Razer Barracuda Pro 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

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

Razer Barracuda Pro
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

HearWiki score

Sound

7.4

8.2

Noise cancelling

7.6

Battery

7.2

9.3

Calls

6.3

8.8

Value

4.0

8.6

Price (USD)

$250

$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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against Razer Barracuda Pro (2022). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Razer Barracuda Pro brings ANC type Hybrid against None, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 answers with Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2. The Razer Barracuda Pro answers on convenience features: it adds Transparency mode.

Barracuda Pro2022
Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer

What differsBarracuda ProArctis Nova 5

Bluetooth: 5.2; 5.3
ANC type: Hybrid; None
Transparency mode: Yes; No

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Barracuda ProArctis Nova 5

Type: Gaming; Gaming
Price (USD): $250; $130
HearWiki score: 59; 86
Released: 2022; 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 - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 36 Ω
Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW; 93 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.2; 5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC; SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: -; 9 m
Battery life: 40 h; 60 h
Full charge time: 240 min; 15 min
Quick charge: -; 15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging: No; No
Active noise cancelling: Yes; No
ANC type: hybrid; none
Transparency mode: Yes; No
Companion app: Yes; Yes
Custom EQ: Yes; Yes
Wear detection: No; No
Controls: buttons; both
Weight: 340 g; 265 g
Water resistance: none; none
Detachable cable: No; -
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Microphones: 2; 1
Microphone type: beamforming; -
Call noise reduction: Yes; -
Call NR technology: AI ENC; -

Specification comparison of Razer Barracuda Pro vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Spec	Razer Barracuda Pro	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Type	Gaming	Gaming
Price (USD)	$250	$130
HearWiki score	59 / 100 Average	86 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
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	32 Ω	36 Ω
Sensitivity	96 dB/mW	93 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.2	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	-	9 m
Battery
Battery life	40 h	60 h
Full charge time	240 min	15 min
Quick charge	-	15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	No
ANC type	hybrid	none
Transparency mode	Yes	No
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	Yes	Yes
Wear detection	No	No
Controls	buttons	both
Design
Weight	340 g	265 g
Water resistance	none	none
Detachable cable	No	-
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Calls
Microphones	2	1
Microphone type	beamforming	-
Call noise reduction	Yes	-
Call NR technology	AI ENC	-

What reviewers said

Razer Barracuda Pro

The Razer Barracuda Pro is a wireless gaming headset that combines hybrid active noise cancellation with a long-lasting 40-hour battery, making it suitable for extended play sessions on PC and PlayStation. It features 50mm dynamic drivers for immersive sound, supports Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connectivity, and includes a transparency mode for situational awareness. Its lightweight design and app-based customization add to its versatility as a gaming and everyday headset.

Pro:Hybrid ANC and transparency mode for versatile listening
Pro:Long 40-hour battery life on a single charge
Pro:Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint for seamless device switching

Con:No water resistance rating
Con:Lacks wireless charging support
Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

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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