Gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
86Outstanding
$130
Full review dataSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 vs Wavefun GamingHeadset X1: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 vs Wavefun GamingHeadset X1, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Gaming
Wavefun GamingHeadset X1
Not yet scored
$90
Full review dataScore 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
- Wavefun GamingHeadset X1
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
8.2
-
Battery
9.3
-
Calls
8.8
-
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$130
$90
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
- GamingHeadset X12021
Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec.
Specifications
Arctis Nova 5GamingHeadset X1
- Type
- Gaming
- Gaming
- Price (USD)
- $130
- $90
- HearWiki score
- 86
- Not scored
- Released
- 2024
- 2021
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 11 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 11 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 22 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 36 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 93 dB/mW
- -
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- 5.3
- Codecs
- SBC, AAC
- AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- Yes
- -
- Wireless range
- 9 m
- -
- Battery life
- 60 h
- 15 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
- 108.9 g
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- -
- Model code
- -
- Wavefun XBuds
- 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)
Wavefun GamingHeadset X1
The Wavefun GamingHeadset X1 are wireless ear-hook earbuds tailored for gamers, featuring Bluetooth 5.3 and an 11mm dynamic driver for bass-heavy sound. With a 15-hour battery life and a lightweight 108.9g design, they prioritize portability and extended sessions. Their low-latency performance suits gaming, though they lack active noise cancellation.
- Pro:Lightweight and secure ear-hook design
- Pro:Long 15-hour battery life for extended play
- Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connectivity
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Limited to AAC codec support
- Con:No wired backup option
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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