Skip to content
HearWiki

Razer Kraken V4 Pro vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite - Outstanding overall at around $426.

Score breakdown

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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • Razer Kraken V4 Pro
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
HearWiki score
79
84
Sound
8.9
8.9
Noise cancelling
-
8.7
Battery
6.8
9.5
Calls
8.6
9.1
Value
5.0
5.4
Price (USD)
$400
$430

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?

New platform

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite (2025) against Razer Kraken V4 Pro (2024). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • Kraken V4 Pro2024
  • Arctis Nova Elite20251 yr newer
What differsKraken V4 ProArctis Nova Elite

Platform

Top codec
AAC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes
ANC type
None
Adaptive

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

Kraken V4 ProArctis Nova Elite
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$400
$430
HearWiki score
79
84
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2-driver hybrid
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 28 kHz
10 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
38 Ω
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
LC3
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
50 h
44 h
Battery life (ANC on)
45 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
60 h
Full charge time
-
180 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 4 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
397 g
350 g
Case weight
-
143 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
2
Microphone type
-
beamforming
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
AI ENC

What reviewers said

Razer Kraken V4 Pro

The Razer Kraken V4 Pro is a premium wireless gaming headset that blends a hybrid dual-driver setup with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity for versatile use. It offers a long 50-hour battery life, a single microphone, and button-based controls, though it lacks active noise cancellation and water resistance. With a 40mm driver and 20 Hz to 28 kHz frequency response, it aims for immersive sound, but its $400 price tag and 397g weight may not suit all gamers.

  • Pro:Long 50-hour battery life
  • Pro:Hybrid dual-driver design for detailed audio
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Heavy at 397 grams
  • Con:No water resistance

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is a premium wireless gaming headset that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a 44-hour battery life, extendable to 60 hours with its case. It features 40mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth multipoint support, and a transparent mode for situational awareness, making it a versatile option for both gaming and everyday use.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC for immersive gaming
  • Pro:Long 44-hour battery life, 60 with case
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth for easy switching
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging
  • Con:Heavy at 350 grams

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonRazer Kraken V4 ProSteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite