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ASTRO Gaming A20 Mobile vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the ASTRO Gaming A20 Mobile 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.

  • ASTRO Gaming A20 Mobile
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
-
8.8
Value
-
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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • A20 Mobile2019
  • Arctis Nova 520245 yr newer
What differsA20 MobileArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C, Custom EQ.

Specifications

A20 MobileArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$100
$130
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2019
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
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
-
9 m
Battery life
15 h
60 h
Full charge time
210 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
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
318 g
265 g
Case weight
7.1 g
-
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
ASTRO A20
-
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
No
-

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A20 Mobile

The ASTRO Gaming A20 Mobile is a wireless gaming headset designed for cross-platform use via a USB transmitter, offering a clear and detailed sound signature tuned for gaming. It prioritizes comfort for long sessions with a lightweight build and provides around 15 hours of battery life, though it lacks active noise cancellation and app support. This is a straightforward, button-controlled headset focused on core gaming performance rather than extra features.

  • Pro:Comfortable design for extended wear
  • Pro:Wireless freedom with USB transmitter
  • Pro:Clear, detailed gaming audio
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No companion app for customization
  • Con:Not foldable for easy storage

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 comparisonASTRO Gaming A20 MobileSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5