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Dark Project HS4 Wireless 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.

  • Dark Project HS4 Wireless
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
67
86
Sound
6.5
8.2
Battery
8.5
9.3
Calls
-
8.8
Value
7.0
8.6
Price (USD)
$90
$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 Dark Project HS4 Wireless (2023). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds USB-C, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • HS4 Wireless2023
  • Arctis Nova 520241 yr newer
What differsHS4 WirelessArctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Top codec
SBC
AAC

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Multipoint pairing.

Specifications

HS4 WirelessArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$90
$130
HearWiki score
67
86
Released
2023
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
53 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
53 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
96 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
100 h
60 h
Full charge time
180 min
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
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
250 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
noise-cancelling mic
-

What reviewers said

Dark Project HS4 Wireless

The Dark Project HS4 Wireless is a budget-friendly over-ear gaming headset that focuses on long-lasting wireless play, boasting an impressive 100-hour battery life and a large 53mm driver for immersive sound. It connects via Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support, allowing seamless switching between devices, though it lacks active noise cancellation and advanced codecs, sticking with basic SBC. Its lightweight 250g build makes it comfortable for extended sessions, but the absence of a USB-C port and app support limits modern convenience.

  • Pro:Exceptional 100-hour battery life
  • Pro:Large 53mm drivers for powerful sound
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connectivity
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited to basic SBC codec
  • Con:No USB-C charging port

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

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New comparisonDark Project HS4 WirelessSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5