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HiFiMan Edition XS — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Edition XS

Planar magnetic

88
/ 100
From $499
VS
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

88
/ 100
From $249
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Edition XS lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick HiFiMan Edition XS if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

ANC strength for commute and travel

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

HiFiMan Edition XS

Long-session wearability

HiFiMan Edition XS leads on comfort (88 vs 86).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) more score per dollar ($249 vs $499).

HiFiMan Edition XS 88
vs
88 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Edition XS
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)
88
anc 70
sound 88
comfort 86
battery 86
features 88

Specs side-by-side

HiFiMan Edition XS versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Edition XS SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)
Type
Planar magnetic
Gaming headset
Variant
—
Black
Release year
—
2022

HiFiMan Edition XS

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

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

FAQ: HiFiMan Edition XS vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Which is better, HiFiMan Edition XS or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Edition XS worth the price? +

At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) worth the price? +

At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does HiFiMan Edition XS or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) 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 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)? +

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, HiFiMan Edition XS or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)? +

HiFiMan Edition XS — leads on comfort (88 vs 86). Long-session wearability.