Gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
68Good
$130
Full review dataSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - Great overall at around $190.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Sound7.0
Battery9.0
Calls7.0
Value8.0
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery9.0
Calls8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming | Gaming |
| Price (USD) | $130 | $190 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20-22,000 Hz | 10 Hz - 22,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 36 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB/mW | 93 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless range | 9.1 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 60 h | 22 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 36 h |
| Battery incl. case | - | 44 h |
| Full charge time | 15 min | 15 min |
| Quick charge | 15 min = 6 h | 15 min = 3 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | none | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Controls | both | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 267 g | 337 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | noise-cancelling bidirectional boom microphone | - |
What reviewers said
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is a wireless gaming headset that prioritizes long-lasting performance, with a 60-hour battery and quick-charge support. It delivers a balanced audio signature through 40mm dynamic drivers and includes Bluetooth 5.3 for versatile connectivity, though it lacks active noise cancellation and multipoint pairing. Its standout feature is a clear, noise-canceling microphone, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking extended play sessions.
- Pro:Exceptional 60-hour battery life
- Pro:Balanced sound profile for games and music
- Pro:Clear noise-canceling microphone
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- Con:Lacks transparency mode for ambient awareness
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium gaming headset that pairs solid wireless freedom with hybrid active noise cancellation and a handy hot-swappable battery setup. Its balanced sound, clear detachable mic, and strong app-based tuning make it a versatile pick for gamers, though it comes at a steep price and carries some tuning quirks. The included base station adds extra flexibility by juggling multiple audio sources and offering quick battery swaps for longer sessions.
- Pro:Hot-swappable batteries for extended playtime
- Pro:Versatile base station with dual audio connections
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Con:Pricey compared to many rivals
- Con:Frequency response consistency could be better
- Con:ANC performance is decent but not class-leading
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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