SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White
Gaming · 2024 · Black
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
Planar magnetic
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White lands at 82 and Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black ahead by 14 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White | Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Planar magnetic |
| Variant | Black | — |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White vs Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White or Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black? +
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 14. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Is Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White or Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.