Rank #5 in Best Gaming Headset 2026: Ten Ranked on Honest Specs, Not Battery Hype
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless - Gaming Headset for PC, PS4/5, Mobile - 100+ Audio Presets via App - Neodymium Magnetic Drivers - 60H Battery - 2.4GHz or BT - ClearCast Gen2.X Mic
- Rating
- 4.3
- Ratings
- 1,037
- Rank
- #5
Price and rating as shown on Amazon when we collected them. Both change.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is our number 5 gaming headset pick and the most adaptable wireless set in the September 2026 list. Its companion app carries 100 plus audio presets for specific games, so you tune the sound to the title rather than the other way around, and a quick switch button toggles between 2.4 GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for calls and media. The listing claims up to 60 hours of battery, with six hours of use from a 15 minute fast charge, and the whole set weighs 267 g, the lightest in this ranking.
The spec sheet keeps the usual slip-ups: sensitivity is printed as '36 Ohm', the impedance value under the wrong label, and the charge time field reads '15 minutes', which describes fast charge rather than a full charge. Both are flagged (as listed). With 1,037 ratings at 4.3, it is a proven set for PC, PS4, PS5 and mobile players. Everything on this page comes from the Amazon listing rather than our own testing.
How those 1,037 ratings break down
An average hides its own shape. This is the spread behind the 4.3 stars.
Specification
Exactly as published on the Amazon listing, field for field.
| Brand Name | SteelSeries |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 61670 |
| Model Name | Arctis Nova 5 |
| Box Contents | 2.4 GHz Dongle, Cable |
| Best Sellers Rank | Number 9 in Nintendo Switch Gaming Headsets |
| Headphone Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Impedance | 36 ohm |
| Sensitivity (as listed) | 36 Ohm |
| Frequency Range | 20-22,000 Hz |
| Battery Average Life | 60 Hours |
| Battery Charge Time (as listed) | 15 minutes |
| Noise Control | None |
| Wireless Technology Type | Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Metres |
| Compatible Devices | Computer, Game console, Phone, Tablet |
| Item Weight | 267 g |
| ASIN | B0D1KBNWHF |
What it is up against
The rivals it was ranked against in Best Gaming Headset 2026: Ten Ranked on Honest Specs, Not Battery Hype.
Rank #1
HyperX Cloud III - Wired Gaming Headset, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Angled 53mm Drivers, DTS, Memory Foam, Durable Frame, Ultra-Clear 10mm Mic, USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm, Black/Red
£56.00
Rank #2
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Wireless Gaming Headset for XBOX, PS5, PC, Mobile
£121.76
Rank #3
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless - Gaming Headset for PC, 300-hour battery life, DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio, Memory foam, Dual Chamber Drivers, Noise-cancelling mic, Durable aluminium frame
£88.25
Rank #4
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Wireless Multiplatform Gaming Headset for PC, PS5
£79.99
Questions people ask
What are the 100 plus audio presets?
The Arctis Nova 5 Companion App holds tailored presets for games such as GTA V, FIFA and Call of Duty, per the listing.
How does the dual wireless work?
A button toggles between 2.4 GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, so you can take a call or play media while staying connected, per the listing.
How long is the battery life?
The listing claims up to 60 hours, with six hours of use from a 15 minute fast charge.
Why is the sensitivity field flagged?
The sheet prints Sensitivity as 36 Ohm, which is an impedance value (as listed), not a sensitivity in decibels.
Which devices are supported?
The listing names PC, PS4/5 and mobile, with computer, game console, phone and tablet in the compatible devices field.
Why did it rank number 5?
For its game by game presets, light 267 g build and 1,037 ratings at 4.3, below the broader value of the Turtle Beach sets in our list.
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