SteelSeries - Arctis Nova 5X Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One - Black

This headset is totally awesome! The sound quality is clear, the headset is comfortable and stylish. It also connects to your phones Bluetooth so you don’t have to take them off to answer a phone call mid game. I totally recommend this headset for gaming.

I love the headset because it is very light, has bluetooth and 2.4 connections. The 2.4 dongle has a great shape for using it with my Rog Ally and Switch. You may need a usb c extender if you have a case on your Ally or Switch. With the 2.4 connection there is no latency as far as I can tell. The bluetooth connection is good for connecting to your phone or listening to music. The headset shows multiple connections on my pc for media, chat, gaming, etc. This way I can changing sound settings for each one separately. Another cool feature is you can use the app and control settings in the headset using your phone. The app has presets for many games. I think its the best headset for the money right now and SteelSeries has had gaming headset of the year before.

The SteelSeries Nova 5X is a stellar entry into the mid-range gaming headset market. It blends impressive sound quality with comfort, features, and durability. Here's a detailed look at what makes this headset a solid choice for gamers, along with ratings per category. Design and Comfort - 4/5 The Nova 5X features a sleek, modern design with a sturdy yet lightweight build. The headset is all plastic except the aluminum headband with an elastic suspension strap for comfort. The adjustable headband and plush ear cushions ensure a comfortable fit for extended gaming sessions. The breathable cloth material of the ear cushions helps reduce spicy sessions, making it an excellent option for long hours of use. The headset also has a flexible, retractable microphone, which is convenient and easy to use. The mic hides inside the earcup and works beautifully. There is a red indicator light when the mute is activated. Adjustments can be made vertically at the earcups and the suspension headband, while the earcups turn into a flat position when around your neck or lay flat. The fit is perfect with the combination of adjustability clamp pressure and lightweight materials. The Arctis Nova 5x is intuitive and just feels natural to use, from audio adjustments to mic controls. It offers a game/chat mix separately on a dial for Microsoft things only, of course. Sound Quality - 4/5 One of the standout features of the Nova 5X is its excellent sound quality and powerful speakers. Equipped with 40mm high-fidelity drivers, it delivers clear and immersive audio and supports 360 spatial audio. The surround sound capabilities provide an edge in competitive gaming, allowing you to hear directional cues with precision. This should INSTANTLY improve your awareness and give you the jump on enemies. Whether playing an action-packed shooter or a story-driven RPG, the audio experience is rich, detailed, and powerful. Passive noise isolation could be better, but it is a trade-off when using mesh vs. leatherette, which I gladly accept instead of spicy ears. Microphone Performance - 4/5 The retractable microphone on the Nova 5X is another MAJOR improvement over the last release. This mic release is a SIGNIFICANT upgrade and brings it up to par with others. SteelSeries has finally addressed my biggest issue with their headset, sounding tinny and low quality, NOW IN THE PAST. With the inclusion of ClearCast 2.X microphone's high-bandwidth chipset, clearer and fuller voice transmission is here! This means 2x the bandwidth and 2x the clarity supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio. Communication with teammates is crisp and clear, crucial for coordinated gameplay. The flexibility of the microphone allows for easy positioning and storage without needing to keep track of a mic, as with other headsets. The mic is sibilant, so a pop filter helps with plosives, but you will lose the red mute indicator. Durability and Battery Life - 5/5 SteelSeries is known for its durable products; the Nova 5X is no exception. The headset feels robust and well-constructed, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use. Since it is plastic, remember that sitting on or dropping it on a hard floor is the most significant danger to your ownership, but these are not cheap materials. The braided cable adds an extra layer of durability, reducing the chances of tangling and damage over time. Battery life is a nonissue, and I stop caring since you get up to 50 hrs of 2.4GHz wireless or 60 hrs of Bluetooth. If you forget to charge them, so what? 15 minutes of charging is good for 6 hours of play. Compatibility and Features - 5/5 The Nova 5X is versatile in terms of compatibility. Whether an average gamer or a streamer/e-sports player, it works seamlessly with PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, making it a versatile addition to your gaming setup. The USB-C dongle is a T-shaped dongle that often blocks other ports nearby, which is the biggest downside. This should have been designed in an L shape, as with other dongles or the basic thumb drive shape. The controls are intuitive and allow for easy adjustments on the fly. There are dials for chat/game audio mix (Xbox Only) and volume to dial in your audio. Buttons are all laid out intuitively, and everything is tactile. Additionally, the headset supports further customization in the audio settings, enhancing the overall user experience. The BEST part of this headset is the app! With all the presets, there is bound to be something for what you are doing. There is Bluetooth 5.3 with a quick switch, so when playing, you can answer a call and switch back to the game automatically. Connectivity is solid, and connections happen within 1-2 seconds of powering on or switching modes. It must be known that Bluetooth is not simultaneous, so you need to press a button to toggle between the two. Software and App - 5/5 The SteelSeries GG software and app get their own section because it is THE BEST in the industry! On PC, you get the most functionality and customizability, unlocking their fullest potential. For Android and iOS, you get app control with everything needed for on-the-fly adjustments. Sonar makes the audio shine and SteelSeries GG Engine apps integrate to trigger actions within your SteelSeries ecosystem. Over 100 professionally tuned game-specific EQs are fully customizable for a more immersive experience. This user experience on PC and app should be the standard implementation for all other vendors! When designing apps and implementing EQ and other audio controls for on-the-fly adjustments without needing a PC, turn to SteelSeries. **When modifying your EQ presets, connect to a PC**. This is the first headset I can confidently say you do NOT need a PC to get its full potential. With a mobile app, you can do more than ever effortlessly. Pros: Comfortable and lightweight design Excellent sound quality with surround sound Clear and flexible retractable microphone Durable construction yet lightweight Bluetooth & 2.4GHz wireless 100+ Finely tuned game presets Up to 60hrs battery life Works on Microsoft, Apple, and Sony gaming platforms Cons: Out of the box, a flat profile sounds bad There is no EQ control in the app No wired mode or 3.5mm headphone jack Conclusion - 4.5/5 In conclusion, the SteelSeries Nova 5X is a fantastic mid-range gaming headset that offers great value for its price. I ONLY recommend this headset now to any other friends and family who aren't spending more than $140 on headsets. This is for you if you value a comfortable design, superior sound quality, and durable build. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive enthusiast, the Nova 5X will surely enhance your gaming experience and boost your experience.