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JBL Quantum 800 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.

  • JBL Quantum 800
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
56
86
Sound
7.5
8.2
Noise cancelling
8.0
-
Battery
4.5
9.3
Calls
5.8
8.8
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$110
$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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against JBL Quantum 800 (2020). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the JBL Quantum 800 brings ANC type Hybrid against None, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers on convenience features: it adds Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • Quantum 8002020
  • Arctis Nova 520244 yr newer
What differsQuantum 800Arctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

Quantum 800Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$110
$130
HearWiki score
56
86
Released
2020
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
-
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
95 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
14 h
60 h
Full charge time
120 min
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
hybrid
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
both
both
Weight
410 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

JBL Quantum 800

The JBL Quantum 800 is a wireless gaming headset that combines over-ear comfort with hybrid active noise cancellation and a detachable mic. It offers around 14 hours of battery life, powered by 50mm drivers, and supports Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint connectivity for versatile use. While it lacks app support and a transparency mode, it delivers solid wireless performance for gaming and everyday listening.

  • Pro:Hybrid ANC effectively reduces ambient noise
  • Pro:Wireless with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint support
  • Pro:50mm drivers provide punchy sound for gaming
  • Con:No app support for customization
  • Con:No transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Con:Battery life is relatively short at 14 hours

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

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New comparisonJBL Quantum 800SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5