This SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X review looks at a wireless gaming headset built for Xbox and several other systems, with app based game presets and two wireless modes.
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 Xbox support, app based audio presets and long battery life.
- More than 100 game audio presets are available through the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- Quick-switch wireless toggles between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones and tablets.
Pros
- Broad stated compatibility covers Xbox and several other gaming platforms, plus phones and tablets.
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes can be switched with a button press.
Consider before buying
- The app is part of the audio-preset experience, so buyers who want to select game-specific options should be comfortable using a companion app.
- For frequent outdoor calls, check microphone performance in windy conditions before buying.
Read the full review summary
The Nova 5X is aimed at players who move between Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile devices. Its compact USB-C dongle handles platform connections, while a button switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth for calls or media.
It particularly suits players who value game-specific sound options and long sessions between charges. The companion app offers more than 100 audio presets, while the 60-hour battery and USB-C fast charging help reduce charging interruptions.
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 compact USB-C dongle connects to Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones or tablets, so this headset can serve across a household’s gaming gear.
Wireless switching
A button switches between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3, with call and media use also part of the design.
Battery flexibility
The 60-hour battery is paired with USB-C fast charging that can provide six hours of use from a 15-minute charge.
Game audio customization
More than 100 game audio presets through the companion app offer plenty of options for tailoring settings to supported games.
On-headset controls
Power, mute, volume, ChatMix and wireless switching are accessible from headset controls, reducing the need to reach for another device during play.
Microphone functionality
The fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio, and retracts when it is not in use.
Key Features and Specifications of Arctis Nova 5X
- More than 100 game audio presets are available through the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- Quick-switch wireless toggles between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports 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.
- Headset controls include power, mute, volume adjustment, ChatMix and Quick-Switch.
Pros and Cons of Arctis Nova 5X
Pros
- Broad stated compatibility covers Xbox and several other gaming platforms, plus phones and tablets.
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes can be switched with a button press.
- A 60-hour battery and quick USB-C charging support extended use between longer charging sessions.
- The retractable microphone can be tucked away when not needed.
Consider before buying
- The app is part of the audio-preset experience, so buyers who want to select game-specific options should be comfortable using a companion app.
- For frequent outdoor calls, check microphone performance in windy conditions before buying.
Who Should Buy Arctis Nova 5X?
Good fit
Choose the Nova 5X if you need one wireless headset for Xbox and a mix of other platforms. Its compact USB-C dongle covers multiple systems, while Bluetooth adds a convenient option for calls and media between gaming sessions.
It also makes sense for players who want adjustable game audio and fewer charging breaks.
The app offers more than 100 presets, and fast charging can add six hours of use in 15 minutes when a quick top-up is useful.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your setup depends on a feature set centered on simultaneous connections to two systems or active noise cancellation. The Nova 5X’s described wireless approach focuses on switching between its 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes.
It may also be a poor match if your priority is a wired-only headset or you do not want to manage a companion app for game audio presets.
Arctis Nova 5X: Multi-System Gaming in Practice
Wireless modes for play and everyday use
The quick-switch control is useful for players who want a dedicated 2.4GHz gaming connection and Bluetooth access on the same headset.
It can move between those modes with a button press, and Bluetooth can handle calls or media; notification beeps provide incoming-call alerts while gaming.
Presets and driver claims
The companion app’s game presets may appeal to players who like adjusting audio by title instead of relying on one setting for every session.
Neodymium magnetic drivers are also part of the design, though the feature list alone cannot tell you whether their sound balance will suit your preferences.
Battery planning for long sessions
A 60-hour battery gives the Nova 5X a substantial interval between charges on paper, and its USB-C fast-charge feature is useful if you discover the headset needs power shortly before play.
The six-hour top-up is tied to a 15-minute charge, so keep that timing in mind when planning a quick recharge.
Controls and microphone use
Power, mute, volume, ChatMix and Quick-Switch controls are on the headset, supporting quick adjustments during a session.
The retractable ClearCast microphone can be put away when not in use; players who make many outdoor calls should check how it handles wind before choosing it for that role.
Alternatives to Arctis Nova 5X
Computer Headsets alternative
6,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Choose the Nova 5X for explicit Xbox support, app-based game presets and a 60-hour battery. Prefer the Nova Pro Wireless if active noise cancellation, Transparency Mode and swappable batteries better fit your setup.
- The Nova Pro Wireless adds active noise cancellation, Transparency Mode and two hot-swappable batteries, with a spare charging in its base station.
- The Nova 5X offers more than 100 game audio presets, a 60-hour battery, and a compact USB-C dongle for Xbox and other platforms.
Quick-charge alternative
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P
Pick the Nova 5X when Xbox support and its 60-hour battery are the priority.
The Nova 7P is a better fit for buyers seeking the listed 360° spatial audio and adjustable steel headband, with PlayStation, PC, Switch, VR and mobile compatibility.
- The Nova 7P offers 360° spatial audio compatible with Tempest 3D Audio, an adjustable steel headband and AirWeave memory-foam ear cushions.
- Its battery life is 38 hours, with six hours of play after a 15-minute fast charge.
- The Nova 5X combines Xbox support, app-based game presets and a 60-hour battery.
Is Arctis Nova 5X Worth It?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X is worth considering if you want one wireless headset to cover Xbox and several other platforms, plus game-specific preset options and long battery life.
The compact dongle, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes, retractable mic and on-headset controls make for a flexible gaming setup.
Buy it if those conveniences match how you play and you are comfortable using the companion app for presets.
If you need active noise cancellation, simultaneous two-system connection or a swappable-battery setup, focus on a headset built around those requirements instead.
Your review at a glance
1,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X
A flexible wireless gaming headset for players who want Xbox support, app based audio presets and long battery life.
- More than 100 game audio presets are available through the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App.
- The battery is rated for 60 hours; USB-C fast charging provides six hours of use in 15 minutes.
- Quick-switch wireless toggles between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3.
- A compact USB-C dongle supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Meta Quest, phones and tablets.