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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White — Gaming · 2024 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White

Gaming · 2024 · Black

82
/ 100
From $129
VS
Moondrop Aria — IEM
Moondrop

Moondrop Aria

IEM

82
/ 100
From $80
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White lands at 82 and Moondrop Aria at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility

Pick Moondrop Aria if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White

ANC strength for commute and travel

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Moondrop Aria

Long-session wearability

Moondrop Aria leads on comfort (88 vs 80).

Value for money

Moondrop Aria

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Moondrop Aria more score per dollar ($80 vs $129).

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White 82
vs
82 Moondrop Aria

Score breakdown

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White
82
anc 70
sound 82
comfort 80
battery 86
features 82
Moondrop Aria
82
anc 0
sound 82
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White versus Moondrop Aria — full spec comparison
Spec SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White Moondrop Aria
Type
Gaming headset
IEM
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2024
—

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

Moondrop Aria

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White vs Moondrop Aria

Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White or Moondrop Aria? +

Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Moondrop Aria worth the price? +

At $80, Moondrop Aria delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White or Moondrop Aria 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.

Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White or Moondrop Aria? +

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White or Moondrop Aria? +

Moondrop Aria — leads on comfort (88 vs 80). Long-session wearability.