If you want focused voice pickup and a USB sound card option, choose Razer BlackShark V2; if you need a retractable mic and easy headset controls, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. For toddlers, neither is designed specifically as a child’s headset, so fit and adult supervision matter more than gaming features.
Razer BlackShark V2 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P at a Glance
• Razer BlackShark V2: Its 50 mm drivers, sound-isolating earcups, and detachable focused-pickup microphone suit immersive gaming and voice chat. Its trade-off is that the USB sound card and THX Spatial Audio features have specific connection and platform requirements.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P: Its retractable noise-cancelling microphone, adjustable fit, and on-headset volume and mute controls make routine setup straightforward. Its trade-off is that its listed connection is wired through a 3.5 mm jack, not a wireless gaming connection.
• Choose Razer if you want the detachable mic and are interested in the USB sound card and Windows-specific THX spatial audio.
• Choose SteelSeries if you want a retractable mic, adjustable earcups, and convenient volume and mute controls on the headset.
The BlackShark V2 is aimed at someone who wants an over-ear gaming headset with sound isolation and a detachable microphone. Its 50 mm drivers are divided into sections for tuning high, middle, and low sounds separately. That design is intended to give game audio more definition across different parts of the sound range. For a player who moves between spoken cues, effects, and music, that approach is a meaningful feature rather than just a large driver number.
The headset connects over a 3.5 mm jack, and it also includes a USB sound card. THX Spatial Audio is available on Windows 10 64-bit only, so I would not assume that every console or device gets the same spatial-audio setup. The focused-pickup cardioid mic is detachable, which is useful if the headset will sometimes be used without voice chat. Its cooling gel-infused oval cushions are designed to help limit heat and pressure during longer sessions.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-19 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
I would consider the Razer for a player who values a removable mic, sound-isolating earcups, and the option of USB audio processing on a compatible setup. Skip it if you specifically want a retractable mic that stays attached to the headset or prefer simple on-earcup volume and mute controls, which are listed for the SteelSeries instead.
The Arctis Nova 1P is a wired, over-ear headset built around a 3.5 mm connection and a practical fit system. Its height-adjusting, rotating earcups and stretchy band give the wearer several ways to settle the headset comfortably. AirWeave memory cushions are part of that comfort design. The listed weight is 236 g, which gives a concrete point of comparison for someone choosing a lightweight headset for extended play.
Its ClearCast Gen 2 bidirectional microphone can retract into an earcup, so it can be moved out of the way without removing it. SteelSeries says the mic can reduce background noise by up to 25 dB; that is a stated feature, not a guarantee that every room or voice will sound identical. The headset also has volume and mute controls on the headset itself. Its 360-degree spatial audio support includes compatibility with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound, while the listed 3.5 mm connection supports consoles, PC, Switch, and mobile devices.
I would choose this model for someone who wants adjustability, a mic that tucks away, and straightforward controls within reach. Skip it if a detachable microphone or a USB sound card is central to your setup; those are specific features of the Razer package, not listed for the Nova 1P.
• Best fit for a detachable microphone → Razer BlackShark V2. Its cardioid mic can be removed when voice chat is not needed.
• Best fit for a mic that stays attached but out of the way → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. The mic retracts into an earcup.
• Best fit for adjustable earcups → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its height-adjusting and rotating earcups work with a stretchy band to help personalize the fit.
• Best fit for a USB sound card option → Razer BlackShark V2. The headset includes a USB sound card, though its THX Spatial Audio feature is limited to Windows 10 64-bit.
• Best fit for on-headset volume and mute controls → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Those controls are listed as part of its design.
• Best fit for sound-isolating earcups → Razer BlackShark V2. Its design emphasizes sound isolation and oval, cooling gel-infused cushions.
• Best fit for Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. The listed spatial-audio compatibility specifically includes that platform feature.
• Best fit for a lightweight design with a stated weight → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P. Its listed weight is 236 g, which may matter if you are comparing headset weight.
For either headset, start with the device you plan to use and the connection it supports. Both models are wired and list a 3.5 mm jack, so neither should be treated as a wireless headset. The Razer also includes a USB sound card, but the specific THX Spatial Audio feature is limited to Windows 10 64-bit. SteelSeries lists compatibility across gaming systems through 3.5 mm and calls out Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound.
Think about microphone handling, too. The Razer’s mic detaches, which is convenient if you want to remove it completely. The SteelSeries mic retracts into the earcup, keeping it attached but tucked away. For frequent voice chat, either design may be useful; the distinction is whether you prefer removal or stowing.
For toddlers, these features should not be mistaken for child-specific safety or fit claims. The sheets describe both as over-ear gaming headsets and do not provide a toddler fit rating or a hearing-volume limit. If you are comparing them with bone conduction headphones for toddlers, best true wireless earbuds for toddlers, or multipoint in ear earbuds for toddlers, those are different product categories and should be evaluated on their own connection, fit, and child-use details. For either gaming headset, an adult should check fit and manage listening volume.
Finally, consider whether your priority is a particular sound feature or everyday handling. Razer highlights separately tuned driver sections and sound isolation. SteelSeries highlights adjustable fit, retractable mic storage, and on-headset controls. Neither set of details establishes that one will sound better to every listener; they point to different priorities.
I would choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P for its adjustable fit, retractable mic, and on-headset volume and mute controls. Those details make its everyday setup feel straightforward on a compatible wired device. For toddlers, I would still treat fit and supervised listening as the deciding concerns, since neither headset is described as child-specific. If USB audio features and a detachable mic matter more, I would choose the Razer instead.
FAQ
Its microphone retracts into an earcup; it is not listed as detachable. The Razer BlackShark V2 is the one with a detachable mic.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P lists compatibility with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5. Razer lists THX Spatial Audio for Windows 10 64-bit, so its stated feature has a different platform limitation.
Check the current price on Amazon, then weigh the features you will actually use. The Razer emphasizes its USB sound card, detachable mic, and sound-isolating design; the SteelSeries emphasizes adjustable fit, a retractable mic, and built-in volume and mute controls.
• zohan noise cancelling headphones for kids
• OPN Sound Osso vs Linsoul HarmonicDyne Romantic Open-Back
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.