Gaming
JBL Quantum One
67Good
$100
Full review dataJBL Quantum One 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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
86Outstanding
$130
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 4 of 7 measures.
- JBL Quantum One
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
67
86
Sound
7.8
8.2
Noise cancelling
8.1
-
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
7.2
8.8
Value
9.2
8.6
Price (USD)
$100
$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?
Same generation
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Quantum One2020
- Arctis Nova 520244 yr newer
Level on: USB-C.
Specifications
Quantum OneArctis Nova 5
- Type
- Gaming
- Gaming
- Price (USD)
- $100
- $130
- HearWiki score
- 67
- 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
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- 20 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 36 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 95 dB/mW
- 93 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.3
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- Yes
- Wireless range
- -
- 9 m
- Battery life
- -
- 60 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 15 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 15 min → 6 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- both
- both
- Weight
- 369 g
- 265 g
- Water resistance
- none
- none
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
- Microphones
- 1
- 1
What reviewers said
JBL Quantum One
The JBL Quantum One is a wired over-ear gaming headset that combines 50mm dynamic drivers with active noise cancellation to deliver immersive PC gaming audio. It features virtual surround sound, a detachable cable, and USB-C connectivity, along with a 3.5mm option for versatility. With a lightweight 369g build and a single microphone, it's designed for serious gamers seeking spatial awareness and clear communication.
- Pro:Active noise cancellation for distraction-free gaming
- Pro:50mm drivers provide powerful, detailed sound
- Pro:Virtual surround sound enhances positional audio
- Con:Wired design limits mobility
- Con:No water resistance for durability concerns
- Con:Relatively low sensitivity may require higher volume
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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