This SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X review looks at a wireless gaming headset built for players who move between consoles, computers, and mobile devices.
Its long battery life, game audio presets, and quick switch between wireless modes make it a versatile option for multi-device setups.
Arctis Nova 5X Review Summary
The quick verdict
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A multi-platform wireless gaming headset for players who want long battery life, app-based audio presets, and quick switching between game audio and Bluetooth.
- 60-hour battery life, with USB-C fast charging that provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- Access 100+ game audio presets with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- Quick switching 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 platform support through the included compact USB-C dongle.
- Long 60-hour battery life and a fast-charge option for shorter charging breaks.
Consider before buying
- The wireless setup relies on a USB-C dongle for swapping among supported platforms, so check that your device can use it before choosing this headset.
- The sound settings center on app-based presets; players who prefer to avoid companion apps may want to check how they can configure audio before buying.
Read the full review summary
The Arctis Nova 5X brings together 2.4GHz wireless gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, with a button for switching modes.
Its USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones, and tablets, so it suits players who want one headset for several devices.
Its 60-hour battery and 100+ game audio presets are aimed at extended play and tailored sound settings.
On-ear controls also put volume, mute, power, ChatMix, and wireless switching within reach, making this a good fit for players who value quick adjustments during a session.
The buying factors
Arctis Nova 5X Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Platform range
The USB-C dongle supports a broad mix of consoles, computers, and mobile devices, making the headset a strong fit for multi-platform households.
Battery capacity
The 60-hour battery is a standout listed feature for players who prefer fewer charging interruptions.
Audio customization
The companion app provides more than 100 game presets, giving players multiple starting points for game-specific audio settings.
Wireless flexibility
A quick-switch button toggles between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for calls or media, a useful pairing for gaming alongside mobile use.
On-headset controls
Power, mute, volume, ChatMix, and wireless switching are available on the headset, reducing the need to reach for a separate control interface.
Charging convenience
USB-C fast charging offers six hours of use after a 15-minute charge, which can help when a longer charging window is inconvenient.
Key Features and Specifications of Arctis Nova 5X
- 60-hour battery life, with USB-C fast charging that provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- Access 100+ game audio presets with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- Quick switching between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones, and tablets.
- Retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio.
- On-ear power, mute, volume, ChatMix, and Quick-Switch controls.
Pros and Cons of Arctis Nova 5X
Pros
- Broad platform support through the included compact USB-C dongle.
- Long 60-hour battery life and a fast-charge option for shorter charging breaks.
- More than 100 game presets are available through the companion app.
- On-headset controls include ChatMix and a quick Bluetooth switch.
Consider before buying
- The wireless setup relies on a USB-C dongle for swapping among supported platforms, so check that your device can use it before choosing this headset.
- The sound settings center on app-based presets; players who prefer to avoid companion apps may want to check how they can configure audio before buying.
- For frequent outdoor calls, check microphone performance in windy conditions before buying.
Who Should Buy Arctis Nova 5X?
Good fit
Choose the Arctis Nova 5X if you play across several supported systems and want one headset to move between them using a compact USB-C dongle.
Its listed platform range includes Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones, and tablets.
It also suits players who want long sessions between charges, a quick way to switch to Bluetooth for calls or media, and a large set of game-specific audio presets to explore.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need a headset built around active noise cancellation: the Arctis Nova 5X feature set focuses on game presets, platform switching, and wireless controls instead.
For frequent windy outdoor calls, check that the retractable microphone suits those conditions before buying.
Arctis Nova 5X Review Analysis
Wireless modes for mixed use
The quick-switch control links 2.4GHz gaming with Bluetooth 5.3, giving the headset a practical role beyond console or PC sessions.
A player can move to a call or media without treating mobile listening as a separate setup, while notification beeps help flag incoming calls during play.
Presets and control access
The companion app’s 100+ game audio presets offer a broad set of starting points for different titles. On the headset, ChatMix balances game and chat audio, while power, mute, and volume controls keep routine adjustments close at hand.
Battery and charging rhythm
The 60-hour battery target and fast-charge option give this model useful flexibility for players who game frequently. USB-C charging can add six hours of use in 15 minutes, helping bridge a short break when the headset needs power.
Microphone and platform setup
The retractable ClearCast 2.X mic keeps the boom stowed when it is not needed, and the USB-C dongle covers a wide set of gaming and mobile platforms.
For buyers who often call outdoors, checking wind handling before purchase is sensible because the available microphone details focus on its chipset and format.
Alternatives to Arctis Nova 5X
Computer Headsets alternative
6,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Consider the Nova Pro Wireless if active noise cancellation, Transparency Mode, or hot-swappable batteries are priorities; choose the Nova 5X if its 60-hour battery life and Xbox-compatible platform range better match your setup.
- The Nova Pro Wireless adds active noise cancellation, Transparency Mode, and two hot-swappable batteries.
- Its listed system connections cover PC, PlayStation, Switch, or Mac, and Bluetooth can mix calls or music with game audio.
- The Arctis Nova 5X pairs 60-hour battery life with Xbox support and a wide USB-C dongle platform range.
Quick-charge alternative
500+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless
Consider the Nova 3P if mobile app control and its stated fast-charge and preset features suit your priorities. The Nova 5X is the clearer fit when you need Xbox support and its 60-hour battery life.
- The Arctis Nova 3P Wireless includes mobile app control, more than 200 game presets, and a battery that lasts up to 40 hours per full charge.
- Its fast-charge feature offers up to nine hours of playback after 15 minutes.
- The Arctis Nova 5X offers Xbox support and a 60-hour battery, with more than 100 game audio presets.
Is Arctis Nova 5X Worth It?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X is worth considering if you want a wireless gaming headset that can move among Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices, with long battery life and app-based game audio presets.
Its quick switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth also supports a mix of gaming and mobile listening.
Convenience is the Nova 5X’s strongest buying case: it works across Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones, and tablets, with on-ear controls, quick switching between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, and 100+ game audio presets.
If active noise cancellation is central to your decision, check whether you need it before buying; for outdoor calls, consider whether the retractable microphone suits your conditions.
Your review at a glance
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A multi-platform wireless gaming headset for players who want long battery life, app-based audio presets, and quick switching between game audio and Bluetooth.
- 60-hour battery life, with USB-C fast charging that provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- Access 100+ game audio presets with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- Quick switching between 2.4GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones, and tablets.