SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless Review – High-Quality Gaming Audio on a Budget

Product Information:

• Model: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
• Release Date: May 2024
• Type: Wireless Headset
• Price: $129.99

SteelSeries has long been known for producing high-quality wireless gaming headsets, and the Arctis Nova 5X Wireless is no exception. Combining comfort, stellar sound quality, and impressive battery life, this model competes fiercely in the mid-range market. Released in May 2024, the Arctis Nova 5X is designed for both console and PC gamers, offering an excellent balance of performance and affordability.

After testing multiple wireless headsets from SteelSeries, including the high-end Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the more budget-friendly Nova 5X surprised me with its performance. Despite its lower price point, this headset is easily one of the best value-for-money options available today.

Design and Features

The Arctis Nova 5X Wireless sports a similar design to other Nova series models, complete with SteelSeries’ signature ski-goggle-inspired headband. Unlike the Pro models, however, the 5X is entirely made of plastic. Despite this, the build quality feels sturdy, and its lightweight nature adds to the overall comfort. The breathable fabric ear cushions provide cool comfort even during extended gaming sessions. SteelSeries opted for a clear “L” and “R” marking inside the earcups, which is a thoughtful design touch that ensures you never mistakenly wear the headset backward.

On the left earcup, you’ll find a dedicated mute button for the microphone, a general volume control wheel, and a retractable microphone. The right earcup houses a game/chat balance dial, the power button, and a switch for toggling between 2.4 GHz wireless mode and Bluetooth. The USB-C charging port is also located here, making it easy to recharge the headset.

Interestingly, the Xbox version of this headset includes a switch on the USB-C dongle, enabling users to switch between Xbox and other platforms. This makes it compatible with both PlayStation and PC as well. However, the PlayStation version does not offer this flexibility with Xbox, so if you own both consoles, the Xbox variant is the better choice.

Comfort

As expected from SteelSeries, the Arctis Nova 5X excels in comfort. The suspension band design and lightweight construction ensure that it sits comfortably on your head without causing any pressure or discomfort. Even after long gaming sessions, I never felt the typical strain on the top of my head, a problem I’ve encountered with more expensive headsets. The breathable fabric on the earcups also ensures that your ears stay cool, even during intense gaming marathons.

Sound Quality and Battery Life

SteelSeries claims that the Arctis Nova 5X can last up to 60 hours on a single charge, though in real-world conditions, I found the battery life to be closer to 45 hours with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless mode in use. This is still impressive, especially considering that many higher-priced headsets don’t offer nearly as much battery life.

As for sound quality, the Nova 5X truly shines. It provides clear sound separation, with sound effects and game audio coming through crisply. SteelSeries has also introduced a companion app for the Nova 5 series, allowing users to customize their audio experience with over 140 EQ presets tailored to popular games and audio preferences.

One of the standout features is the microphone, which rivals those found on much more expensive models. Minimal sound distortion and excellent noise cancellation make this one of the best headset mics I’ve used in a long time.

Conclusion

SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova 5X Wireless combines superb comfort, great audio quality, and a top-tier microphone at a very competitive price point. While it may not have the premium feel of SteelSeries’ Pro models, it offers incredible value, making it a solid choice for gamers who want a reliable, high-performance headset without breaking the bank.