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Cooler Master CH351 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.

  • Cooler Master CH351
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
59
86
Sound
6.8
8.2
Battery
6.0
9.3
Calls
7.6
8.8
Value
5.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$90
$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

Cooler Master CH351 (2025) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them.

  • CH35120251 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsCH351Arctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
No
Yes

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

Specifications

CH351Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$90
$130
HearWiki score
59
86
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
50 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
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
20 ms
-
Wireless range
20 m
9 m
Battery life
30 h
60 h
Full charge time
-
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
Yes
No
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
328 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-

What reviewers said

Cooler Master CH351

The Cooler Master CH351 is a wireless over-ear gaming headset built around 50mm dynamic drivers, delivering up to 30 hours of use per charge. It supports multipoint Bluetooth connections and includes a transparency mode, though it lacks active noise cancellation and app-based tuning. Its lightweight 328g frame and plush fit aim for comfort, but audio performance may not satisfy critical listeners.

  • Pro:Long 30-hour battery life
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth for switching devices
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Con:Muddy audio quality reported by users
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited to SBC and AAC codecs

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 comparisonCooler Master CH351SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5