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ASTRO Gaming A30 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 A30 Gen 2
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
72
86
Sound
7.5
8.2
Battery
8.5
9.3
Calls
7.0
8.8
Value
7.0
8.6
Price (USD)
$130
$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?

Mixed generations

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against ASTRO Gaming A30 Gen 2 (2022). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the ASTRO Gaming A30 Gen 2 brings Top codec aptX Adaptive against AAC, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0.

  • A30 Gen 22022
  • Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer
What differsA30 Gen 2Arctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Top codec
aptX Adaptive
AAC

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

A30 Gen 2Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$130
$130
HearWiki score
72
86
Released
2022
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
105 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
27 h
60 h
Full charge time
240 min
15 min
Quick charge
10 min → 2 h
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
both
both
Weight
326 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
2
1

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A30 Gen 2

The ASTRO Gaming A30 Gen 2 is a versatile wireless gaming headset built for multi-platform use, offering broad connectivity including Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX Adaptive support. It delivers clean, solid audio for games and media, with a comfortable fit and long 27-hour battery life suitable for extended sessions. Its lightweight design and dual-device pairing make it a practical choice for gamers who switch between consoles, PC, and mobile.

  • Pro:Excellent multi-platform compatibility
  • Pro:Comfortable for long gaming sessions
  • Pro:Long 27-hour battery life
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Plastic build may not feel premium to all users

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 A30 Gen 2SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5