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KZ GP20 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.

  • KZ GP20
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
56
86
Sound
5.8
8.2
Battery
8.3
9.3
Calls
5.3
8.8
Value
5.4
8.6
Price (USD)
$66
$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

Both shipped in 2024. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0. It also adds Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • GP202024
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsGP20Arctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.3

Everyday features

Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

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

Specifications

GP20Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$66
$130
HearWiki score
56
86
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
2× 50 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Sound signature
v-shaped
-
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
Latency
30 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
9 m
Battery life
68 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
21 h
-
Full charge time
90 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
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
355 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
protein-leather
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Balanced connection
No
-
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
No
-

What reviewers said

KZ GP20

The KZ GP20 is a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset that packs in a lot of value with Bluetooth connectivity, RGB lighting, and an impressive battery life. It offers both wired and wireless flexibility, making it a solid all-around choice for gamers who want features without spending a lot, though it doesn't aim for audiophile-level sound quality.

  • Pro:Long battery life of up to 68 hours
  • Pro:Dual connectivity: wireless Bluetooth 5.0 and wired USB-C
  • Pro:RGB lighting adds a gaming aesthetic
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or water resistance
  • Con:Sound quality is more about utility than high fidelity
  • Con:Heavier build at 355 grams

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 comparisonKZ GP20SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5