Gaming
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
Not yet scored
$130
Full review dataRazer Barracuda X Chroma vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Razer Barracuda X Chroma vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
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 6 of 6 measures.
- Razer Barracuda X Chroma
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
-
8.8
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$130
$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
Both shipped in 2024. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec AAC against SBC.
- Barracuda X Chroma2024
- Arctis Nova 52024
What differsBarracuda X ChromaArctis Nova 5
- Top codec
- SBC
- AAC
Platform
Level on: Bluetooth, Multipoint pairing, USB-C.
Specifications
Barracuda X ChromaArctis Nova 5
- Type
- Gaming
- Gaming
- Price (USD)
- $130
- $130
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 86
- Released
- 2024
- 2024
- Availability
- Discontinued
- 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
- 5.3
- 5.3
- Codecs
- SBC
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- Yes
- Yes
- Wireless range
- -
- 9 m
- Battery life
- 70 h
- 60 h
- Battery life (ANC on)
- 30 h
- -
- Full charge time
- -
- 15 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 15 min → 6 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- both
- Weight
- 285 g
- 265 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Microphones
- 1
- 1
What reviewers said
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is a wireless gaming headset built for multi-platform versatility, highlighted by its customizable RGB lighting and comfortable, lightweight frame. It offers a long battery life of up to 70 hours without ANC, or 30 hours with it enabled, plus Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint for seamless switching between devices. With 40mm dynamic drivers and a single microphone, it aims to deliver solid audio and clear chat for gaming on the go.
- Pro:Customizable Chroma RGB lighting
- Pro:Lightweight 285g build for comfort
- Pro:Up to 70 hours battery life without ANC
- Con:Only supports SBC codec, no high-quality wireless audio
- Con:Single microphone may not be ideal for streaming
- Con:ANC battery life drops to 30 hours
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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