If you want a lightweight wired headset for gaming and occasional quiet-room listening, choose Razer Kraken X Ultralight; if you need breathable ear cushions and a detachable cable for multi-platform gaming, choose SteelSeries Arctis 3. For sleeping, neither is designed as a sleep headphone: both are over-ear gaming headsets with microphones and wired connections. My pick for a gaming-first buyer is the Razer, while the SteelSeries makes more sense if its fabric cushions and cable design matter more to you.
• Razer Kraken X Ultralight: Its 250-gram weight and 40 mm drivers make it the lighter, straightforward choice; its surround-sound feature is software-enabled for PC gaming only.
• SteelSeries Arctis 3: AirWeave fabric cushions and a detachable 3.5 mm cable suit long gaming sessions and platform changes; PS5 use may require audio-setting adjustments.
• Razer is for: Players who prioritize a very light over-ear headset, onboard volume and mute controls, and a bendable microphone.
• SteelSeries is for: Players who value breathable fabric cushions, a bidirectional microphone, and a detachable cable across supported gaming platforms.
The Kraken X is the lighter of these two headsets at 250 grams. That is a concrete advantage for someone wearing a headset through a long gaming session, especially if a heavy-feeling headset tends to become distracting. It has an over-ear fit, 40 mm dynamic drivers, and a 3.5 mm connection. The listed frequency range is 12 Hz to 28 kHz, but the more useful practical distinction here is that Razer specifies software-enabled 7.1 surround sound for PC gaming only. Console and mobile use still get the wired headset, but not that PC-only surround feature.
Its bendable cardioid microphone is designed to focus on speech from a tighter direction and reduce some ambient sound from the sides and rear. There is also an analog volume wheel and a mic-mute switch directly on the headset. Those are simple, handy controls for someone who wants to adjust levels or mute quickly without searching through menus. The frame is described as flexible, while the overall design stays focused on essential wired gaming functions rather than extra connectivity.
For someone comparing a steelseries vs razer headset, the Kraken X is the more straightforward fit if low weight and easy physical controls lead the decision. It supports PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Series X|S, and mobile devices via its audio jack. Its main limitation is that the software-based surround mode is restricted to PC gaming, and it does not offer the Arctis 3’s detachable cable. Its microphone’s cardioid pattern is a useful design detail, but neither headset’s data sheet establishes that it will eliminate every surrounding sound.
Who should skip it: Skip the Kraken X if you specifically want breathable performance-fabric cushions or need surround sound enabled beyond PC gaming.
The Arctis 3 makes a different comfort argument. Its AirWeave performance-fabric ear cushions are intended to help keep ears cool and dry, which could appeal to people who dislike warmer-feeling ear padding over a long session. Its listed weight is 10.4 ounces, compared with the Kraken X’s 250 grams, so the Razer is the lighter option by the supplied figures. The Arctis 3’s signature ski-goggle-style suspension headband is another part of its fit design, intended to spread contact across the head rather than relying on a conventional narrow pressure point.
For voice chat, SteelSeries specifies a bidirectional ClearCast microphone with background-noise cancellation. Its S1 drivers are described as engineered for low-distortion audio, and the listed frequency range is 20 Hz to 22 kHz. The headset connects through detachable 3.5 mm cables and is described for use with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR, and mobile devices. Windows Sonic spatial audio is compatible with Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One consoles. On PS5, the product information says optimal compatibility requires disabling Sony 3D Audio and raising the default volume setting to 100 percent.
That makes the Arctis 3 a considered pick for a player who values fabric cushions, a detachable cable, and a microphone designed for clear voice communication. It is not the lighter headset in this comparison, and PS5 owners may need to change settings to get the intended audio setup. Those are practical trade-offs rather than reasons to rule it out: the Arctis has a distinct comfort approach and broad wired-platform use, but buyers should be comfortable with its cable-based design.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Who should skip it: Skip the Arctis 3 if the lowest listed weight is your main priority or you want the Razer’s specified PC-only 7.1 surround mode.
• Best for minimizing headset weight → Razer Kraken X Ultralight. It is listed at 250 grams; the Arctis 3 is listed at 10.4 ounces.
• Best for breathable fabric ear cushions → SteelSeries Arctis 3. Its AirWeave cushions are designed to help keep ears cool and dry.
• Best for an onboard volume wheel and mic mute switch → Razer Kraken X Ultralight. Both controls are specified on the headset itself.
• Best if you want a detachable 3.5 mm cable → SteelSeries Arctis 3. Its cable setup is explicitly described as detachable.
• Best for PC-only software-enabled 7.1 surround → Razer Kraken X Ultralight. The surround feature is limited to PC gaming.
• Best if Windows Sonic compatibility matters → SteelSeries Arctis 3. Its listed compatibility covers Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One consoles.
• Best fit for a bendable cardioid mic → Razer Kraken X Ultralight. The microphone design focuses on a tighter pickup direction.
• Best fit for a bidirectional mic with specified noise cancellation → SteelSeries Arctis 3. Its ClearCast microphone is described with both features.
Neither model is presented as a wireless headset. Both use a wired audio connection, so they are not multipoint true wireless earbuds for sleeping or convenient untethered listening around a room. The Arctis 3 data sheet includes “Bluetooth” in its wireless-technology field, but its use description centers on detachable 3.5 mm cables; it does not specify multipoint Bluetooth operation. I would not choose either headset on the assumption that it provides that feature.
The sleeping use case deserves a realistic expectation. Both are over-ear gaming headsets, with a microphone and cable, and neither is described as a sleep-specific design. For side sleeping, an over-ear headset can be an awkward form factor because the ear cups sit around the ears; the supplied specifications do not establish how either will feel against a pillow. If you are searching for the best sleep headphones for sleeping, these gaming models do not provide the form-factor information needed to recommend one confidently. Their documented strengths are gaming comfort features, not sleep-focused construction.
The same caution applies to kids headphones for sleeping. These are adult-listed gaming headsets, and the supplied information does not state that either is made for sleep or includes a child-oriented listening feature. For gaming, compare the practical differences instead: Razer’s lower listed weight, physical controls, and PC-only surround mode versus SteelSeries’ fabric cushions, detachable cable, and microphone design. On PS5, remember the Arctis 3 setup note about changing audio settings. Also check the current product details on Amazon if you need to confirm what is included with a particular package; I’m not making a price comparison here.
In my opinion, I would buy the Razer Kraken X Ultralight for gaming because its 250-gram weight, onboard controls, and bendable cardioid mic give it a clear, practical focus. I would not choose it as a sleep headset: neither model is specified for sleeping, and both are wired over-ear designs. For someone whose priority is breathable cushions and a detachable cable, the Arctis 3 is the better match. But for my gaming-first choice, I’d take the Razer.
The Kraken X is listed at 250 grams. The Arctis 3 is listed at 10.4 ounces, making the Razer the lighter option according to the supplied specifications.
Both are over-ear wired gaming headsets, not sleep-specific products. Their supplied information does not describe a sleep fit, pillow-friendly design, or wireless listening, so I would not treat either as a dedicated sleep headphone.
Both are described for PS5 use. The Arctis 3’s notes say optimal PS5 compatibility requires disabling Sony 3D Audio and raising the default volume to 100 percent; the Razer’s specified 7.1 surround feature applies to PC gaming only.
The Arctis 3 is described as using detachable 3.5 mm cables. The Kraken X is specified with a 3.5 mm jack, but its supplied information does not describe its cable as detachable.
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If you want a lightweight wired headset for gaming and occasional quiet-room listening, choose Razer Kraken X Ultralight; if you need breathable ear cushions and a detachable cable for multi-platform gaming, choose SteelSeries Arctis 3. For sleeping, neither is designed as a sleep headphone: both are over-ear gaming headsets with microphones and wired connections. My pick for a gaming-first buyer is the Razer, while the SteelSeries makes more sense if its fabric cushions and cable design matter more to you.
Razer Kraken X Ultralight vs SteelSeries Arctis 3 at a Glance
• Razer Kraken X Ultralight: Its 250-gram weight and 40 mm drivers make it the lighter, straightforward choice; its surround-sound feature is software-enabled for PC gaming only.
• Razer is for: Players who prioritize a very light over-ear headset, onboard volume and mute controls, and a bendable microphone.
• SteelSeries is for: Players who value breathable fabric cushions, a bidirectional microphone, and a detachable cable across supported gaming platforms.
The Kraken X is the lighter of these two headsets at 250 grams. That is a concrete advantage for someone wearing a headset through a long gaming session, especially if a heavy-feeling headset tends to become distracting. It has an over-ear fit, 40 mm dynamic drivers, and a 3.5 mm connection. The listed frequency range is 12 Hz to 28 kHz, but the more useful practical distinction is that Razer specifies software-enabled 7.1 surround sound for PC gaming only. Console and mobile use still get the wired headset, but not that PC-only surround feature.
Its bendable cardioid microphone is designed to focus on speech from a tighter direction and reduce some ambient sound from the sides and rear. There is also an analog volume wheel and a mic-mute switch directly on the headset. Those are simple, handy controls for someone who wants to adjust levels or mute quickly without searching through menus. The frame is described as flexible, while the overall design stays focused on essential wired gaming functions rather than extra connectivity.
For someone comparing a steelseries vs razer headset, the Kraken X is the more straightforward fit if low weight and easy physical controls lead the decision. It supports PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Series X|S, and mobile devices via its audio jack. Its main limitation is that the software-based surround mode is restricted to PC gaming, and it does not offer the Arctis 3’s detachable cable. Its microphone’s cardioid pattern is a useful design detail, but neither headset’s data sheet establishes that it will eliminate every surrounding sound.
Who should skip it: Skip the Kraken X if you specifically want breathable performance-fabric cushions or need surround sound enabled beyond PC gaming.
The Arctis 3 makes a different comfort argument. Its AirWeave performance-fabric ear cushions are intended to help keep ears cool and dry, which could appeal to people who dislike warmer-feeling ear padding over a long session. Its listed weight is 10.4 ounces, compared with the Kraken X’s 250 grams, so the Razer is the lighter option by the supplied figures. The Arctis 3’s signature ski-goggle-style suspension headband is another part of its fit design, intended to spread contact across the head rather than relying on a conventional narrow pressure point.
For voice chat, SteelSeries specifies a bidirectional ClearCast microphone with background-noise cancellation. Its S1 drivers are described as engineered for low-distortion audio, and the listed frequency range is 20 Hz to 22 kHz. The headset connects through detachable 3.5 mm cables and is described for use with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR, and mobile devices. Windows Sonic spatial audio is compatible with Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One consoles. On PS5, the product information says optimal compatibility requires disabling Sony 3D Audio and raising the default volume setting to 100 percent.
That makes the Arctis 3 a considered pick for a player who values fabric cushions, a detachable cable, and a microphone designed for clear voice communication. It is not the lighter headset in this comparison, and PS5 owners may need to change settings to get the intended audio setup. Those are practical trade-offs rather than reasons to rule it out: the Arctis has a distinct comfort approach and broad wired-platform use, but buyers should be comfortable with its cable-based design.
Who should skip it: Skip the Arctis 3 if the lowest listed weight is your main priority or you want the Razer’s specified PC-only 7.1 surround mode.
• Best for minimizing headset weight → Razer Kraken X Ultralight. It is listed at 250 grams; the Arctis 3 is listed at 10.4 ounces.
• Best for breathable fabric ear cushions → SteelSeries Arctis 3. Its AirWeave cushions are designed to help keep ears cool and dry.
• Best for an onboard volume wheel and mic mute switch → Razer Kraken X Ultralight. Both controls are specified on the headset itself.
• Best if you want a detachable 3.5 mm cable → SteelSeries Arctis 3. Its cable setup is explicitly described as detachable.
• Best for PC-only software-enabled 7.1 surround → Razer Kraken X Ultralight. The surround feature is limited to PC gaming.
• Best if Windows Sonic compatibility matters → SteelSeries Arctis 3. Its listed compatibility covers Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One consoles.
• Best fit for a bendable cardioid mic → Razer Kraken X Ultralight. The microphone design focuses on a tighter pickup direction.
• Best fit for a bidirectional mic with specified noise cancellation → SteelSeries Arctis 3. Its ClearCast microphone is described with both features.
Buying Considerations
Neither model is presented as a wireless headset. Both use a wired audio connection, so they are not multipoint true wireless earbuds for sleeping or convenient untethered listening around a room. The Arctis 3 data sheet includes “Bluetooth” in its wireless-technology field, but its use description centers on detachable 3.5 mm cables; it does not specify multipoint Bluetooth operation. I would not choose either headset on the assumption that it provides that feature.
The same caution applies to kids headphones for sleeping. These are adult-listed gaming headsets, and the supplied information does not state that either is made for sleep or includes a child-oriented listening feature. For gaming, compare the practical differences instead: Razer’s lower listed weight, physical controls, and PC-only surround mode versus SteelSeries’ fabric cushions, detachable cable, and microphone design. On PS5, remember the Arctis 3 setup note about changing audio settings. Also check the current product details on Amazon if you need to confirm what is included with a particular package; I’m not making a price comparison here.
In my opinion, I would buy the Razer Kraken X Ultralight for gaming because its 250-gram weight, onboard controls, and bendable cardioid mic give it a clear, practical focus. I would not choose it as a sleep headset: neither model is specified for sleeping, and both are wired over-ear designs. For someone whose priority is breathable cushions and a detachable cable, the Arctis 3 is the better match. But for my gaming-first choice, I’d take the Razer.
The Kraken X is listed at 250 grams. The Arctis 3 is listed at 10.4 ounces, making the Razer the lighter option according to the supplied specifications.
Both are over-ear wired gaming headsets, not sleep-specific products. Their supplied information does not describe a sleep fit, pillow-friendly design, or wireless listening, so I would not treat either as a dedicated sleep headphone.
Both are described for PS5 use. The Arctis 3’s notes say optimal PS5 compatibility requires disabling Sony 3D Audio and raising the default volume to 100 percent; the Razer’s specified 7.1 surround feature applies to PC gaming only.
The Arctis 3 is described as using detachable 3.5 mm cables. The Kraken X is specified with a 3.5 mm jack, but its supplied information does not describe its cable as detachable.
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