SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset Review (2024)

SteelSeries has solidified its reputation for delivering top-tier headsets tailored for gamers. Given their consistent quality and performance, opting for a SteelSeries headset is often seen as a no-brainer. Similar to the Nova 4 series, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is a testament to this legacy, offering exceptional audio quality and robust features at a competitive price point.

Design and Features

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 features the sleek and modern design that many of its predecessors also employ. While primarily made from plastic, the headset’s build quality is impressive, providing long-lasting durability even with extended use. The Nova 5 features a ski-goggle style headband with white accents, offering a comfortable and secure fit for prolonged gaming sessions. This headband can be easily adjusted to fit different head sizes, ensuring optimal comfort for all users.

One of the standout features of the Arctis Nova 5 is its versatile connectivity options. It supports 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C connections, making it compatible with a wide range of platforms, including PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Meta Quest, and mobile devices. The Arctis Nova 5 also includes Bluetooth support, something that has been amiss in the lower end of the SteelSeries headset range. This multi-platform compatibility ensures that gamers can enjoy a seamless audio experience across all their devices.

Technical Specifications

Performance and User Experience

The Arctis Nova 5 delivers exceptional audio performance, enhanced by 360° Spatial Audio, which provides an immersive sound experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for competitive gaming, as it allows players to accurately locate and identify in-game sounds. Whether you’re playing first-person shooters, like XDefiant, or immersive RPGs in the form of Baldur’s Gate 3, the audio quality of the Nova 5 significantly enhances gameplay.

Comfort is a key aspect of every Steelseries headset, and the Arctis Nova 5 follows the formula of the headset that came before. The lightweight construction and AirWeave ear cushions are designed to keep your ears cool and comfortable during extended gaming sessions. The headset also features intuitive on-ear controls, allowing you to easily adjust the volume, mute the microphone, and balance game and chat audio without interrupting gameplay. The microphone’s retractable design allows it to blend seamlessly into the headset when not in use, maintaining the sleek look of the Nova 5.

While the Nova 4 and Nova 5 share many similarities, one clear factor differentiates them: the battery life. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 provides almost double the battery life of the headset that came before it, at a solid 50-60 hours. This pairs perfectly with the fast charging times, so you’ll rarely game with a flat headset.

Integration and Configuration

Similar to the Arctis Nova 4 before it, the Arctis Nova 5 offers seamless integration with various gaming platforms. including PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices. The USB-C dongle provides hassle-free wireless connectivity, and the USB-C charging port ensures convenient and fast charging. However, the horizontal design of the USB-C dongle might require the use of the included USB-C to USB-A Dongle Extension Cable for certain setups, particularly on PCs. When it sits on the front of the PlayStation 5, it also blocks the use of the front USB-A slot, which can be particularly frustrating.

The SteelSeries GG App enhances the functionality of the Nova 5, offering features like Sonar for Streamers, which provides real-time audio level and EQ monitoring. This software is especially useful for PC users, offering advanced customization options and AI Noise-Canceling features to enrich the gaming experience further.

The biggest addition to the configuration of the Arctis Nova 5 headset is the addition of a mobile companion app that features 100+ game-specific audios that can be changed instantly without exiting a game. While this seems like a great idea, there were rarely any situations where I used the app for situations outside of testing the headset. Unfortunately, I can’t see myself frequently using the app in the long term.

Value for Money

At an RRP of AU$299, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 offers outstanding value for money. While some of the new features, such as the Companion App, feel more gimmicky than practical, it excels in delivering a high-quality audio experience and robust build quality. If you’re looking to purchase a new headset, this might be one of the best on the market. However, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 doesn’t provide a significant enough difference from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4. Therefore, if you’re a Nova 4 user, dropping cash on the latest headset likely isn’t worth it.

Disclosure: Game Crater was provided the tech for this review. Some links provided in this article are affiliate links. Game Crater will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Review

See Also

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X wireless review

Summary

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is a high-quality gaming headset offering exceptional audio and versatile connectivity options. Priced at AU$299, it's an exceptional headset for the price and possibly the best option in the mid-range price bracket. While the SteelSeries GG App and mobile companion app provide advanced customization, some features may feel gimmicky and are targeted towards dedicated gamers. Overall, the Nova 5 provides excellent value, although it may not change enough to justify an upgrade for current Nova 4 users.

Pros

Long Battery Life

Immersive audio

Excellent microphone

Comfortable design

Cons

Minor Upgrade from Nova 4

USB-C Dongle Design Issue

9

Amazing