If you want a sturdier-feeling frame and detachable microphone, choose HyperX Cloud II; if you need adjustable fit and a retractable, noise-reducing mic, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. For running, neither is designed as a wireless sports headset: both are wired, over-ear gaming models. My pick for most gaming use is the Nova 1P, while the Cloud II has a clear case if its aluminum frame and removable mic matter more to you.
• HyperX Cloud II: 53 mm drivers, virtual 7.1 sound on PC and Mac, and an aluminum frame. Trade-off: its microphone detaches, but does not retract into the earcup.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: adjustable earcups, AirWeave memory cushions, and a retractable noise-reducing mic. Trade-off: its stated spatial-audio features depend on compatible platforms and software.
• Both: wired, over-ear headsets with a 3.5 mm connection and support for multiple gaming platforms.
• Choose Cloud II if you prioritize the aluminum frame, detachable mic, and the included option of leatherette or velour ear cushions.
• Choose Nova 1P if you want a more adjustable fit, onboard volume and mute controls, and a mic you can tuck away.
• The hyperx vs steelseries headset choice is less about one headset being universally superior and more about which practical details suit your setup. Neither model is a natural answer to every running-headphone search: their over-ear gaming design and wired connection are better aligned with seated play than exercise.
The Cloud II is built around a familiar gaming-headset combination: large 53 mm drivers, closed earcups, memory foam cushions, and a solid aluminum frame. It offers virtual 7.1 surround sound on PC and Mac. On PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, the listed audio mode is stereo. That platform distinction matters if you are choosing specifically for spatial audio.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-17 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
Its microphone detaches, which is useful if you want to remove it when you are listening without chatting. The headset also includes interchangeable leatherette and velour ear cushions, letting you choose between two cushion materials. On PC, Mac, and consoles, its closed-cup design is intended to reduce outside distractions passively; the USB control box adds microphone noise-cancellation, automatic gain control, and echo cancellation.
I’d consider the Cloud II if a sturdy aluminum frame, detachable mic, and multiple ear-cushion options are high on your list. I’d skip it if a retractable mic or a more adjustable fit is the priority. And for running, I would be cautious about choosing either gaming headset: the Cloud II is wired and over-ear, and its listed features are geared toward gaming rather than sports use.
The Nova 1P focuses on fit flexibility and convenient communication. Its ComfortMAX design includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups, a stretchy band, and AirWeave memory cushions. Those adjustments may help if you want more ways to tailor how an over-ear headset sits. The available description calls it lightweight but gives no basis for a direct comfort comparison with the Cloud II beyond its own stated weight of 236 g.
For sound, the Nova 1P offers 360-degree spatial audio and compatibility with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. Its software support includes a 10-band parametric EQ through Sonar, giving PC users options to adjust the sound. The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone retracts into the earcup and is described as reducing background noise by up to 25 dB. Onboard controls handle volume and muting.
I’d choose the Nova 1P if adjustable fit, retractable mic storage, or its spatial-audio and EQ options align with how you play. It connects through a 3.5 mm jack to compatible consoles, computers, and mobile devices. I’d look elsewhere if you want a wireless running headset or a detachable microphone specifically; this model is wired, and its mic retracts rather than detaches.
• Best for a detachable microphone → HyperX Cloud II. Its mic can be removed; the Nova 1P’s microphone retracts into the earcup.
• Best for tucking the microphone out of sight → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its retractable design keeps the mic attached while moving it out of the way.
• Best if you want two ear-cushion material options → HyperX Cloud II. It includes leatherette and velour interchangeable cushions.
• Best for adjustable earcup positioning → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its earcups rotate and adjust in height, with a stretchy band.
• Best for virtual 7.1 on PC and Mac → HyperX Cloud II. That feature is specified for those platforms; other listed platforms use stereo.
• Best for PS5 Tempest 3D Audio compatibility → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. The headset is specified as compatible with Tempest 3D Audio.
• Best for onboard volume and mute controls → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Both are accessible on the headset.
• Best for running → Neither is an obvious fit. Both are wired, over-ear gaming headsets, not described as running models.
These distinctions also help sort out the search for on ear headphones for running. Neither product is on-ear: both are listed as over-ear. That difference matters because a headset designed to surround the ears may feel and behave differently from the lighter, exercise-focused style a runner may have in mind. The available specifications do not establish how either headset would stay in place during a run.
The phrase best touch control headset for running can be misleading here, too. The Cloud II has a button for toggling virtual surround sound and independent audio and microphone volume controls through its USB control box. The Nova 1P has push-button onboard volume and mute controls. Neither is described as a touch-control running headset, so I wouldn’t treat either as a direct match for that specific need.
The same caution applies to a search for the best sleep headphones for running: sleep and running are different use cases, and neither model is presented as a sleep or sports headset. Their strengths are gaming-oriented audio and voice chat, not a stated design for exercise or sleeping.
I’d buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P for gaming because its adjustable fit, retractable mic, and onboard mute and volume controls make a practical combination.
The Cloud II is the stronger alternative if I specifically wanted an aluminum frame, a detachable microphone, or interchangeable ear-cushion materials.
For running, I would choose neither based on these specifications: both are wired, over-ear headsets, not running-focused designs.
It depends on the features you value. Cloud II offers virtual 7.1 on PC and Mac, while the Nova 1P supports Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound, along with a parametric EQ through Sonar software.
Both are described as wired headsets with a 3.5 mm connection. The available product information does not establish wireless operation as a gaming feature, so I would not choose either on the assumption that it can be used wirelessly.
The Nova 1P’s microphone retracts into the earcup, so you can keep it attached while moving it out of sight. The Cloud II microphone detaches, which is useful if you want to remove it entirely.
Neither is an obvious running choice. Both are over-ear, wired gaming headsets, and the listed features focus on gaming audio and communication rather than exercise use.
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