We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-09-26 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
If you want a no-fuss wired headset that works with basically every console and PC you own, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X; if you need a wireless, lightweight headset with two microphones and long battery life for marathon sessions, choose ATTACK SHARK L80PRO.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X — biggest strength: Signature Arctis sound via 40 mm-class dynamic drivers (20 Hz–20,000 Hz), a ClearCast Gen 2 mic, and a 3.5 mm jack that plugs into Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile without dongles or charging.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X — biggest trade-off: It's strictly a wired headset. No wireless freedom, no swappable battery, and the passive noise cancellation only blocks what the earcups physically cover.
• ATTACK SHARK L80PRO — biggest strength: Tri-mode connectivity (2.4 GHz USB-C/A dongle, Bluetooth 5, or 3.5 mm wired), dual built-in + detachable microphones, 7.1 surround processing, and a 300 mAh battery with smart power-saving.
• ATTACK SHARK L80PRO — biggest trade-off: It's a wireless-first design, so you're managing charge cycles and Bluetooth pairing, and the fabric earcups isolate less aggressively than a sealed gaming cup.
• Who each pick is for: Pick the Arctis Nova 1X if you want a plug-and-play wired set for consoles and PC. Pick the L80PRO if you want wireless range (10 m), a detachable boom mic, and lightweight comfort for long play sessions.
The Arctis Nova 1X is built around one idea: plug in and play. The 3.5 mm jack is the whole story here. You connect it to an Xbox Series X|S controller, a PS5, a Switch in handheld mode, a PC, or a phone with a headphone jack, and it just works. No dongle to lose, no pairing menu, no battery indicator to watch. That simplicity is genuinely underrated if you move between devices a lot.
The audio side is a 36-ohm dynamic driver running 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz — a full-range tuning that covers everything from deep game rumble to the sharpest footsteps. The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone handles voice chat, and the on-earcup volume control lets you adjust without alt-tabbing out of a match. Passive noise cancellation means the over-ear plastic cups physically block some ambient sound, which is enough to take the edge off a noisy room but won't silence a loud fan or a busy household.
Who should buy it: console players who want one headset that travels between an Xbox, a PlayStation and a Switch, PC gamers who prefer zero-latency wired audio, and anyone who hates charging things. Who should skip it: if you want to walk around your room while chatting, or you want a detachable mic you can pull off for travel, this isn't that headset. It's wired, and it stays wired.
The L80PRO is the opposite philosophy: flexibility first. It runs tri-mode — a 2.4 GHz USB-C/A dongle for low-latency gaming, Bluetooth 5 for phone and casual listening, and a 3.5 mm cable when you want to go wired. That 2.4 GHz link claims roughly 20 ms latency and a 10 m (33 ft) range, which is the difference between "tethered to my desk" and "grab a drink while the lobby fills."
The dual microphone setup is the standout feature. There's a built-in mic for quick calls and a detachable noise-cancelling boom mic for serious team play — you swap based on the situation instead of compromising. The 40 mm high-fidelity drivers deliver tuned Hi-Fi sound with 7.1 surround processing, and the tuned profile leans toward crisp highs and deep bass, which suits shooters and cinematic single-player games alike.
Comfort is clearly a design priority. The build is ultra-lightweight with breathable fabric ear cushions and a fully wrapped, adjustable cushioned headband. The 300 mAh battery, paired with a smart power-saving mode that shuts the headset down after 3 minutes of wireless inactivity, means you're recharging less often. It's aimed at teens and adults who play in long stretches and want one headset that covers PC, Mac, Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox and phone.
The trade-offs are real, though. Wireless means charging, pairing and the occasional dongle juggling. Fabric earcups breathe better but isolate less than a tighter sealed cup. And if you only ever game at a desk with a controller, you're paying for wireless flexibility you may never use.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for wireless freedom → ATTACK SHARK L80PRO. 2.4 GHz dongle plus Bluetooth 5 with a 10 m range.
• Best for microphone flexibility → ATTACK SHARK L80PRO. Built-in mic plus a detachable noise-cancelling boom mic.
• Best for zero-charge, zero-hassle sessions → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. No battery, no pairing, no power-saving mode to think about.
• Best for long-session comfort → ATTACK SHARK L80PRO. Ultra-lightweight build, breathable fabric cushions and an adjustable cushioned headband.
• Best for full-range wired audio on a budget-minded setup → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. 36-ohm dynamic drivers covering 20 Hz–20,000 Hz with no wireless compression.
• Best for travel and portability → ATTACK SHARK L80PRO. Tri-mode design with a detachable mic and included cables makes it easier to pack.
• Best for buyers who hate managing batteries → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. It's a wired headset, full stop.
In my opinion, the ATTACK SHARK L80PRO is the more versatile buy for most people in 2026. Tri-mode connectivity, dual microphones, 7.1 surround, a lightweight breathable build and a 300 mAh battery with smart power-saving cover more real-world scenarios than a wired-only headset can. That said, I'd still pick the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X if you want to plug into an Xbox controller and never think about charging again — its 3.5 mm simplicity and full-range 20 Hz–20,000 Hz tuning are exactly what a console-first player needs. Check the current price on Amazon for both before you decide.
FAQ
what is gaming headset
how to buy a gaming headset
Start with your platform and connection type. If you play across Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC and want no charging, the Arctis Nova 1X's 3.5 mm jack is the simplest fit. If you want wireless range and a detachable mic, the L80PRO's 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5 and wired tri-mode covers more ground — and remember to check the current price on Amazon before buying.
how to test gaming headset
Test in the mode you'll actually use. For the Arctis Nova 1X, plug into your console or PC and check chat clarity through the ClearCast Gen 2 mic plus volume control on the earcup. For the L80PRO, test the 2.4 GHz dongle, then Bluetooth, then the 3.5 mm cable, and compare the built-in mic against the detachable boom mic.
what is best gaming headset
There's no single best — it depends on how you play. In my opinion, the L80PRO is the better all-rounder for wireless flexibility, dual mics and long-session comfort, while the Arctis Nova 1X is the better pick for wired, multi-console simplicity with no battery to manage.
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See also: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P vs NUBWO 2.4GHz, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 vs Turtle Beach Atlas 200, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X vs TOZO Open X2