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Dell Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920H 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 7 measures.

  • Dell Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920H
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
60
86
Sound
7.2
8.2
Noise cancelling
7.1
-
Battery
6.8
9.3
Calls
5.8
8.8
Value
6.1
8.6
Price (USD)
$110
$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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against Dell Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920H (2022). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Dell Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920H brings ANC type Adaptive against None, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2.

  • Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920H2022
  • Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer
What differsAlienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920HArctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Custom EQ
No
Yes

Level on: Top codec, USB-C, Companion app.

Specifications

Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920HArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$110
$130
HearWiki score
60
86
Released
2022
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 - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
117 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
55 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
30 h
-
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
15 min → 6 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
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
touch
both
Weight
300 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Dell Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920H

The Dell Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920H is a gaming headset that pairs adaptive active noise cancellation with a long-lasting 55-hour battery (30 hours with ANC on). It features 40mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.2, touch controls, and a transparency mode, making it versatile for both immersive gaming and everyday wireless use. While it lacks multipoint and custom EQ, its lightweight 300g design and app support add convenience.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC with transparency mode
  • Pro:Long battery life up to 55 hours
  • Pro:Lightweight 300g build for extended wear
  • Con:No multipoint connection support
  • Con:No custom EQ or water resistance
  • Con:Only SBC and AAC codecs

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 comparisonDell Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless AW920HSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5