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Akko Verge vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 - Outstanding overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 4 of 6 measures.

  • Akko Verge
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
75
86
Sound
6.4
8.2
Battery
9.2
9.3
Calls
6.9
8.8
Value
8.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$70
$130

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Akko Verge is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 adds Multipoint pairing, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • Verge20262 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsVergeArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, USB-C.

Specifications

VergeArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$70
$130
HearWiki score
75
86
Released
2026
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
53 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
53 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
12 Hz - 22 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
64 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
15 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
9 m
Battery life
250 h
60 h
Full charge time
240 min
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
-
both
Weight
265 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Clamp force
412 g
-
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
ENC
-

What reviewers said

Akko Verge

The Akko Verge is a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset built around large 53mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.3, with an exceptional 250-hour battery life that far outlasts most competitors. It uses AAC for audio and a low-latency 15ms mode, but lacks active noise cancellation, multipoint, and any water resistance, keeping it simple and focused on long gaming sessions.

  • Pro:Outstanding 250-hour battery life
  • Pro:Large 53mm drivers for immersive sound
  • Pro:Low 15ms latency for gaming
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Not foldable

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is a wireless gaming headset that prioritizes long-lasting performance, boasting a 60-hour battery and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It features a balanced sound signature from its 40mm drivers and a noise-canceling mic for clear communication, all wrapped in a comfortable design. Multipoint support allows seamless switching between gaming and mobile devices.

  • Pro:Exceptional 60-hour battery life
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for easy device switching
  • Pro:Balanced sound profile suitable for various games
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for immersion
  • Con:No water resistance for durability
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonAkko VergeSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5