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Alienware AW520H vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Alienware AW520H vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

  • Alienware AW520H
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
-
8.8
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$80
$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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • AW520H2022
  • Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer

Specifications

AW520HArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$80
$130
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2022
2024
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
40 mm driver
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
-
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
-
60 h
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
both
Weight
337 g
265 g
Water resistance
-
none
USB-C
-
Yes
Pad material
fabric
-
Microphones
-
1
Mic sensitivity
-40 dBV
-

What reviewers said

Alienware AW520H

The Alienware AW520H is a wired gaming headset focused on delivering clear in-game audio and communication. Its 40mm drivers aim to provide a broad frequency response for immersive sound, while the fabric ear pads offer comfort during extended sessions. This headset is a straightforward, budget-friendly option for gamers who prefer a reliable wired connection.

  • Pro:Large 40mm drivers for a wide sound range
  • Pro:Lightweight design at 337g for comfortable wear
  • Pro:Fabric ear pads for breathability
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited to wired use only
  • Con:Basic design without advanced features

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.

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New comparisonAlienware AW520HSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5