
JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming | Gaming |
| Price (USD) | $130 | $190 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Driver size | 40mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20-20,000 Hz | 10 Hz - 22,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 93 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity | -38 dB ±1 dB | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Latency | 50 ms | - |
| Wireless range | 9.1 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 90 h | 22 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 60 h | 36 h |
| Battery incl. case | - | 44 h |
| Full charge time | - | 15 min |
| Quick charge | 10 min = 6 h | 15 min = 3 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | 2-mic ENC | Yes |
| ANC type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Voice assistant | yes | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 128 g | 337 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 5 | 1 |
| Microphone | Yes (Hear Yourself) | - |
What reviewers said
JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset
This on-ear headset is a versatile pick for work and casual gaming, offering hybrid active noise cancellation, long battery life, and multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It pairs a lightweight build with a built-in mic and USB-C dongle for reliable performance, though its sound profile is more tuned for calls than critical listening. Overall, it's a solid all-rounder for busy environments at a budget-friendly price.
- Pro:Excellent battery life, especially without ANC
- Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for moderate noise
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Bass and treble lack refinement for music
- Con:No water resistance for outdoor use
- Con:Bluetooth range can be inconsistent
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium gaming headset that pairs solid wireless freedom with hybrid active noise cancellation and a handy hot-swappable battery setup. Its balanced sound, clear detachable mic, and strong app-based tuning make it a versatile pick for gamers, though it comes at a steep price and carries some tuning quirks. The included base station adds extra flexibility by juggling multiple audio sources and offering quick battery swaps for longer sessions.
- Pro:Hot-swappable batteries for extended playtime
- Pro:Versatile base station with dual audio connections
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Con:Pricey compared to many rivals
- Con:Frequency response consistency could be better
- Con:ANC performance is decent but not class-leading
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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