This SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X review looks at a wireless gaming headset built for players moving between console, computer and mobile audio.
Arctis Nova 5X Review Summary
The quick verdict
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A multi-system gaming headset for players who want game presets, quick wireless switching and long battery life.
- More than 100 game audio presets are available through the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use after 15 minutes.
- A button toggles between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones and tablets.
Pros
- Broad listed platform compatibility through a compact USB-C dongle.
- Quick switching between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3.
Consider before buying
- The Arctis Nova 5 Companion App offers tailored game audio presets; players who prefer making adjustments directly on a headset may find app-based presets less convenient.
- For frequent outdoor calls, check microphone performance in windy conditions before buying.
Read the full review summary
The Arctis Nova 5X combines a compact USB-C dongle for multi-platform connections with 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3.
Its app offers more than 100 game audio presets, while headset controls cover power, mute, volume, ChatMix and wireless switching.
It is best suited to players who want a single headset for several listed platforms and a long interval between charges. The retractable microphone and on-ear controls also make it adaptable to calls and media between gaming sessions.
The buying factors
Arctis Nova 5X Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Platform flexibility
The USB-C dongle supports a broad mix of consoles and personal devices, with wireless switching between gaming and Bluetooth modes.
Game audio customization
More than 100 app presets give players a wide range of game-specific starting points.
Battery life
The 60-hour battery and USB-C fast charging are strong fit factors for players who prefer fewer charging breaks.
Wireless convenience
A button press switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth, and notification beeps signal incoming calls while gaming.
Microphone design
The fully retractable microphone can be put away when it is not needed, and the ClearCast 2.X name identifies the headset’s mic system.
On-headset controls
Power, mute, volume, ChatMix and quick-switch controls are all accessible on the headset.
Key Features and Specifications of Arctis Nova 5X
- More than 100 game audio presets are available through the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use after 15 minutes.
- A button toggles between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones and tablets.
- The fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone uses a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio.
- On-ear controls include power, mute, volume adjustment, ChatMix and Quick-Switch.
Pros and Cons of Arctis Nova 5X
Pros
- Broad listed platform compatibility through a compact USB-C dongle.
- Quick switching between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Long battery rating, with a short USB-C charge adding several hours of use.
- A retractable microphone and core audio controls are built into the headset.
Consider before buying
- The Arctis Nova 5 Companion App offers tailored game audio presets; players who prefer making adjustments directly on a headset may find app-based presets less convenient.
- For frequent outdoor calls, check microphone performance in windy conditions before buying.
- Confirm that the USB-C dongle fits your intended setup, especially if the device’s ports are difficult to access.
Who Should Buy Arctis Nova 5X?
Good fit
Choose the Arctis Nova 5X if you move among the listed consoles, computers and mobile devices and want one headset for gaming and Bluetooth media.
The dongle’s broad platform list and one-button wireless switch suit a setup where convenience matters as much as game audio.
It also makes sense for long gaming stretches: the battery is rated at 60 hours, and a 15-minute USB-C charge adds six hours of use.
The retractable microphone and accessible ChatMix controls add practical flexibility for calls and balancing game audio.
Who should skip it
Before relying on the headset for frequent outdoor calls, check whether its microphone suits your needs in windy conditions.
It may also be a poor fit if you want a headset centered on a different connection arrangement or need features outside its listed 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes and platform compatibility.
Arctis Nova 5X Review Analysis
Switching between gaming and mobile audio
A tap of a button switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for calls or media while playing. Incoming-call beeps help draw attention to notifications during gaming.
For outdoor calls, check microphone performance in your environment before relying on it.
Preset choice versus manual setup
The Companion App offers tailored presets for top games, giving players ready-made audio options to explore. They can provide a game-specific starting point for players looking to save setup time.
Players who prefer headset controls can use the on-ear buttons for power, mute, volume adjustment, ChatMix, and Quick-Switch.
Battery planning and controls
The 60-hour battery rating and quick-charge figure reduce the need to plan frequent charging around play sessions.
On-headset power, mute, volume and ChatMix controls keep common adjustments within reach, and the Quick-Switch control supports the headset’s dual wireless modes.
Platform fit
The headset connects across Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones, or tablets through a compact USB-C dongle.
Check that each device in your setup has a compatible USB-C connection before buying, especially if you expect to swap between systems often.
Alternatives to Arctis Nova 5X
Computer Headsets alternative
6,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Prefer the Nova Pro Wireless if active noise cancellation, two-system connection and swappable batteries are priorities. The Nova 5X is the more relevant fit when its game presets and 60-hour battery rating better match your needs.
- The Nova Pro Wireless adds active noise cancellation, simultaneous connection to two systems and two hot-swappable batteries, with a base station keeping the spare charged.
- The Nova 5X pairs a 60-hour battery with more than 100 game audio presets, a combination suited to buyers prioritizing long use between charges and game-specific preset choices.
Battery-focused alternative
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P
Pick the Nova 7P if 360° spatial audio, dual audio streams and its retractable mic better suit your use, with a 38-hour battery rating.
The Nova 5X better fits a preference for its 100-plus presets and 60-hour battery rating.
- The Nova 7P offers 360° spatial audio, dual audio streams and a retractable microphone.
- Its battery is rated at 38 hours, with a 15-minute USB-C charge providing six hours of play.
- The Nova 5X offers more than 100 game audio presets and a 60-hour battery rating, favoring buyers who want game-specific audio options and longer stated battery life.
Is Arctis Nova 5X Worth It?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X is worth considering if you want a multi-system wireless gaming headset with broad listed platform support, app-based game presets, and a long battery rating.
Quick switching between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, a retractable microphone and on-ear ChatMix controls add everyday flexibility.
It suits players whose devices work with the compact USB-C dongle and who value switching between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, game audio presets, and fewer charging breaks.
Consider your need for outdoor calls and check microphone performance in your environment before buying.
Your review at a glance
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A multi-system gaming headset for players who want game presets, quick wireless switching and long battery life.
- More than 100 game audio presets are available through the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use after 15 minutes.
- A button toggles between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones and tablets.