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Quick Answer: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P wins on multi-platform compatibility, battery life, microphone quality, and glasses-friendly comfort. The Corsair HS65 Surround wins on hardware surround sound and value for PC-primary gamers. Choose Nova 3P for multi-platform; choose HS65 for PC/PS5 with hardware surround.
Introduction
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P and Corsair HS65 Surround are two of the most recommended gaming headsets in the $100–$120 range for gamers who wear glasses. Both offer wireless connectivity, both have solid microphones, and both target multi-platform players. The Nova 3P is the flexibility pick; the HS65 Surround is the hardware surround sound pick. Here’s where each wins.
Quick Comparison
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P | Corsair HS65 Surround | |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | 2.4GHz + Bluetooth (simultaneous) ✅ | 2.4GHz (USB-A) |
| Battery | 38 hours ✅ | 24 hours |
| Surround Sound | Virtual (software) ✅ | Hardware Dolby Atmos ✅ |
| Microphone | ClearCast Gen 2 (retractable) ✅ | Omnidirectional (fixed) |
| Glasses Comfort | Ski-goggle band (best in class) ✅ | Standard adjustable band |
| PS5 Compatibility | USB-C dongle ✅ | USB-A dongle |
| Switch Compatibility | Docked (2.4GHz) ✅ | No wireless (dongle only for USB) |
| Multipoint BT | Yes ✅ | No |
| Price | ~$100 ✅ | ~$120 |
Multi-Platform Compatibility — Nova 3P vs HS65
The Nova 3P wins decisively. Simultaneous 2.4GHz + Bluetooth means you can play PS5 wirelessly while keeping your phone paired for calls. The USB-C dongle works natively on PS5’s front port. The HS65 Surround requires a USB-A dongle, which connects to the PS5’s rear ports or via a USB hub. Switch compatibility also favors the Nova 3P — the USB-C dongle works in the Switch dock. The HS65 doesn’t wireless on Switch.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P — simultaneous dual wireless, USB-C native, and Switch dock support.
Surround Sound — Nova 3P vs HS65
The Corsair HS65 Surround has hardware-accelerated Dolby Atmos surround sound processing built into the USB dongle — it works on any platform that accepts the USB dongle, no software required. The Nova 3P’s Sonar Virtual Surround Sound is software-only and Windows PC exclusive. For PS5 gamers, the HS65’s hardware Dolby Atmos is a meaningful advantage. For PC gamers, both work fine.
Winner: Corsair HS65 Surround — hardware Dolby Atmos works on PS5 without software.
Battery Life — Nova 3P vs HS65
38 hours vs 24 hours — the Nova 3P has a substantial battery life advantage. Marathon gaming sessions, all-day use, or simply not wanting to think about charging frequency all favor the Nova 3P. The HS65’s 24 hours is solid but not class-leading.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P — 38 hours is among the longest in wireless gaming headsets.
Microphone — Nova 3P vs HS65
The ClearCast Gen 2 on the Nova 3P is a retractable bi-directional mic — it folds away when not needed and deploys with a distinctive noise-cancelling pattern that’s been well-regarded across multiple SteelSeries generations. The HS65’s omnidirectional fixed mic is adequate for game chat but doesn’t match the ClearCast’s clarity in noisy environments or for streaming.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P — ClearCast Gen 2 is the better mic for voice chat and streaming.
Comfort for Glasses Wearers — Nova 3P vs HS65
The Nova 3P’s ski-goggle suspension headband distributes clamping force across the top of the head rather than against the temples — the key pressure point that makes over-ear headsets uncomfortable for glasses wearers. The HS65 uses a conventional adjustable headband that clamps tighter against the sides of your head, which presses your glasses frames into your temples over time. For glasses wearers specifically, the Nova 3P is in a different comfort category.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P — ski-goggle band is purpose-built for glasses comfort.
Use Case Breakdown
Buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P if:
- You wear glasses and need the best glasses-friendly gaming headset
- You game across multiple platforms (PS5 + Switch + PC)
- Battery life matters — you don’t want to charge frequently
- Microphone quality for team play or streaming is important
- You want to keep your phone paired simultaneously via Bluetooth
Buy the Corsair HS65 Surround if:
- You primarily game on PS5 and want hardware Dolby Atmos surround
- You don’t need simultaneous Bluetooth phone pairing
- Platform variety isn’t a priority (PS5 + PC primary)
- Hardware surround sound matters more than mic quality
Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P wins this comparison for most buyers — it costs $20 less, has 14 more hours of battery, a better mic, glasses-friendly design, and true simultaneous dual wireless. The Corsair HS65 Surround’s hardware Dolby Atmos is the one area it leads, and if PS5 surround sound is your primary concern, it’s worth considering. For everyone else — especially multi-platform gamers and glasses wearers — the Nova 3P is the better headset.
Where to Buy
Unlock 200+ game audio presets with the Arctis Nova 3P Wireless and the Companion App. With a few taps on your phone hear what others don't with precisely honed audio profiles for top games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, Minecraft, GTA V, and more. Change audio presets in real-time without leaving...
Also check the Corsair HS65 Surround at Walmart for current pricing.
FAQ
Does the Arctis Nova 3P work on Xbox?
Xbox doesn’t support USB audio from the headset, so the 2.4GHz dongle won’t carry audio. The Nova 3P can connect to Xbox via the 3.5mm jack on the controller — audio and mic work, but you lose wireless functionality. Bluetooth to your phone still works in this configuration.
How does the ski-goggle headband help glasses wearers?
Standard headbands push the ear cushions against the sides of your head with enough force to press glasses frames into your temples — causing pain after 1–2 hours. The Arctis ski-goggle band suspends a fabric band between two padded rails and adjusts automatically, distributing clamping force across the top of the skull rather than the temples. The ear cushions still seal around your ears, but the pressure on your glasses is dramatically reduced.
Can I use the Arctis Nova 3P on Nintendo Switch handheld?
Yes, via the 3.5mm jack. The 2.4GHz wireless dongle only works when the Switch is docked (USB-C to the dock’s USB port). In handheld mode, plug the 3.5mm cable directly into the Switch’s headphone jack for audio — mic works too.
