Compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 vs Drop + Epos PC38X

Reviewers broadly say the Nova 1 sounds good for a budget wired headset, especially for gaming, though several describe it as only adequate, compressed, or less detailed than pricier options.

Sound quality is the headline strength: reviewers repeatedly call the PC38X superb, detailed and unusually strong for a gaming headset. Even the more critical takes generally concede that its core audio is good.

Bass impressions are mixed: some reviewers praise controlled or punchy low end, while others call it weak, restrained, dull, bloated, or overpowering in competitive play.

Bass is surprisingly full for an open-back headset, with repeated praise for punch, texture and control rather than muddy boom. A few reviewers prefer less bass for competitive play, and sub-bass depth is not universally strong.

The soundstage is described as intimate rather than wide, though not so cramped that games or music become unusable.

The open-back design delivers a consistently praised wide, immersive soundstage that makes games and music feel spacious. A small minority found the stage less expansive or too left-right focused than the hype suggests.

Passive isolation is a weak point; reviewers say it is modest and not especially effective at blocking outside noise.

Passive isolation is poor by design. Reviewers repeatedly note that the open-back cups let outside noise in, making the headset a better fit for quiet rooms than noisy shared spaces.

Positional audio is sharply mixed, ranging from accurate enemy placement to weak direction and distance cues in competitive scenarios.

Positional audio is usually excellent, with repeated praise for locating direction, distance and movement without virtual surround. A minority found the advantage game-dependent or the imaging hazier than competing headphones.

Measured or described frequency response is viewed as good for the price by one review, but another calls it serviceable with missed nuance.

The tuning is widely viewed as balanced, natural or well judged for gaming, with enough warmth to stay enjoyable. Competitive-FPS preferences create some disagreement about how much upper-mid and treble emphasis is ideal.

Noise reduction is mixed: several reviewers praise background-noise suppression, while others report hiss, weak isolation, or background noise still coming through.

Background-noise handling is decent to very good in many tests, but plosives are a recurring weakness. Several reviewers recommend positioning carefully or adding a windscreen/pop filter for cleaner speech.

Equalizer customization is a major PC-side upside, with reviewers saying Sonar can significantly improve or personalize the sound.

There is no companion software for EQ, and reviewers who want to tune the sound see that as a clear limitation. External EQ or sound-card adjustments are possible, but the headset itself offers no software customization.

Setup is often praised as easy plug-and-play, though software reliance can make the headset less competitive away from PC.

Setup is mostly simple plug-and-play analog audio with no required drivers or companion software. One later owner reported more Windows and game-level troubleshooting than expected, so ease can depend on the source hardware.

Microphone voice quality is usually praised as clear, intelligible, and strong for the price, with a few caveats around passable or overly sensitive performance.

Voice quality is one of the PC38X's better traits: calls and chat are typically clear, intelligible and natural for a headset mic. Some reviewers still hear thinness, inconsistent level behavior or a lack of bass compared with dedicated mics.

Controls are usually considered simple and convenient, but a few reviewers criticize mute button location or feedback.

The simple right-earcup volume wheel is usually praised for being easy to find and adjust quickly. Several reviewers dislike its light resistance or the fact that turning it fully down does not completely mute.

Detachable cable convenience is mostly positive, with reviewers appreciating easier travel, replacement, and cable flexibility.

The cable is detachable, but the deeply recessed proprietary-style 2.5 mm connection limits easy third-party replacement. Multiple reviewers call that restriction inconvenient.

Portability is helped by low weight and lay-flat earcups, though the headset does not fully fold.

Portability is weak. The cups do not fold flat, the pouch offers little protection, and the open-back design plus fixed boom mic make mobile use less convenient.

Maximum-volume clarity is inconsistent: some hear distortion or higher-volume struggle, while one review praises bass that does not distort loudly.

One reviewer found the PC38X keeps its audio quality consistent as volume changes, with no obvious degradation at higher or lower listening levels.

One reviewer says the headset can get loud enough for them, but it is among the quieter budget options they compared.

The PC38X is widely praised as easy to drive from phones, PCs and console controllers without a dedicated amp. One reviewer still wanted a little more headroom from a low-power controller, but output is generally sufficient.

Detail separation is a recurring weakness in more complex audio, with reviewers noting limited layering and less distinct sound separation versus better headsets.

Separation is a strong point in dense mixes, with reviewers praising distinct channels, instruments and game cues. One music-focused take found separation merely average, but the overall pattern is clearly positive.

Connectivity versatility is mixed: analog 3.5mm works well in many setups, but mobile, docked, or modern-device limitations reduce flexibility.

Dual analog cables make it easy to move between desktop and portable/controller sources without adapters. Reviewers who discuss the connection options see them as a practical strength.

Rotating and lay-flat earcups are repeatedly treated as useful for fit, neck wear, and storage.

Ear-cup rotation is limited: the cups may tilt or move slightly, but they do not swivel fully or lay flat. Reviewers who value full swivel see this as a drawback.

Headband adjustability is generally useful, but some reviewers dislike the imprecise adjustment, elastic concerns, or strap comfort.

Headband adjustment has a broad range and accommodates a wide span of head sizes. The click-step mechanisms are generally viewed as secure and useful.

Smudge resistance gets one positive mention for the black model resisting fingerprints.

The matte plastic finish resists visible fingerprints well in the one review that evaluates smudging, helping the headset stay clean-looking.

Cable impressions are mixed: the included cable can feel good, but one reviewer dislikes the semi-proprietary connector and another finds the cable short.

The included braided cables are often praised as sturdy and practical, especially because two lengths/terminations cover different setups. Complaints center on stiffness, tangling and the occasional transmission of rubbing noise.

Included accessories are modest but appreciated, especially the splitter/extension cable and occasional sticker pack.

The accessory bundle is repeatedly praised: two useful cables, two pad sets and a simple pouch cover the main use cases without much filler.

Stability is positive where mentioned, with reviewers saying the headset stays secure without slipping.

One detailed fit assessment notes that the stronger clamp helps keep the headset stable on the head, even though that pressure can affect comfort.

The retractable integrated microphone is mostly praised for tucking away neatly, though a few reviewers report wobble or retraction problems.

The integrated boom mic is unusually capable for an all-in-one gaming headset. Reviewers like having clear built-in communication without needing a separate desk or boom microphone.

Treble often earns praise for clarity and balance, but reviewers also report low-treble dips, higher-volume strain, and inconsistent treble tuning.

Treble is generally crisp and detailed without becoming piercing, helping gunfire and positional cues stand out. Pad choice and taste matter: some heard a slightly dull top end, while others found it a bit bright or harsh.

Midrange is generally described as clear or balanced, but a few reviews note vocal clutter, reduced airiness, or a merely adequate mid presentation.

Mids are usually described as clear, natural and full, especially for voices and in-game detail. A minority found them either too recessed or a little too prominent, so the midrange tuning is not unanimous.

Multi-platform compatibility is a core strength thanks to the 3.5mm connection across PC, consoles, handhelds, and compatible mobile devices.

Cross-platform use is a consistent strength: reviewers successfully use the PC38X across PC and multiple consoles, with the included cable options making controller connections straightforward.

Ear cup padding is usually praised for softness, breathability, and fit, though some reviewers note warmth or low-quality cloth feel.

The ear pads are generally soft, breathable and deep enough to keep ears off the drivers, with cloth and velour options to suit preference. A few reviewers find the pads smaller or hotter than ideal.

Replaceable earpads get one positive mention as a way to swap fragile parts without trouble.

Swappable earpads are a well-liked feature, letting owners choose between the included cloth/mesh and velour options. Reviewers who comment on it appreciate both the flexibility and the easy changeover.

The microphone is generally viewed as capable and good for the price, with some software dependence and one lower-confidence assessment.

The boom microphone is broadly above average for a gaming headset, with clear speech and convenient flip-to-mute behavior. Criticism focuses on its bulky fixed design, plosives and the gap versus a dedicated microphone.

Packaging gets a small positive mention for protecting the headset in an unboxing review.

Packaging is minimalist and functional rather than premium. Reviewers generally accept the plain presentation because the headset and accessories are protected and the budget appears focused on the product itself.

Build quality is mostly good for the price, with praise for solidity and durability despite plastic; some reviewers note it does not feel premium.

Build quality is the clearest split in the coverage. Some reviewers find the plastic chassis durable and well assembled, while others call it cheap-feeling, flimsy or chintzy for the price.

Clamp force divides reviewers: several find it comfortable or secure, while others call it excessive, tight, or pressure-inducing.

Clamp is the most divisive comfort trait. Some reviewers call it perfectly judged, but many find it tight or pinchy out of the box and recommend letting the headset loosen with use.

The headset’s light weight is consistently praised as a comfort and portability advantage.

Low weight is unanimously praised where discussed. Reviewers repeatedly say the light plastic frame reduces fatigue over long gaming sessions.

Comfort is the strongest consensus area, with most reviewers praising long-session wear, while a minority report warmth, tightness, or serious discomfort.

Long-session comfort is a major strength: most reviewers can wear the PC38X for hours with little fatigue, helped by low weight and breathable pads. The main exception is firm initial clamp, which often eases after break-in.

Design is usually praised as sleek, minimalist, neutral, or attractive, though some reviewers find it plain or uninspired.

The restrained Sennheiser-style shape is widely liked, especially the later all-black look, but the original yellow accents are polarizing. Several reviewers appreciate that it looks less aggressively 'gamer' than many alternatives.

Value is generally strong, especially at budget or sale prices, but a few reviewers argue competing headsets offer better value.

Value depends heavily on sale price and priorities. Many reviewers consider the sound and comfort worth the premium, while others question paying close to $200 for a wired, plastic headset when cheaper or more feature-rich alternatives exist.

Earpad replacement is praised where discussed, with reviewers noting easy removal or replacement.

When reviewers discuss the swap process directly, they find the pads easy to pop off and snap back into place. Changing between cloth and velour is quick and fuss-free.

Android compatibility is limited to phones with headphone jacks or adapters, but one review still gives it credit for working with compatible Android phones.

Cable-borne rubbing noise is inconsistent but real: two reviewers notice some microphonics from the braided cable, while another says the deep-set connector largely suppresses vibration noise.

The included cloth pouch keeps the headset from getting scratched or dusty, but reviewers say it provides little real impact protection.

Console limitations recur because software features are PC-focused, some systems lack ideal support, and one PSVR2 setup loses mic function.

The flip-to-mute boom is convenient, but it is permanently attached and fairly large. Reviewers who want a cleaner everyday headphone or modular setup repeatedly wish the mic could be removed.

Glasses wearers report excellent results once the clamp settles, with soft pads applying little unwanted temple pressure. The open, cushioned fit is repeatedly singled out as glasses-friendly.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with many reviewers calling the PC38X a favorite, a top-tier gaming headset or an easy recommendation. The dissenting reviews mainly object to price, build feel, clamp or specific FPS tuning rather than the whole product.

Preset EQ support is praised in one review for strongly affecting microphone and sound quality.

Sidetone or mic-monitoring support is a weakness, with reviewers complaining about no indicator, no sidetone, or no microphone monitoring.

USB-C support is treated as a miss in one review because modern devices increasingly need USB-C or an adapter.

Software/app support is strong on PC through Sonar or GG, but weaker for analog-only use or non-PC setups.

Bluetooth is a limitation rather than a strength, with one review noting that TV or mobile use may suffer because many devices rely on Bluetooth.

The wired analog connections provide a low-latency gaming experience, with no meaningful audio-video sync concern reported.

Two reviewers specifically found footsteps too subdued in competitive FPS with the stock tuning. They preferred brighter alternatives or EQ when footstep prominence was the priority.

Sound leakage is an unavoidable open-back tradeoff: nearby people can hear your audio, especially at higher levels. One owner found leakage modest at normal volume, but shared-room use remains less private.

Spatial audio receives strong praise when supported by PS5 Tempest, Microsoft Spatial Sound, virtual surround, or Sonar.

Because the PC38X is wired, there is no battery runtime to manage or recharge. One reviewer explicitly treats that effectively unlimited uptime as a benefit.

Fit and seal depend on head and ear size; some reviews praise fit while others warn about large heads, large ears, or narrow suitability.

Durability around hinges and yokes is mostly positive, with reviewers praising reinforced or double-fork designs.