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HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless Headphones 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.

  • HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless Headphones
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
72
86
Sound
7.5
8.2
Noise cancelling
6.2
-
Battery
9.4
9.3
Calls
5.3
8.8
Value
6.3
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?

Mixed generations

Both shipped in 2024. Neither is straightforwardly newer: the HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless Headphones brings ANC type Adaptive against None, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Top codec AAC against SBC.

  • Cloud Mix Wireless Headphones2024
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsCloud Mix Wireless HeadphonesArctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
SBC
AAC
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Transparency mode
Yes
No

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

Specifications

Cloud Mix Wireless HeadphonesArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$200
$130
HearWiki score
72
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
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
40 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
20 h
60 h
Full charge time
180 min
15 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
267.6 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
HyperX Cloud MIX 2
-
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless Headphones

The HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless is a hybrid gaming headset designed to bridge the gap between console/PC play and everyday Bluetooth listening. It combines a comfortable build with adaptive active noise cancellation and a transparent mode, offering flexibility for various environments. Its 20-hour battery life and support for custom EQ via an app make it a versatile, though not specialized, option for mixed-use scenarios.

  • Pro:Comfortable for long sessions and portable use
  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode add versatility
  • Pro:Solid 20-hour battery life for wireless play
  • Con:Only SBC codec support limits wireless audio quality
  • Con:No multipoint for simultaneous device connections
  • Con:No water resistance for outdoor or active use

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 Mix Wireless HeadphonesSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5