If you want a sturdy, closed-back headset with memory-foam comfort and detachable mic, choose HyperX Cloud II; if you need adjustable fit, a retractable noise-reducing mic, and onboard volume and mute controls, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. For gym use, I’d choose the Cloud II only if you’re gaming in a suitable indoor spot: both are wired over-ear gaming headsets, not workout headphones, and neither sheet describes a gym-specific design.
• HyperX Cloud II strength: Memory-foam cushions, a padded headband, closed ear cups, and an aluminum frame. Trade-off: Its wired connection and over-ear closed design are less suited to active gym use.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P strength: Height-adjusting, rotating earcups, AirWeave memory cushions, a flexible band, and a mic that retracts into the earcup. Trade-off: It is still a wired, over-ear gaming headset rather than a purpose-built workout option.
• HyperX Cloud II is for: Players who want a robust-feeling frame, virtual 7.1 audio on PC and Mac, and a mic they can remove.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P is for: Players who value adjustable fit, spatial-audio support, and convenient headset controls across multiple platforms.
• The short version of this HyperX vs SteelSeries headset comparison is that HyperX leans into a solid frame and closed-cup design, while SteelSeries puts more emphasis on adjustability and a mic that can tuck away. Both connect by wire. Neither is an open-ear design, and neither should be mistaken for a dedicated gym headset.
The Cloud II’s appeal starts with its straightforward design. It has over-ear memory-foam cushions, a padded leatherette headband, and a durable aluminum frame. The closed ear cups are intended to reduce outside distractions passively. For a player settling in for a game at home, that combination points toward a headset built around comfort, focus, and everyday gaming use.
Its 53 mm drivers and hardware-driven virtual 7.1 surround sound add to the gaming focus. The virtual surround feature is available on PC and Mac; on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, the headset provides stereo. The detachable microphone is noise-cancelling, and the mic and headphone volume can be controlled separately through the included USB control box setup. It also comes with interchangeable leatherette and velour ear cups, giving buyers a choice of texture.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
I’d consider the Cloud II if a sturdy frame, closed cups, and a removable mic matter more to you than a retractable mic or adjustable earcups. Skip it if you want wireless freedom or a headset specifically designed for gym activity: the listed connection is wired, and the over-ear construction is geared toward gaming, not exercise. That also makes it a poor match for shoppers searching for open ear headphones for gym.
The Arctis Nova 1P takes a more adjustable approach to fit. Its ComfortMAX system has height-adjusting, rotating earcups, AirWeave memory cushions, and a stretchy band. The listed weight is 236 g. Those details make it a compelling option for a player who wants more ways to adjust how an over-ear headset sits, rather than relying mainly on padded cushions and a fixed frame design.
Its 360-degree spatial audio is compatible with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. The bidirectional ClearCast Gen 2 microphone can reduce background noise by up to 25 dB, according to the stated specification, and retracts fully into an earcup. A 3.5 mm connection supports PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Switch, and mobile devices; onboard controls handle volume and muting. Sound adjustment through SteelSeries Sonar software and its parametric EQ is described in the product information, though the software’s relevance depends on your setup.
I’d look closely at the Nova 1P if you want a retractable mic and easy-to-reach controls, or if adjustable earcups are high on your list. Its wired over-ear format is still not a gym-first design. The listed Bluetooth version should not be taken as proof that this headset offers a wireless Bluetooth listening mode: the connection described for gaming is through a 3.5 mm jack.
• Best fit for a sturdy aluminum frame and closed cups → HyperX Cloud II. Its aluminum frame and closed ear cups are clear design priorities.
• Best fit for adjusting earcup height and rotation → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its ComfortMAX system is built around multiple fit adjustments.
• Best fit for a detachable microphone → HyperX Cloud II. Remove the mic when you do not need it.
• Best fit for tucking the microphone away → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its mic retracts into an earcup instead of detaching.
• Best fit for virtual 7.1 on PC and Mac → HyperX Cloud II. The stated platform-specific support is virtual 7.1 on those systems, with stereo on the listed consoles and mobile devices.
• Best fit for Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 or Microsoft Spatial Sound → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Those compatibility details are explicitly listed for its spatial-audio feature.
• Best fit for quick headset volume and mute controls → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its onboard controls include volume adjustment and muting.
• Best fit for gym-focused listening → Neither is a clear match. Both are wired, over-ear gaming headsets; neither is listed as open-ear or built specifically for workouts.
That last point matters if your search began with “best sleep headphones for gym” or “low latency kids headphones for gym.” These two headsets are aimed at gaming, and the available details do not establish either as a sleep or gym product, or provide latency figures for children’s use. For exercising, consider whether a wired over-ear design suits your routine before choosing between them. The Cloud II’s closed cups are intended to block outside distractions passively, which may be useful while gaming but is not automatically desirable in a gym where you may want to hear your surroundings.
For gaming, the distinction is more practical. HyperX gives you a detachable mic, interchangeable ear-cup materials, and virtual 7.1 sound on PC and Mac. SteelSeries offers a mic that retracts, fit adjustments, and specified spatial-audio compatibility with PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. Both are wired, so neither gives you the freedom of a wireless headset during a match or workout.
I’d choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P for gaming because its adjustable fit, retractable mic, and onboard mute and volume controls make a convincing everyday package. The Cloud II is a strong alternative if you specifically want its aluminum frame, closed-cup design, or detachable mic.
For the gym, though, I wouldn’t recommend either as a purpose-built choice. If I had to pick one for occasional stationary use, I’d lean HyperX for its closed cups and durable frame—but I’d choose dedicated workout headphones for regular exercise.
Both are wired, over-ear gaming headsets. The Cloud II offers virtual 7.1 sound on PC and Mac, while the Nova 1P lists compatibility with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. Choose based on the platform and features that matter to you.
They offer different conveniences. The Cloud II has a detachable noise-cancelling mic; the Nova 1P has a retractable bidirectional mic with stated background-noise reduction of up to 25 dB. The specs alone do not establish which will sound better in your room.
Both use a wired, over-ear design, and neither is described as a workout headset. The Cloud II has closed cups that passively reduce outside distractions, while the Nova 1P focuses on adjustable fit and gaming controls. Consider whether that style suits your activity and whether you need to hear your surroundings.
Value depends on the features you will actually use, not just the model name. Compare the current price on Amazon using the page’s price button, then weigh the Cloud II’s detachable mic and aluminum frame against the Nova 1P’s adjustable fit, retractable mic, and onboard controls.
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