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Corsair HS35 v3 Wireless 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 3 of 6 measures.

  • Corsair HS35 v3 Wireless
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
81
86
Sound
7.8
8.2
Battery
6.4
9.3
Calls
8.8
8.8
Value
9.0
8.6
Price (USD)
$80
$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 Corsair HS35 v3 Wireless 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 Multipoint pairing, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • HS35 v3 Wireless20262 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsHS35 v3 WirelessArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, USB-C.

Specifications

HS35 v3 WirelessArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$80
$130
HearWiki score
81
86
Released
2026
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
117 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
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
No
No
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
250 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

Corsair HS35 v3 Wireless

The Corsair HS35 v3 Wireless is a budget-friendly gaming headset that delivers solid wireless performance via Bluetooth 5.3, backed by a 50mm dynamic driver and a long 30-hour battery life. It features a single noise-canceling microphone for clear chat and uses straightforward button controls, though it lacks active noise cancellation and app support. This headset is a practical choice for gamers who prioritize battery endurance and simple connectivity over extra features.

  • Pro:30-hour battery life
  • Pro:50mm drivers for punchy sound
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codecs
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ

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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