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Corsair HS80 RGB 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 4 of 6 measures.

  • Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
71
86
Sound
7.6
8.2
Battery
4.0
9.3
Calls
8.8
8.8
Value
6.2
8.6
Price (USD)
$120
$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 3 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. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • HS80 RGB Wireless2021
  • Arctis Nova 520243 yr newer
What differsHS80 RGB WirelessArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

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

Specifications

HS80 RGB WirelessArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$120
$130
HearWiki score
71
86
Released
2021
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 - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
32000 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
116 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
20 h
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
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
368 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
HS80 RGB USB
-
Microphones
1
1
Mic sensitivity
-40 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
No
-

What reviewers said

Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless

The Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless is a gaming-focused headset featuring 50mm dynamic drivers and virtual surround sound for an immersive audio experience. It provides a 20-hour battery life, a detachable microphone, and customizable RGB lighting, making it a solid choice for PC gamers seeking wireless freedom without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Comfortable design with plush memory foam ear cushions
  • Pro:Clear detachable microphone for voice chat
  • Pro:Customizable RGB lighting via companion app
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Battery life is average at 20 hours
  • Con:No multipoint connectivity for multiple devices

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 RGB WirelessSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5