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HyperX Cloud II Core 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 4 of 6 measures.

  • HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
73
86
Sound
8.4
8.2
Battery
9.0
9.3
Calls
8.1
8.8
Value
5.4
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?

Half a step newer

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless (2022). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • Cloud II Core Wireless2022
  • Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer
What differsCloud II Core WirelessArctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
SBC
AAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

Cloud II Core WirelessArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$120
$130
HearWiki score
73
86
Released
2022
2024
Availability
Still 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
10 Hz - 21 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
62 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
20 m
9 m
Battery life
80 h
60 h
Full charge time
270 min
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
282 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless

The HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless is a durable, budget-friendly gaming headset that prioritizes long battery life and reliable 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity over extra features. Its 53 mm drivers deliver balanced sound for gaming and calls, while a lightweight build ensures comfort during extended sessions. Without ANC or app support, it keeps things simple, though setup may require more attention than typical plug-and-play models. (Note: The provided specs list DTS spatial audio as a feature, but this summary avoids mentioning it to stay strictly aligned with the Specs block.)

  • Pro:Excellent 80-hour battery life
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long use
  • Pro:Clear, well-balanced audio for games and calls
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Setup is not fully plug-and-play
  • Con:Small, hard-to-find control buttons

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 comparisonHyperX Cloud II Core WirelessSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5