If you want a wired PC gaming headset with THX spatial audio and Chroma lighting, choose Razer Kraken Ultimate; if you need wireless flexibility, active noise cancellation, and a swappable-battery system, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. For the gym, though, neither is designed like a compact workout headset: both are over-ear gaming models, so I’d choose based on where and how you plan to use one.
Razer Kraken Ultimate vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro at a Glance
• Razer Kraken Ultimate: Its USB connection, THX spatial audio, retractable active noise-cancelling microphone, and Chroma lighting suit a PC-centered setup. Its main trade-off is that it’s wired.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: Wireless audio, active noise cancellation with Transparency Mode, dual audio streams, and a hot-swappable battery system make it more flexible. Its many controls and connections may be more than a simple one-device setup needs.
• Razer pick: Choose it if you want a straightforward wired headset with lighting and spatial audio for gaming.
• SteelSeries pick: Choose it if you want to move between supported devices, mix audio sources, and swap batteries while playing.
The Kraken Ultimate is an over-ear USB headset aimed at gaming and personal use. Its most distinctive gaming feature is THX spatial audio, which is available on Windows 10 64-bit. Razer describes the audio as positional and 360-degree, while on-earcup controls let you adjust volume or switch THX Spatial on and off. Chroma lighting adds customizable color effects and can sync with compatible Razer hardware and other supported gear.
It also has a retractable microphone with active noise cancellation to reduce surrounding noise during communication. The cushions are oval and gel-infused, and the headset’s listed frequency range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. These details point toward a headset built for a desk or gaming station, where USB is convenient and a wired connection is welcome rather than restrictive.
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 you mainly play on a USB-connected setup and want spatial audio, a retractable mic, and customizable lighting without needing wireless features. I’d skip it if you need to walk around untethered, connect through a 3.5 mm jack, or regularly switch between multiple systems using a base station. Its USB connection is a clear constraint. For workouts, the over-ear gaming design is also a less natural fit than gear intended for movement; it isn’t a true-wireless earbud option.
The Arctis Nova Pro is an over-ear wireless gaming headset built around flexibility. Its Dual Wireless Base Station has two USB ports, so you can connect compatible systems and switch between them with a button. The headset can also combine two audio streams: 2.4 GHz gaming audio and Bluetooth for calls, Discord, music, or podcasts. That’s useful if you want game sound and a second audio source at the same time.
Its standout practical feature is the Infinity Power System. One battery can power the headset while the other charges, allowing you to swap between them rather than pause for a recharge. Active noise cancellation is paired with Transparency Mode, whose levels can be adjusted. The retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone is designed to reduce background noise, and Sonar Software provides sound customization. The listed frequency range is 20 Hz to 40 kHz.
I’d choose the Nova Pro if you use more than one gaming system, want Bluetooth alongside gaming audio, or value the ability to swap batteries. Its additional connections and controls make it a more elaborate setup than the Kraken Ultimate. If your only need is a USB headset for one PC, those extra capabilities may not be especially useful. And while it’s wireless, it remains an over-ear gaming headset—not a compact sports headset built specifically for the gym.
• Best for wired USB gaming → Razer Kraken Ultimate. Its USB connection suits a desk setup where staying plugged in isn’t a problem.
• Best for switching between systems → SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The Dual Wireless Base Station has two USB ports and supports switching between connected devices.
• Best for mixing game audio with Bluetooth → SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. It can combine 2.4 GHz gaming audio with Bluetooth audio for calls, chat, music, or podcasts.
• Best for avoiding battery-recharge pauses → SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. Its hot-swappable battery system lets one battery charge while the other is in use.
• Best for Chroma lighting and a focused PC setup → Razer Kraken Ultimate. Its lighting can be customized and synced with supported devices; THX Spatial Audio is available on Windows 10 64-bit.
• Best for noise-control flexibility → SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. It has active noise cancellation plus an adjustable Transparency Mode.
• Best for a retractable microphone → Either, for different reasons. Razer’s mic has active noise cancellation; SteelSeries’ mic retracts into the earcup and uses its ClearCast Gen 2 noise-cancelling design.
• Best for the gym → Neither is an obvious match. Both are over-ear gaming headsets, so I’d look for workout-specific earbuds if compactness and movement are the priority.
My Verdict
In my opinion, I’d buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro if I wanted one headset for multiple gaming systems, Bluetooth audio, and long sessions with a spare battery ready to swap. Its flexibility gives it the edge for a more involved setup.
For a single USB gaming station, I’d take the Razer Kraken Ultimate instead: it keeps the core experience focused on wired gaming, spatial audio, and Chroma lighting. For the gym, I would choose neither; I’d look for workout-specific earbuds rather than force either over-ear gaming headset into that role.
No. It connects through USB, so it’s a wired headset. The product information also lists Bluetooth connectivity, but the specified headset connection is USB; it should not be treated as a wireless gaming headset.
Its Dual Wireless Base Station has two USB ports for connecting supported systems, and you can switch between them with a button. It can also mix 2.4 GHz gaming audio and Bluetooth audio simultaneously.
Both include active noise cancellation, but they approach communication and ambient sound differently. Razer lists an ANC microphone; SteelSeries lists headset ANC with adjustable Transparency Mode and a microphone designed to reduce background noise.
Neither is described as a gym or workout headset. Both are over-ear gaming models, and the listed features focus on gaming audio, microphones, and system connectivity. If you specifically want true-wireless earbuds for exercise, these aren’t that product type.
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