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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: High-end gaming audio showdown
When it comes to high-end gaming headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) are two of the most trusted options on the market. Both offer a range of features designed to enhance your gaming experience, but which one comes out on top? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit these two premium gaming headsets against each other to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
Editor’s note: this article was published on October 21, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
What’s it like to use the Arctis Nova Pro compared to the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro?
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless boasts a premium build quality made of metal and plastic. Its headband design is slightly tweaked from the signature ski-goggle-inspired band. The headset is comfortable for long gaming sessions, though the faux leather ear pads can heat up after prolonged use.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is also comfortable, with memory foam padding on the ear cups and headband. It clamps tightly to the head for a good seal but may cause heat buildup during intense gaming sessions. The BlackShark V2 Pro’s build quality feels slightly less premium, with concerns about the longevity of its thin yoke and wireframe hinges.
Both headsets feature a retractable microphone for a cleaner look when not in use.
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
Left ear cup | Microphone mute button, volume slider, power button (doubles as ANC switch) |
Right ear cup | Bluetooth pairing button |
Wireless base station | Multi-function wheel for volume and menu navigation, touch-capacitive back button |
| Power button | Mic mute button | Razer SmartSwitch | |
|---|---|---|---|
Single press | Power button Plays and pauses audio. Also answers and ends calls. | Mic mute button Mutes and unmutes the mic. | Razer SmartSwitch Cycles between different EQ presets. |
Double press | Power button Skips to the next track. Also swaps calls and rejects incoming calls. | Mic mute button | Razer SmartSwitch Switch between Bluetooth and Hyperspeed |
Triple press | Power button Skips to the previous track. | Mic mute button | Razer SmartSwitch |
Press and hold for three seconds | Power button Turns the headphones on and off. | Mic mute button | Razer SmartSwitch |
Press and hold for five seconds (while off) | Power button Activates Bluetooth pairing mode. | Mic mute button | Razer SmartSwitch |
Press and hold for seven seconds | Power button | Mic mute button | Razer SmartSwitch Activates Bluetooth pairing mode. |
Do the Arctis Nova Pro or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro have more features?
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless edges out the BlackShark V2 Pro in terms of features. It offers:
- A wireless base station with hot-swappable batteries
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections
- A 10-band EQ accessible through the base station
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) offers:
- Custom audio/mic EQs savable on the headset
- THX Spatial Audio (on PC)
- Game profiles option in Razer Synapse software
While both headsets offer impressive features, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, with its base station and ANC, provides more versatility and convenience.
How do the Arctis Nova Pro and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro connect?
Both headsets use a 2.4GHz USB dongle for low-latency wireless audio on PC and compatible consoles. They also both offer Bluetooth connectivity for use with mobile devices.
Both headsets support PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch and come in Xbox-specific variants. However, only the Arctis Nova Pro includes a 3.5mm analog connection for wider compatibility.
Is battery life better on the Arctis Nova Pro or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro?
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) has a longer battery life, lasting 55 hours and 3 minutes in testing. This is a significant improvement over its predecessor and more than double the battery life of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless lasted 22 hours and 36 minutes in testing. However, it features a hot-swappable battery system, allowing for virtually unlimited use when near the base station.
Do the Arctis Nova Pro or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro block noise better?
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has an advantage here with its Active Noise Cancellation. It effectively suppresses ambient noises like AC units and traffic, making it easier to focus on your game.
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The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro relies solely on passive isolation. While it does a decent job blocking out high-frequency sounds, it’s less effective at lower frequencies compared to the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless with ANC enabled.
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Do the Arctis Nova Pro sound better than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro?
Both headsets offer good sound quality, but they have different sound profiles.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has a fairly balanced frequency response with a slight emphasis in the bass range and a minor dip around 4kHz. It performs well across various music genres and games, providing clear audio and accurate soundstage representation.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) has a more pronounced bass emphasis, which works well for EDM and bass-heavy genres. It also performs well in gaming, emphasizing explosions and gunfire without being overpowering.
Objective Measurements
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The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless follows our target curve more closely, with some deviations in the bass and treble regions. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) shows a more significant bass boost and some peaks in the high frequencies, which may make sibilants and cymbals more pronounced.
Both headsets offer EQ customization through their respective software, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences.
Do the Arctis Nova Pro or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro have a better microphone?
Both headsets feature high-quality microphones, but the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) stands out as one of the best in its price range.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless microphone is optimized for communication and covers the critical speech band well. It features a gentle slope up to around 3.5kHz followed by a sharp drop off around 6kHz, which helps with intelligibility.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) microphone received exceptional praise in the review. It reproduces clear and natural voices even in noisy environments, handling background noises well without compromising voice clarity.
Arctis Nova Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Arctis Nova Pro microphone demo (Office conditions):
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro microphone demo (Office conditions):
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: Price and availability
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is priced at $349.99 at Amazon, positioning it as a premium option in the gaming headset market.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is more affordable at $199.99 at Amazon, offering a compelling set of features at a lower price point.
Both headsets are widely available through their respective manufacturers’ websites and major electronics retailers.
Should you get the Arctis Nova Pro or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro?
Choose the Arctis Nova Pro if:
- You want a feature-rich headset with a wireless base station and hot-swappable batteries
- Active Noise Cancellation is important for your gaming environment
- You think you would benefit from the base station for battery swapping
- You prefer a more balanced sound profile out of the box
Choose the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro if:
- You prioritize long battery life without the need for battery swapping
- You want an excellent microphone for clear communication
- You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with premium features
- You prefer a bass-heavy sound profile for your music and games
Both the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) are excellent gaming headsets that cater to different needs and preferences. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers more features and versatility, making it a great all-around choice for those willing to invest in a premium product. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) provides exceptional value with its long battery life and superior microphone quality, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers who don’t need all the bells and whistles of the pricier Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
Good microphone
Strong noise cancelation
Frequently asked questions
The Arctis Nova Pro can be used while charging either via its base station or USB-C port. The BlackShark V2 Pro can be used while charging via its USB-C cable, though this effectively makes it a wired headset during charging.
Yes, both headsets support simultaneous connections. You can listen to audio from your phone via Bluetooth while gaming through the wireless dongle.
Yes, both headsets support Bluetooth connectivity, making them compatible with mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets.
Both headsets are excellent choices for live streaming due to their high-quality microphones and comfortable designs for long sessions.
To access all features, including software customization, you’ll need a Windows PC. Mac users may have limited access to some advanced features.
Both headsets are suitable for competitive gaming, offering low-latency audio and good spatial awareness. The choice may come down to personal preference and specific game requirements.