I have always wanted to get my hands on a SteelSeries headset. You see, in gaming circles, it’s a popular brand among gamers looking for a relatively affordable option for gaming headsets. Along came the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless with a high promise when it comes to delivering quality audio for gaming.
Competitively priced
Let’s get the affordable part out of the way. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless retails for PhP 7,765/ USD 129.99. That’s right around the ballpark of one the more popular recommendations among gaming circles – The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 which, depending on where you’re looking, ranges from USD 150-170.
Among gaming-centric headsets released relatively recently, it’s also priced quite competitively. It’s more affordable than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), Sony INZONE H7 and H9 (the H3 is wired so that’s a non-starter here), and PlayStation’s Pulse Elite.
It’s also a lot more affordable than “mainstream” headset options like the Sony WH-1000XM series and Airpods Max.
While compelling, pricing alone isn’t the determining factor in making this purchase decision. So, what kind of value are you getting exactly?
Headset highlights
To me, the Arctis Nova 5 offers five features that help its case as the “default option” for gaming-related headset recommendations.
Game specific presets through the companion app.
The Arctis Nova 5 has a companion app available for iOS and Android. Through the app, you get a robust list of game preset equalizers already optimized for plenty of games. The list includes first person shooters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and CS: GO, sports games like NBA 2K24 and EA Sports FC 24, and popular titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Genshin Impact, Tekken 8, and much, much more.
Many of the titles are recently released games. If the specific game you’re looking for isn’t on the list, just pick one that’s close to that game’s genre and it should work like a charm. For instance, I always fire up Returnal when testing audio products because it has one of the best sound designs on any game ever. Unfortunately, that title isn’t available as a preset. So, I chose any of the shooter games like COD and Hell Divers 2 as the preset and I found that these worked well with the game.
By default, the equalizer is set to flat and I found that it works well for most media consumption. I tried switching things up and used music-focused titles like Hi-Fi Rush but felt that flat was still best for general music listening and video viewing.
Lightweight.
The headset is mostly made of plastic making it extremely light. That means there’s absolutely no strain whatsoever on your head when wearing it for an extended period.
Some might view this as a markdown in build quality. However, I think the weight and price byproducts balance the steady but not stellar build.
Battery Life.
The Arctis Nova 5 promises a 60-hour battery life (or the equivalent of 8-hour gaming sessions every day for a week). Further, USB-C fast charging can juice up to six hours in just 15 minutes.
Naturally, I don’t game for eight hours a day (nor should you, unless that’s how you make a living). In my mixed use of music listening, video viewing, video conferencing, and gaming for roughly 20 hours per week, I only felt the need to charge the thing once every two weeks. That’s elite.
There’s one outlier when I brought it to an overseas work trip. I charged the headset once towards the end of the trip, right before the flight back, to make sure I had enough juice for the plane ride.
Connectivity.
The headset’s claim to versatility in connectivity lies in two connection options: 2.4Hz dongle and direct Bluetooth.
The direct Bluetooth connection means it can seamlessly pair with most smartphones and laptops, and PCs. Meanwhile, the 2.4Hz dongle connection means you can use it with anything that has a USB-C port.
In my time with the device, I used it on the following devices:
- Legion Go
- PlayStation 5
- ROG Ally
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- MacBook Pro
- Huawei MateBook X Pro
- ASUS ZenBook DUO (2024)
- OPPO Find N3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
- Xiaomi Pad 6S 12 Pro
- …and possibly more
That’s quite an exhaustive list. And yes, it works on a Nintendo Switch too.
ClearCast microphone.
The Arctis Nova 5 is now my default headset when taking video calls because of the ClearCast mic. For one, I love the way it’s tucked into the left earcup. Unlike Razer’s BlackShark V2 (2023) whose microphone is an attachment that can easily be misplaced.
Second, I asked for feedback from those I was in a call with and got feedback that my audio is pretty clear and crisp. I won’t be recording any voice overs with this mic, but for calls, it’s more than good enough. I imagine the same is true for co-op games, of which I do not play because I suck as a teammate.
Almost perfect
There are a few things I wish the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless had to make it my default headset for everything I do.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
This one really drives me nuts because I’ve really only extensively used headsets with active noise cancellation over the past half decade. Even some minor active noise canceling would have made this a no-brainer recommendation for me. Alas, that is not the case.
I mentioned earlier that I took this with me on an overseas work trip. That was not ideal at all. Coming from the Sony WH-1000XM4 and even the soundcore Space One headsets, I severely missed the active noise canceling feature. I could hear the buzzing sound and worse, a crying, whining child during the flight.
The lack of this feature is bearable in most settings like in your home while playing and while out and about walking or inside a buzzing café. But for traveling, it is best to have something that has ANC.
In-app equalizer adjustment.
The presets are great and all, but it doesn’t allow for personalized tweaking to make it sing the way you want to. The only way to change the equalizer is to switch it to any of the game presets as well as a flat and focus options. Focus ups the voice while flat is… just flat.
As of writing, your best option is to try every single available preset and find which one works best for you when it comes to uses outside of gaming. It’ll probably take an entire weekend day if you’re truly meticulous about it.
I wish it had slots for 2-3 personalized presets that users can switch to. I fervently hope this comes in a future app update.
A slot for the 2.4Hz USB-C dongle.
I tend to misplace tiny things. In fact, as of writing, I am unsure where I placed this exact USB-C dongle. I am also currently at a loss as to where I placed another tiny USB dongle, but that’s for a controller.
The dongle that comes with the Arctis Nova 5 is so tiny that I’m sure they could’ve figured out a way to include some kind of pouch in the headset itself to store it. They were able to figure out the mic part, perhaps they could have done the same for the dongle.
I’m sure I’ll find the dongle with a clean sweep of my room but some way to safely carry it with the headset would have done wonders.
Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless your GadgetMatch?
As far as gaming-focused headsets go, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless could soon replace its older sibling, the Arctis 7, as the top recommendation among console gamers. The sound quality is top-notch and the presets really do help in making you feel immersed in the gameplay.
That same level of immersion can also be experienced when listening to music that’s perfectly mixed. I strongly recommend using this with Apple Music for lossless sound. The sound isolation is elite and works both in gaming and music.
Some level of active noise canceling would have taken this over the top for me. I’m not even looking for something on par with Sony’s XM-series. Even something to the level of the soundcore Space One would have done the trick. If that comes in a future product, SteelSeries, you know where to find me.
That said, the Arctis Nova 5 is still a product I can recommend. The value you’re getting for what you’re paying outweighs any drawback I found. It’s a really good gaming headset and one you should consider if you’re in the market for one.
Accessories
Father’s Day gift guide: Gadgets for every kind of dad
Dad deserves a gift that won’t collect dust after Father’s Day
As we get older, Father’s Day shopping gets a lot easier when you stop thinking about the typical dad gifts. Especially since it’s not always your dad you’re shopping for anymore. It could be your grandfather who insists he doesn’t need anything. Maybe it’s your brother who just became a dad and is running on three hours of sleep. Maybe it’s your father-in-law.
Whoever it is, here are some of my favorite picks to give them this year. Spoiler alert: there are no “World’s Best Dad” mugs included in this list.
For the dad who wants a smarter home
Some of the best tech is the kind you stop noticing because it just runs in the background. The Baseus X1 Pro dual security camera is one of those. It combines a dual-lens design with a wide 210-degree field of view and 300-degree motion tracking, allowing it to cover areas that would normally require multiple cameras.
What makes it stand out is its ability to track two subjects at the same time. Unlike traditional security cameras that can lose sight of one person while following another, the X1 Pro’s dual-lens system can independently follow both, creating a more complete picture of what’s happening around his home.
Its dual 3K cameras capture plenty of detail during the day, while color night vision and 8x zoom make it easier to identify visitors, vehicles, and other activity after dark.
The included solar panel means less maintenance for dad. As little as 20 minutes of direct sunlight can provide enough power for a full day of operation. It’s also got local storage with no monthly subscription fees.
You can get the Baseus X1 Pro for as low as US$119.99 using the code X1PROPRNO1 until June 30th.
And then there’s the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini, which solves one of the most ignored chores in any home: cleaning windows. Dad can attach it, let it run, and something everyone’s been avoiding for months just disappears from their mental checklist.
From large glass panels to smaller apartment windows, the compact robot cleaner uses intelligent WIN-SLAM 4.0 navigation to map out the most efficient cleaning path and avoid missed spots. Multiple cleaning modes let you choose between a quick refresh, deep cleaning, edge cleaning, or targeted spot cleaning depending on what the glass needs.
Hard-to-reach windows become less intimidating for dad to clean. Whether it’s a second-story window, a glass door, or a large mirror, the Winbot stays securely attached while it works, turning a tedious chore into a hands-free task.
You can get the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini for just under US$240.
For the dad who’s always in the kitchen
Every family has someone who treats grocery shopping like strategy. If that sounds like your dad, then the FEPPO compact food vacuum sealer is a great addition to the family.
It keeps food fresher longer, makes bulk buying from Costco more practical, and turns freezer storage a lot more organized.
Unlike traditional countertop vacuum sealers, the FEPPO is compact, cordless, and rechargeable, making it easy to store when not in use. Despite its size, it delivers strong suction and can seal food in just a few seconds with a single button press.
The included kit comes with 10 reusable BPA-free vacuum bags and three storage containers. The bags and containers are washable and reusable, s not only are you saving space in the fridge or freezer, you’re also helping reduce waste.
I also like that FEPPO designed it with a detachable water tank that collects excess moisture during the sealing process, making cleanup simpler and helping keep the machine running smoothly over time.
It doesn’t look exciting on paper, but once it’s part of dad’s kitchen routine, they’ll wonder how they managed without it, and thank you later.
Get the FEPPO Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food for under US$70.
For the dad who needs any excuse to be outdoors
Some dads are indoors dads. Others will take any excuse to be outside. The OGERY F21 camping fan is one of those small upgrades that makes outdoor time noticeably more comfortable—not just for them but for the whole family. Whether it’s camping trips, backyard BBQs, RV adventures, or just surviving peak summer heat, it’s a gift dad would surely appreciate.
What makes it stand out is its versatility. The adjustable tripod lets it work as either a floor fan or desktop fan, while the massive 20,000mAh battery can keep air moving for days on lower settings. It also doubles as an LED lantern and emergency power bank, perfect for camping camping and even power outages.
Dad will love the wide-angle oscillation and the included remote control so he can sit back and relax while cooling down.
The OGERY F21 Camping Fan is available for US$89.99.
The SJCAM C400 action camera is for the dad who is always doing something worth remembering: biking, fishing, hiking, skiing, traveling, or just being the unofficial family photographer.
It captures 4K video through a wide 154-degree lens, making it easy to record everything from scenic landscapes to fast-moving action. Built-in 6-axis image stabilization helps keep footage smooth even when the camera is mounted to a bike, helmet, or backpack. Its battery life is rated to last up to seven hours so his adventures get documented before needing a top up.
The C400 also supports features like slow motion, time-lapse, and wireless app control, making it equally useful for adventure loving dads or one who simply wants a hands-free way to capture family memories.
Get the SJCAM C400 Action Camera for US$179.99.
And the Kiwibit smart bird feeder turns into something unexpectedly addictive. It’s the perfect gift for the dad who enjoys slowing down and appreciating the little things.
The built-in camera captures 4K video and 8MP photos through a wide-angle lens, allowing you to watch visiting birds up close and even check in after dark with infrared night vision. Two-way audio also lets you listen in on the activity happening outside.
For dads who enjoy learning, Kiwibit’s AI can identify more than 10,000 bird species and send alerts whenever a new visitor arrives. The companion app automatically creates galleries and summaries, making it easy to keep track of backyard regulars.
The feeder itself is thoughtfully designed, too, with a solar-powered roof, removable battery, and a dual-compartment seed hopper that can attract a wider variety of birds. It’s the kind of gift that would keep delivering small moments of joy long after Father’s Day is over.
For the dad who treats his car like a second home
Cars collect everything. The FEPPO cordless vacuum handles the everyday mess: crumbs, dust, snack debris, pet hair, and whatever else somehow finds its way into the car. Powered by a brushless motor, it delivers strong suction while remaining cordless and easy to maneuver around tight spaces like dad’s car.
What makes it particularly useful for busy households is its thoughtful design. The anti-tangle brush helps prevent hair from wrapping around the roller, while a multi-stage HEPA filtration system captures fine dust and allergens before recirculating cleaner air.
Long battery life means it’s ready for quick cleanups without constantly needing a recharge. The different attachments make it easy to clean around the house or car.
The best part is you can get the FEPPO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for under US$200.
The STATIK TireHero tire inflator is the tool you never think about until you reallyy need. It lives in the glove box until the exact moment it saves you from a low-pressure warning, a road trip delay, or a late-night stop at a gas station air pump.
Beyond inflating car tires, it can also handle bike tires, sports balls, paddleboards, air mattresses, and other inflatables, making it surprisingly versatile for road trips, camping, and family outings. It even doubles as a portable power bank for charging a phone in an emergency and includes a built-in flashlight for nighttime use.
It’s a practical gadget that may not feel exciting when dad unwraps it, but becomes invaluable the first time he actually needs it.
The STATIK TireHero is available for US$59.99.
For the dad who brings people together
Some of the best gifts will keep on giving. The XGIMI MoGo 4 portable projector turns any blank wall into a movie screen. Dad can set up backyard movie nights, World Cup watch parties, or casual weekend hangouts without needing a dedicated entertainment room.
What makes the MoGo 4 special is how portable it is. About the size of a tumbler, it’s easy to toss into a bag for camping trips, vacations, or visits with family. The built-in battery provides up to 2.5 hours of viewing time so you can enjoy a movie without needing to plug it in. It’s also got a 360-degree adjustable stand and automatic image correction to make setup almost effortless.
Despite its compact size, it delivers Full HD 1080p visuals, built-in Harman Kardon speakers, and Google TV with licensed Netflix support.
The XGIMI MoGo 4 is now US$469.
The Liiton American Peaks whiskey decanter set is for dads who have had a stressful year. It helps them slow down, unwind, and appreciate the ritual of pouring a drink at the end of a long day.
Inspired by some of the most iconic mountain ranges in the US, the set includes a crystal decanter and four whiskey glasses featuring detailed 3D mountain impressions molded into the base. Beyond looking beautiful on a bar cart, the mountain design helps chill and aerate the drink. Place the glass in the freezer and in just 18 seconds he gets a drink that stays cold until the last sip, thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System.
Made from heavy lead-free crystal with a weighted base, the glasses feel substantial in the hand and elevate everything from bourbon to tequila. The included gift-ready presentation box also makes it feel like a truly special Father’s Day gift.
And because the set includes four glasses, it’s just as much about sharing a drink with friends and family as it is enjoying a quiet moment alone.
The American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set is available for under US$130.
For the dad who likes to express himself
The INKWON TAG is probably the most unexpected product in this entire list. This pocket-sized printer can create stickers, temporary tattoos, iron-on transfers, and photos directly from a smartphone. Paired with the INKWON app, it can turn almost any image into something physical within minutes.
That’s where it gets fun. One day it might be custom stickers for a water bottle. Another day it’s temporary tattoos for his kids. It can even be used to create personalized shirts, tote bags, and keepsakes. For dads who enjoy making things, it’s the kind of gadget that sparks creativity long after Father’s Day is over.
The INKWON TAG starts at US$199.
Not every gift needs to change someone’s routine. Some just make it slightly better.
The Baseus MC2 open-ear earbuds are for dads who always have something playing in the background. Unlike traditional earbuds, the open-ear design lets them enjoy music, podcasts, or audiobooks while staying aware of traffic, conversations, and everything happening around them.
They’re lightweight enough to wear for hours, offer impressive battery life, and deliver surprisingly rich audio despite their compact clip-on design.
Get the Baseus MC2 open-ear earbuds for US$49.99 using the code MC2OWSPR.
Then there’s the Posh Tech Hunt distressed leather Apple Watch band, which transforms one of the most common pieces of tech into something with a little more character.
Made from genuine distressed leather, it develops a worn-in look over time that feels more personal. It’s a simple upgrade, but one that can make an Apple Watch feel less like a gadget and more like an everyday accessory. It’s available for US$35.
For the dad who’s focused on staying well
The Merach NovaRow R50 rowing machine is one of the best examples of low-impact fitness that can stick. It’s a full-body workout that engages his legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms, all while being easier on his joints than running or other high-impact exercises.
What makes it work isn’t intensity; it’s consistency. The movement is smooth, the setup is simple, and the Merach app adds guided workouts, performance tracking, and scenic rowing routes that make it easier to show up again tomorrow.
With 10 levels of air resistance, it can grow alongside dad’s fitness journey, whether he’s just getting started or looking for a more challenging workout. It also folds for easier storage, making it a practical option for apartments and home gyms alike.
The Amazfit Balance 2 is one I gave to my dad, who’s almost 70. He’s not training for anything nor is he tracking performance. What the smartwatch has done is he is paying a little more attention to himself.
He checks how much he’s moved. He looks at his heart rate. He notices patterns he wouldn’t have thought about before.
At the same time, it scales up for someone who is more active. With over 170 sport modes, recovery insights, golf mapping, scuba support, and up to 21 days of battery life, it’s a great smartwatch no matter the recipient’s fitness level.
Get the Amazfit Balance 2 for US$299.99.
And then there’s the CAVN blood pressure monitor.
Instead of being intimidating or clinical, it’s designed to be simple enough for everyday home use. It’s got a barrel-style design with one-touch operation that removes the hassle of wrapping a cuff properly. Dad can just slide his arm in, press a button, and it does the rest.
It also supports multiple users, stores readings over time, and makes it easier for families to track trends. The large display and color indicators also make it more accessible for older users, too.
The CAVN Blood Pressure Monitor is available for US$179.99.
The Blueair Mini Restful sunrise clock air purifier takes a different approach to wellness by improving the environment dad sleeps in.
It combines a medical-grade air purifier, warm evening lighting, and a sunrise-style alarm clock into a single bedside device. Blueair’s HEPASilent filtration technology removes airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke while operating quietly enough not to disturb sleep.
In the evening, the warm amber lighting helps create a more relaxing wind-down routine, while the sunrise alarm gradually brightens before wake-up time to make mornings feel less abrupt.
Thoughtful extras like soothing wake-up sounds, app controls, and a built-in USB-C charging port make it an easy addition to any nightstand. It’s an all-in-one device for cleaner air, better sleep, and calmer mornings.
The BlueAir Mini Restful is available in Coastal Beige and Midnight for US$199.99.
While smartphone manufacturers have been equipping devices with larger batteries over the past few years, power banks still remain an essential carry.
That’s especially for heavy smartphone users who have to push their device’s power to the limit — be it for gaming, content creation, and similar demanding tasks.
Or, you know, if you just suddenly ran into an unexpected long day and have to spend extra hours outdoors.
Whatever the case may be, that’s where the VOLTME MagPak 5K comes in. This small, 5,000mAh capacity magnetic power bank easily recharges your phone’s battery wirelessly.
The VOLTME MagPak 5K is chiefly meant for the iPhone 12 to 14 models, but can still pretty much refuel more modern devices, so long as they have magnetic charging capability.
It uses V-Dynamic technology and is MagSafe and 7.5W Qi compatible. With a 9N Magnetic Alignment Force, it has a stronger attachment so users can focus on the titles they play or the scenes they shoot.
Or, if you want to slow it down while recharging your handset, the power bank comes with a kickstand to help you place your device either horizontally or vertically.
Beyond the magnetic charging capability, the MagPak 5K also supports USB-C to USB-C charging to another device.
You can even simultaneously charge two devices at once, or just opt for the wired charging if that’s what your phone is using.
At just 134 grams, it’s an easy carry, and something that fits seamlessly into your pocket. There are also five colors to choose from.
For days where you feel you’ll have extended device usage, it’s best to keep a portable gadget to keep you going.
Who knows, that extra power can spell the difference between going out of battery or being able to transfer money, purchase something at a convenience store with cashless payment, or booking a trip home.
No need to worry about battery drain. Just focus on what you’re doing with your daily life.
Accessories
The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra can chill your skin in ten seconds
It has a misting function and a small water tank.
The world is heating up. While one side of the world is swelteringly humid in anticipation of a rainy season, the other side is gearing up for a scorching summer. Unfortunately, the world needs a more long-term solution. But while we wait for such a remedy, we have personal solutions. Introducing: the Aecooly Cold Air Ultra.
As you can probably see from the rest of its lineup, Aecooly means business when it comes to personal cooling. The Cold Air Ultra, in particular, does more than just move air; it chills the air instantly. The personal fan does this with a misting nozzle (and a small water tank) that delivers an ultra-fine layer of pre-cooled mist. The air itself can reach up to 25m/s. It can cool your skin’s temperature by up to 18F in only ten seconds.
It’s also packed with tech right inside. The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra comes with a full-color touchscreen panel that offers a seamless way to control the air. Besides the screen, it also has two physical buttons to control the power and the misting.
The Cold Air Ultra comes with a sizable 7000mAh battery, which promises up to 10 hours of continuous operation. Additionally, it can charge devices with a 20W two-way fast charging function.
The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra retails for only US$ 39.99. Plus, you can get 20% off with the code GMATCH20 from Amazon.
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