HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White
Planar magnetic
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)ANC strength for commute and travel
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) leads on anc (70 vs 0).
Comfort
HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic WhiteLong-session wearability
HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White leads on comfort (88 vs 86).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($249 vs $499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Planar magnetic | Gaming headset |
| Variant | — | PS5 Edition |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Which is better, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +
At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) 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.
Which is better for noise cancelling, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is better for comfort, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White — leads on comfort (88 vs 86). Long-session wearability.