SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X wireless review

Our VerdictA clear and detailed sound in combination with a comfortable build and easy-switch connections makes this headset a delight for everyday use. That being said, the slight lack of low-end bass does give pause for thought.

Our Verdict

A clear and detailed sound in combination with a comfortable build and easy-switch connections makes this headset a delight for everyday use. That being said, the slight lack of low-end bass does give pause for thought.

ForDetailed soundVery lightComfortable over long periodsVersatileAgainstSlightly lacking in ultra low bassNot suited to large heads

ForDetailed soundVery lightComfortable over long periodsVersatile

AgainstSlightly lacking in ultra low bassNot suited to large heads

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Today’s best SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless deals

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SteelSeries' latest headset comes in at a practically featherweight 277 grams. That makes it something of a non-event to pull from the substantial packaging, as something ringing in the back of my brain still thinks that heavy = well-made. On closer inspection, however, the Nova 5X reveals a build quality that, on first appearances, goes some way to justifying its $130 price.

Twisting it around in my hands, it feels springy, with tight tolerances and smooth joints. Inside the headband is an adjustable soft-touch piece of fabric with a neon green patterned design, but really that’s the only giveaway that this is a gaming headset. You can absolutely wear the Nova 5X in public without looking like you’ve brought your hobbies out into the big wide world.

Arctis Nova 5X Wireless specs(Image credit: Future)Connection:2.4 GHz wireless (via USB Type-C dongle), Bluetooth 5.3Type:Closed backFrequency response:20 Hz – 22 kHzDrivers:40 mm with neodymium magnetsConnector:USB Type-CMicrophone:Clearcast Gen 2.X bidirectional noise cancelling mic with fully retractable boomWeight:277 gPrice:$130/£130

Arctis Nova 5X Wireless specs

(Image credit: Future)Connection:2.4 GHz wireless (via USB Type-C dongle), Bluetooth 5.3Type:Closed backFrequency response:20 Hz – 22 kHzDrivers:40 mm with neodymium magnetsConnector:USB Type-CMicrophone:Clearcast Gen 2.X bidirectional noise cancelling mic with fully retractable boomWeight:277 gPrice:$130/£130

(Image credit: Future)

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless with its microphone extended

Connection:2.4 GHz wireless (via USB Type-C dongle), Bluetooth 5.3Type:Closed backFrequency response:20 Hz – 22 kHzDrivers:40 mm with neodymium magnetsConnector:USB Type-CMicrophone:Clearcast Gen 2.X bidirectional noise cancelling mic with fully retractable boomWeight:277 gPrice:$130/£130

It’s very comfortable, too. That soft-touch headband and some cushy memory foam ear cups make for a headset that barely feels like it’s on my head at all. The clamping force is strong enough to keep it attached while moving around, yet light enough that it’s easy enough to forget I’m wearing it.

A word of warning though: while this headset is adjustable, its top size setting is a little small. Those with a very large head may wish to look elsewhere.

Image1of4(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

Image1of4

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X wireless, on white gravel

(Image credit: Future)

The right earcup of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless, showing the controls and connection switching options

(Image credit: Future)

The inner headband of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

The left ear cup of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless, showing the retracted, hidden microphone

Hmm. While there’s a large selection of very different EQ settings to play with here, whether they make a huge amount of difference over one, well-balanced EQ in different games is up for debate. I switched between them in various games to see whether I could gain an audio advantage, and while they’re all slightly different, I don’t think the feature is quite as revolutionary as it’s advertised to be.

What I can say, though, is the fantastically detailed drivers do a great job of delivering accurate, positional audio, no matter the game setting. There’s a lot of shiny clarity here in almost all EQ presets, and it feels like the physical drivers themselves are doing most of the work more than the multitude of tuned EQ options.

What’s lacking a little, unfortunately, is some really low-end rumble. While the Arctis Nova 5X can deliver plenty of punch when it comes to thundering drums and the odd chunky explosion, music listening (even in the Music: Deep Bass EQ setting) reveals a slight lack of ‘oomph’ in the bottom end.

The bass is definitely present, but no matter the EQ it does feel like the drivers are holding back a touch when confronted with a thick, round bass line. It’s nearly there, but I’d like a little more for music listening on a high-bass setting. In the grand scheme of things, however, the overall balance and excellent clarity make up for it.

Image1of4(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

Image1of4

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless, earcups facing down, on some attractive gravel

(Image credit: Future)

The extended microphone of the Arctis Nova 5X Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

The left earcup controls on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

The inner memory foam right ear cup of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless

What’s also nice is the ability to keep separate EQ profiles for the wireless connection and the Bluetooth mode, meaning I can keep the bassiest setting for thumping music on the train and a more detailed EQ for some multiplayer gaming when I get home.

The microphone is well-balanced, too, with a clear and distinct sound that cuts through background audio in the middle of the fray. Unfortunately, the discreet, tucked-away design means there isn’t room for a foam shield, which can make it a bit prone to plosives.

SteelSeries' Sonar software (all the esses, all at once) does feature Clearcast AI noise cancellation, however, and it does a pretty good job of minimising the effect.

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

The SteelSeries Sonar software settings for microphones, showing an EQ and Clearcast AI noise cancellation settings.

I also had the opportunity to torture test the set over a frantic week spent atComputex. Shoving it in my backpack, bumping it against luggage, and using it extensively over two very, very long-haul flights, the little lightweight set of cans held up admirably. That being said, the outer headband does show some light marking from all the abuse.

Buy if…✅ You’re looking for comfort:It’s a featherweight headset with a very comfortable headband, and cushy, memory-foam ear cups. That means you can wear it all day without feeling the strain.✅ You want versatility:While the EQ companion app isn’t mind-blowing, the overall design, great drivers and easy-switching modes—in combination with a long battery life—means it does most things very well indeed.

Buy if…

✅ You’re looking for comfort:It’s a featherweight headset with a very comfortable headband, and cushy, memory-foam ear cups. That means you can wear it all day without feeling the strain.✅ You want versatility:While the EQ companion app isn’t mind-blowing, the overall design, great drivers and easy-switching modes—in combination with a long battery life—means it does most things very well indeed.

Don’t buy if…❌ You like a lot of bass:While the Arctis Nova 5X can get plenty punchy, if teeth-rattling bass is your thing you may find yourself wishing for more.❌ You’ve got a big head:The top setting will be fine for many, but if you’ve got the sort of cranium that struggles to fit in most hats, look elsewhere.

Don’t buy if…

❌ You like a lot of bass:While the Arctis Nova 5X can get plenty punchy, if teeth-rattling bass is your thing you may find yourself wishing for more.❌ You’ve got a big head:The top setting will be fine for many, but if you’ve got the sort of cranium that struggles to fit in most hats, look elsewhere.

It’s only really noticeable if you twist it in the light, though, and the rest of the unit feels as tight as it did the day I pulled it from the box.

So then, we come to price. This is positioned as a more affordable alternative to SteelSeries' slightly pricey headset range, although at $130 it’s still a fair chunk of change. That being said, it is very versatile, supremely comfortable, and with excellent battery life. It’s taken a lot of punishment, and is just as suited to being chucked in a backpack as it is adorning your head for a supremely long gaming session.

If you’re looking for battery life above all, then there’s still no beating theHyperX Cloud Alpha Wirelessand its immense 300-hour rating. Still, with its bright red accents and sizable ear units, it’s neither discrete nor as lightweight, and it’s only got a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, making it a gaming headset through and through.

You could also go for the Arctis Nova 5X’s bigger brother, theSteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, which also boasts multi-connection options. That being said, given that the Nova 5X uses the same drivers and is much lighter, with much better battery life, personally I’d go for the cheaper model here instead.

Comfy, versatile, detailed, and with excellent battery life and build quality, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless gets very close to its promise of a jack of all trades. It’s just that slight lack of deep bass and a small maximum size holding it back. Otherwise? I reckon it’s a bit of a winner. Lightweight has won me over, and my neck muscles are much better for it.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless: Price Comparison

$129.99View$129.99ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon

$129.99View

SteelSeries - Arctis Nova 5X…

Best Buy

$129.99View

$129.99

$129.99View

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X…

GameStop

$129.99View

$129.99

No price informationCheck Amazon

Amazon

No price informationCheck Amazon

No price information

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

The Verdict82Read our review policySteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X WirelessA clear and detailed sound in combination with a comfortable build and easy-switch connections makes this headset a delight for everyday use. That being said, the slight lack of low-end bass does give pause for thought.

The Verdict

82Read our review policySteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X WirelessA clear and detailed sound in combination with a comfortable build and easy-switch connections makes this headset a delight for everyday use. That being said, the slight lack of low-end bass does give pause for thought.

82Read our review policy

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X WirelessA clear and detailed sound in combination with a comfortable build and easy-switch connections makes this headset a delight for everyday use. That being said, the slight lack of low-end bass does give pause for thought.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless

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