Gaming
Creative SXFI GAMER
Not yet scored
$130
Full review dataCreative SXFI GAMER vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Creative SXFI GAMER vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
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.
- Creative SXFI GAMER
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
-
8.8
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$130
$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 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- SXFI GAMER2020
- Arctis Nova 520244 yr newer
Level on: USB-C.
Specifications
SXFI GAMERArctis Nova 5
- Type
- Gaming
- Gaming
- Price (USD)
- $130
- $130
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 86
- Released
- 2020
- 2024
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2× 50 mm dynamic
- 40 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 50 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- 20 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 36 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 114 dB/mW
- 93 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.3
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- Yes
- Wireless range
- -
- 9 m
- Battery life
- -
- 60 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 15 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 15 min → 6 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- buttons
- both
- Weight
- 349 g
- 265 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Microphones
- 1
- 1
- Call noise reduction
- Yes
- -
- Call NR technology
- noise-cancelling mic
- -
What reviewers said
Creative SXFI GAMER
This wired USB-C gaming headset aims to boost immersion with its proprietary holographic audio processing and a detachable noise-cancelling boom mic. It also includes customizable RGB lighting for a gamer aesthetic, making it a feature-rich option for its price point. The focus is on enhancing game audio and clear communication rather than blocking out external noise.
- Pro:Immersive holographic audio effect
- Pro:Clear voice pickup with noise-cancelling mic
- Pro:Customizable RGB lighting
- Con:No active noise cancellation for the listener
- Con:Wired design limits mobility
- Con:Heavier than some competitors at 349g
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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