ConsFirst / Gaming headsets / Compare
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless vs Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on battery / connection. Razer BlackShark V3 Pro wins on microphone.
The biggest complaint about the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is connection issues and units that stop working; for the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro it's mixed owner reports on sound and reliability. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless | Razer BlackShark V3 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in gaming headsets | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Wireless | Wireless |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 15% | 19% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Sound | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Microphone | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 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 V3 Pro
- Mixed owner reports on sound and reliability
Amazon's summary says owners are split on sound, ANC, mic, connectivity, adjustability and fit, and some report it stopped working after three days.
- High price and extra weight
PCGamesN lists the very high price, the weight and a slightly loose fit as cons. TechRadar says ANC costs about $50 more than the V2 Pro.
Source: PCGamesN review, TechRadar review - Only decent ANC and an awkward dongle
RTINGS says the ANC doesn't compete with Bose, Sony or Apple, and that Bluetooth connects to only one device. TechRadar says the fabric pads limit the ANC and the HyperSpeed dongle needs a USB cable.
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 V3 Pro if
Competitive players who want low latency and a great mic
Gaming in noisy rooms (ANC)
Listening to a phone over Bluetooth while gaming
Skip it if: You don't need ANC (the V2 Pro is cheaper); You want the lightest headset; You want a small plug-in dongle
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.