Gaming / Headsets and headphones
SteelSeriesGaming headset
Arctis Nova 5X Wireless
Released May 2024.18Press releasesteelseries.com/press/144-steelseries-introduces-100-game-specific-audio-profiles-with-new-arctisRead 8 October 2026The May 14, 2024 maker release states that Nova 5, 5X, and 5P are available that day. The exact 5X SoundGuys header independently gives May 14, 2024. Last checked 16 October 2026.
- Form factor
- Over-ear
- Audio connections
- 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- Battery life (claimed, max)
- 60h
78 of 161 fields known.
General
- GTIN / EAN
- Not available
- Predecessor
- Not available
- Successor
- Not available
Design
- Form factor
- Over-ear8Retailer pageus.maxgaming.com/us/wireless-headsets/arctis-nova-5x-wireless-gaming-headset-blackRead 8 October 2026Exact SKU 61676 specifications state Over-ear.
- Wearing style
- Not available
- Lighting zones
- Not available
Drivers and sound
- Driver type
- Dynamic10Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/steelseries-arctis-nova-5-x-xboxRead 8 October 2026The exact Xbox product page states Dynamic sound driver type.
- Drivers per side
- Not available
- Diaphragm material
- Not available
- Frequency response (wired or passive)
- Min20 HzMax22 kHz8Retailer pageus.maxgaming.com/us/wireless-headsets/arctis-nova-5x-wireless-gaming-headset-blackRead 8 October 2026Exact SKU 61676 acoustic specifications state 20 to 22,000 Hz. The maker family table has the same single headphone acoustic range. No connection mode, tolerance, input power, or test method is specified.
- Wireless audio transmission band
- Not available
- Impedance (passive when specified)
- 36Ω8Retailer pageus.maxgaming.com/us/wireless-headsets/arctis-nova-5x-wireless-gaming-headset-blackRead 8 October 2026Exact SKU 61676 specifications state 36 ohms. The maker family acoustic table and Euronics listing for 61676 agree.
- Sensitivity (passive when specified)
- Not available
- Sensitivity reference
- Not available
- Max input power
- Not available
- Max digital audio sample rate
- Not available
- Max digital audio bit depth
- Not available
- DAC
- Not available
- Personalised sound
- Not available
- Custom EQ bands
- Not available
- EQ presets
- Bass Boost, Music: Deep Bass11Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-5x-review-118793Read 8 October 2026The EQ presets section names Bass Boost and Music: Deep Bass.
- Volume limit
- Not available
Spatial audio
- Spatial audio support
- SteelSeries Sonar Virtual Surround Sound, Tempest 3D AudioTech, Microsoft Spatial Sound1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5Read 8 October 2026The 360 Spatial Audio feature names Sonar Virtual Surround Sound for Windows, Tempest 3D AudioTech for PS5, and Microsoft Spatial Sound for Xbox. Platform and software requirements apply. Other third-party licenses are sold separately.
- Spatial audio licence included
- Not available
- Head tracking
- Not available
Noise cancelling
- Active noise cancelling
- No11Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-5x-review-118793Read 8 October 2026The exact 5X Noise Attenuation section explicitly states there is no ANC. Sonar microphone noise processing is separate.
- ANC type
- Not available
- ANC microphones
- Not available
- Adaptive ANC
- Not available
- ANC levels
- Not available
- ANC attenuation (claimed)
- Not available
- Transparency mode
- Not available
- Adjustable transparency
- Not available
- Conversation detection
- Not available
- Wind noise reduction
- Not available
Measured
- Frequency response notes
- The default response rolls off in the sub-bass. Bass from 100 to 300 Hz is emphasized. A dip near 5 kHz is followed by excess treble output from 6 to 10 kHz.14Measurementsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-5x-review-118793Read 8 October 2026The exact 5X default response is compared with the SoundGuys in-house target. The review used firmware 1.6 and app 1.1.0. The text describes sub-bass roll-off, bass emphasis from 100 to 300 Hz, a dip near 5 kHz, and excess output from 6 to 10 kHz. Curve connection is unspecified. Narrow-band figures are not treated as averaged bass or treble metrics.
- Bass amount
- Not available
- Treble amount
- Not available
- Deviation from target
- Not available
- Consistency between fittings
- Not available
- Harmonic distortion
- Not available
- Sound leakage
- Not available
- Measured noise isolation
- Not available
- Noise isolation (measured, best)
- Not available
- Passive isolation (measured)
- Not available
- Mic quality notes
- The reviewer reports clear game-chat speech with little distortion. Speech remains intelligible in office tests despite audible keyboard noise.14Measurementsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-5x-review-118793Read 8 October 2026The exact 5X reviewer reports clear voice with little distortion in game chat. The test discussion describes intelligible speech despite audible keyboard noise in office conditions. Host, codec, and microphone processing settings are unspecified. No numerical speech bandwidth or SNR is inferred.
- Mic low-frequency extension
- Not available
- Mic high-frequency extension
- Not available
- Mic speech-to-noise ratio
- Not available
- Measured latency
- Not available
- Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
- Not available
- 2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
- Not available
- Measured battery life
Connection ANC Hours (h) 2.4 GHz No 42.17 - Battery life (measured, max)
- 42.17h
- Clamping force
- Not available
- Weight (measured)
- Not available
Microphone
- Microphone element
- Not available
- Microphone pickup pattern
- Bidirectional8Retailer pageus.maxgaming.com/us/wireless-headsets/arctis-nova-5x-wireless-gaming-headset-blackRead 8 October 2026Exact SKU 61676 specifications state Bidirectional polar pattern. The SoundGuys Xbox product page corroborates this.
- Voice microphones
- Not available
- Total microphones
- Not available
- Mic frequency response
- Min100 HzMax10 kHz8Retailer pageus.maxgaming.com/us/wireless-headsets/arctis-nova-5x-wireless-gaming-headset-blackRead 8 October 2026Exact SKU 61676 microphone specifications state 100 to 10,000 Hz. This is acoustic microphone response, not a digital sample rate.
- Mic signal-to-noise
- Not available
- Mic sample rate
- Not available
Connectivity
- Audio connections
- 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026Setup and Bluetooth document 2.4 GHz dongle audio and Bluetooth. The headset USB-C jack is identified as a charging jack.
- Analog source plugs
- Not available
- Cable connector on headset
- Not available
- Headset USB plug or port
- USB-C4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The Overview identifies headset USB-C Charging Jack 7. The receiver connector is a separate component.
- Passive wired listening
- No19Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-nova-5-wireless-5-5p-5xRead 8 October 2026The Wired Gaming verdict states there is no wired headset route. The exact 5X guide has no analog headset connector.
- Wireless receiver
- Included4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026Package Contents includes a USB-C Wireless Dongle. The headset and dongle are paired at the factory.
- Wireless receiver connector
- USB-C4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The dongle has a native USB-C plug. The supplied USB-C to USB-A adapter cable enables USB-A hosts.
- Wireless range (claimed)
- Not available
- Bluetooth codecs
- Not available
- LE Audio
- Not available
- Auracast
- Not available
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Not available
- Multipoint devices
- Not available
- Paired devices remembered
- Not available
- Fast pairing
- Not available
- Base station
- Not available
Latency
We could not find any of these 2 fields. Show them
- Low latency mode
- Not available
- Claimed latency
- Not available
Compatibility
- Compatible platforms
- Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, SteamOS, Meta Quest, Nintendo Switch 26Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026System Compatibility and Setup on printed pages 3 and 7 to 8 name Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Android, and Switch. PS5 settings are explicitly documented. The current Xbox product page separately names PS4 and Windows 10 or later.7Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5Read 8 October 2026The current Xbox page names Xbox Series and One, PS5, PS4, PC, Mac, Steam Deck, USB-C iPhone, and Oculus Quest 2. Android and Switch appear in the exact guide. SteamOS coverage means Steam Deck. Meta Quest coverage is limited to Quest 2. Switch 2 has separate firmware sources below.20Maker product pagetechblog.steelseries.com/2025/07/01/GG-notes-89.1.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026The July 1, 2025 firmware notes state that Nova 5 and 5X gained Nintendo Switch 2 support. The 2024 guide predates Switch 2. No connection or microphone row is inferred from compatibility alone.21Maker product pagetechblog.steelseries.com/2026/04/13/GG-notes-108.1.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026The April 13, 2026 notes document a Nova 5/5P/5X firmware fix for Nintendo Switch 2 system version 22.0.0. This corroborates current 5X support.
- Connection per platform
Platform Connection Microphone works Xbox Series X|S 2.4 GHz Yes Xbox One 2.4 GHz Yes PS5 2.4 GHz Not available PS4 2.4 GHz Not available Windows 2.4 GHz Not available macOS 2.4 GHz Not available Android 2.4 GHz Not available Android Bluetooth Yes iOS 2.4 GHz Not available iOS Bluetooth Not available SteamOS 2.4 GHz Not available SteamOS Bluetooth Not available Meta Quest 2.4 GHz No Meta Quest Bluetooth No Source6Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The exact 5X dongle Wireless Mode Switch must be set to Xbox for Xbox consoles and USB for other hosts. USB-C and USB-A are host connectors for the wireless receiver. Android Bluetooth calls are documented by the Bluetooth and mobile multimedia sections. Microphone cells are omitted where explicit proof is incomplete.7Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5Read 8 October 2026The current maker page lists USB-C receiver or Bluetooth routes for iPhone and Steam Deck. Quest 2 is explicitly audio only on both routes, so its microphone cells are false. Other listed routes come from the exact 5X guide. Unproven microphone cells are omitted.
Battery and charging
- Battery capacity
- Not available
- Swappable battery
- Not available
- Batteries included
- Not available
- Claimed battery life
Connection ANC Hours (h) 2.4 GHz No 50 Bluetooth No 60 - Battery life (claimed, max)
- 60h
- Battery life with ANC (claimed)
- Not available
- Battery life without ANC (claimed)
- 60h
- Quick charge time
- 15min3Press releasesteelseries.com/press/144-steelseries-introduces-100-game-specific-audio-profiles-with-new-arctisRead 8 October 2026The 60+ Hours section states a 15-minute USB-C fast charge.
- Use while charging
- Not available
- Charging dock or stand
- Not available
Controls
- Controls
- Buttons, Volume wheel, Chat mix wheel4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The exact 5X Overview identifies physical buttons, Volume Wheel 5, and ChatMix Dial 8.
- Volume control
- Wheel4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The exact 5X Overview identifies Volume Wheel 5.
- Remappable controls
- Not available
- Wear detection
- Not available
- Voice assistant
- Not available
Comfort and build
- Headband type
- Suspension strap4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026Elastic Headband 1 and the Perfect Fit adjustment section document a suspension strap.
- Headband material
- Elastic fabric4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The guide identifies the elastic headband. The exact 5X SoundGuys review describes its fabric strap and adjustable attachment notches.
- Ear cup material
- Not available
- Ear pad material
- AirWeave fabric4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The Overview identifies AirWeave Ear Cushions 2. The exact 5X SoundGuys review describes fabric ear pads.
- Replaceable ear pads
- Yes4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The asterisk on AirWeave ear cushions links to accessories and replacement parts.
- Ear pad attachment
- Not available
- Ear pad opening
- Not available
- Ear tips included
- Not available
- Dust and water rating
- Not available
- User-replaceable parts
- Elastic headband, AirWeave ear cushions, USB-C wireless dongle, Charging cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter cable4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The Overview marks these components as accessories and replacement parts. Battery replacement is not included in this list.
Software
- Companion app
- SteelSeries Arctis Companion App / SteelSeries GG12Reviewtweaktown.com/reviews/10767/steelseries-arctis-nova-5x-wireless-gaming-headset/index.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact own-model software section describes a 10-band Sonar equalizer on Windows PC. This is host-only processing, not the saved Engine/headset EQ band count, which remains unknown. Proven onboard saved presets are sourced separately.16Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The General section documents the Nova 5 Companion mobile app and Engine within SteelSeries GG. Current maker software requirements list Android and iOS for Companion, and Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.13 or later for GG. Advanced Sonar features require Windows.
- App platforms
- Android, iOS, Windows, macOS16Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The guide documents Companion and GG. Current maker software requirements identify Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. App availability does not add an audio connection route.
Dimensions and weight
- Headset dimensions
- Not available
Certifications
- Hi-Res Audio
- Not available
- Communication certifications
- Not available
- Other certifications
- Not available
In the box
- In the box
- Arctis Nova 5X Wireless headset, USB-C wireless dongle, USB-C to USB-A adapter cable, Charging cable, Product Information Guide4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026Package Contents on printed page 3 lists the exact 5X package. It does not list a carrying case, charging dock, or analog audio cable.
- Cables included
Type Length (m) Count USB-C to USB-A charging cable 1.5 1 USB-C to USB-A dongle adapter cable 1.5 1 - Carrying case
- Not available
Links
- Product page
- steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-51Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5Read 8 October 2026The Xbox platform and Black color selectors identify the exact reference. Bare 5X URLs redirect to the PC default.
- Spec sheet
- steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-51Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5Read 8 October 2026The current Xbox product page contains specifications and features. No separate maker datasheet was found. Exact SKU 61676 retailers corroborate the acoustic specifications.
- Manual
- downloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdf4Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Nova_5X_Product_Information_Guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026The exact manufacturer PDF is titled Arctis Nova 5X Wireless. It contains 29 PDF pages. Printed page numbering runs to 55 because pages are arranged in spreads.
- EPREL registration number
- Not available
Warranty
- Manufacturer warranty (source market)
- 1year17Maker product pagesupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/221391568-Warranty-Policy-How-do-I-claim-my-warranty-and-what-does-it-coverRead 8 October 2026The current maker policy provides at least one year of limited warranty in North America. This record covers a new US retail reference. EU and extended warranty terms are excluded.
Compare with
Pick a headset to see both side by side. Differences are marked yellow.
Sources
We read 23 sources for this headset. The numbers match the markers in the sheet.
- Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5
- Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5
- Maker product pagetechblog.steelseries.com/2025/07/01/GG-notes-89.1.0.html
- Maker product pagetechblog.steelseries.com/2026/04/13/GG-notes-108.1.0.html
- Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5
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