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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Review: Versatile AF
In the realm of gaming peripherals, there is no shortage of household names and SteelSeries stands out among them. While they offer a variety of products, I find their audio line, especially their headphones, to be the most impressive. Donned and praised by content creators, streamers and esports players alike, one caveat I’ve always had with the brand is its affordability. But earlier this year, the company introduced a more “affordable” option (though still mid-range in my opinion) in comparison to their other offerings, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless. Although released in May, I only received a review unit recently. So, albeit a bit delayed, I am eager to share my thoughts on this latest addition to SteelSeries’ auditory roster.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is designed primarily for console gaming rather than PC use. Its companion app enhances the PS5 or Xbox Series X experience with over 100 custom presets fine-tuned by developers and sound engineers. This feature sets it apart for console enthusiasts. However, it faces competition from the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed and HyperX Cloud III Wireless, which share a similar price point in the RM699 range.
Comfort-wise, the Arctis Nova 5 features plush padding with a mesh covering that allows for breathability, though it isn’t as soft as velour or leather. The flexible headband ensures it doesn’t clamp too tightly, making it comfortable for long gaming sessions. The headset is lightweight at 280g, though those with larger heads may need to adjust the earcups to their maximum length. The headband extension works differently from most headsets, using clamping pressure to hold the earcups in place rather than notches, providing a sturdy and adjustable fit.
The sleek, low-profile design avoids excessive branding, making it suitable for use as regular headphones. The earcups swivel inward for easy storage around the neck. However, the loose fit might not be ideal for a rigorous activity like sports or the gym.
A design flaw I found is the 2.4GHz receiver, a T-shaped USB-C dongle that can obstruct nearby ports. On PC, it blocked one USB-A port and the onboard HDMI input. On the PS5, it blocks the USB-A port on the front. The included USB-A to USB-C extension cord can mitigate this issue, though it adds a cable to your setup.
SteelSeries has released a new app with the Arctis Nova 5, which is user-friendly and straightforward. Available on iOS through Testflight, the app allows you to monitor battery life, switch EQ presets for 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth modes, and control microphone volume and sidetone. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 60 hours depending on usage. During my testing, it lasted 25+ hours over two days, switching between 2.4GHz for gaming and Bluetooth for music, with 61% battery remaining.
The app requires a Bluetooth connection to your mobile device, but you can switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless modes using a button on the right earcup. Although it can connect to both modes simultaneously, it only receives audio from one source at a time, limiting multitasking capabilities. However, with improved Discord integration on consoles, this is less of an issue.
The headset boasts over 100 EQ presets, many tailored for specific games. These presets, created with input from audio engineers and game developers, enhance the audio experience, whether for clearer dialogue or more immersive action sounds. The natural audio profile out of the box is impressive, offering balanced sound with detailed mids and highs. However, it lacks bass richness and fuller sound in my opinion.
The sound quality is paramount, and the Arctis Nova 5 excels in positional audio for games like VALORANT and Modern Warfare III, giving a competitive edge when playing Ranked/Competitive. However, it struggles with busier audio environments at higher volumes, where mids and highs become harsh. In the case of VALORANT, this happens a lot in Deathmatch and in Pubs for MWIII.
The headset performed better for music, especially with bass-centric EQ presets that enhanced hip-hop, rock, and J-pop tracks. Vocal-focused presets improved podcast clarity. While EQ presets helped balance the audio experience, the Arctis Nova 5’s limitations in mids and highs were noticeable at louder volumes.
At the end of the day, this is a gaming headset. And what must a gaming headset have? An excellent microphone. It provides clear communication without the muffled sound typical of built-in microphones. Playing VALORANT with friends, they even mentioned to me that there’s very little difference from my Shure MV7, albeit via VALORANT party chat. I wouldn’t make this my go-to mic if I were to do voice-overs for our TV show, Main Game. But the noise cancellation effectively blocked out ambient sounds, making it one of the better mics on a gaming headset.
In conclusion, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless stands out as a commendable addition to SteelSeries’ lineup of gaming headsets. Its sleek design combines functionality with style, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. The lightweight build and breathable mesh padding ensure comfort during long gaming sessions, though the fit may require adjustment for some users. The headset’s extensive range of EQ presets, tailored by audio engineers and developers for various games, significantly enhances the auditory experience, allowing gamers to optimise their sound settings for different genres. The user-friendly companion app simplifies monitoring battery life, switching EQ presets, and adjusting microphone settings, though the limitation of receiving audio from only one source at a time is a minor drawback. The impressive battery life of up to 60 hours and the clear, crisp microphone quality further enhance its appeal, making it a reliable choice for gamers.
While the Arctis Nova 5 excels in many areas, it has a few limitations. The sound quality is generally good, especially in positional audio for games like VALORANT and Modern Warfare III, but it struggles with busier audio environments at higher volumes, where mids and highs can become harsh. The bass-centric and vocal-focused EQ presets improve the music listening experience, though the headset’s limitations remain noticeable at higher volumes. Despite these drawbacks, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is a versatile and high-quality option for both console and PC gamers, offering good build quality, extensive customisation options, and excellent microphone performance. For those seeking a reliable and feature-rich gaming headset without the need for extensive setup or configuration, the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is an excellent choice that offers both convenience and performance.
Review unit was provided by SteelSeries’ local distributor.
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