The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is a wireless gaming-headset family announced in 2024, with standard, PlayStation-focused Nova 5P, and Xbox-focused Nova 5X versions. Its main draws are 2.4GHz wireless plus Bluetooth 5.3 Quick Switch, a claimed 60-plus hours of battery life, and more than 100 game-specific audio presets in the Nova 5 Companion App. The original U.S. launch MSRP was $129.99.
What is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5?
SteelSeries announced the Arctis Nova 5 series and its companion app on May 14, 2024, positioning the headsets for console, PC, and mobile gaming. The family combines wireless audio with quick switching between a 2.4GHz connection and Bluetooth 5.3. SteelSeries’ launch announcement listed a U.S. MSRP of $129.99; that is the launch price, not a guarantee of current retail pricing.
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The company later announced white versions of the Nova 5, Nova 5P, and Nova 5X on September 17, 2024, again listing a $129.99 North American MSRP. SteelSeries’ launch announcement and its white-model announcement describe the family’s launch and color options.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhich Nova 5 model should you choose?
| Model | Best fit | Platform-specific note |
|---|---|---|
| Arctis Nova 5 | General PC and console use | Check the product page for the exact behavior in your region and setup. |
| Arctis Nova 5P | PlayStation-first setups | SteelSeries says PlayStation does not support ChatMix. |
| Arctis Nova 5X | Xbox-first setups | SteelSeries identifies it as the Xbox-oriented member of the Nova 5 family. |
The 5P and 5X labels are useful signals about their primary console ecosystems, but don’t assume every feature works identically across every console. Review SteelSeries’ Nova 5, Nova 5P, and Nova 5X product pages for the platform details relevant to your region. ChatMix, in particular, is not supported on PlayStation.
#1 Best Overall
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- NEODYMIUM MAGNETIC DRIVERS — These drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass for your space journey
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
How do wireless connections and platform support work?
The headsets offer 2.4GHz wireless for gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, with Quick Switch for moving between those wireless connections from the headset. This makes it possible to use a gaming connection and Bluetooth without treating the two modes as the same connection. SteelSeries markets the series for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile, but the appropriate model and available features depend on the platform. Confirm compatibility on the product page for your exact model before buying.
How long does the battery last?
SteelSeries claims more than 60 hours of wireless battery life for the Nova 5 series. Its announcement of the white models also says USB-C fast charging can provide about six hours of use after a 15-minute charge. These are manufacturer figures, not independently established results; actual runtime can vary with use and settings. The cited charging figure is an approximate quick-charge allowance, not a full-charge time.
Rank #2
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- NEODYMIUM MAGNETIC DRIVERS — These drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass for your space journey
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
What does the Nova 5 Companion App do?
The app is the headset’s route to more than 100 game-specific audio presets. SteelSeries says the presets were shaped by audio engineers, esports professionals, and game developers, and its support FAQ lists Nova 5, Nova 5P, and Nova 5X as compatible headsets. You can use the app to customize the headset and select game-focused sound profiles. See the SteelSeries Arctis Companion App FAQ for compatibility and support details.
Recommended Free Tools
On PC, SteelSeries’ Sonar Audio Software Suite adds deeper controls, including parametric equalization and tools for game audio, chat, and microphone handling. SteelSeries also promotes Sonar noise cancellation for PC microphone use. The ClearCast 2.X microphone is described by SteelSeries as supporting 32 kHz/16-bit audio; that specification should not be confused with a guarantee of a particular call or recording result.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Almighty Audio — Custom-designed Nova Acoustic System features best-in class audio for gaming with High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize your ideal sound experience with a first-in gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
- 360 degree Spatial Audio - Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound
- Adjustable for Perfect Fit — The ComfortMAX System includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups with AirWeave memory cushion and a stretchy band. The lightweight form of the headset keeps you comfortable no matter how long you play.
- Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling Mic — The ClearCast Gen 2 mic silences background noise by up to 25dB on any platform to give you crystal clear comms. Fully retract the mic into the earcup for a sleeker look.
- Multi-Platform Support - Easily connect to any gaming console with a 3.5mm jack, such as PlayStation, PC, Xbox, or Switch. Works great with mobile devices as well.
Rank #4
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets.
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- NEODYMIUM MAGNETIC DRIVERS — These drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass for your space journey
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
Rank #3
- 100 GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO — Custom-designed Neodymium Magnetic Drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
What to check before choosing
- Match the model to your primary console: 5P for PlayStation-oriented use or 5X for Xbox-oriented use.
- Verify platform support and feature limits on the regional product page, especially if ChatMix matters to you.
- Decide whether you will use the app’s game presets or PC-only Sonar controls; those are central parts of the customization story.
- Treat the 60-plus-hour runtime and quick-charge figures as SteelSeries claims, and check current retailer pricing and availability separately.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
