The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is our favorite budget gaming headset at full price, and with the current steep discount, it’s even more appealing. With it, you still get the awesome Arctis Nova design. It features a lightweight build, soft mesh earpads, and a stretchable headband for a comfy and secure fit that was praised by IGN expert Matthew Adler in his review of the SteelSeris Arctis Nova 1. Although this headset is a wired-only option, it offers multi-platform support. So, whether you’ve got a PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, or Mac, you’ll find the Arctis Nova 1 works seamlessly.
Even if this headset is cheaper, it doesn’t mean sound is lacking. Sure, the tunability and overall performance won’t be on the level of its higher-end brethren. Still, the Arctis Nova 1 punches far above its budget price class, delivering clear mids and highs with a surprisingly solid bass. As for surround sound, there’s Tempest 3D Audio and Microsoft Spatial Sound support, helping to discern sound cues in a game easily. You’ll even come across crisp and clear to teammates, thanks to a retractable mic that helps dull background noises. It’s seriously impressive for a headset that costs less than $40 right now.3
One last holiday hurrah for the $50 off deal on the Switch 2