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ASTRO Gaming A40 Gen 4 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 A40 Gen 4
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
72
86
Sound
7.6
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
8.4
8.8
Value
6.5
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 USB-C. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • A40 Gen 42019
  • Arctis Nova 520245 yr newer
What differsA40 Gen 4Arctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes

Level on: Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

A40 Gen 4Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$100
$130
HearWiki score
72
86
Released
2019
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
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
48 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
-
60 h
Full charge time
-
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
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
none
both
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
369 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Balanced connection
No
-
Model code
A40 TR
-
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A40 Gen 4

The Astro Gaming A40 Gen 4 is a wired gaming headset built for serious players, offering a clean, balanced sound profile through its 40mm dynamic drivers. While it lacks active noise cancellation and wireless features, its open design and comfortable build make it a solid choice for long sessions. Its strength lies in its versatility with console and PC, backed by app support for custom EQ tuning.

  • Pro:Clean, flat frequency response
  • Pro:Comfortable for extended gaming sessions
  • Pro:Solid build quality
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Con:No on-ear controls

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 A40 Gen 4SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5