SteelSeries
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black
Gaming · 2024 · Black
82
/ 100
From $129
VS
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) · Midnight Black 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) · Midnight Black 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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black 82
vs 82 Moondrop Aria
Score breakdown
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black
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
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black | Moondrop Aria |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | IEM |
| Variant | Black | — |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black
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) · Midnight Black vs Moondrop Aria
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black 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) · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black 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) · Midnight Black 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.