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Razer Barracuda 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 6 of 6 measures.

  • Razer Barracuda
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
63
86
Sound
7.1
8.2
Battery
7.2
9.3
Calls
5.7
8.8
Value
5.2
8.6
Price (USD)
$160
$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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against Razer Barracuda (2022). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2.

  • Barracuda2022
  • Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer
What differsBarracudaArctis Nova 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.3

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

Specifications

BarracudaArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$160
$130
HearWiki score
63
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
-
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
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
300 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Connector
USB-C
-
Microphones
2
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Razer Barracuda

The Razer Barracuda is a wireless over-ear gaming headset that focuses on lightweight comfort and long-lasting performance, delivering up to 40 hours of use on a single charge. It pairs 50mm dynamic drivers with versatile Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint support, making it easy to switch between gaming and daily listening. While it lacks active noise cancellation, its detachable mic and broad platform compatibility make it a solid pick for casual gamers.

  • Pro:40-hour battery life for extended sessions
  • Pro:Lightweight 300g design for comfort
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint for seamless device switching
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Only SBC and AAC codecs, no high-res options
  • Con:No water resistance for outdoor use

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 comparisonRazer BarracudaSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5