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ASTRO Gaming ASTRO A30 LIGHTSPEED vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the ASTRO Gaming ASTRO A30 LIGHTSPEED 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 6 of 6 measures.

  • ASTRO Gaming ASTRO A30 LIGHTSPEED
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
-
8.8
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$180
$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. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 adds Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • ASTRO A30 LIGHTSPEED2022
  • Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer
What differsASTRO A30 LIGHTSPEEDArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

ASTRO A30 LIGHTSPEEDArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$180
$130
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2022
2024
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
2× 40 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
105 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
15 m
9 m
Battery life
27 h
60 h
Full charge time
120 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
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
both
both
Weight
342 g
265 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
2
1

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming ASTRO A30 LIGHTSPEED

This wireless gaming headset is built for multi-platform use, pairing a low-latency 2.4 GHz connection with Bluetooth for simultaneous audio sources. It houses dual 40 mm drivers in a closed-back shell, delivering a comfortable over-ear fit and a long-lasting 27-hour battery on a single charge. While it lacks active noise cancellation, it offers a wired 3.5 mm option and multipoint connectivity for flexible gaming sessions.

  • Pro:Long 27-hour battery life for extended play
  • Pro:Dual wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth) with multipoint
  • Pro:Compatible with multiple platforms via USB-C and 3.5 mm jack
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for background noise isolation
  • Con:Lacks transparency mode and custom EQ settings
  • Con:No app support for firmware updates or sound tuning

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 ASTRO A30 LIGHTSPEEDSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5