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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 6 of 6 measures.

  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
8.2
-
Battery
9.3
-
Calls
8.8
-
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$130
$180

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

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is 2 years newer, but it is 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.

  • Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer
  • Arctis Nova 7X Wireless2022

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

Specifications

Arctis Nova 5Arctis Nova 7X Wireless
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$130
$180
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2024
2022
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
40 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
20 Hz - 22 kHz
-
Impedance
36 Ω
-
Sensitivity
93 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
9 m
-
Battery life
60 h
38 h
Full charge time
15 min
-
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
both
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
265 g
325 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
-
No
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
-
fabric
Connector
-
USB-C
Balanced connection
-
No
Microphones
1
2
Microphone type
-
MEMS
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
AI ENC

What reviewers said

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)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is a versatile wireless gaming headset designed for multi-platform use, offering both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity with a long 38-hour battery life. It features a comfortable, adjustable fit with fabric ear cushions and a noise-cancelling microphone for clear communication. While it lacks active noise cancellation and water resistance, its dual wireless capabilities and quick charge support make it a solid choice for gamers.

  • Pro:Dual wireless connectivity (2.4GHz and Bluetooth)
  • Pro:Long 38-hour battery life with quick charge support
  • Pro:Comfortable adjustable fit with fabric ear cushions
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Not foldable for easy storage

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 comparisonSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless