Sennheiser HD 650
Over-ear · 2003
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue
Gaming · 2022 · Black
Sennheiser HD 650 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 650 lands at 90 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue at 88. That puts Sennheiser HD 650 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sennheiser HD 650 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue 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
Sennheiser HD 650Tuning, detail, and staging
Sennheiser HD 650 leads on sound (90 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
Sennheiser HD 650ANC strength for commute and travel
Sennheiser HD 650 leads on anc (88 vs 70).
Comfort
Sennheiser HD 650Long-session wearability
Sennheiser HD 650 leads on comfort (89 vs 86).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy BlueSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue more score per dollar ($249 vs $499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 650 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2003 | 2022 |
| Variant | — | Black |
Sennheiser HD 650
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: Sennheiser HD 650 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue
Which is better, Sennheiser HD 650 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue? +
Sennheiser HD 650 scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sennheiser HD 650 worth the price? +
At $499, Sennheiser HD 650 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue worth the price? +
At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does Sennheiser HD 650 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue 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 sound quality, Sennheiser HD 650 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue? +
Sennheiser HD 650 — leads on sound (90 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sennheiser HD 650 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue? +
Sennheiser HD 650 — leads on anc (88 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.