ConsFirst / Gaming headsets / Compare
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on microphone, battery / connection. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox wins on comfort.
The biggest complaint about the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is connection issues and units that stop working; for the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox it's no wired connection. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless | Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in gaming headsets | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Wireless | Wireless |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 15% | 19% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Sound | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Microphone | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Battery / connection | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
- Connection issues and units that stop working
Amazon's summary says owners are split on wireless connectivity and reliability, with some reporting connection issues, poor audio and headsets that stop working.
- Comfort isn't universal
Wirecutter dismissed the Nova 5X with a group of headsets it found uncomfortable for various head sizes or prone to slipping. Tom's Guide loved the comfort but says it made its tester's ears a bit hot after 3 hours.
- No ANC, and the app has limits
Tom's Guide and TechRadar both list the lack of active noise cancelling. TechRadar adds that not every game preset makes a noticeable difference.
Source: Tom's Guide review, TechRadar review
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox
- No wired connection
Wirecutter and BGR both note there's no wired option, not even over USB-C, so you have no audio once the battery dies.
- Mic and connection problems for some owners
Amazon's summary says owners are split on mic quality, connectivity and durability. It cites reports of the mic not working while gaming, Bluetooth problems, and build quality that doesn't hold up long-term. Wirecutter says voices sound slightly muffled and compressed.
- Weak noise isolation and basic software
BGR says it isn't good at blocking outside sound and has no ANC. Wirecutter calls the Razer Audio Setup app basic next to Razer's Synapse software.
Who should pick which
Pick the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless if
Mid-budget wireless with a very long battery
Players who like per-game EQ presets
Using a console and a phone at once (dongle plus Bluetooth)
Skip it if: You need noise cancelling; Reliability matters more to you than features; Your ears run hot in long sessions
Pick the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox if
One wireless headset for both Xbox and PlayStation
Long sessions with glasses
Players who rarely want to charge
Skip it if: You want a wired backup; You game somewhere noisy (weak isolation, no ANC); You want deep software customization
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