SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review

Arctis Nova 5P Wireless is essentially a polished form of the Nova 5 with features meant especially for PlayStation users.

GDGTME Team  •  December 08, 2024

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless

Arctis Nova 5P Wireless is essentially a polished form of the Nova 5 with features meant especially for PlayStation users. Though both versions excel in sound quality, wireless performance, and customizing choices, the Nova 5P is a more specialized alternative for console players since it fits perfectly with PlayStation's Tempest 3D Audio. Offering a price point of $139.99, it provides a balanced package of comfort, audio quality, and flexibility, therefore enabling both casual and serious PlayStation users a premium audio experience.

THE GOOD
    THE BAD

      Designed for immersive gaming, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless headset offers strong audio customizing, flawless wireless connectivity, and solid build quality. With additional modifications and compatibility targeted at PlayStation users, the 5P model, like its sibling, the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless, also provides great sound quality. Here is a thorough overview of the Arctis Nova 5P’s unique qualities together with some comparisons to the Nova 5 to underline significant differences.

      Specifications

      FeatureArctis Nova 5P
      Speaker Drivers40mm Neodymium
      Frequency Response20–22,000 Hz
      Headphone Impedance36 Ohm
      MicrophoneClearCast Gen 2, retractable
      Battery Life50 hours (2.4GHz) / 60 hours (Bluetooth)
      Fast Charge15 mins for 6 hours
      Wireless CompatibilityOptimized for PS5, compatible with USB-C devices
      Spatial AudioFully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio
      Weight265g
      Price$139.99

      View full specifications here.

      Wireless Performance and Quick-Switch Technology

      Both the Nova 5 and 5P have a Quick-Switch Wireless capability that lets you smoothly switch between Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless with a button. For individuals who multitask while gaming, this function lets users move between gaming and handling calls on mobile devices without interruption, therefore adding an additional level of convenience.

      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review

      A USB-C dongle included with both headphones lets one quickly switch between compatible platforms. Though the Nova 5P is best for PlayStation, its wireless dongle keeps adaptability for devices like the Nintendo Switch and USB-C-enabled mobile phones, same as the regular Nova 5. The primary difference here is the Nova 5P’s enhanced PlayStation compatibility, which gives users inside the Sony ecosystem a somewhat more fluid experience.

      Audio Quality and Customization

      Like the Nova 5, the Arctis Nova 5P Wireless has 40mm Neodymium drivers with a frequency range of 20–22,000 Hz, thus enabling a whole spectrum of sound from sharp highs to deep bass. The compatibility with the Sonar Audio Software Suite, a complete program including game-specific presets and a dynamic EQ that lets users create unique sound profiles based on personal tastes, defines where both models excel. For gamers, the X-Ray Hearing function allows users to boost particular in-game sounds such as gunshots or footsteps, therefore offering a tactical advantage.

      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review

      The 5P model distinguishes itself mostly in its PlayStation-oriented compatibility. Although the Nova 5 provides cross-platform compatibility with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and USB-C mobile devices, the Nova 5P is optimized especially for the PlayStation 5 ecosystem and offers flawless integration with Tempest 3D Audio, enhancing spatial sound for a very immersive gaming experience. Since it still works with other devices, this makes it the perfect solution for PlayStation fans looking for a fully optimal audio experience without compromising cross-platform versatility.

      Battery Life and Practical Controls

      Yet another outstanding benefit of the Arctis Nova series is battery performance. Similar to the lifetime of the standard Nova 5, the Nova 5P provides up to 50 hours of battery life on the 2.4GHz connection and 60 hours on Bluetooth. Both headsets enable USB-C Fast Charge, therefore enabling up to 6 hours of use following just a 15-minute charge for those in need of a rapid refresh. Long game sessions when downtime is restricted benefit from this function especially.

      Without interrupting gameplay, the simple on-ear controls on both models let players quickly change volume, mute, and switch between wireless modes. On the other hand, the Nova 5P is slightly more sensitive to PlayStation’s interface, allowing it to match some system audio characteristics for seamless game to chat audio transitions.

      Spatial Audio and Surround Sound

      360° Spatial Audio is supported by both the Arctis Nova 5 and 5P models; this function creates a simulated surround sound environment, therefore adding depth and directionality. Particularly helpful in games where situational awareness is crucial, this function improves the immersive quality of the audio.

      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review

      The main difference here is that the Nova 5P enhances spatial awareness on Sony’s platform especially by totally interacting with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5. Although compatible with Tempest 3D, the Nova 5 does not provide the same degree of optimization, hence the Nova 5P is a more customized option for PS5 users who want the highest audio immersion on their console.

      Microphone

      Team-based games rely upon a good microphone, hence both the Nova 5 and 5P feature the ClearCast Gen 2 retractable microphone with bi-directional noise-canceling features to guarantee clear in-game communication. Operating on a 32KHz/16Bit bandwidth, this microphone provides excellent sound quality together with excellent background noise reduction.

      Like the Nova 5, the Nova 5P uses AI-powered noise canceling via the Sonar program (when used on PC) hence significantly improving voice quality by reducing background noise. Although its PlayStation tuning may make the Nova 5P especially appealing to console gamers, its adaptability for both recreational and competitive gaming makes it ideal.

      Design and Comfort

      Blending sleek looks with comfort, the Arctis Nova 5P’s lightweight (265 grams) design follows the same aesthetic concepts as the Nova 5. Long sessions will be comfortable with memory foam ear cushions and a flexible headband; the retractable mic lets users keep the mike out of sight when not in use. Black and white versions of the Nova 5P reflect the adaptable build of the Nova 5 with the extra PlayStation-compatible branding; its form is both elegant and practical.

      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review
      SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Review

      Verdict

      Arctis Nova 5P Wireless is essentially a polished form of the Nova 5 with features meant especially for PlayStation users. Though both versions excel in sound quality, wireless performance, and customizing choices, the Nova 5P is a more specialized alternative for console players since it fits perfectly with PlayStation’s Tempest 3D Audio. Offering a price point of $139.99, it provides a balanced package of comfort, audio quality, and flexibility, therefore enabling both casual and serious PlayStation users a premium audio experience.

      Also Read: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Review

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