This SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X review looks at a wireless gaming headset built for players who switch between consoles, computers, and mobile devices.
Its mix of game audio presets, Bluetooth, and a long stated battery runtime gives it broad appeal, with a few setup and use considerations to weigh.
Arctis Nova 5X Review Summary
The quick verdict
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A flexible wireless gaming headset for players who want game presets, Bluetooth switching, and broad platform support in one setup.
- The companion app provides 100+ game audio presets for titles including GTA V, FIFA, and Call of Duty.
- A tap switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for calls or media.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use after 15 minutes.
- The fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone uses a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio.
Pros
- Broad platform coverage through the compact USB-C dongle.
- A large library of game-oriented audio presets in the companion app.
Consider before buying
- The 100+ audio presets are accessed through the companion app, so players who prefer to manage every setting solely on the headset may find the app-based approach less convenient.
- If you expect to use several devices at the same time, check whether a one-at-a-time toggle fits your routine; the described control switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth.
Read the full review summary
The Nova 5X suits a gaming setup shared across systems: a compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones, and tablets, while a button toggles between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth.
That lets players take calls or listen to media without treating the headset as a single-platform accessory.
Its other appeal is customization without giving up everyday convenience: the companion app offers presets for popular games, and on-headset ChatMix helps balance game and audio.
The long battery headline and quick USB-C charging are useful for extended sessions, though players should consider the app and charging details as part of their routine.
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 included compact USB-C dongle is intended to work across several console, computer, and mobile categories, making this a strong fit for multi-system use.
Game audio customization
The companion app offers 100+ presets aimed at popular games, giving players a broad starting point for tailoring audio by title.
Wireless switching
A one-tap toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth supports switching to calls or media without navigating a more involved control sequence.
Battery and charging
The stated 60-hour runtime and a fast-charge option offering six hours of use after 15 minutes are useful for players who want fewer charging interruptions.
Microphone design
The fully retractable ClearCast microphone can be stowed when not needed, and the headset provides a mute control; these design features do not establish call quality in every environment.
On-headset controls
Power, mute, volume, ChatMix, and Bluetooth switching are accessible on the headset, which can simplify routine adjustments during play.
Key Features and Specifications of Arctis Nova 5X
- The companion app provides 100+ game audio presets for titles including GTA V, FIFA, and Call of Duty.
- A tap switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for calls or media.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use after 15 minutes.
- The fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone uses a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones, or tablets.
- On-headset controls include power, mute, volume, ChatMix, and Quick-Switch.
Pros and Cons of Arctis Nova 5X
Pros
- Broad platform coverage through the compact USB-C dongle.
- A large library of game-oriented audio presets in the companion app.
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes can be toggled with a tap for calls or media.
- Quick USB-C charging adds six hours of use after a 15-minute charge.
Consider before buying
- The 100+ audio presets are accessed through the companion app, so players who prefer to manage every setting solely on the headset may find the app-based approach less convenient.
- For frequent outdoor calls, check microphone performance in windy conditions before buying.
- If you expect to use several devices at the same time, check whether a one-at-a-time toggle fits your routine; the described control switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth.
Who Should Buy Arctis Nova 5X?
Good fit
Choose the Nova 5X if your gaming moves between Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, or Meta Quest and you also want to connect phones or tablets through the compact USB-C dongle.
Its broad platform list makes it suitable for a shared setup or a player who uses different devices through the week.
It also fits players who like to tailor sound by game and want quick access to Bluetooth for calls or media.
The app-based presets, one-tap switching, and on-ear ChatMix controls put customization and routine adjustments near the center of the experience.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need a headset specifically for simultaneous wireless audio connections: the controls describe switching between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth, so this setup is aimed at toggling between modes.
Look elsewhere if you do not want to use a companion app for game-specific presets; those presets are offered through the Arctis Nova 5 app.
Arctis Nova 5X Review Analysis
A headset for a mixed-device setup
The USB-C dongle spans console, computer, and mobile categories, which makes the Nova 5X a practical candidate when one headset needs to move among different systems.
Since the supplied platform list includes both Xbox and PlayStation, check your exact device and connection setup before purchase, particularly if your play depends on a specific port or adapter arrangement.
Presets make customization a central feature
The companion app's 100+ game audio presets give players a convenient starting point for titles such as GTA V, FIFA, and Call of Duty.
This is most relevant to someone who likes to adjust audio by game; those who want a simple headset with little interest in presets may not make much use of that library.
Switching and charging for longer sessions
The battery is rated for 60 hours, with USB-C fast charging that provides six hours of use after a 15-minute charge.
A tap switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth, so the headset accommodates a change to calls or media; players should consider whether toggling modes suits the way they use audio across devices.
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 and swapping batteries between sessions are priorities.
The Nova 5X is a better match for someone who wants app presets and explicitly needs Xbox support; the Nova Pro Wireless platform title lists PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, and Mobile.
- The Nova Pro Wireless adds active noise cancellation, Transparency Mode, and two hot-swappable batteries, with a base station keeping the spare charged.
- Its title lists PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, and Mobile.
- The Nova 5X focuses on app-based game presets, mode switching, and a USB-C dongle that covers Xbox alongside several other systems.
Computer Headsets alternative
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P
Choose the Nova 7P if spatial audio and mixing mobile calls or music with game sound matter to your setup.
Choose the Nova 5X if its 100+ game presets, longer stated battery runtime, or Xbox support better suit your priorities.
- The Nova 7P provides 360° spatial audio, direct mobile connection, and the option to mix calls or music with game audio.
- Its title names PlayStation, PC, Switch, VR, and Mobile.
- The Nova 5X pairs game-specific presets with a stated 60-hour battery and USB-C dongle support for Xbox and other named platforms.
Is Arctis Nova 5X Worth It?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X is worth considering for players who want one headset to cover several systems, app-based game audio presets, and a quick switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth.
Its platform flexibility and fast-charge option are useful strengths for a frequently used gaming setup.
Buy it if those features match how you play and you are comfortable using the companion app for presets.
Pass if you need concurrent wireless audio connections or prefer not to rely on an app for game-specific adjustments; for outdoor calls, check microphone performance in wind before relying on it.
Your review at a glance
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A flexible wireless gaming headset for players who want game presets, Bluetooth switching, and broad platform support in one setup.
- The companion app provides 100+ game audio presets for titles including GTA V, FIFA, and Call of Duty.
- A tap switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for calls or media.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use after 15 minutes.
- The fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone uses a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio.