Compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming Headset vs Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720

Reviewers generally liked the sound, especially after EQ, describing it as detailed, immersive, or impressive for the price; a few wired-model notes called the default profile merely fine.

Most reviewers found the core gaming sound clear, punchy, and highly enjoyable even with Crusher bass off. A few felt the stock tuning was merely decent or less refined than top premium rivals.

Sound leakage was the clearest serious drawback, with one reviewer calling leakage shockingly bad even at low volumes.

Open-back leakage is noticeable in shared spaces, though a couple of reviewers found it less severe than expected at normal listening levels.

Passive isolation was acceptable for quieter rooms but not strong, with reviewers saying it blocked some outside sound while leaving plenty of awareness.

Passive isolation is very weak by design. The open-back cups let outside sound in, making the headset a poor fit for noisy rooms.

Soundstage was serviceable but not universally expansive, with one review saying it lacked full wraparound immersion and another calling the stage wide enough.

The open-back design creates an unusually wide, spacious presentation that reviewers repeatedly praised for immersion and a convincing sense of distance.

Bass feedback was mixed: wireless reviews often praised boom and thump, while several wired or measurement-focused reviews noted restrained sub-bass, boxiness, or less low-end impact.

Crusher bass is the defining attraction: it can make explosions, engines, and music physically rumble with unusual force. Reviewers also warn that high settings become overwhelming, fatiguing, or even distort the presentation.

Frequency-response commentary was mixed: the tuning served gaming clarity, but some reviewers found music tonal balance less accurate or less pleasant.

Measurements and listening impressions point to generally solid tonal balance, but with uneven bass-to-mid transitions and notable treble peaks that benefit from EQ.

Positional audio was a strength for gaming, with many reviewers hearing footsteps, gunfire, reloads, and directional cues clearly.

Positional audio is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly able to pinpoint footsteps, gunfire, and movement accurately in competitive games.

Spatial audio was praised for gaming immersion and directionality, especially through Sonar or console spatial systems.

THX Spatial Audio can add strong immersion and convincing head-tracked movement, but reviewers disagree on its precision and usefulness. Some found it excellent; others found distance controls subtle or head tracking buggy.

Microphone noise reduction was one of the stronger mic-related areas, with multiple reviewers praising barking, room, episode, keyboard, or background-noise suppression.

Background-noise rejection is a strength: keyboard noise, ringing phones, and other room sounds are filtered effectively, though the processing can make voices sound compressed.

ANC was a weakness because reviewers noted its absence and framed that omission as disappointing or baffling at this price.

Active noise cancellation is absent, and one reviewer counted that omission against the headset at this price.

The integrated retractable mic on the wired model was praised as convenient and clean when not in use.

There are no integrated microphones, so removing the boom mic sacrifices call convenience and makes the headset less practical on the go.

Sidetone quality was a strength in the few reviews that discussed it, especially for real-time, clear monitoring.

Sidetone is one of the weaker features. Multiple reviewers called it faint, quiet, or robotic, though one found the level appropriate.

Included accessories were a weak point in one review because the included charging cable fell short of expectations.

The box is well equipped, and the Xbox version’s included Game Pass code was singled out as a welcome extra.

Portability was helped by folding/flat ear cups and an understated look, though this was more prominent on wired or travel-adjacent comments.

The wide, bulky earcups make the headset awkward to pack or use as a travel companion, and the lack of integrated mics further hurts portability.

Smudge resistance had limited but positive evidence from one reviewer praising the non-fingerprint-prone ear plate surface.

The silicone suspension strap can pick up visible grease and feel sticky, which makes it less pleasant to keep looking clean.

Microphone feedback was generally good for gaming chat, ranging from exceptional to adequate, with some caveats about fuzziness or headset-like tone.

The boom microphone is clear enough for gaming, but its stiff arm repeatedly drew criticism because it springs back instead of holding precise placement.

Detachable mic convenience was mixed: reviewers liked the cleaner/travel-friendly look, but some preferred retractable mics or worried about losing the boom.

The detachable boom mic is convenient when switching to a separate microphone or using the headset without the boom attached.

Dongle feedback was mixed: reviewers liked the low-latency, slim, offset design, but some disliked port blocking or lack of onboard storage.

The 2.4GHz dongle is easy to use, with reviewers describing instant plug-and-play behavior.

Separation was generally adequate, but one reviewer noted it could feel jumbled during dense action scenes.

Busy game scenes stay well separated, with effects and gunfire remaining distinct even when the action gets dense.

Console compatibility limitations were limited in current evidence; one Switch 2 concern was followed by successful firmware testing.

Platform support is broad, but documentation around the two variants and PlayStation behavior can be confusing or contradictory.

Wireless latency was consistently praised, with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth testing producing low-latency or no-lag impressions.

Wireless latency reports conflict sharply, from snappy 25ms or effectively lag-free use to concerns over a quoted 40–50ms delay.

Swivel and rotation were praised for comfort, neck wear, and fit flexibility.

The 180-degree earcup swivel was praised as convenient for resting the headset around the neck.

Midrange was usually clear enough for voices and dialogue, though one measurement-focused reviewer found it recessed before tuning.

The midrange was described as clean and well balanced overall, with only minor coloration.

Stability evidence was positive in one review that said the headset did not slip accidentally.

Once adjusted, the earcups held their selected height surprisingly well in one detailed review.

USB-C was viewed as a useful upgrade because it enabled better connectivity and subtle sound/software advantages.

USB-C audio adds another useful wired connection option alongside Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and 3.5mm.

Volume output was a mild weakness in the evidence, with reviewers calling the default output quieter or less efficient than some competitors.

One reviewer found PC and music playback quieter than expected for a premium gaming headset.

Xbox compatibility was positive for the 3X variant, though buyers must choose the Xbox-capable version.

The Xbox version is repeatedly recommended because it adds wireless Xbox support while also working across PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile in testing.

Replaceable earpads were praised for interchangeability and long-term support.

The earpads can be replaced, which helps cleaning and longevity, although reinstalling them can be fiddly.

Connectivity versatility was a clear strength, with reviewers praising broad platform use, USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired options depending on model.

Connectivity is exceptionally versatile, combining Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB audio, and 3.5mm across a broad range of devices.

Treble drew mixed responses: some heard clearer highs, but others found high tones shouty, recessed, or occasionally irritating.

Treble is the main tonal weakness. Several reviewers heard reduced top-end refinement or an 8kHz emphasis that can sound sharp, metallic, or sibilant.

Multi-platform compatibility was one of the strongest positives, especially for the 3X model and cross-console/mobile use.

Multi-platform support is excellent, especially with the Xbox version, which reviewers used successfully across major consoles, PC, Switch, and mobile.

Ear cup padding was usually praised for memory foam, fabric, breathability, and glasses comfort, though one reviewer found the material hot and not plush enough.

The ear cushions are generally soft, breathable, and comfortable for long gaming sessions, though a few reviewers found the cloth less plush than expected.

Preset EQ profiles were repeatedly praised for game-specific tuning and live switching, with only minor caveats that not every preset made a big difference.

Several reviewers were happy with the default flat or out-of-box tuning and found little reason to change presets.

Cable comments were negative, mostly because reviewers disliked the short charging cable or stiff wired headset cables.

The included flat analog cable works, but one reviewer found its tendency to bunch up annoying.

Headband feedback was mostly positive for pressure distribution and adjustability, but some reviewers noted sweet-spot or large-head limitations.

Height and headband adjustment can be smooth and stable, but at least one unit gradually slid out of position and needed repeated readjustment.

Game/chat balance was useful where available, though one reviewer disliked the hold-and-wheel implementation compared with a dedicated wheel.

Game/chat balance works directly on the headset for Xbox and PC, but reviewers note that the same control is unavailable on PS5.

Durability evidence around hinges and arms was positive, with reviewers highlighting flexible construction and stress-resistant support.

Plastic hinge and adjustment points raised durability concerns in two hands-on reviews, including creaking and visible flex.

Weight comfort was a major strength, with many reviewers emphasizing the headset’s lightness and reduced fatigue.

Weight impressions are mixed. The suspension system distributes the mass well for some reviewers, while others found roughly 370 grams too heavy for extended wear.

Clamp comfort was mostly positive, balancing secure fit and comfort, though one review described the fit as tight.

Clamping is light and comfortable, but one reviewer found it so loose that the headset could move during more active head motion.

Comfort over long sessions was one of the strongest consensus positives, with many reviewers wearing it for full workdays, long gaming sessions, or glasses use comfortably.

Long-session comfort is usually very good thanks to breathable pads and the suspension design. Heavier weight, a sticky silicone strap, and occasional fit quirks keep it from being universally comfortable.

Build quality was mostly solid for plastic construction, but reviewers also noted plasticky feel or merely steady construction.

Build quality is divisive. Some units feel premium, sturdy, and durable, while others come across as too plastic-heavy with creaking adjustment points for the price.

Design and aesthetics were broadly liked, especially the soft color options, clean look, and less aggressive gaming style.

The styling is restrained for a gaming headset, with a premium matte-black look and subtle lighting. The oversized cups can still look bulky on the head.

Multipoint reliability was a caveat: reviewers liked switching modes, but several criticized the lack of true simultaneous Bluetooth or device limitations.

Simultaneous Bluetooth plus 2.4GHz is one of the most consistently praised conveniences, letting users keep game audio active while taking calls or using a phone app.

Value was a strong consensus positive across nearly every review, with reviewers repeatedly calling it a good budget or midrange buy.

Value is highly audience-dependent. Bass enthusiasts often feel the experience justifies the premium, while other reviewers argue the $260–$270 price is steep beside cheaper, more polished alternatives.

Fit/seal reliability was a small caveat because one lab review found sound quality sensitive to positioning and fit.

The articulated cups can create a good seal and fit larger heads well, but some reviewers found the overall grip loose enough to shift when tilting the head.

Earpad replacement ease was supported by a reviewer calling the pads easily replaceable.

The earpads are removable and easy to clean, but one reviewer found them frustrating to reinstall.

Bluetooth was viewed positively when tested, especially for painless switching, mobile use, and fallback connectivity.

Bluetooth preserved the headset’s haptic-bass performance well in the tested use case.

Control usability was mostly simple and easy, but some reviewers disliked crowded or less intuitive one-hand control layouts.

The controls offer a lot directly on the headset, but the multifunction joystick can feel overloaded, imprecise, or easy to mis-trigger. Other reviewers found the layout satisfying and easy to reach.

The app/software was a major value driver because reviewers praised mobile presets, Sonar, GG customization, and usefulness, despite a few complexity complaints.

The apps offer unusually deep control over EQ, lighting, spatial audio, mic settings, and more. Reliability is inconsistent, with some reviewers reporting smooth operation and others repeated detection or sync bugs.

Call and chat voice quality was generally clear, with reviewers reporting adequate Zoom/call performance and clear detailed mic sound.

Microphone impressions range from crystal-clear to merely usable. Voice intelligibility is usually good, but some reviewers heard compression, clipping, white noise, or weaker-than-premium quality.

RGB customization was mostly praised on wired models as subtle, customizable, and tasteful, with one reviewer saying options were limited.

RGB is subtle rather than flashy and can be customized by color and brightness. Effects are fairly limited, and much of the lighting sits inside the earcups.

EQ customization was a strength overall, especially on PC and mobile, although some mobile implementations lacked a true custom equalizer.

EQ flexibility is extensive, with multiple custom slots and multi-band tuning that can meaningfully fix the headset’s sharper or bassier tendencies.

Setup simplicity was mixed: wired setup was plug-and-play, but PC software routing could become confusing.

Setup can be straightforward when everything behaves, but conflicting instructions, unclear icons, and serious software bugs made the experience frustrating for some reviewers.

Battery life was generally strong for the wireless model, commonly described as enough for days or long sessions, though one lab test found less than the advertised 2.4GHz rating.

Battery results vary widely: some reviewers saw multi-day endurance near the advertised range, while others measured closer to about 25 hours with features active.

Fast charging was one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly praising the 15-minute charge usefulness.

Rapid charging is useful, with one reviewer citing roughly four hours of playback from a ten-minute charge.

Android Bluetooth pairing was seamless in two reviews, with stable audio and no meaningful quality drop.

The wired model’s USB DAC was useful mainly for extra volume and software access rather than a broad hi-res claim.

Detachable cable convenience was split between praise for replaceable/removable cables and criticism of a nonstandard aux-style cable.

Glasses wearers reported little to no extra pressure, with the soft cups sitting comfortably over frame arms.

One reviewer praised maximum-volume bass clarity, noting thump without distortion.

Overall reactions range from ecstatic to deeply frustrated. The unique bass, strong gaming sound, and immersion inspire unusually strong fans, while software bugs, weight, build concerns, and price prevent universal endorsement.

The packaging was praised for its presentation and eco-friendly approach.

Auto-sleep behavior was unreliable in repeated testing, occasionally leaving the headset powered on for hours.

Wireless range drew a repeated complaint: one reviewer saw dropouts at roughly 12 feet, far short of the expected range.

One reviewer reported no perceptible lag during wireless use, with game audio feeling immediately synchronized.

Footstep-focused preset evidence was positive, with one reviewer saying the preset made footsteps more pronounced in stealth gameplay.