Razer BlackShark V2 X vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against headsets at a similar price

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless scores 6.1/10 overall, ahead of the Razer BlackShark V2 X at 5.8/10.

The Razer BlackShark V2 X leads on microphone and noise cancelling and value.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless leads on connectivity and battery.

They score the same on sound and comfort.

The biggest difference is connectivity and battery, where the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless scores 9/10 to the Razer BlackShark V2 X's 5/10.

Razer BlackShark V2 X

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The Razer BlackShark V2 X is for gamers who want a light, wired headset with a dedicated mic. It suits anyone who can plug into a 3.5 mm jack on PC, console or phone and doesn't need wireless or noise cancelling. It is a poorer fit for people who care most about balanced sound or want a detachable cable.

Typically about £59.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

6.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is for gamers who want a wireless headset that works across PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile. It suits people who play long sessions and want battery life to be a non-issue. It does not suit Xbox owners or anyone who needs noise cancelling.

Typically about £161 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Razer BlackShark V2 X	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
Sound	25%	5/10	5/10
Microphone	20%	7/10	6/10
Comfort	20%	7/10	7/10
Connectivity and battery	20%	5/10	9/10
Noise cancelling and value	15%	5/10	3/10
Overall		5.8/10	6.1/10

Specifications

Spec	Razer BlackShark V2 X	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
Connection	Analog 3.5 mm, 1.3 m cable	2.4GHz USB-C wireless dongle and Bluetooth 5.0, with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio; wired 3.5mm option
Noise cancelling	None; passive isolation only, no active noise cancelling	No active noise cancelling (passive isolation only)
Microphone	HyperClear cardioid, unidirectional, 100 Hz to 10 kHz, 60 dB signal-to-noise ratio, click-to-mute	Fully retractable ClearCast Gen 2 boom with bidirectional noise cancelling pickup
Battery life	not listed	38 hours claimed with USB-C fast charging (6 hours after 15 minutes); PC Gamer measured 38 hours 20 minutes
Weight	240 g	325 g
Works with	PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and mobile (with 3.5mm connector)	PC (ChatMix on Windows 10 and above), Mac, PS4/PS5, Switch, handhelds, mobile and Oculus Quest 2; not Xbox compatible

Strengths and weaknesses

Razer BlackShark V2 X

+ Light at 240 g; owners praise long-session comfort
+ Owners praise the cardioid microphone
+ 3.5 mm connection works across many platforms
− Owners report muffled, flat sound with 7.1 on
− Cable is fixed and can snag
− No wireless connection or active noise cancelling

Skip it if:

Buyers who want Bluetooth, a wireless dongle or multipoint
Anyone who needs active noise cancelling for noisy rooms or commuting
Listeners who care most about balanced sound for music or surround

Read the full Razer BlackShark V2 X review ›

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

+ Battery rated at 38 hours and praised by owners
+ Dongle and Bluetooth audio work together
+ Comfort praised for long sessions
− No active noise cancelling
− Sound quality reports are mixed
− Not compatible with Xbox

Skip it if:

Xbox players, who need the Nova 7X instead
Buyers who want active noise cancelling
Anyone who puts sound quality ahead of features and battery

Read the full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review ›

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