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Razer BlackShark V3 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Razer BlackShark V3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 91. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Razer BlackShark V3 - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

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

Razer BlackShark V3 leads on 4 of 6 measures.

  • Razer BlackShark V3
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
91
86
Sound
9.2
8.2
Battery
8.6
9.3
Calls
8.8
8.8
Value
9.2
8.6
Price (USD)
$120
$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?

Same generation

Razer BlackShark V3 (2025) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • BlackShark V320251 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

BlackShark V3Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$120
$130
HearWiki score
91
86
Released
2025
2024
Availability
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
106 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
10 ms
-
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
70 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
270 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

Razer BlackShark V3

The Razer BlackShark V3 is a wireless gaming headset that emphasizes long-lasting performance with a 70-hour battery and 50mm drivers for robust audio. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codecs, plus multipoint connectivity for versatile use, though it omits active noise cancellation. The headset also features a noise-canceling microphone and a low-latency 10ms mode, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking extended play sessions.

  • Pro:Exceptional 70-hour battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable 270g lightweight build
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for multi-device use
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Lacks wireless charging support

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 BlackShark V3SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5