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Hator Phoenix 2 Wireless 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.

  • Hator Phoenix 2 Wireless
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
54
86
Sound
5.1
8.2
Noise cancelling
6.8
-
Battery
7.7
9.3
Calls
5.0
8.8
Value
7.3
8.6
Price (USD)
$120
$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

Both shipped in 2024. The Hator Phoenix 2 Wireless is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3, Top codec LDAC against AAC and ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Transparency mode.

  • Phoenix 2 Wireless2024
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsPhoenix 2 WirelessArctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.3
Top codec
LDAC
AAC
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Transparency mode
Yes
No

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

Specifications

Phoenix 2 WirelessArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$120
$130
HearWiki score
54
86
Released
2024
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
10 Hz - 44 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
115 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
20 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
9 m
Battery life
45 h
60 h
Full charge time
240 min
15 min
Quick charge
20 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
buttons
both
Weight
330 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
2
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
ENC
-

What reviewers said

Hator Phoenix 2 Wireless

The Hator Phoenix 2 Wireless is a versatile gaming headset that blends low-latency wireless performance with hybrid active noise cancellation and a long 45-hour battery. It supports Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, LDAC, and a built-in EQ, making it a solid choice for gamers who also want a capable daily driver. The 40mm drivers deliver a wide frequency response, while the foldable design adds portability.

  • Pro:Long 45-hour battery life
  • Pro:Hybrid ANC with transparency mode
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC support
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging
  • Con:Relatively heavy at 330g

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 comparisonHator Phoenix 2 WirelessSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5