If you want a wired headset with clearly listed support for Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X; if you need a headset explicitly positioned around PlayStation, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. For flights, I’d lean toward the 1X for its stated broad platform compatibility, while remembering that neither spec sheet describes active noise cancellation for blocking cabin sound.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P at a Glance
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X: its biggest strength is explicit support across Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile; its trade-off is a wired 3.5 mm connection.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: its biggest strength is its PlayStation-oriented positioning with Tempest 3D Audio compatibility; its trade-off is that it also relies on a wired 3.5 mm connection.
• Both list High Fidelity Drivers, 360° Spatial Audio, an adjustable ComfortMAX fit, and a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone with background-noise reduction of up to 25 dB.
• The 1X is for someone who wants one headset for several listed platforms; the 1P is for someone whose priority is PlayStation gaming.
• Neither is a conventional choice for travelers seeking stated cabin-noise cancellation or wireless listening.
The Arctis Nova 1X makes sense if you move between different gaming systems and want a simple wired connection. Its listed compatibility covers Xbox, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices through a 3.5 mm jack. That flexibility is its clearest practical advantage over the 1P’s more PlayStation-centered framing.
For games, it combines High Fidelity Drivers with 360° Spatial Audio and compatibility with Microsoft Spatial Sound and Tempest 3D Audio for PS5. The 10-band Parametric EQ gives you a way to shape the sound, while the ClearCast Gen 2 microphone retracts into an earcup and is specified to reduce background noise by up to 25 dB. Volume and mute controls are also on the headset.
The ComfortMAX design has height-adjusting, rotating earcups, AirWeave memory cushions, and a stretchy band. At 269.5 g according to its product information, it is described as lightweight, though that figure alone cannot tell you how it will feel on your head. I’d choose it for cross-platform play, but skip it if you need wireless use or a headset specifically described as blocking aircraft cabin noise.
The Arctis Nova 1P is the more straightforward fit for a buyer focused on PlayStation. Its listed platforms include PS5 and PS4, as well as PC, Xbox, Switch, and mobile, and it supports Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. It still offers broad compatibility, but the product is framed around the PlayStation family.
Its core gaming features are similar to the 1X: High Fidelity Drivers, 360° Spatial Audio, and a 10-band Parametric EQ. The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone retracts into the earcup and is described as reducing background noise by up to 25 dB. Headset controls let you adjust volume and mute the microphone without reaching for the connected device.
The listed weight is 236 g, and the fit uses height-adjusting, rotating earcups, AirWeave memory cushions, and a stretchy band. That makes the 1P the lighter of the two by the supplied figures, although comfort remains personal. I’d consider it for PlayStation-first gaming and a lighter listed build; I’d pass if wireless listening or dedicated travel noise cancellation is essential.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-09 · 11 min read · Independent comparison
• Best fit for a mixed-device setup → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. Its listed compatibility explicitly spans Xbox, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile.
• Best fit for PlayStation-first gaming → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its product positioning specifically calls out PS5 and PS4, along with Tempest 3D Audio support.
• Best for the lower listed weight → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its product information gives 236 g, compared with 269.5 g for the 1X.
• Best for a retractable gaming microphone → Tie. Both list a ClearCast Gen 2 mic that retracts into the earcup and reduces background noise by up to 25 dB.
• Best for adjusting fit over a long session → Tie. Both use height-adjusting, rotating earcups, AirWeave memory cushions, and a stretchy band.
• Best for surround-style gaming audio → Tie. Both list 360° Spatial Audio and compatibility with platform spatial-audio formats.
• Best for wireless listening during a flight → Neither. Both are described as wired headsets with a 3.5 mm connection.
• Best for cabin-noise reduction → Neither, based on the listed details. Their mic noise reduction is for clearer communication; it is not a stated feature for cancelling sound reaching your ears.
For flights, that last distinction matters. A microphone that filters background noise for calls or multiplayer chat does not automatically mean the headphones reduce engine hum around you. Neither data sheet specifies ear-side active noise cancellation, and both are wired. If you’re searching for the best noise cancelling headband headphones for flights, these aren’t described as that kind of product. They are over-ear gaming headsets with a cable.
The phrase best sports earbuds for flights points to a different category again: earbuds are not what either model is. These SteelSeries headsets have over-ear cups and are designed around gaming features, a boom microphone, and wired platform connection. They may suit a traveler who wants to play on a compatible device and values a retractable mic, but the specs do not establish how either will perform with a particular airplane entertainment system.
I’d choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X for its plainly stated cross-platform range, especially if the headset will move between consoles, a computer, and a phone. Its gaming audio, adjustable fit, and retractable mic are shared strengths rather than reasons to pay extra attention to either model.
For flights, my recommendation is still the 1X only if you want a wired gaming headset for compatible devices—not if your main goal is cabin-noise reduction. If PlayStation is your clear priority and the lower listed weight matters more, I’d choose the 1P instead.
No. The 1X is listed as a wired headset with a 3.5 mm jack. The supplied details do not describe wireless listening.
It is the more PlayStation-focused choice, and it is listed as compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5. The 1X also lists Tempest 3D Audio compatibility, so the core spatial-audio feature is not exclusive to the 1P.
The listed microphone reduces background noise by up to 25 dB for clearer communication. Neither product’s supplied details state that it cancels cabin noise for the listener, so I would not buy either specifically for that purpose.
The listed product information gives the 1P a weight of 236 g and the 1X a weight of 269.5 g. That makes the 1P lighter by the provided figures, though comfort also depends on fit and personal preference.
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If you want a wired headset with clearly listed support for Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X; if you need a headset explicitly positioned around PlayStation, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. For flights, I’d lean toward the 1X for its stated broad platform compatibility, while keeping in mind that neither is described as cancelling cabin noise.
These are closely matched wired gaming headsets, not travel-focused noise-cancelling headphones. Their shared comfort and microphone features matter more than any dramatic difference in core design.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X: Its biggest strength is explicitly listed support for Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile; its trade-off is a wired 3.5 mm connection.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: Its biggest strength is its PlayStation-oriented positioning and Tempest 3D Audio compatibility; its trade-off is the same wired 3.5 mm connection.
• Both list High Fidelity Drivers, 360° Spatial Audio, an adjustable ComfortMAX fit, and a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone with background-noise reduction of up to 25 dB.
• Choose the 1X for a headset that can serve several listed platforms; choose the 1P if PlayStation is your main focus.
• Neither is described as offering wireless listening or cancelling cabin noise.
The Arctis Nova 1X is a sensible fit if you move between gaming systems and want a simple wired connection. Its listed compatibility covers Xbox, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices through a 3.5 mm jack. That broad range is its clearest practical distinction.
For gaming, it combines High Fidelity Drivers with 360° Spatial Audio and compatibility with Microsoft Spatial Sound and Tempest 3D Audio for PS5. The 10-band Parametric EQ gives you options for adjusting the sound. Its ClearCast Gen 2 microphone retracts into an earcup and is specified to reduce background noise by up to 25 dB. Volume and mute controls are also on the headset.
The ComfortMAX design includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups, AirWeave memory cushions, and a stretchy band. Its listed weight is 269.5 g. I’d choose it for cross-platform play, but skip it if wireless listening or stated cabin-noise cancellation is essential.
The Arctis Nova 1P is the more direct match for a PlayStation-focused buyer. Its listed platforms include PS5 and PS4, along with PC, Xbox, Switch, and mobile. It supports Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. Although it also spans several platforms, its product positioning gives PlayStation particular emphasis.
Its core gaming features are similar to the 1X: High Fidelity Drivers, 360° Spatial Audio, and a 10-band Parametric EQ. The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone retracts into the earcup and is described as reducing background noise by up to 25 dB. On-headset controls let you adjust volume and mute the microphone.
The listed weight is 236 g, and its fit combines height-adjusting, rotating earcups with AirWeave memory cushions and a stretchy band. That makes the 1P lighter by the supplied figures, though weight alone cannot guarantee a more comfortable fit. I’d consider it for PlayStation-first gaming or if the lower listed weight appeals to you; I’d pass if you want wireless use or travel-specific noise cancellation.
• Best for a mixed-device setup → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X. Its listed compatibility explicitly includes Xbox, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile.
• Best for PlayStation-first gaming → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. It is specifically positioned for PS5 and PS4 and supports Tempest 3D Audio for PS5.
• Best for the lower listed weight → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its product information lists 236 g, compared with 269.5 g for the 1X.
• Best for a retractable gaming microphone → Tie. Both list a ClearCast Gen 2 mic that retracts into the earcup and reduces background noise by up to 25 dB.
• Best for adjustable fit during a long gaming session → Tie. Both have height-adjusting, rotating earcups, AirWeave memory cushions, and a stretchy band.
• Best for spatial gaming audio → Tie. Both list 360° Spatial Audio and compatibility with platform spatial-audio formats.
• Best for wireless listening on a flight → Neither. Both are described as wired headsets with a 3.5 mm connection.
• Best for reducing cabin noise → Neither, based on the listed features. Microphone noise reduction helps with communication; it is not a stated feature for cancelling sound reaching your ears.
That last distinction matters when you’re shopping for flights. A microphone that reduces background noise for chat does not necessarily block engine hum for the person wearing the headset. Neither product’s supplied details specify ear-side active noise cancellation, and both are wired.
If you’re looking for the best noise cancelling headband headphones for flights, these aren’t described as that kind of product. They are over-ear gaming headsets built around wired connectivity, gaming audio, and a retractable microphone. And despite searches for the best sports earbuds for flights, neither model is an earbud: both have over-ear cups.
A traveler might still choose one to play games on a compatible device, but the 3.5 mm connection is central to that use. Check that the device you plan to use has a compatible connection. The product details don’t establish compatibility with every airplane entertainment system, nor do they describe either headset as a dedicated travel option.
I’d choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X for its clearly stated cross-platform compatibility, especially if I wanted one wired headset for consoles, a computer, and a phone. Its gaming audio, adjustable fit, and retractable microphone are shared strengths, so platform flexibility is the deciding point for me.
For flights, I’d recommend the 1X only if you want a wired gaming headset for a compatible device—not if cabin-noise reduction is your priority. If PlayStation is your main focus and the lower listed weight matters more, I’d choose the 1P.
No. The 1X is listed as a wired headset with a 3.5 mm jack.
It is the more PlayStation-focused option and is listed as compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5. The 1X also lists Tempest 3D Audio compatibility, so that feature is not exclusive to the 1P.
The microphone is described as reducing background noise by up to 25 dB for clearer communication. The supplied details do not say that either headset cancels cabin noise for the listener.
The product information lists the 1P at 236 g and the 1X at 269.5 g. That makes the 1P lighter by the supplied figures, although comfort also depends on fit and personal preference.
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