SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Review — Best Budget Wired Gaming Headset
| Sound Quality | 8.5 |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 8.8 |
| Mic Quality | 8.2 |
- All prices mentioned above are in United States dollar.
- This product is available at Walmart.
- At walmart.com you can purchase Steel Series Arctis Nova 1 Wired Multi-System Gaming Headset for PC with 3.5mm Jack, Black for only $36.49
- The lowest price of SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 Multi-Platform Gaming Headset — Real-Time App Control — 50+ HR — Mixable 2.4GHz/Bluetooth — PC, PS5, PS4, Switch 1/2, Mobile — Black was obtained on April 8, 2026 3:51 pm.
Description
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is the wired gaming headset that changed what budget audio looks like. At $60, it competes with headsets twice the price — lighter, more comfortable, and cleaner-sounding than most of its competition.
The signature feature is weight: 166g is genuinely light for an over-ear gaming headset. You notice it after an hour of play. SteelSeries uses an airweave fabric ear cushion instead of synthetic leather, which breathes rather than trapping heat — a real advantage in long sessions.
The retractable bidirectional microphone picks up your voice from front and back while rejecting side noise like keyboard clicks and fan hum. It retracts cleanly into the earcup when not in use. Audio clarity is above average for the price tier — speech comes through clean in Discord and game voice chat.
The 40mm neodymium drivers cover 20Hz–20kHz with good stereo imaging. Positional audio in games is clear enough to hear footsteps directionally, which matters in competitive play. The sound signature leans slightly warm without overdoing the bass.
Compatibility is total: the single 3.5mm connection works on PC, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. No USB dongle, no software required, no pairing. The included 1m cable plus 2m extension covers both desktop and living room setups.
Verdict
The Nova 1 is the benchmark for wired gaming headsets under $60. Lighter than anything near its price, solid audio, good mic isolation. If you want a no-nonsense wired headset that works everywhere, this is it.
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