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Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro 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.

Score 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 Kraken Kitty V3 Pro
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
82
86
Sound
8.0
8.2
Battery
8.7
9.3
Calls
8.7
8.8
Value
8.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$100
$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 Kraken Kitty V3 Pro (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.

  • Kraken Kitty V3 Pro20251 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024

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

Specifications

Kraken Kitty V3 ProArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$100
$130
HearWiki score
82
86
Released
2025
2024
Availability
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
98 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
70 h
60 h
Battery life (ANC on)
20 h
-
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
390 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro

The Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is a wireless gaming headset that blends playful aesthetics with practical features, including customizable RGB lighting and a detachable mic. It offers a long 70-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support, and 40mm drivers for a solid audio experience. Designed for gamers who want a distinctive look without sacrificing wireless freedom, it lacks active noise cancellation but provides reliable performance for its price point.

  • Pro:Long 70-hour battery life
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity
  • Pro:Customizable RGB lighting for a unique look
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium
  • Con:Sound profile leans toward gaming, not audiophile

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 Kraken Kitty V3 ProSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5