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ATK N9 Ultra 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 4 of 6 measures.

  • ATK N9 Ultra
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
67
86
Sound
6.4
8.2
Battery
9.6
9.3
Calls
6.8
8.8
Value
8.5
8.6
Price (USD)
$79
$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?

Half a step newer

ATK N9 Ultra (2026) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). The ATK N9 Ultra edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec LDAC against AAC. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing.

  • N9 Ultra20262 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsN9 UltraArctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
LDAC
AAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, USB-C.

Specifications

N9 UltraArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$79
$130
HearWiki score
67
86
Released
2026
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
53 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
53 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
32 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
AAC, LDAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
10 ms
-
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
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
both
Weight
270 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

ATK N9 Ultra

The ATK N9 Ultra is a budget-friendly wireless over-ear gaming headset that emphasizes low-latency performance with its 10ms response time and large 53mm drivers. It supports high-quality LDAC and AAC codecs over Bluetooth 5.3, and includes a detachable mic for chat, though it lacks active noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity.

  • Pro:Large 53mm dynamic drivers for immersive sound
  • Pro:Low 10ms latency for gaming
  • Pro:Supports LDAC and AAC high-quality codecs
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No multipoint pairing
  • Con:No water resistance rating

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 comparisonATK N9 UltraSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5