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LucidSound LS500X 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 4 of 6 measures.

  • LucidSound LS500X
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
76
86
Sound
7.7
8.2
Battery
9.0
9.3
Calls
7.0
8.8
Value
9.2
8.6
Price (USD)
$70
$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 LucidSound LS500X is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 adds Multipoint pairing.

  • LS500X20262 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsLS500XArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, USB-C.

Specifications

LS500XArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$70
$130
HearWiki score
76
86
Released
2026
2024
Availability
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 - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
-
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
70 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
70 h
-
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
both
both
Weight
265 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

LucidSound LS500X

The LucidSound LS500X is a wireless gaming headset built for Xbox and PC, offering an impressive 70-hour battery life and large 50mm drivers for immersive sound. It connects via Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codec support, though it lacks active noise cancellation and multipoint pairing. At around $70, it's a budget-friendly option for gamers who prioritize endurance over extra features.

  • Pro:Excellent 70-hour battery life
  • Pro:Large 50mm drivers for punchy audio
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC support
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No multipoint pairing
  • Con:Only one microphone

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 comparisonLucidSound LS500XSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5