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ASTRO Gaming A20 Gen 2 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 5 of 6 measures.

  • ASTRO Gaming A20 Gen 2
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
63
86
Sound
6.8
8.2
Battery
6.0
9.3
Calls
6.5
8.8
Value
7.0
8.6
Price (USD)
$100
$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 4 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 and Companion app. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • A20 Gen 22020
  • Arctis Nova 520244 yr newer
What differsA20 Gen 2Arctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C, Custom EQ.

Specifications

A20 Gen 2Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$100
$130
HearWiki score
63
86
Released
2020
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
15 m
9 m
Battery life
15 h
60 h
Full charge time
210 min
15 min
Quick charge
none
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
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
318 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A20 Gen 2

The ASTRO Gaming A20 Gen 2 is a wireless gaming headset built for console and PC use, offering a neutral-leaning sound profile and a comfortable fit. It features a flip-to-mute mic, USB-C charging, and EQ presets, though it lacks active noise cancellation and digital surround sound. With reliable battery life and solid build quality, it's a dependable choice for gamers seeking a no-frills wireless option under $100.

  • Pro:Neutral sound profile good for gaming
  • Pro:Flip-to-mute mic is convenient
  • Pro:USB-C charging and EQ presets included
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No digital surround sound on PC/Xbox
  • Con:No wired audio support

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

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New comparisonASTRO Gaming A20 Gen 2SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5