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Sony Inzone H9 II 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 7 measures.

  • Sony Inzone H9 II
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
76
86
Sound
7.4
8.2
Noise cancelling
8.2
-
Battery
8.0
9.3
Calls
8.9
8.8
Value
7.6
8.6
Price (USD)
$250
$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?

New platform

Sony Inzone H9 II (2025) against SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024). The Sony Inzone H9 II is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Transparency mode.

  • Inzone H9 II20251 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 52024
What differsInzone H9 IIArctis Nova 5

Platform

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

Everyday features

Transparency mode
Yes
No

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

Specifications

Inzone H9 IIArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$250
$130
HearWiki score
76
86
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
30 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
440 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
111 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
9 m
Battery life
30 h
60 h
Full charge time
210 min
15 min
Quick charge
5 min → 1 h
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
hybrid
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
both
both
Weight
260 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

Sony Inzone H9 II

The Sony Inzone H9 II is a wireless gaming headset that blends active noise cancellation with a 30-hour battery life, making it suitable for extended play sessions. It supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections, along with multipoint for pairing two devices, and includes a detachable mic. The 30mm drivers deliver clear audio, while the hybrid ANC and transparency mode offer versatile sound control.

  • Pro:Hybrid active noise cancellation for immersive gaming
  • Pro:Long 30-hour battery life on a single charge
  • Pro:Multipoint support for seamless switching between devices
  • Con:No water resistance for outdoor use
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Only one microphone for voice pickup

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 comparisonSony Inzone H9 IISteelSeries Arctis Nova 5