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Corsair HS80 Max 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 6 of 6 measures.

  • Corsair HS80 Max Wireless
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
65
86
Sound
6.8
8.2
Battery
8.2
9.3
Calls
7.5
8.8
Value
6.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$150
$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?

New platform

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against Corsair HS80 Max Wireless (2023). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and Top codec AAC against SBC.

  • HS80 Max Wireless2023
  • Arctis Nova 520241 yr newer
What differsHS80 Max WirelessArctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Top codec
SBC
AAC

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

HS80 Max WirelessArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$150
$130
HearWiki score
65
86
Released
2023
2024
Availability
Still 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
116 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
15 m
9 m
Battery life
65 h
60 h
Battery incl. case
130 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
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
both
Weight
352 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
foam
-
Microphones
1
1
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-

What reviewers said

Corsair HS80 Max Wireless

The Corsair HS80 Max Wireless is a versatile gaming headset that combines 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 for multi-device use, backed by an impressive 65-hour battery life (130 hours with the case). It features a 50mm dynamic driver for robust sound, a single noise-canceling microphone, and a comfortable over-ear design, though it lacks active noise cancellation and water resistance.

  • Pro:Long battery life of 65 hours, extendable to 130 with the case
  • Pro:Supports simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint
  • Pro:Custom EQ available through companion app
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Only supports SBC codec, no aptX or AAC
  • Con:Heavy at 352 grams, may feel bulky over long sessions

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 comparisonCorsair HS80 Max WirelessSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5