Sennheiser HD 650
Over-ear · 2003
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold
Gaming · 2022 · Black
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 650 lands at 90 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Sennheiser HD 650 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold 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
Sennheiser HD 650ANC strength for commute and travel
Sennheiser HD 650 leads on anc (88 vs 70).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose GoldSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold more score per dollar ($349 vs $499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 650 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold
- +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 Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold
Which is better, Sennheiser HD 650 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold? +
Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold worth the price? +
At $349, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Does Sennheiser HD 650 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold 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, Sennheiser HD 650 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold? +
Sennheiser HD 650 — leads on anc (88 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is the better value, Sennheiser HD 650 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold? +
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Rose Gold — more score per dollar ($349 vs $499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.