SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

Headphones Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of SteelSeries Arctis 5 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3. With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare design, sound quality, but also other key features of both headphones and easily decide which ones are the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the headphones that best fit your needs and expectations.

Headphones Specifications Comparison

SteelSeries Arctis 5 vs. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS SteelSeries Arctis 5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Product Type Headset - wired - USB, 3.5 mm jack Headset - wired - USB-C
Height 19.685 cm -
Width 21.59 cm -
Depth 4.724 cm -
Weight 363.1 g 253 g SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 are lighter than SteelSeries Arctis 5 headphones.
Colour White | Black -
Body Material - Memory foam, airweave
Recommended Use Game console, portable electronics, computer Game console, portable electronics, computer
Gaming - Yes
SOUND QUALITY SteelSeries Arctis 5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Headphones Form Factor Full size Full size
Adjustable Headband Yes -
Connectivity Technology Wired Wired
Sound Output Mode Stereo Stereo
Sound Effects 7.1 Channel Virtual Surround Sound 360° Spatial Audio
Frequency Response 20 - 22000 Hz 20 - 22000 Hz Both headphones offer the same frequency response.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <3% 1% SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 have lower total harmonic distortion than SteelSeries Arctis 5.
Sensitivity 98 dB 93 dB SteelSeries Arctis 5 have higher sensitivity than SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3.
Impedance 32 Ohm 36 Ohm
Diaphragm 40 mm 40 mm Both headphones are designed with same thick diaphragm.
MICROPHONE SteelSeries Arctis 5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Form Factor - Headset microphone
Type Boom Boom
Microphone Operation Mode Bi-directional Bi-directional
Noise Cancelling - Yes SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 microphone can cancel out ambient noise.
Noise Cancelling Technology - AI Powered Environmental Noise Cancellation
Frequency Response 100 - 10000 Hz 100 - 10000 Hz The frequency response of the microphones in both headphones is the same.
Sensitivity -48 dB -38 dB
Impedance 2200 Ohm -
Microphone Features Mute function, retractable microphone Retractable microphone
REMOTE CONTROL SteelSeries Arctis 5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Controls Volume, mode control, microphone on/mute Volume, microphone on/mute, RGB colour
CABLE SteelSeries Arctis 5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Cable Type Headset cable - detachable
Headset adapter - detachable - L shaped
Remote control cable - detachable
USB-C to USB-A extension cable - detachable - 1.5 m
USB-C to USB-C cable - detachable - 1.2 m
USB-C to mini-phone 3.5 mm cable - detachable - 1.2 m
Cable Length 3 m -
Detachable Cable Yes -
FEATURES SteelSeries Arctis 5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Features - ComfortMax System
Additional Functions Adjustable RGB lighting RGB lighting
CONNECTIONS SteelSeries Arctis 5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Connector Type Audio output (mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm)
USB
USB (24 pin USB-C)
Audio input / output (mini-phone 3.5 mm 4-pole)
OTHERS SteelSeries Arctis 5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Included Accessories USB ChatMix Dial -
Supported Host Device OS - Windows 10, Windows 8.1, macOS 10.13 or later
Service & Support Limited warranty - parts and labour - 1 year -
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