Skip to content
HearWiki

Creative Zen Hybrid Pro 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.

Creative Zen Hybrid Pro leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • Creative Zen Hybrid Pro
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
72
86
Sound
7.0
8.2
Noise cancelling
6.4
-
Battery
9.4
9.3
Calls
6.8
8.8
Value
8.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$81
$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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against Creative Zen Hybrid Pro (2023). The Creative Zen Hybrid Pro is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Wear detection and Transparency mode.

  • Zen Hybrid Pro2023
  • Arctis Nova 520241 yr newer
What differsZen Hybrid ProArctis Nova 5

Platform

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

Everyday features

Wear detection
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No

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

Specifications

Zen Hybrid ProArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$81
$130
HearWiki score
72
86
Released
2023
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
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
15 m
9 m
Battery life
100 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
80 h
-
Full charge time
120 min
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
hybrid
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
both
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Siri
-
Weight
282 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
5
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
DNN
-

What reviewers said

Creative Zen Hybrid Pro

With a 40mm dynamic driver and five microphones, it aims to deliver solid audio and clear voice capture at a budget-friendly price.

  • Pro:Hybrid ANC with transparency mode for flexible listening
  • Pro:Customizable EQ via companion app
  • Pro:Touch controls and USB-C charging
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Relatively heavy at 282 grams

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.

New comparisonCreative Zen Hybrid ProSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5