How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-09-23 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
• Alienware AW920H — biggest strength: Tri-mode wireless (Bluetooth 5.2 plus a USB-C dongle) with Active Noise Cancelling and up to 55 hours of battery life. It's a headset that follows you away from the PC.
• Alienware AW920H — biggest trade-off: It's the more complex, heavier-feeling option (10.56 oz) and it leans on software features like Dolby Atmos Virtual Surround, so it asks more of you to set up and charge.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P — biggest strength: A single 3.5 mm jack that works with PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Switch and mobile, plus the ComfortMAX fit system and a mic that tucks away into the earcup.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P — biggest trade-off: It's wired only, so there's no battery life to speak of and no active noise cancelling — just passive isolation from the earcups.
• Who each is for: Pick the AW920H if you want one headset for PC gaming, calls and music on the move. Pick the Arctis Nova 1P if you want a light, no-nonsense wired headset for marathon sessions across several platforms.
The AW920H is the one that tries to be everything. On the audio side you get 40 mm Hi-Res certified dynamic drivers with a frequency range of 20Hz–40KHz, Dolby Atmos Virtual Surround for positional cues, and 32 ohm impedance. That combination is aimed squarely at people who want to place off-screen footsteps and reloads, not just hear them.
The feature that separates it from most PC headsets is active noise cancelling. Four integrated microphones work together to cut external noise, so a noisy room, a fan, or a chatty household matters less. For voice you get an AI-driven noise-cancelling microphone, available either as a detachable boom mic or through the integrated mics — handy when you'd rather not have a boom arm in front of your face. The leatherette and memory foam earcups, die-cast headband sliders and a slim, firm-fitting headband round out the physical design, and the whole thing weighs 10.56 oz.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: Who It's For
The Arctis Nova 1P takes the opposite approach: keep it simple, keep it light, keep it compatible. It uses the Nova acoustic system with high-fidelity dynamic drivers, 36 ohm impedance, a 20Hz–20,000Hz range and 120 dB sensitivity, and it supports 360° Space Sound plus Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. There's also a built-in parametric EQ you can use to shape the sound to your taste.
Comfort is the headline. The ComfortMAX system gives you four adjustment points: rotatable, height-adjustable earcups, AirWeave memory foam pads, and an expandable band. At 269.5 g it's built to disappear on your head during long sessions. The ClearCast Gen 2 noise-cancelling mic reduces background noise by up to 25dB, and when you're not using it you can hide it inside the earcup for a cleaner look. Volume and mute live on the headset itself.
Who should buy it: anyone gaming across multiple platforms — it plugs into PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Switch and mobile with one 3.5 mm jack, so there's no dongle to lose and no battery to charge. It's white, over-ear, and uses passive noise cancellation, which means isolation from the pads rather than electronics. Who should skip it: if you specifically want wireless freedom, active noise cancelling, or a headset that doubles as Bluetooth headphones for your commute, the AW920H is the better fit.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for wireless freedom → Alienware AW920H. Bluetooth 5.2 plus a USB-C dongle means no cable tethering you to the PC.
• Best for battery life → Alienware AW920H. Up to 55 hours of average battery life, versus a wired headset that never needs charging.
• Best for positional audio on PC → Alienware AW920H. Dolby Atmos Virtual Surround with Hi-Res certified 40 mm drivers and a 20Hz–40KHz range.
• Best for multi-platform plug-and-play → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. One 3.5 mm jack covers PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Switch and mobile.
• Best for long-session comfort → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. 269.5 g with the ComfortMAX system's four adjustment points and AirWeave memory foam.
• Best for a clean, no-hassle setup → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. No charging, no dongle, no software required to get sound.
• Best for one headset for gaming, calls and music → Alienware AW920H. The detachable boom mic and integrated mics make it a genuine all-rounder.
In my opinion, the Alienware AW920H is the one I'd buy for a PC-first setup. Active noise cancelling, Dolby Atmos Virtual Surround, Hi-Res drivers and up to 55 hours of wireless battery cover the widest range of what a PC gamer actually does in a day — game, talk, listen. The Arctis Nova 1P is the smarter pick only if you hop between consoles and want a light, wired headset that simply works everywhere with no charging or dongles. If you're PC-centric and want one headset to do it all, go Alienware. If you want maximum simplicity and cross-platform reach, go SteelSeries.
how to connect gaming headphones to pc
With the Alienware AW920H you have three routes: pair over Bluetooth 5.2, plug in the USB-C wireless dongle, or use the 3.5 mm jack. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P is simpler — just plug its 3.5 mm jack into your PC's headphone port.
how to use gaming headphones on pc
On the AW920H, connect via dongle or Bluetooth, then use the on-headset volume control and the detachable boom mic or integrated mics for chat. On the Arctis Nova 1P, plug in the 3.5 mm cable and use the inline controls on the headset to adjust volume and mute.
what is the best gaming headphones for pc
There's no single answer — it depends on your priorities. The Alienware AW920H suits PC gamers who want wireless, ANC and Dolby Atmos Virtual Surround. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P suits those who want a light, wired headset that also works on consoles and mobile.
what is the best pc gaming headphones
In my opinion, the AW920H is the stronger PC-specific pick thanks to its tri-mode wireless, 40 mm Hi-Res drivers and active noise cancelling. The Arctis Nova 1P wins on comfort and cross-platform flexibility with its 3.5 mm jack and 269.5 g build.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.
See also: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P vs Krysenix Gaming Headset, iKF Mars vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, Sony MDR-7506 vs MAONO Gaming Streaming Equipment