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Skullcandy Crusher® PLYR® 720 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 5 of 6 measures.

  • Skullcandy Crusher® PLYR® 720
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
74
86
Sound
7.5
8.2
Battery
7.9
9.3
Calls
8.8
8.8
Value
6.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$160
$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

Skullcandy Crusher® PLYR® 720 (2025) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec AAC against SBC.

  • Crusher® PLYR® 72020251 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsCrusher® PLYR® 720Arctis Nova 5

Platform

Top codec
SBC
AAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No

Level on: Bluetooth, USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Crusher® PLYR® 720Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$160
$130
HearWiki score
74
86
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
40 mm driver
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
36 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
116.7 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
40 ms
-
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
48 h
60 h
Full charge time
120 min
15 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
buttons
both
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
354.2 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

Skullcandy Crusher® PLYR® 720

The Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 is a bass-forward gaming headset that combines wireless Bluetooth 5.3 with a low-latency 40 ms mode for versatile play across platforms. It offers a comfortable, foldable design and a lengthy 48-hour battery, though its SBC-only codec and lack of ANC reflect a focus on gaming rather than critical listening. The adjustable bass haptics add physical punch, but the sound signature and premium price may not appeal to everyone.

  • Pro:Long 48-hour battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with foldable design
  • Pro:Low-latency wireless and Bluetooth 5.3
  • Con:Bass-heavy tuning not for all listeners
  • Con:SBC-only Bluetooth codec
  • Con:No active noise cancellation

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.

Compare something else

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New comparisonSkullcandy Crusher® PLYR® 720SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5