Gaming
Razer Barracuda X (2024)
77Great
$80
Full review dataRazer Barracuda X (2024) 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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
86Outstanding
$130
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 3 of 6 measures.
- Razer Barracuda X (2024)
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
77
86
Sound
7.2
8.2
Battery
9.6
9.3
Calls
7.5
8.8
Value
8.6
8.6
Price (USD)
$80
$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
Both shipped in 2024. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds Multipoint pairing.
- Barracuda X (2024)2024
- Arctis Nova 52024
What differsBarracuda X (2024)Arctis Nova 5
- Bluetooth
- 5.2
- 5.3
- Top codec
- SBC
- AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- Yes
Platform
Everyday features
Level on: USB-C.
Specifications
Barracuda X (2024)Arctis Nova 5
- Type
- Gaming
- Gaming
- Price (USD)
- $80
- $130
- HearWiki score
- 77
- 86
- Released
- 2024
- 2024
- Availability
- Still 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
- 32 Ω
- 36 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 96 dB/mW
- 93 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- 5.2
- 5.3
- Codecs
- SBC
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- Yes
- Wireless range
- -
- 9 m
- Battery life
- 50 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
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- both
- Weight
- 250 g
- 265 g
- Water resistance
- none
- none
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Microphones
- 1
- 1
What reviewers said
Razer Barracuda X (2024)
The Razer Barracuda X (2024) is a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset that prioritizes long play sessions with its impressive 50-hour battery life. It features 40mm drivers and offers flexible connectivity through 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, and a wired 3.5mm option, along with a detachable microphone for clear chat. While it lacks active noise cancellation and multipoint pairing, its lightweight design and simple controls make it a solid choice for casual gamers seeking a versatile, no-frills headset.
- Pro:Long 50-hour battery life
- Pro:Multiple connectivity options (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired)
- Pro:Lightweight at 250g for comfort
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Only supports the basic SBC Bluetooth codec
- Con:No multipoint pairing for seamless device switching
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
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.