Gaming
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE
60Average
$210
Full review dataCorsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE 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.
Gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
86Outstanding
$130
Full review dataScore 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.
- Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
60
86
Sound
7.0
8.2
Battery
5.2
9.3
Calls
9.0
8.8
Value
3.2
8.6
Price (USD)
$210
$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 5 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 and USB-C. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE2019
- Arctis Nova 520245 yr newer
What differsVirtuoso RGB Wireless SEArctis Nova 5
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Level on: Custom EQ, Companion app.
Specifications
Virtuoso RGB Wireless SEArctis Nova 5
- Type
- Gaming
- Gaming
- Price (USD)
- $210
- $130
- HearWiki score
- 60
- 86
- Released
- 2019
- 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
- 32 Ω
- 36 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 109 dB/mW
- 93 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.3
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- Yes
- Wireless range
- 18 m
- 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
- 380 g
- 265 g
- Water resistance
- none
- none
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
- Model code
- CA-9011180-NA
- -
- Microphones
- 1
- 1
- Microphone type
- condenser
- -
- Mic sensitivity
- -42 dBV
- -
- Call noise reduction
- No
- -
What reviewers said
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE
The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE is a premium gaming headset built with a 50mm dynamic driver and a detachable condenser microphone, offering a wide 20 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response. It provides up to 20 hours of wireless use over a 2.4 GHz connection (18m range) and includes a 3.5mm wired option for versatility. While it lacks active noise cancellation or transparency features, its robust construction and custom EQ support via companion app make it a solid choice for gamers seeking comfort and audio fidelity.
- Pro:High-quality 50mm drivers deliver detailed sound
- Pro:Long 20-hour battery life for extended sessions
- Pro:Detachable condenser mic with good clarity
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:Heavy at 380g, may feel bulky over long use
- Con:No multipoint pairing for multi-device switching
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
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.