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SteelSeries makes two of the most popular wireless headsets for Xbox, and on paper they look very alike. Both are wireless, both have retractable mics, and both work with PC, PlayStation and phones too. So, Arctis Nova 5X vs Nova 7X: what does the extra money for the 7X actually get you? It mostly comes down to one feature, plus build quality. Here’s how they compare, including the newer Nova 7X Gen 2.
Quick answer
- Get the Nova 5X if you want the longest battery life and a lighter headset, and you’re happy to switch between game and phone audio with a button.
- Get the Nova 7X if you want to hear your game and your phone at the same time, and you’d like a sturdier metal frame.
- Buying a 7X now? The Gen 2 adds a much bigger battery and phone app support.
Prices change often. Tap Check price on Amazon for today’s price.
| Product | Key spec | UK price at time of writing | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless | Up to 60 hrs, Quick-Switch 2.4GHz or Bluetooth, 265g | Check price | Long battery, light and comfy | View in our shop |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless | Up to 38 hrs, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, metal frame | Check price | Game and phone audio at once | View in our shop |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 | 50+ hrs, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, app support | Check price | The best of both | View in our shop |
The big difference: simultaneous Bluetooth
This is the one that matters most. The Nova 7X can play game audio from its USB-C dongle and audio from your phone over Bluetooth at the same time. So you can listen to a podcast or take a call while you play. PCWorld’s review called it the headset’s standout feature.
The Nova 5X can’t do that. It has both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, but SteelSeries calls it Quick-Switch: you tap a button to swap between them. SteelSeries says your phone stays on standby while you game, and you can still answer calls. Trusted Reviews listed the lack of simultaneous audio as one of the headset’s few drawbacks.
If you only ever listen to your game, this won’t matter. If you like Spotify or a Discord call on your phone while you play, it’s the reason to pay more.
Battery life
The Nova 5X wins on paper against the original 7X. Trusted Reviews lists up to 60 hours over Bluetooth or 50 hours over the USB-C dongle. SteelSeries rated the original Nova 7X at up to 38 hours over 2.4GHz, or 26 hours with Bluetooth running at the same time, according to PCWorld.
The Nova 7X Gen 2 closes most of that gap with 50+ hours, and SteelSeries says 15 minutes of charging gives you six hours of play. Trusted Reviews says the Nova 5X manages the same with its fast charging.
Build, comfort and weight
The Nova 5X is mostly plastic and very light at 265g, which Trusted Reviews found “especially comfortable”. The Nova 7X uses a metal frame and metal earcups. PCWorld measured it at 323g and described it as “as solid as a tank”. Both use SteelSeries’ stretchy elastic headband and breathable AirWeave ear cushions.
PCWorld’s one gripe was the passive noise isolation on the 7X, which it found weaker than some rivals, while Trusted Reviews praised the 5X’s isolation.
Microphone and app
Both have retractable mics that tuck away into the earcup. SteelSeries says the Nova 5X’s ClearCast 2.X mic has twice the bandwidth of its previous mic, and Trusted Reviews found it clear, with noise cancelling that handled a loud mechanical keyboard well.
The Nova 5X also launched with SteelSeries’ phone companion app, which offers over 100 game audio presets, a real bonus on Xbox, where you can’t run PC software. The original Nova 7X didn’t have that. The Gen 2 does: SteelSeries’ support page lists companion app support and a bigger battery as the main upgrades, with the same sound and dual wireless as before. Its product page lists 200+ EQ presets.
Pros and cons
Arctis Nova 5X
- Pro: up to 60 hours of battery
- Pro: very light at 265g
- Pro: phone app with game presets
- Con: no simultaneous game and phone audio
- Con: plastic build
Arctis Nova 7X (and Gen 2)
- Pro: hear game and phone audio at the same time
- Pro: tough metal frame
- Pro: Gen 2 adds 50+ hours and app support
- Con: heavier at 323g (original)
- Con: original model’s battery is shorter
All three are in the headsets section of our shop. For more options, see our best Xbox headsets under £100 and our wider gaming headsets guide.
Verdict
If you just want great game audio and a battery you barely need to think about, the Arctis Nova 5X is the better value. Pay for the Nova 7X if simultaneous Bluetooth sounds useful, because that’s the feature you’ll notice every day. If you go for the 7X, the Gen 2 is the one to get, as long as the price gap over the original is small. We haven’t tested these headsets ourselves; this comparison is based on SteelSeries’ specs and the reviews linked above. See how we test and choose products.
FAQ
Can the Arctis Nova 5X play Bluetooth and game audio at the same time?
No. The Nova 5X has both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, but you switch between them with the Quick-Switch button. The Nova 7X can play both at once.
Which has better battery life, the Nova 5X or Nova 7X?
The Nova 5X, at up to 60 hours over Bluetooth or 50 hours on the dongle. The original Nova 7X is rated at up to 38 hours, and the Nova 7X Gen 2 at 50+ hours.
What is new in the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2?
SteelSeries lists companion app support for adjusting settings without a PC, a larger battery and new colours. The sound and dual wireless are the same as the original.
Do these Xbox headsets work on PS5 and PC?
Yes. SteelSeries lists PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile support for the Nova 5X and the Nova 7X Gen 2. On the Nova 5X, SteelSeries notes that ChatMix isn’t supported on PlayStation.
Featured image: Gaming headset on a desk, photo by SankalpSasnur via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.