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QCY Heroad V200 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.

  • QCY Heroad V200
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
60
86
Sound
6.0
8.2
Battery
9.8
9.3
Calls
6.0
8.8
Value
7.6
8.6
Price (USD)
$72
$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

QCY Heroad V200 (2026) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the QCY Heroad V200 brings Bluetooth 6.0 against 5.3, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Top codec AAC against SBC. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers on convenience features: it adds Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • Heroad V20020262 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsHeroad V200Arctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
6.0
5.3
Top codec
SBC
AAC

Everyday features

Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

Heroad V200Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$72
$130
HearWiki score
60
86
Released
2026
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 - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
-
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
6.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
20 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
9 m
Battery life
240 h
60 h
Full charge time
300 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
-
both
Weight
276 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Model code
H4GM
-
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
noise-cancelling mic
-

What reviewers said

QCY Heroad V200

The QCY Heroad V200 is a wireless over-ear gaming headset that prioritizes marathon battery life, boasting up to 240 hours of use. It features a large 40mm driver, Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint support, and a low-latency mode for gaming, all in a lightweight design. While it lacks active noise cancellation and app support, it offers a wired 3.5mm option for versatility.

  • Pro:Exceptional 240-hour battery life
  • Pro:Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint connectivity
  • Pro:Low 20ms latency for gaming
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited to SBC codec
  • Con:No companion app or custom EQ

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 comparisonQCY Heroad V200SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5