SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless vs Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless
Quick take: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless lasts longer per charge (60 hrs).
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless | Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$120 | ~$120 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Gaming Headsets | Gaming Headsets |
| Noise Cancelling | None | None |
| Battery (single charge) | 60 hrs | 20 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | — | — |
| Quick Charge | 15 min = 6 hr | — |
| Codecs | 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C | Slipstream 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | — |
| Multipoint | No | No |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Weight | 265 g | 368 g |
| Water Resistance | — | — |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | No | No |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
- ✓60-hour battery outlasts the more expensive Nova 7
- ✓Companion phone app with 100+ game-specific EQ presets — rare for console users
- ✓Light 265g build with comfortable elastic headband
- ✓15 min = 6 hr USB-C fast charge
- ✓Quick-switch between 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth 5.3
- ✓Retractable mic is solid for party chat and Discord
- ✓Regularly discounted to $80-100
- ✗Base model is NOT Xbox compatible — the Nova 5X variant covers Xbox
- ✗Cannot run 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously like the Nova 7
- ✗Shallow ear cups — owners with larger ears report rubbing and weak seal
- ✗Passive noise isolation is mediocre and there is no ANC
- ✗Default tuning is safe rather than exciting without EQ
Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless
- ✓Boom mic quality embarrasses most headsets at any price
- ✓Detailed 50mm drivers with Dolby Atmos support on PC
- ✓Full EQ and customization via iCUE
- ✓Low-latency Slipstream dongle for PC, Mac, PS5/PS4
- ✓USB-C wired mode lets you keep playing while charging
- ✓Floating headband distributes weight well for most heads
- ✗No Xbox support and no Bluetooth or 3.5mm fallback
- ✗20-hour rated battery; owners see 12-15 with RGB on
- ✗Heavy at 368g and runs warm
- ✗Elastic headband fit is divisive — tight on large heads
- ✗Some owners report ear-pad fabric wearing after months
- ✗Mic is non-detachable