If you want a straightforward USB gaming headset for casual gaming and personal listening at the gym, choose Razer Kraken Ultimate; if you need detailed audio controls and a two-system setup, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. For a gym-focused buyer, neither is a true wireless earbud: both are over-ear gaming headsets, so their fit and wired connections matter as much as their gaming features.
• Razer Kraken Ultimate: USB connection, THX 7.1 surround capability, and customizable Chroma lighting; its listed compatibility and THX Spatial Audio support are more limited than the SteelSeries setup.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: GameDAC Gen 2, adjustable audio settings, and the ability to connect two systems; its wired, multi-part setup is less simple to carry around.
• Razer is for someone who wants a direct PC or console gaming headset with on-earcup controls and lighting customization.
• SteelSeries is for someone who wants to fine-tune sound, switch between two connected systems, and adjust settings through a dedicated display.
• For the specific query “steelseries vs razer headset,” the key difference is how much control you want over your audio setup. Razer keeps its pitch focused on positional gaming sound, a retractable microphone, and Chroma. SteelSeries adds a GameDAC, software-based EQ options, and multi-system switching. Neither product is designed as a compact workout earbud, and neither sheet describes a wireless gym-use setup.
The Kraken Ultimate is an over-ear USB gaming headset with THX 7.1 surround capability and a stated frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Its spatial-audio features are aimed at making game sounds feel directional, which may appeal to someone who wants to follow movement and cues without building a more involved audio setup. The headset also has volume controls and a THX Spatial Audio toggle on the earcup.
Its retractable microphone uses active noise cancellation to reduce background and ambient noise during communication. Razer also lists oval cushions with cooling gel and a design intended to reduce heat and pressure during longer sessions. Chroma lighting supports 16.8 million colors and can sync with compatible Razer devices and other supported gear, making this a natural fit for someone who cares about a coordinated gaming setup as well as sound.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-21 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
I’d consider the Kraken Ultimate if I wanted a USB gaming headset with onboard controls, a retractable mic, and customizable lighting. I’d skip it for gym workouts if I wanted earbuds, a wireless connection, or a product described specifically for exercise. Its stated connection is USB, and THX Spatial Audio is available on Windows 10 64-bit only, an important limitation for anyone planning to use that feature elsewhere.
The Arctis Nova Pro is also an over-ear gaming headset, but it puts more emphasis on adjusting and managing the listening experience. Its GameDAC Gen 2 includes a multifunction OLED display for settings such as EQ, input, volume, and ChatMix. On PC, Sonar software adds a parametric EQ, while 360° spatial audio and compatibility with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound offer options for supported systems.
One practical distinction is Multi-System Connect: the headset can have two systems connected at once, with switching handled at the press of a button. That could suit someone who moves between a PC and console and would rather not swap cables. The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone retracts into the earcup, and its noise-cancelling feature is supported by Sonar software’s AI algorithms. The ComfortMAX system includes height-adjustable rotating earcups, a flexible suspension band, and a glasses-friendly design.
I’d choose the Nova Pro for a desk setup where audio adjustments and switching between systems are useful priorities. The trade-off is complexity: the GameDAC, connections, and software controls make it a more involved setup than simply plugging in a USB headset. Like the Razer, it is not a true wireless earbud or a purpose-built workout option. The product information identifies it as wired, so it is a poor match for someone whose main need is a cable-free headphone for gym sessions.
• Want Chroma lighting and sync options → Razer Kraken Ultimate. It supports 16.8 million colors and can coordinate with compatible devices and gear.
• Want to connect two systems at once → SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. Its Multi-System Connect feature lets you switch between connected devices.
• Want a dedicated display for audio settings → SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The GameDAC Gen 2 OLED display gives access to EQ, input, volume, and ChatMix controls.
• Prefer on-earcup controls for volume and spatial audio → Razer Kraken Ultimate. Its listed controls include volume adjustment and a THX Spatial toggle.
• Want a retractable microphone → Either one. Razer lists an ANC retractable mic; SteelSeries lists a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 mic with noise cancellation supported by Sonar.
• Wear glasses during long gaming sessions → SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is the clearer fit on paper. Its ComfortMAX design is specifically described as glasses-friendly.
• Want a gaming headset for gym workouts → Neither is an obvious match. Both are over-ear and wired products, and neither is described as a workout headset.
• Searching for the best active noise cancelling true wireless earbuds for gym → Look beyond these two. Both list microphone noise-cancelling features, but that is not the same as a true wireless earbud design or a stated workout-focused fit.
The gym question deserves a plain answer. A gaming headset can serve as a headphone for gym use if your workout routine accommodates an over-ear design and a cable, but these product details do not establish a secure exercise fit, sweat resistance, or true wireless operation. I wouldn’t infer those qualities from gaming features alone. If workouts are your priority, compare products specifically described as wireless workout earbuds rather than treating either headset as an equivalent.
My Verdict
I would choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for gaming because its GameDAC, adjustable EQ, and two-system switching make it the more adaptable headset for a multi-device setup.
That’s my pick for a desk, not for exercise.
For the gym, I would look for a true wireless option built around movement rather than choose between these two wired over-ear headsets.
Neither is presented as a gym-focused headset. Both are over-ear and wired, and the product information does not describe a workout fit or true wireless operation. For exercise, look for earbuds made specifically for that use.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is designed to connect two systems at once and switch between them with a button. The Razer Kraken Ultimate is described as a USB headset, without a comparable two-system switching feature in its listed details.
Yes. Its retractable microphone uses active noise cancellation to reduce background and ambient noise during communication. That describes microphone noise reduction, not a claim that the earcups provide active noise cancellation for listening.
The GameDAC Gen 2 provides a display and controls for settings such as EQ, input, volume, and ChatMix. It also supports the headset’s audio setup, while Sonar software offers further sound customization on PC.
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