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Fractal Design Scape 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.

  • Fractal Design Scape
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
82
86
Sound
8.7
8.2
Battery
7.0
9.3
Calls
6.2
8.8
Value
8.2
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?

New platform

Fractal Design Scape (2025) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). The Fractal Design Scape is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3). It also adds Wireless charging.

  • Scape20251 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsScapeArctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
LC3
AAC
LE Audio (LC3)
Yes
No

Everyday features

Wireless charging
Yes
No

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

Specifications

ScapeArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$200
$130
HearWiki score
82
86
Released
2025
2024
Availability
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
-
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
40 m
9 m
Battery life
40 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
24 h
-
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
15 min → 4 h
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
both
both
Weight
720 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
FD-HS-SCA1-02
-
Microphones
3
1

What reviewers said

Fractal Design Scape

The Fractal Design Scape is a wireless over-ear gaming headset that balances immersive audio with practical features like Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint and a 40-hour battery. It includes active noise cancellation, a detachable mic, and wireless charging, though it lacks water resistance and transparency mode. Designed for gamers, it offers custom EQ and app support for tuning sound to your preference.

  • Pro:Long 40-hour battery life
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
  • Pro:Wireless charging support
  • Con:No water resistance
  • Con:No transparency mode
  • Con:Heavy at 720 grams

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 comparisonFractal Design ScapeSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5