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Edifier G5 Max 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • Edifier G5 Max
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
82
86
Sound
8.3
8.2
Battery
10.0
9.3
Calls
5.4
8.8
Value
9.0
8.6
Price (USD)
$150
$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

Edifier G5 Max (2026) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). The Edifier G5 Max is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 6.0 against 5.3 and Top codec LHDC against AAC.

  • G5 Max20262 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsG5 MaxArctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
6.0
5.3
Top codec
LHDC
AAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Transparency mode
Yes
No

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

Specifications

G5 MaxArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$150
$130
HearWiki score
82
86
Released
2026
2024
Availability
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 - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
64 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
6.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC, LHDC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
9 m
Battery life
305 h
60 h
Full charge time
360 min
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
both
both
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
305 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
protein-leather
-
Connector
USB-C
-
Microphones
3
1
Microphone type
electret
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Edifier G5 Max

The Edifier G5 Max is a wireless gaming headset built around large 53mm dynamic drivers, offering immersive THX Spatial Audio and an exceptional 305-hour battery life. It supports Bluetooth 6.0 with SBC and LHDC codecs, plus a USB-C connection, while its design prioritizes comfort for long sessions. However, its microphone quality and lack of multipoint pairing limit its appeal for those needing clear voice chat or multi-device flexibility.

  • Pro:Exceptional 305-hour battery life
  • Pro:Large 53mm drivers with THX Spatial Audio
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended gaming
  • Con:Weak microphone performance
  • Con:No multipoint pairing (one device at a time)
  • Con:No active noise cancellation despite specs listing it

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 comparisonEdifier G5 MaxSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5