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Razer BlackShark V3 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • Razer BlackShark V3
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
HearWiki score
91
76
Sound
9.2
8.2
Noise cancelling
-
6.9
Battery
8.6
9.3
Calls
8.8
6.2
Value
9.2
8.4
Price (USD)
$120
$230

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?

Mixed generations

Razer BlackShark V3 (2025) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (2022). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Razer BlackShark V3 brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0 and Top codec AAC against SBC, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless answers with ANC type Hybrid against None.

  • BlackShark V320253 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova Pro Wireless2022
What differsBlackShark V3Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Top codec
AAC
SBC
ANC type
None
Hybrid

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

BlackShark V3Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$120
$230
HearWiki score
91
76
Released
2025
2022
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
10 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
38 Ω
Sensitivity
106 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
10 ms
-
Battery life
70 h
22 h
Battery incl. case
-
44 h
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
hybrid
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
270 g
337 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

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 Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium gaming headset that pairs strong audio performance with versatile connectivity, including a base station for dual-device use and Bluetooth for multipoint pairing. Its hot-swappable battery system extends playtime beyond the internal cells, while hybrid ANC and a transparency mode add everyday convenience. Though priced at a premium, its robust feature set and reliable mic make it a top-tier choice for gamers.

  • Pro:Excellent microphone clarity
  • Pro:Hot-swappable batteries for extended play
  • Pro:Hybrid ANC and transparency mode
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:ANC performance is not class-leading
  • Con:Sound tuning consistency could be better

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 Pro Wireless