Skip to content
HearWiki

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 vs Taksar Gaming Headset X1: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 vs Taksar Gaming Headset X1, 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 5 of 6 measures.

  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
  • Taksar Gaming Headset X1
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
8.2
-
Battery
9.3
-
Calls
8.8
-
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$130
$65

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 3 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. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Arctis Nova 520243 yr newer
  • Gaming Headset X12021

Specifications

Arctis Nova 5Gaming Headset X1
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$130
$65
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2024
2021
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
40 mm dynamic
50 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
50 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
-
Wireless range
9 m
-
Battery life
60 h
-
Full charge time
15 min
-
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
both
-
Weight
265 g
352 g
Water resistance
none
-
USB-C
Yes
-
Model code
-
Black Shark Goblin X1
Microphones
1
-

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)

Taksar Gaming Headset X1

This wired gaming headset packs 50mm dynamic drivers for immersive sound, plus a flexible omnidirectional mic for clear communication. Its RGB-lit earcups add a gamer aesthetic, powered by a separate USB connection while audio runs through the 3.5mm jack. A solid budget-friendly choice for PC or console play.

  • Pro:Large 50mm drivers for punchy audio
  • Pro:Bendable mic for flexible positioning
  • Pro:RGB lighting for visual flair
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:RGB requires extra USB cable
  • Con:Limited to wired use only

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.