaming, music, FPS, movie, MOBA, and genre presets described.

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

Replaceable earpads are lightly supported by one video review that says the pads are replaceable.

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

RGB customization is a recurring limitation: reviewers like the lighting, but many say it is fixed, not programmable, or only on/off.

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.

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

Setup is mostly simple and plug-and-play, but one WT review says PC pairing instructions were incomplete until using troubleshooting steps.

Sound leakage evidence is limited but favorable in one review, which says the snug fit avoids large gaps where sound can escape.

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

Sound quality is the most divided attribute: some reviews call the E1000 clear, immersive, and good for gaming, while others describe it as muffled, muddy, boxy, or less suited to music.

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

Soundstage is a recurring positive for gaming, with reviewers describing improved, wide, airy sound that helps create a larger sense of space.

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

Spatial audio is a frequent gaming positive, especially when 7.1 or surround mode is enabled, though it is more of a gaming effect than audiophile tuning.

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

Stability evidence is mixed, from one wired review saying the headset feels unstable to WT/wired reviews praising firm clamp or uninterrupted wireless performance.

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

Treble evidence is limited to one review, which says the headset does not reproduce much of the higher frequencies, so treble clarity is not a strength.

USB-C is not part of the Nova 1 package; reviewers point to USB or USB-C alternatives when discussing what it lacks.

USB-C is supported for WT charging in multiple reviews and is presented as the charging port or included charging cable.

Value is one of the strongest themes, especially for buyers wanting a budget wired headset that covers the fundamentals well.

Value for money is generally positive because reviewers repeatedly frame the headset as inexpensive, budget-friendly, or strong for the price, though not always best-in-class.

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

Volume output is mostly strong, with several reviewers saying the headset gets loud or is easy to control, though one PS5 reviewer found the wired model not very loud.

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

Weight comfort is positive in WT reviews, which describe the headset as lightweight, comfortable, or well-distributed despite its size.

Wireless latency is a consistent WT strength, with reviewers citing low-latency 2.4 GHz operation and no noticeable delay in use.

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

Xbox compatibility is possible but limited, with evidence showing wired controller use rather than universal dongle support.