Best Gaming Headsets · head-to-head

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is cheaper at $129.99. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)?

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is the cheaper at $129.99. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
US price $349 $129.99
BrandSteelSeriesRazer
Released2022-052023-07
Connection wireless wireless
Driver (mm) 40 50
Battery hours 22 70
Surround sound Yes Yes
Mic type retractable detachable
Weight (g) 338 320
Rgb No No
Release 2022 2023

Sources — SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: steelseries.com (verified 2026-06-15). Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023): razer.com (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Driver (mm): SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless 40 vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) 50
  • Battery hours: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless 22 vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) 70
  • Mic type: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless retractable vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) detachable
  • Weight (g): SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless 338 vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) 320

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Three whitelisted hands-on reviews (Tom's Hardware, SoundGuys, TechPowerUp) rank it among the best wireless gaming headsets: very comfortable, feature-packed, with very good sound that rewards EQ tuning. All reference the steep ~$350 price, and ANC quality splits reviewers. SoundGuys lab-measured battery life (22h36m at 75 dB SPL); TechPowerUp measured frequency response on a miniDSP EARS rig. (3 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)

Praised: Very good sound quality, especially after EQ tuning; Excellent comfort for long sessions; Feature-packed: hot-swappable battery and wireless base station.

Flagged: Expensive at ~$350; ANC underwhelms above low frequencies / trails class leaders outdoors; 8 kHz treble peak can sound sibilant/piercing.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

Three whitelisted testers (SoundGuys, Tom's Hardware, TechRadar) all recommend the 2023 BlackShark V2 Pro, unanimously praising its upgraded mic, big battery-life jump over the 24hr 2020 model, and lightweight comfort. Only SoundGuys ran lab measurements (55hr 3min battery vs Razer's 70hr claim, ~46dB peak isolation, ~85% of noise blocked above 1kHz); Tom's Hardware and TechRadar were hands-on but qualitative. Testers split on the low end. (3 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Upgraded HyperClear mic sounds full and clear — the standout feature; Big battery-life jump over the 24hr 2020 model; Lightweight, comfortable fit with refined clamping force.

Flagged: Off-neutral out-of-box tuning (weak/overemphasized bass, midrange-heavy); No wired/analog 3.5mm connection; Thin steel yokes still feel flimsy; travel/durability concern.

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