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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality, especially for an immersive experience in music and gaming, the EPOS PC38X is superior with higher scores in sound, comfort, and microphone quality which is particularly important for clear communication during gaming or calls. However, if you are on a budget, the SteelSeries TUSQ earbuds offer decent sound quality and portability at a lower price, and they are adequate for casual gaming and music listening. Keep in mind that the PC38X are bulkier over-ear headphones with an open-back design for a natural soundstage, while TUSQ are in-ear buds with a closed-back, offering better noise isolation for listening in noisier environments. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Best in class for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.5
7.6
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the Steelseries TUSQ is good.
Gaming
10.0
8.5
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the Steelseries TUSQ is very good.
Phone Calls
10.0
5.2
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
4.7
The EPOS PC38X is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
TV and Video
9.0
7.3
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the Steelseries TUSQ is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Steelseries TUSQ is only fair for noise reduction, while the EPOS PC38X is poor.
Cost
$139
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $139 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $30.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The EPOS PC38X and Steelseries TUSQ both have very good build quality.
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How the EPOS PC38X and the Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | Steelseries TUSQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$139 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | Steelseries | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Boom | |
Shopping
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
Steelseries TUSQ
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Dig into reviews and images
Can Buy or Not
Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
Get a great deal on the EPOS PC38X or the Steelseries TUSQ
About EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
About Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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