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Logitech G522 Lightspeed 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.

Logitech G522 Lightspeed leads on 3 of 6 measures.

  • Logitech G522 Lightspeed
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
85
86
Sound
8.4
8.2
Battery
8.8
9.3
Calls
9.3
8.8
Value
8.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$130
$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?

New platform

Logitech G522 Lightspeed (2025) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). The Logitech G522 Lightspeed is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing.

  • G522 Lightspeed20251 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsG522 LightspeedArctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
LC3
AAC
LE Audio (LC3)
Yes
No

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

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

Specifications

G522 LightspeedArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$130
$130
HearWiki score
85
86
Released
2025
2024
Availability
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
39 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
97 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, LC3
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
30 m
9 m
Battery life
80 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
40 h
-
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
10 min → 2 h
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
290 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

Logitech G522 Lightspeed

The Logitech G522 Lightspeed is a wireless gaming headset designed for PC and PlayStation, featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It delivers a long battery life of up to 80 hours, with a comfortable over-ear fit and a lightweight 290g build. The headset includes a single microphone, custom EQ support, and button controls, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking a reliable wireless option without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Long 80-hour battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable over-ear design
  • Pro:Lightweight at 290g
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No multipoint connectivity
  • Con:No water resistance

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 comparisonLogitech G522 LightspeedSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5