EPOS H3Pro Hybrid 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.

Gaming

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.

EPOS H3Pro Hybrid
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

HearWiki score

Sound

7.7

8.2

Noise cancelling

7.4

Battery

5.8

9.3

Calls

8.2

8.8

Value

8.8

8.6

Price (USD)

$80

$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 EPOS H3Pro Hybrid (2022). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the EPOS H3Pro Hybrid brings ANC type Hybrid against None, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and Top codec AAC against SBC. The EPOS H3Pro Hybrid answers on convenience features: it adds Transparency mode.

H3Pro Hybrid2022
Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer

What differsH3Pro HybridArctis Nova 5

Bluetooth: 5.2; 5.3
Top codec: SBC; AAC
ANC type: Hybrid; None
Transparency mode: Yes; No

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

Specifications

H3Pro HybridArctis Nova 5

Type: Gaming; Gaming
Price (USD): $80; $130
HearWiki score: 73; 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 - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 36 Ω
Sensitivity: 116 dB/mW; 93 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.2; 5.3
Codecs: SBC; SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: -; 9 m
Battery life: 38 h; 60 h
Battery life (ANC on): 22 h; -
Full charge time: 120 min; 15 min
Quick charge: 5 min → 3 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: buttons; both
Voice assistant: Yes; -
Weight: 308 g; 265 g
Water resistance: -; none
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Microphones: 1; 1
Call noise reduction: Yes; -
Call NR technology: noise-cancelling mic; -

Specification comparison of EPOS H3Pro Hybrid vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Spec	EPOS H3Pro Hybrid	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Type	Gaming	Gaming
Price (USD)	$80	$130
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Great	86 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
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	32 Ω	36 Ω
Sensitivity	116 dB/mW	93 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.2	5.3
Codecs	SBC	SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	-	9 m
Battery
Battery life	38 h	60 h
Battery life (ANC on)	22 h	-
Full charge time	120 min	15 min
Quick charge	5 min → 3 h	15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
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	buttons	both
Voice assistant	Yes	-
Design
Weight	308 g	265 g
Water resistance	-	none
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Calls
Microphones	1	1
Call noise reduction	Yes	-
Call NR technology	noise-cancelling mic	-

What reviewers said

EPOS H3Pro Hybrid

The EPOS H3Pro Hybrid is a gaming headset that blends wireless freedom with active noise cancellation for immersive play. It offers a long battery life, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint, and a detachable mic, making it adaptable for various gaming setups. Its hybrid ANC and transparency mode add flexibility for both focused sessions and ambient awareness.

Pro:Hybrid active noise cancellation for distraction-free gaming
Pro:Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint for easy device switching
Pro:Detachable noise-canceling microphone for clear comms

Con:SBC codec only, limiting wireless audio quality
Con:No wireless charging despite premium features
Con:Single microphone limits voice pickup options

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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