SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black)
Gaming · 2024 · Black
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) lands at 82 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) at 86. That puts SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)Tuning, detail, and staging
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) leads on sound (86 vs 82).
Noise cancelling
TieANC strength for commute and travel
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)Long-session wearability
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) leads on comfort (84 vs 80).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) more score per dollar ($129 vs $179).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Gaming headset |
| Variant | Black | Black |
| Release year | 2024 | 2022 |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) worth the price? +
At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) worth the price? +
At $179, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) — leads on sound (86 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for comfort, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) — leads on comfort (84 vs 80). Long-session wearability.