Head-to-head · Best Gaming Headsets

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Gamers who need uninterrupted playtime without charging breaks — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Gaming Headsets

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT

★★★★★4.1

$269as of Apr 21

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT offers a premium metal build and versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth and aptX HD support. However, its heavy weight and shallow ear pads can cause discomfort during long sessions, and the high price tag is hard to justify given the minimal upgrades over the previous model.

Strengths

— Premium build quality with an aluminum headband and metal construction
— High-quality microphone suitable for clear voice communication
— Versatile connectivity including Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and 3.5mm wired options

Watch-outs

— Heavy weight of 382g causes fatigue during extended use
— Shallow ear pads cause ears to touch drivers, leading to discomfort over time
— Significant price increase over the previous generation for only incremental improvements

$269 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Gaming Headsets

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

★★★★★4.2

$349as of Apr 21

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a feature-packed, premium gaming headset that excels in build quality and versatility, offering hot-swappable batteries and multi-device connectivity. While it serves well as an all-purpose headphone for meetings and commuting, its high cost and ear pad heat retention during long sessions are notable downsides. Occasional wireless quality dips are a minor concern for an otherwise robust product.

Strengths

— Hot-swappable battery system allows continuous use via the included base station
— Premium build quality combining metal and plastic with a comfortable ski-goggle suspension headband
— Versatile connectivity supports simultaneous connections to two devices (e.g., PC and console) via the base station

Watch-outs

— High price point is the primary drawback compared to other gaming headsets
— Faux leather ear pads tend to heat up after one to two hours of continuous wear
— Wireless audio quality occasionally dips, though this is reported as a rare occurrence

$349 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is the only headset in this group to support the aptX HD audio codec for superior wireless sound, a feature absent in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and others. However, it is significantly heavier and less comfortable for long sessions than the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed or the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, and its shallow ear pads create a distinct discomfort not present in the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Unlike the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless which relies on a single massive charge, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers unique continuous usage via its hot-swappable battery system. While it matches the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed in multi-device connectivity, it distinguishes itself with a retractable boom mic, though it shares the high price point and heat retention issues found in other premium models like the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Weight	382g	298 g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz Wireless, 3.5mm Wired	—
Audio Codec	aptX HD, SBC	—
Build Material	Aluminum headband and metal cups	—
Cable Length	1.8m	—
Connection	—	Wired (3.5mm, USB) & Bluetooth 5.0
Frequency Response	—	10-40000 Hz
Acoustic Design	—	Closed-back
Microphone	—	Retractable boom

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