How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
If you want a wireless, fully immersive PC gaming headset with customizable surround sound and RGB lighting, choose Amazon Renewed Logitech G935; if you need a budget-friendly wired headset that works across Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and mobile out of the box, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X.
• Amazon Renewed Logitech G935 — biggest strength: 2.4 GHz wireless freedom plus DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound and 50 mm Pro-G drivers for deep positional audio on PC.
• Amazon Renewed Logitech G935 — biggest trade-off: Battery life is limited (8–12 hours depending on lighting), and it's a renewed unit backed by only a 90-day limited warranty.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X — biggest strength: Wired 3.5 mm connection works with Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile, with no battery to manage and no charging downtime.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X — biggest trade-off: Wired only, no surround-sound processing or RGB, and the passive noise cancellation won't block out a loud room.
• Who each pick is for: The G935 suits PC players who want wireless convenience and immersive audio; the Nova 1X suits multi-platform players who want a simple, dependable wired headset.
The G935 is built around wireless freedom. Its 2.4 GHz RF connection means no cable tethering you to your desk, and the range is generous — up to 15 meters indoors and 20 meters outdoors, so you can grab a drink or stretch without pulling the headset off. For PC players who hate cable drag, that alone is a meaningful upgrade.
Audio is where it leans hardest into gaming. The 50 mm Pro-G drivers use a woven hybrid mesh design intended to reduce distortion, and DTS Headphone:X 2.0 creates a positional 3D soundscape. In practice, that's the kind of setup that helps you pick out footsteps behind you or directional cues in a firefight. The 6 mm mic with flip-to-mute is a nice touch — flip it up and you're instantly muted, no software diving required.
It's not without compromises. Battery life runs about 12 hours with lighting off and 8 hours with the default lighting on, and charge time is listed at 12 hours, so you'll want a charging routine. There's no active noise cancellation — noise control is listed as "None." And because this is a renewed unit, it carries a 90-day limited warranty rather than a full manufacturer term. In my opinion, this is a strong pick for a PC-first player who wants wireless immersion and doesn't mind managing battery life and a shorter warranty window. If you mainly game on consoles or want zero charging hassle, skip it.
The Nova 1X takes the opposite approach: simplicity and versatility. It's a wired headset with a 3.5 mm jack, and SteelSeries lists compatibility with Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile. That's the appeal — one headset, plug into almost anything, no dongles, no pairing, no battery anxiety. For a household with multiple consoles or a mix of console and handheld gaming, that flexibility is hard to beat.
The audio specs are solid for the category: 20 Hz–20,000 Hz frequency range, 36 ohm impedance and dynamic drivers tuned to SteelSeries' "Signature Arctis Sound." The ClearCast Gen 2 mic handles voice chat, and there's a volume control right on the headset plus passive noise cancellation to take the edge off background noise. It's an over-ear design with a plastic build and a listed weight of 1.1 pounds.
The trade-offs are real, though. Wired means you're tethered — no wandering around the room mid-match. There's no surround-sound processing, no RGB, and passive noise cancellation only goes so far in a noisy room. It's also a straightforward stereo headset rather than a feature-packed one. I'd steer console and multi-platform players here, and anyone who wants a no-fuss setup. If you're a PC player chasing positional surround audio and wireless freedom, this isn't the one.
• Best for wireless freedom → Amazon Renewed Logitech G935. 2.4 GHz RF with up to 20 m outdoor range.
• Best for multi-platform compatibility → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. Works with Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile via 3.5 mm.
• Best for immersive positional audio → Amazon Renewed Logitech G935. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 plus 50 mm Pro-G drivers.
• Best for zero charging hassle → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. Wired connection, no battery to manage.
• Best for PC customization → Amazon Renewed Logitech G935. LIGHTSYNC RGB, EQ and G-key programming via Logitech G HUB.
• Best for a simple plug-and-play setup → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. No software, no pairing, just plug in.
• Best for a longer warranty term → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. One-year warranty versus the G935's 90-day limited warranty.
• Best for console-first gamers → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. Native console compatibility without a PC in the chain.
If I were buying for myself as a PC gamer, I'd take the Amazon Renewed Logitech G935. In my opinion, the wireless freedom, DTS Headphone:X surround and 50 mm drivers deliver the more immersive, more "gaming-first" experience — provided you're okay with battery management and a 90-day renewed warranty. But if your setup spans consoles and you want something you can just plug in and forget, I'd recommend the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X instead. Match the pick to how and where you actually play.
what is gaming headset
A gaming headset is an over-ear headphone with a built-in microphone, designed for game audio and voice chat. Both picks here fit that definition: the G935 adds wireless and surround sound, while the Nova 1X keeps it wired and simple. The right one depends on your platform and whether you want cables or not.
how to buy a gaming headset
Start with your platform and connection. If you're PC-only and want wireless, the G935's 2.4 GHz connection fits. If you play across Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and mobile, the Nova 1X's 3.5 mm jack covers all of them. Then weigh battery life, mic quality and warranty — and check the current price on Amazon before deciding.
how to test gaming headset
Once you have one, check positional audio in a game with directional cues, test the mic in a voice chat, and confirm comfort over a long session. For the G935, also verify battery behavior with lighting on versus off. For the Nova 1X, confirm the 3.5 mm connection works cleanly across each device you own.
what is best gaming headset
There's no single answer — it depends on your needs. In my opinion, the G935 is the better pick for PC players who want wireless immersion and surround sound, while the Nova 1X is the better pick for multi-platform players who want a dependable wired headset. Match the features to how you play.
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: Arama USB Headset vs E-Greetshopping Kids, cozoo Headphone Stand vs ADOOPE Kids Headphones, Redragon H510 vs Nanddi Gaming Headset: Gaming Headphones, Dell Alienware Pro vs Amazon Renewed Skullcandy Hesh 360