Gaming
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
76Great
$130
Full review dataRazer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) 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 4 of 6 measures.
- Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
76
86
Sound
7.5
8.2
Battery
8.5
9.3
Calls
9.0
8.8
Value
8.1
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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) (2023). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2.
- BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)2023
- Arctis Nova 520241 yr newer
What differsBlackShark V2 Pro (2023)Arctis Nova 5
- Bluetooth
- 5.2
- 5.3
Platform
Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C.
Specifications
BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)Arctis Nova 5
- Type
- Gaming
- Gaming
- Price (USD)
- $130
- $130
- HearWiki score
- 76
- 86
- Released
- 2023
- 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
- 12 Hz - 28 kHz
- 20 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 36 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 100 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
- 70 h
- 60 h
- Full charge time
- 15 min
- 15 min
- Quick charge
- 15 min → 6 h
- 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
- 320 g
- 265 g
- Water resistance
- none
- none
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Microphones
- 1
- 1
- Call noise reduction
- Yes
- -
- Call NR technology
- noise-cancelling mic
- -
What reviewers said
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is a wireless gaming headset built for long sessions, offering up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge. It pairs 50mm dynamic drivers with Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint support for flexible connectivity, while a detachable mic and over-ear design focus on clear communication and comfort. With no active noise cancellation, it relies on its closed-back fit for passive isolation.
- Pro:Exceptional 70-hour battery life
- Pro:Detachable microphone for clear chat
- Pro:Comfortable over-ear design for extended wear
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:No water resistance rating
- Con:Limited to SBC and AAC codecs
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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