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Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT 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.

  • Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
69
86
Sound
7.4
8.2
Battery
4.9
9.3
Calls
9.1
8.8
Value
4.1
8.6
Price (USD)
$260
$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?

Mixed generations

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT (2021). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT brings Top codec aptX HD against AAC, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0.

  • Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT2021
  • Arctis Nova 520243 yr newer
What differsVirtuoso RGB Wireless XTArctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Top codec
aptX HD
AAC

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

Specifications

Virtuoso RGB Wireless XTArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$260
$130
HearWiki score
69
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
32 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
109 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
18 m
9 m
Battery life
15 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
both
both
Weight
382 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is a premium gaming headset that combines a 50mm driver with versatile connectivity options, including 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm jack. It supports high-quality audio codecs like aptX HD and offers multipoint Bluetooth, making it a flexible choice for gaming and everyday use. While it lacks active noise cancellation and has a moderate 15-hour battery life, it compensates with a durable build and customizable sound via app support.

  • Pro:Versatile connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm
  • Pro:Supports aptX HD and AAC for high-quality wireless audio
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth allows pairing with two devices
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Battery life is only 15 hours, which is below average
  • Con:Heavy at 382 grams, which may cause fatigue during 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 Virtuoso RGB Wireless XTSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5