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Dell Alienware Pro Wireless Headset 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 4 of 7 measures.

  • Dell Alienware Pro Wireless Headset
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
83
86
Sound
8.7
8.2
Noise cancelling
8.3
-
Battery
9.3
9.3
Calls
8.1
8.8
Value
7.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$200
$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

Both shipped in 2024. Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Dell Alienware Pro Wireless Headset brings ANC type Hybrid against None, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Top codec AAC against SBC.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless Headset2024
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsAlienware Pro Wireless HeadsetArctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
SBC
AAC
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Transparency mode
Yes
No

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

Specifications

Alienware Pro Wireless HeadsetArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$200
$130
HearWiki score
83
86
Released
2024
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
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
30 m
9 m
Battery life
75 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Full charge time
15 min
15 min
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
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
No
No
Controls
both
both
Weight
315 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Connector
USB-C
-
Model code
83XJY
-
Microphones
2
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Dell Alienware Pro Wireless Headset

The Dell Alienware Pro Wireless Headset is a premium gaming headset with a 75-hour battery life and 50mm drivers. It supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connections, and includes hybrid active noise cancellation for immersive gaming sessions. With a 30-meter range and USB-C compatibility, it's designed for cross-platform use on PC, PlayStation, and Switch.

  • Pro:Hybrid active noise cancellation for focus
  • Pro:50mm drivers for robust sound
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless options
  • Con:No multipoint connection support
  • Con:SBC codec only limits audio quality
  • Con:No water resistance rating

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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