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Though it’s been a bit since they’ve been on our pages, we know that the crew over at SteelSeries are all about gaming. We’ve checked out their keyboards, mice and pads, and even their headphones. Those headphones were the Nova 7, and now they’ve just released a brand new model – the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 – that brings a more affordable gaming audio option to your ears.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 aesthetics
As you can see from the photos, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 looks a lot like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. What that means is you’ll have comfortable earcups, a mic that can be extended out when you need (or tucked away when you don’t), and a comfortable suspension headband. And, well, to be fair, it looks like the Nova 5 that came before. Still, it’s a clean look, with a logo that is visible but not overbearing, and one that’s comfortable for all-day wear.
What sets the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 apart
The big thing that the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 has going for it is the companion app. Along with being able to change your audio profile on the fly, it comes with presets for 100 games, so you’re not adjusting things trying to find the best settings for what you’re trying to hear. Here’s everything else that it has, out of the box:
- 100s of Game Audio Profiles: With the Nova 5 Companion App, bring specific audio profiles to a large selection of games, even if you’re on PlayStation or Xbox, a SteelSeries first
- 60-Hour Battery Life: Lasting up to five-times longer than other headsets, game all week long. Don’t let the battery stop you. Fast Charge also enabled.
- Quick-Switch Wireless: Nova 5 Wireless features 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. Switch between those two connections with a tap of a button. You’ll get notified if someone calls you while gaming, and you can talk using the headset. Additionally, EQ presets stay separate between the two modes.
- Neodymium Magnetic Drivers: Our custom-designed drivers, forged from a rare-earth metal, create an ultra-detailed, high-quality soundscape for your ears.
- ClearCast 2.X Mic: We upgraded our microphone for twice the bandwidth and clarity; new chipset supports 32KHz/15Bit Audio. That’s twice the numbers. And still completely retractable.
- Multi-Platform: Your favorite wireless dongle is back; it’s small and magical. It’s your key to audio on PC, PlayStation, Xbox (with the Nova 5X), Switch, mobile phones, tablets, Meta Quest, you name it.
- Durable Design: Reinforced, yet flexible, the dual-hinged arms ensure longevity alongside removable ear cushions with breathable memory foam and the iconic stretch headband to comfort your noggin.
- Easy Controls: All you need is right on the headset, including the Quick-Switch Button to tap into Bluetooth when you need it.
Wrapping things up
Basically, if you’re looking for a new wireless headset, the new $129.99 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 has a lot to offer. It doesn’t offer active noise cancellation, but past that, there’s a lot packed into these headphones. We really like the fact that it has the capability to run on bluetooth (easy to connect to your phone) or over the lag-free 2.4 GHz dongle. And with that being USB-C, it’ll be easy to connect it to whatever device you need. You can get the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 in configurations that are specific to PC, Playstation, or XBox, directly at steelseries.com
