Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) vs HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Three mid-range wireless gaming headsets that players compare when they leave the cable behind. All three use a 2.4 GHz dongle and weigh between 265 and 322 g, but they answer different needs: the BlackShark V2 Pro is built for competitive shooters and a clear mic, the Cloud Alpha Wireless for a battery that almost never runs out, and the Arctis Nova 5 for moving between a PC, a PlayStation, a handheld and a phone.
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Spec by spec
| Spec | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Gaming headset | Gaming headset |
| Connection | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| Microphone | Detachable boom | Detachable boom | Fixed boom |
| Noise cancelling | No | No | No |
| Virtual surround | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 320 g | 322 g | 265 g(Best in this row) |
| Battery life | 70 h | 300 h(Best in this row) | 60 h |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation, Mobile | PC | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Mobile, Handheld |
| Price | $129.99 | $108.99(Best in this row) | $113.99 |
| Setuplify score | Setuplify score: 8.8/10(Best in this row) | Setuplify score: 8.4/10 | Setuplify score: 8.3/10 |
| Value score | Value score: 8.0/10 | Value score: 8.6/10(Best in this row) | Value score: 8.5/10 |
Highlighted values are the best of the row. Prices are for United States.
Where each one wins
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
Our pick overall
Competitive FPS on PC and PlayStation
- Wins on
- Setuplify score
- Falls behind on
- Price, Value score
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Best value
Long PC gaming sessions without thinking about the battery
- Wins on
- Battery life, Price, Value score
- Falls behind on
- Weight
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Players who switch between PC, PlayStation, handheld and phone
- Wins on
- Weight
- Falls behind on
- Battery life, Setuplify score
Who should buy which
Pick the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) if you play competitive games on a PC or a PlayStation: precise 50 mm drivers, the clearest detachable mic of the three, Bluetooth 5.2 next to the dongle and up to 70 hours of battery, at 320 g. Pick the Cloud Alpha Wireless if you only play on a PC and hate charging: it is rated at up to 300 hours, with the comfortable Cloud frame, but it has no Bluetooth and no console support. Pick the Arctis Nova 5 if you play on several devices: its USB-C dongle fits a PC, a PS5, a Steam Deck or a phone, Quick-Switch jumps to Bluetooth 5.3 for calls, and at 265 g it is the lightest, with up to 60 hours of battery. None of the three supports Xbox in these editions.
Also worth a look
Other headsets & headphones we rate that sit close to these two.
SteelSeries Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni
- Gaming headset
- Wireless
$359.99Setuplify score: 8.9/10
Bose Headset
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Headphones
- Wired + wireless
$449Setuplify score: 8.9/10
Questions people ask
Which of the three has the best microphone?
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023): its detachable HyperClear Super Wideband mic is one of the clearest booms on a wireless headset. The Arctis Nova 5 mic gets AI noise cancellation on PC, and the Cloud Alpha Wireless mic is fine for team chat.
Which one works on PlayStation 5?
The BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) and the Arctis Nova 5, through their dongles. HyperX lists the Cloud Alpha Wireless for PC only.
Which is the lightest?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 at 265 g, then the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) at 320 g and the Cloud Alpha Wireless at 322 g.