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Reddit Reviews
I love the fit of my (admittedly wired) arctic nova headset. It’s meant for long gaming sessions. However, either steel series one will be fine but I vastly prefer the normal arctis nova 7p
iems are cheaper and have better audio quality. but if u want a headphone then get the steel series one
steelseries arctis 1 for gaming, for daily basis some Chinese cheap fuks
SteelSeries Arctis 1. I got a cheap model because I'm not always using headphones while playing, primarily only for voice chat. But even so, it has done its job well. Very little complaints, from me or from my friends who I voice chat with
I will note, as someone who has broken a set of Sony headphones (one of the Costco models, can't remember which) that it isn't just you, but I think it may be partly a case of bad luck. I've had a set of SteelSeries Arctis 1 last for about 5 years, and they're mostly plastic, and I don/doff them with one hand almost every single time I use them, and I throw them in my bag pretty often. They won't fit your requirements, but just an example that I don't think you necessarily need a tank, but it's hard to ensure a good design.
sorry to hear about the nova 3p glitching, that sounds annoying. for around $70 on ps5, i've had good luck with the [HyperX Cloud Stinger 2](https://metadoraffi-eng.github.io/shopit?HyperX+Cloud+Stinger+2+gaming+headset) as a wired option - it's simple, reliable, and actually pretty comfy. if you want to try wireless again, the [Razer Barracuda X](https://metadoraffi-eng.github.io/shopit?Razer+Barracuda+X+wireless+gaming+headset) sometimes goes on sale near your budget and has a solid ps5 connection. honestly though, at that price point, wired usually gives you better consistency, and the [SteelSeries Arctis 1](https://metadoraffi-eng.github.io/shopit?SteelSeries+Arctis+1+gaming+headset) is another decent pick that shouldn't have the same issues as the nova 3p. i'd lean toward the cloud stinger 2 for pure reliability tbh.
When you play multiplayer competitive games, you can hear footsteps of the enemies easily. Also you can get good sounding headsets cheaper than a sound system(where i live). I have steelseries arctis 1 headset it sounds so good compared to my tv’s speaker but it is uncomfortable. I am not used to wear headsets so i prefer tv speakers. I played The Last of Us Part 2 while wearing my arctis 1’s and it was an incredible experience. Wish i could use them more often.
Currently, I use the Razer Kraken V4. It's wireless with either 2.4 Ghz USB-C dongle or Bluetooth. it can also be used with a wired connection, which simultaneously charges it. There is a cheaper option in Razer Kraken V4X, which is a solely wired version. I've both headsets and have had no issues with either. I also quite like the Blackshark V2 Pro. The mic is noticeably better on the Blackshark vs the Krakens, in my experience. However, the mic on the Krakens I own is retractable, which is a big selling point for me. My first ever headset was the Razer Kitty Kraken. Honestly loved it to bits, especially customising the cat ears' RGB, so I can also recommend it if you want something cute. It comes in black, white and pink versions. I'm not sure if the other Razer headsets do, but I absolutely know for certain the Kitty Kraken does! In the past, I've also used Steelseries Arctis 1 and Arctis 5. Both were serviceable, but I feel as though the audio was tinny. The only reason I bring these up two up is because Razer products can be quite expensive, and Steelseries options are affordable whilst still offering similar features (wireless, wired, Bluetooth, detachable and/or retractable mic, etc...) whilst being cheaper. They are also much lighter on ear/in general compared to the Razer headsets. Hope this helps! Would love to know what you go for!
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Competitive FPS footstep tracking

Top pick
Drop + EPOS / Sennheiser - PC38X
Best for Durable and repairable build

Top pick
SteelSeries - Arctis 7 Series
Best for Hybrid work and gaming

Top pick
Drop + EPOS / Sennheiser - PC38X
Best for Large heads and glasses

Top pick
SteelSeries - Arctis 7 Series
Best for Marathon gaming sessions

Top pick
SteelSeries - Arctis Nova Pro Series
Best for Mic isolation in shared rooms

Top pick
Astro (Logitech) - A50 Series





