When I first got my hands on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless headset, I was immediately struck by how premium everything felt, from the unboxing experience to the actual usage. As someone who’s been through a fair share of gaming headsets, I was eager to see how these would stack up, especially given the range of games I had lined up to test them with. My lineup included Helldivers 2, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Visions of Mana, and more, alongside regular multimedia use—music, movies, and streaming. After spending several weeks with them, I can safely say that the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is nothing short of spectacular.
Unboxing Experience
Unboxing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless was a delight. The packaging is well thought out, giving off a premium vibe without overdoing it. Inside, the headset is cradled securely, accompanied by a USB-C wireless dongle, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a Type C to Type A extender cable, and the usual quick-start guide with some sweet stickers. The packaging emphasizes simplicity but maintains a high-end feel, which only heightened my anticipation to try them out.
Design & Build Quality
From the moment I took the headset out of the box, I could tell this was a carefully crafted piece of hardware. The overall design retains the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that SteelSeries is known for, but with a few modern touches. The matte black finish, soft fabric ear cushions, and durable steel-reinforced headband strike the perfect balance between style and functionality.
One of the standout features is the weight—or lack thereof. Weighing in at around 270g give or take a gram here and there, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless feels feather-light compared to many other wireless headsets in this category. The balance is impeccable, with no significant pressure points during long gaming sessions. The adjustable headband fits snugly, and the ski goggle-style strap offers another layer of comfort, adapting well to various head shapes without creating unwanted tension. Whether you’re gaming for an hour or pulling an all-nighter, the comfort level remains consistent.
The ear cups are rotatable and designed with a breathable fabric that stays cool, even during intense moments of gaming or long movie marathons. Additionally, the retractable microphone is flexible, retracting seamlessly when not in use. The mic is discreet enough to stay out of sight, but when extended, it offers the clarity SteelSeries is known for.
Sound Quality
Now, let’s talk about sound—the main reason anyone invests in a premium headset. In one word: stunning.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless comes equipped with 40mm Neodymium Drivers, tuned to deliver an exceptionally balanced sound profile. Out of the box, the sound is rich, with excellent clarity across the frequency spectrum. But what really impressed me was the customization via the SteelSeries Sonar software. Sonar allows you to tailor the sound with parametric EQ, which means you can adjust every part of the soundscape to your liking—whether you want deeper bass or crisper highs.
Gaming Experience
I jumped right into Helldivers 2 for my first test. The opening cinematic alone blew me away—the headset captured every little detail of the ambient sounds and dialogue. Once the game got into full swing, the positional audio really shone through. The 360° spatial audio made it easy to locate enemies and teammates, giving me an edge during chaotic firefights. Whether I was dodging incoming fire or coordinating an attack, the immersion was complete.
In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, the roar of the chain sword and the deep thud of bolter fire were enhanced to feel more impactful. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless captures the low end beautifully, without letting it drown out the mids and highs. Explosions had weight, and the ambience of the war-torn landscapes felt all-encompassing. I could feel the ground shake during heavy artillery barrages, thanks to the impressive bass response.
Then there was Visions of Mana, a game with a much more melodic soundtrack. Here, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless showcased its range, providing crisp mids and highs that made the orchestral music soar. The headset brought out the details in the sweeping, emotional score, enhancing the atmosphere and drawing me further into the world.
Music
While gaming was my primary focus, I took plenty of time to test the headset with music across different genres. Whether it was bass-heavy tracks, intricate instrumental pieces, or vocal-driven songs, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless handled everything with ease. Songs like Daft Punk’s “Contact” had that deep, reverberating bass that fills your ears without overwhelming the other elements. On the opposite end of the spectrum, tracks like Radiohead’s “True Love Waits” had an airy, emotional quality. The clarity and richness were noticeable even when switching between wireless and wired modes.
The Sonar software also includes presets for different listening scenarios. There’s a ‘Music’ mode that accentuates highs and mids, making vocals and instruments stand out more. For audiophiles or anyone who enjoys tweaking their sound, these presets and the manual EQ adjustments are invaluable.
Movies & Streaming
The 360° spatial audio really came into its own during movie watching. Whether it was the epic battle scenes in Dune or the intimate dialogue-driven moments of The Queen’s Gambit, I found myself fully immersed. The headset provides a cinematic experience, delivering surround sound without the need for a complex multi-speaker setup. Explosions have depth, conversations are clear, and the nuanced score of a film like Blade Runner 2049 is perfectly articulated.
Streaming shows on Netflix or YouTube also felt elevated with the headset. Voices came through clearly, and I didn’t have to deal with any noticeable audio lag, which is crucial for any wireless headset. The low-latency performance ensures that sound syncs perfectly with the action on-screen, making it an ideal companion for binge-watching.
Features & Connectivity
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is feature-packed without feeling bloated. One of the standout features is the dual wireless functionality—using either the 2.4GHz wireless dongle or Bluetooth 5.0. This means you can connect it to your PC or console for gaming, while still being able to take a call from your phone via Bluetooth. This dual connectivity is a game-changer for anyone who likes to stay connected while gaming without fumbling with multiple devices.
The 2.4GHz wireless connection is flawless, offering lag-free audio with a range that easily covers an average-sized room. I never experienced any dropouts or interference, even with other wireless devices nearby. Bluetooth performance was equally strong, making it easy to switch between gaming and casual listening on my phone.
Battery life is another highlight. With up to 60 hours of playtime on a single charge (I got just over 24hrs on a full charge, but the headset was at max volume), the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless can easily last through multiple gaming sessions or a full day of mixed-use. The USB-C fast charging feature means that even when the battery does run low, a quick 15-minute charge gives you around 6 hours of use ( I got another 3 hrs, most likely due to volume levels),—perfect for when you’re in a pinch.
After a full overnight charge, I managed to get an impressive 43 hours of playtime at mid-level volume. Then, with just a quick 15-minute charge, I added another 4 hours and 43 minutes of use!
Microphone
The retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone is another standout feature. In multiplayer games like Helldivers 2, where communication is key, the mic delivers crystal-clear voice quality. The background noise cancellation worked effectively without cutting out any of my voice, even in louder environments. The adjustable mic arm is flexible but stays in place once set, and when you’re done, it neatly tucks away into the headset.
Final Thoughts
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is a top-tier gaming headset that excels in every department. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, an audiophile, or someone who just loves watching movies, this headset delivers. The combination of excellent sound quality, comfort, and features like dual wireless connectivity and spatial audio makes it a must-have for anyone serious about their audio experience.
It’s not just a headset for gaming—it’s a headset for everything. SteelSeries has truly set a new benchmark with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Whether I’m deep in a firefight in Space Marine 2 or chilling with some music, these have become my go-to. Highly recommended!
Unboxing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
Read more awesome reviews >>here<<.
You must be logged in to post a comment.