SteelSeries
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White)
Gaming · 2024 · White
82
/ 100
From $129
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 14
Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White) lands at 82 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 14 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White) 82
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White)
82 anc 70
sound 82
comfort 80
battery 86
features 82
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White) | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Open-back |
| Variant | White | — |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (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
Focal Utopia 2022
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 (White) vs Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White) or Focal Utopia 2022? +
Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 14. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White) worth the price? +
At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (White) or Focal Utopia 2022 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.