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HyperX Cloud III 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 6 measures.

  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
70
86
Sound
6.8
8.2
Battery
9.6
9.3
Calls
7.6
8.8
Value
3.5
8.6
Price (USD)
$170
$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 III Wireless (2023). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds Multipoint pairing.

  • Cloud III Wireless2023
  • Arctis Nova 520241 yr newer
What differsCloud III WirelessArctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
SBC
AAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

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

Specifications

Cloud III WirelessArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$170
$130
HearWiki score
70
86
Released
2023
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
64 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
111.9 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
20 m
9 m
Battery life
120 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
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
330 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
77Z46AA
-
Microphones
1
1
Microphone type
electret
-
Mic sensitivity
-21.5 dBV
-

What reviewers said

HyperX Cloud III Wireless

The HyperX Cloud III Wireless is a straightforward gaming headset that prioritizes long-lasting comfort and exceptional battery endurance. It delivers reliable wireless performance with a practical feature set, making it a solid choice for gamers who want a no-fuss, everyday headset for extended play sessions. While it lacks noise cancellation and advanced codecs, its core strengths lie in its sturdy build and marathon battery life.

  • Pro:Exceptional battery life of up to 120 hours
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for long gaming sessions
  • Pro:Durable and well-built construction
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited to SBC codec
  • Con:No multipoint pairing

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 III WirelessSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5