SteelSeries has been a renowned name in the gaming peripherals market for over a decade, with gaming headsets standing out as one of its strongest product lines. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless, which we’ll be reviewing this time, aims to balance affordability, high-quality audio, and versatility, positioning itself as a mid-range gaming headset.
Priced at approximately RM 699, SteelSeries markets this headset as a feature-packed option designed to appeal to gamers seeking strong performance without the premium price tag. After extensively testing the headset, here’s our detailed review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless.
Design and Build Quality
The packaging of the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless exudes a touch of premium quality, featuring a well-thought-out design that neatly organizes all accessories into individual compartments. Inside the box, alongside the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless headset, you’ll find a user guide, SteelSeries vanity stickers, and essential accessories such as the charging cables and wireless dongle. This meticulous packaging enhances the unboxing experience, reflecting SteelSeries’ attention to detail.
The Arctis Nova 5 Wireless boasts a sleek, minimalist design that appeals to gamers prioritizing functionality over flair. Available in two color options—black and white—it features a lightweight frame (265g) and soft ear cushions, offering excellent comfort for prolonged gaming sessions.
Although it doesn’t incorporate premium materials like aluminum or leather, which are common in higher-end models, the build quality feels robust and durable for its price range. The retractable noise-canceling microphone integrates seamlessly into the headset, striking a good balance between functionality and visual appeal.
Comfort and Usability
Comfort is one of the standout features of the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless. Its lightweight design, breathable ear cushions, and memory foam earcups provide a snug yet comfortable fit, ideal for extended gaming sessions. While it doesn’t include active noise cancellation (ANC), the passive noise isolation it offers is sufficient for most environments.
The SteelSeries GG software suite, including the Sonar Audio Software, significantly enhances the usability of the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless. It offers extensive customization options, allowing users to fine-tune EQ settings, adjust sidetones, and select from over 100 game-specific presets. This ensures the headset adapts seamlessly to a variety of gaming genres and preferences. During our work travels, we found the SteelSeries GG software indispensable—it performed flawlessly and met all our needs with ease.
Another standout feature of the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is its exceptional battery life. With up to 60 hours of playtime, it outlasts many competitors in its class. For gamers with shorter sessions, the headset can easily last an entire week without needing a recharge. Additionally, its fast-charging capability provides an extra 4–5 hours of usage from just a 10-minute charge, making it an ideal choice for gamers on the move.
Audio Performance
Equipped with 40mm neodymium drivers and a wide frequency response (20Hz–22kHz), the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless delivers clear and balanced audio. While it lacks ANC—a feature offered by some competitors in this price range—it still performs admirably in quieter environments.
The mids can occasionally feel slightly compressed for music playback, and finer details in complex tracks might go unnoticed. The bass performance, though decent, could be punchier. Nevertheless, it’s sufficient for casual listening.
However, the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless truly excels in gaming. Its precise directional audio and immersive soundstage are ideal for competitive gamers, highlighting critical cues like footsteps and gunfire in FPS titles. This level of precision provides a tactical advantage in fast-paced gameplay.
Dual connectivity through Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless adds another layer of versatility, enabling seamless platform switching. For example, users can game on a console while staying connected to their phone for calls or notifications.
Final Thoughts
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is a well-rounded mid-range headset that delivers comfort, versatility, and robust audio performance. While it may not fully satisfy audiophiles or users requiring advanced noise-canceling features, it excels in gaming scenarios, offering precise directional audio and exceptional battery life.
At RM 699, the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless represents excellent value for its price, further solidifying SteelSeries’ reputation for producing high-quality gaming peripherals. The price might be on the slightly premium side but the headset is a strong contender worth considering if you prioritize comfort, precise gaming audio, and software versatility.
