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Creative Sound Blaster GH7 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.

  • Creative Sound Blaster GH7
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
64
86
Sound
6.5
8.2
Battery
8.0
9.3
Calls
6.0
8.8
Value
6.5
8.6
Price (USD)
$86
$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

Both shipped in 2024. The Creative Sound Blaster GH7 is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Transparency mode.

  • Sound Blaster GH72024
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsSound Blaster GH7Arctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
LC3
AAC
LE Audio (LC3)
Yes
No
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Transparency mode
Yes
No

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

Specifications

Sound Blaster GH7Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$86
$130
HearWiki score
64
86
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
-
36 Ω
Sensitivity
117 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
100 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
80 h
-
Full charge time
120 min
15 min
Quick charge
5 min → 5 h
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Siri
-
Weight
282 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
5
1

What reviewers said

Creative Sound Blaster GH7

The Creative Sound Blaster GH7 is a wireless gaming headset that pairs a 40mm dynamic driver with adaptive active noise cancellation for immersive play. It offers a long-lasting battery, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, and a comfortable over-ear fit, plus a five-mic setup for clear chat. Its app support and custom EQ give you control over the sound profile.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC for focused gaming
  • Pro:Up to 100 hours of battery life
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Plastic-heavy build at 282g

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 comparisonCreative Sound Blaster GH7SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5