This SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X review looks at a wireless gaming headset built for switching between gaming and Bluetooth audio. Its appeal centers on broad platform support, app-based game presets and long battery life.
Arctis Nova 5X Review Summary
The quick verdict
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A multi-system wireless gaming headset for players who want game-specific audio presets, Bluetooth access and extended battery life.
- Switch between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3 with a button press.
- Access more than 100 game audio presets in the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery supports up to 60 hours of use; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports use with Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones and tablets.
Pros
- Broad compatibility for gaming and mobile devices through the compact USB-C dongle.
- Convenient switching between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3.
Consider before buying
- Confirm that the compact USB-C dongle suits your device’s available connection setup before choosing it for a less common system.
- Frequent outdoor callers should check microphone performance in windy conditions before buying.
Read the full review summary
The Arctis Nova 5X is worth considering if you want one wireless headset to serve gaming and everyday Bluetooth listening across several systems.
It combines 2.4GHz wireless with Bluetooth 5.3 switching, a compact USB-C dongle and compatibility with Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, phones and tablets.
Its standout practical benefits are a 60-hour battery, fast charging and more than 100 game audio presets available through the companion app.
It suits players who value flexible connections and configurable game audio, while the retractable microphone and on-headset controls also support calls and quick adjustments.
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 and compatibility across Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones and tablets give it broad use across a mixed-device setup.
Wireless switching
A button toggles between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, making it convenient to move between game audio and mobile media or calls.
Battery life
The 60-hour battery and USB-C fast charge offering six hours of use from a 15-minute charge support long sessions and quick top-ups.
Game audio customization
More than 100 game audio presets through the companion app offer substantial scope to tailor settings for supported titles.
On-headset controls
Power, mute, volume, ChatMix and wireless Quick-Switch controls are built into the headset for direct adjustments during play.
Microphone practicality
The fully retractable microphone can be tucked away when it is not needed, and its high-bandwidth chipset supports 32KHz/16Bit audio.
Key Features and Specifications of Arctis Nova 5X
- Switch between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3 with a button press.
- Access more than 100 game audio presets in the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery supports up to 60 hours of use; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports use with 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-headset controls include power, mute, volume, ChatMix and Quick-Switch.
Pros and Cons of Arctis Nova 5X
Pros
- Broad compatibility for gaming and mobile devices through the compact USB-C dongle.
- Convenient switching between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A 60-hour battery and a quick USB-C charge option help accommodate extended use.
- More than 100 game audio presets provide app-based customization.
Consider before buying
- Frequent outdoor callers should check microphone performance in windy conditions before buying.
- Confirm that the compact USB-C dongle suits your device’s available connection setup before choosing it for a less common system.
Who Should Buy Arctis Nova 5X?
Good fit
Choose the Arctis Nova 5X if you want a gaming headset that can also handle Bluetooth calls and media without changing headsets.
Its one-button wireless switching supports moving between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, while notification beeps can alert you to incoming calls during play.
It is a strong fit for multi-device households and players who want game-specific audio settings.
The compact USB-C dongle is intended to cover several consoles and mobile devices, and the companion app offers more than 100 presets for supported games.
Frequent players who dislike charging between sessions may value its 60-hour battery and fast-charge option. The microphone retracts when unused, and ChatMix, mute and volume controls remain accessible on the headset.
Who should skip it
Skip it if active noise cancellation is essential to your gaming setup; that feature is not part of the reasons to choose this model.
Consider your priorities carefully if your routine depends on mixing mobile Bluetooth calls or music into game audio at the same time.
Arctis Nova 5X: How It Fits Your Setup
Wireless modes for play and everyday use
The headset combines 2.4GHz gaming wireless with Bluetooth 5.3 and a quick-switch button.
That arrangement is useful if you move between a game and mobile calls or media; notification beeps can also flag incoming calls while you are playing.
Battery and charging for long sessions
A 60-hour battery can reduce how often charging interrupts regular use, while USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use after 15 minutes.
These details make battery capacity a clear part of the headset’s appeal for players with long or frequent sessions.
Controls and game-specific tuning
The companion app provides more than 100 game audio presets, while ChatMix gives direct control over the balance between game and audio.
Power, mute, volume and wireless switching are also on the headset, keeping common adjustments close at hand.
A retractable microphone
The ClearCast 2.X microphone retracts into the headset when you do not need it.
Its chipset supports 32KHz/16Bit audio, but that specification alone cannot tell you how it will sound in your room or on a windy call; frequent outdoor callers should check that use case before buying.
Alternatives to Arctis Nova 5X
Battery-focused alternative
6,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Choose the Nova Pro Wireless if active noise cancellation, simultaneous game-and-mobile audio, or hot-swappable batteries are the priorities. Choose the Nova 5X if its 60-hour battery and more than 100 game presets better match your needs.
- The Nova Pro Wireless adds active noise cancellation with Transparency Mode, simultaneous Bluetooth audio mixing and a two-battery system with hot-swappable batteries.
- The Nova 5X offers more than 100 game audio presets and a 60-hour battery for players who prioritize app-based tuning and extended battery life.
Quick-charge alternative
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P
Pick the Nova 7P if 360° spatial audio and mixing Bluetooth calls or music into game audio matter most. Choose the Nova 5X if its 60-hour battery and game presets suit your priorities better.
- The Nova 7P offers 360° spatial audio, dual audio streams for mixing mobile calls or music with game sound, and a 38-hour battery with USB-C fast charging.
- The Nova 5X combines a 60-hour battery with more than 100 game audio presets, suiting players who favor extended battery life and app-based game tuning.
Is Arctis Nova 5X Worth It?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X is worth considering if you want a cross-platform gaming headset with Bluetooth switching, extensive game preset customization and a 60-hour battery.
The compact USB-C dongle and on-headset controls add practical flexibility for a setup that spans consoles, computers and mobile devices.
Choose it for switching between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, a 60-hour battery, and 100+ game audio presets. If outdoor calls are a regular need, check how the microphone performs in windy conditions before buying.
For game and mobile audio, use Quick-Switch to toggle between wireless connections.
Your review at a glance
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A multi-system wireless gaming headset for players who want game-specific audio presets, Bluetooth access and extended battery life.
- Switch between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3 with a button press.
- Access more than 100 game audio presets in the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery supports up to 60 hours of use; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports use with Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones and tablets.