JBL Quantum 910 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.

Gaming

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 910 Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

8.2

Noise cancelling

7.3

Battery

6.9

9.3

Calls

7.1

8.8

Value

7.3

8.6

Price (USD)

$250

$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 910 Wireless (2021). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the JBL Quantum 910 Wireless brings ANC type Adaptive against None, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and Top codec AAC against SBC. The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless answers on convenience features: it adds Transparency mode.

Quantum 910 Wireless2021
Arctis Nova 520243 yr newer

What differsQuantum 910 WirelessArctis Nova 5

Bluetooth: 5.2; 5.3
Top codec: SBC; AAC
ANC type: Adaptive; None
Transparency mode: Yes; No

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

Specifications

Quantum 910 WirelessArctis Nova 5

Type: Gaming; Gaming
Price (USD): $250; $130
HearWiki score: 74; 86
Released: 2021; 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; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz; 20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 36 Ω
Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW; 93 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.2; 5.3
Codecs: SBC; SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: -; 9 m
Battery life: 39 h; 60 h
Full charge time: 120 min; 15 min
Quick charge: 10 min → 1 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
Voice assistant: Yes; -
Weight: 420 g; 265 g
Water resistance: none; none
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Microphones: 1; 1

Specification comparison of JBL Quantum 910 Wireless vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Spec	JBL Quantum 910 Wireless	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Type	Gaming	Gaming
Price (USD)	$250	$130
HearWiki score	74 / 100 Great	86 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2024
Audio
Driver	50 mm dynamic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	50 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 40 kHz	20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance	32 Ω	36 Ω
Sensitivity	111 dB/mW	93 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.2	5.3
Codecs	SBC	SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	-	9 m
Battery
Battery life	39 h	60 h
Full charge time	120 min	15 min
Quick charge	10 min → 1 h	15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
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
Voice assistant	Yes	-
Design
Weight	420 g	265 g
Water resistance	none	none
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Calls
Microphones	1	1

What reviewers said

JBL Quantum 910 Wireless

The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless is a premium gaming headset that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a robust 50mm dynamic driver for immersive sound. It offers flexible connectivity through 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.2, and a wired option, along with a lengthy 39-hour battery life and multipoint support for seamless device switching. Designed for comfort and control, it includes customizable EQ, a transparency mode, and app support, making it a versatile choice for gamers and everyday listeners.

Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode for versatile listening
Pro:Long 39-hour battery life with wireless and wired options
Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 for easy multi-device pairing

Con:No water resistance rating for outdoor use
Con:Only SBC codec, lacking higher-quality Bluetooth audio codecs
Con:Heavier build at 420g, which may tire some users

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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