How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
If you want a lightweight, multi-platform gaming headset with spatial audio and a retractable boom mic, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P; if you need a plug-and-play USB headset built for calls, meetings and long desk sessions, choose EKSA Headset.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P — biggest strength: Custom high-fidelity drivers, 360° spatial audio and a bidirectional noise-cancelling mic that retracts into the earcup.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P — biggest trade-off: It's a wired 3.5mm gaming headset, so it's tuned for play sessions rather than all-day office calls.
• EKSA Headset — biggest strength: A USB connection, rotatable noise-cancelling mic, 40mm drivers and a built-in busy light that signals "do not disturb."
• EKSA Headset — biggest trade-off: It's heavier at 350g and its USB-only connection limits it mainly to PC and laptop use.
• Who each pick is for: Arctis Nova 1P for gamers who hop between PS5, PC, Xbox, Switch and mobile; EKSA Headset for office, call centre, Skype and online-class users who want simple USB plug-and-play.
The Arctis Nova 1P is built around what SteelSeries calls the Nova Acoustic System, pairing custom high-fidelity dynamic drivers with a 20Hz–20kHz frequency range. The pitch here is gaming-first audio: 360° spatial audio aimed at helping you place footsteps, reloads and vocal cues, and full compatibility with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. On top of that, a Pro-grade Parametric EQ lets you shape the sound in software rather than being stuck with one tuning.
The mic is a big part of the story. The ClearCast Gen 2 mic is bidirectional and cuts background noise by up to 25dB, and it fully retracts into the earcup when you're not talking — handy if you also use the headset for music or single-player games. Comfort-wise, it weighs 236g with a ComfortMAX system: height-adjusting, rotating earcups, AirWeave memory foam cushions and a stretchy band that spreads weight across your head. A 3.5mm jack means it connects to PlayStation, PC, Mac, Xbox, Switch and mobile, and on-board volume and mute controls sit on the headset itself.
In my opinion, this is the pick for someone whose main use is gaming across several platforms and who wants spatial audio plus a mic that cleans up background noise. Skip it if your day is mostly back-to-back video calls on a laptop — the 3.5mm setup and gaming-focused tuning aren't aimed at that.
EKSA Headset: Who It's For
Comfort is handled with super large, breathable leather ear pads meant to fit a range of ear sizes over long hours. There's also a built-in busy light that works like a do-not-disturb sign, which is genuinely useful in an open office or a shared room — it tells people you're on a call without you saying a word. Controls cover volume and mic mute, and the connection is USB, so it's a plug-and-play affair on a laptop or desktop.
The trade-offs are real. At 350g it's noticeably heavier than the SteelSeries option, and USB-only connectivity means it won't plug into a console controller or a phone without the right adapter. In my opinion, this is the headset for someone who lives on calls — support desks, remote work, Skype, online classes — and wants a simple USB setup with a mute control and a visible "busy" signal.
• Best for gaming audio → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: 360° spatial audio and high-fidelity drivers tuned for games.
• Best for console and cross-platform use → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: The universal 3.5mm jack covers PS5, PS4, PC, Mac, Xbox, Switch and mobile.
• Best for microphone noise rejection → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: The ClearCast Gen 2 mic lowers background noise by up to 25dB.
• Best for all-day desk comfort → EKSA Headset: Large breathable leather ear pads are designed for long sessions, though it is the heavier headset at 350g.
• Best for office and call-centre work → EKSA Headset: USB plug-and-play, rotatable mic, volume and mute controls, and a busy light.
• Best for lightweight wear → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: At 236g it's the lighter of the two by a wide margin.
• Best for a mic you can hide → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: The boom retracts fully into the earcup.
• Best for laptop-only simplicity → EKSA Headset: One USB cable, no adapters, no fuss.
My Verdict
how to use headphones with mic on pc
Plug the headset into the correct port — the EKSA Headset uses USB, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P uses a 3.5mm jack. Then open your computer's sound settings, select the headset as both the output and input device, and set the mic level. On the Arctis Nova 1P you can also mute and adjust volume with the on-board controls.
how to connect headphones with mic on pc
For the EKSA Headset, connect the USB cable to a free USB port and the system should recognize it automatically. For the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P, plug the 3.5mm jack into your PC's headphone/mic combo port. If your PC has separate jacks, you may need a splitter. Once connected, confirm the device appears in your sound settings.
how to use headphones with mic on phone
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P is the easier fit here, since its 3.5mm jack works with mobile devices that still have a headphone port. The EKSA Headset is USB, so it isn't designed for direct phone use without an adapter. On a phone, just plug in and the mic should be picked up automatically by your calling app.
how to test headphones with mic
On a computer, go to your sound settings, choose the headset as the input device and speak while watching the input level meter. You can also use your app's built-in mic test — Skype and most meeting apps have one. Play some audio to confirm the output side, and try the mute control on either headset to check it works.
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