SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
vs
Quick take: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless costs $55 less; the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless lasts longer per charge (60 hrs); only the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 supports multipoint (two devices at once).
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$175 | ~$120 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Gaming Headsets | Gaming Headsets |
| Noise Cancelling | None | None |
| Battery (single charge) | 50 hrs | 60 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | — | — |
| Quick Charge | 15 min = 6 hr | 15 min = 6 hr |
| Codecs | 2.4GHz wireless + Bluetooth (simultaneous), USB-C | 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes | No |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Weight | — | 265 g |
| Water Resistance | — | — |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | No | No |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2
- ✓Mixes 2.4GHz game audio and Bluetooth phone audio at the same time
- ✓50+ hour battery with 15 min = 6 hr fast charge over USB-C
- ✓Elastic headband and fabric pads stay comfortable across long sessions
- ✓New companion app brings EQ and settings to console/mobile players
- ✓Sonar software on PC adds spatial audio and 200+ game presets
- ✓Retractable mic with red mute light — nothing to unplug or lose
- ✓Works on PC, PS5/PS4, Switch, and mobile from one USB-C dongle
- ✗Base model is NOT Xbox compatible — you need the Nova 7X for that
- ✗Mic sounds thin and compressed next to Cloud III or PRO X class boom mics
- ✗Treble can turn sharp and sibilant at higher volumes
- ✗Only a marginal upgrade over the original Nova 7
- ✗Wide USB-C dongle can block adjacent ports
- ✗No ANC, and passive isolation is mediocre
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