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Sennheiser HD 800S — Over-ear · 2016
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800S

Over-ear · 2016

95
/ 100
From $1,699
VS
Sennheiser HD 800S wins by 10
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) — Gaming · 2021 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)

Gaming · 2021 · Black

85
/ 100
From $169
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 800S lands at 95 and SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) at 85. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S ahead by 10 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sennheiser HD 800S if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (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

Sennheiser HD 800S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on sound (95 vs 85).

Noise cancelling

Sennheiser HD 800S

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on anc (93 vs 70).

Comfort

Sennheiser HD 800S

Long-session wearability

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on comfort (94 vs 83).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) more score per dollar ($169 vs $1,699).

Sennheiser HD 800S 95
vs
85 SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)

Score breakdown

Sennheiser HD 800S
95
anc 93
sound 95
comfort 94
battery 82
features 91
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)
85
anc 70
sound 85
comfort 83
battery 86
features 85

Specs side-by-side

Sennheiser HD 800S versus SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec Sennheiser HD 800S SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2016
2021
Variant
—
Black

Sennheiser HD 800S

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (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: Sennheiser HD 800S vs SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)

Which is better, Sennheiser HD 800S or SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)? +

Sennheiser HD 800S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sennheiser HD 800S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.

Is SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) worth the price? +

At $169, SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.

Does Sennheiser HD 800S or SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (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 sound quality, Sennheiser HD 800S or SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)? +

Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on sound (95 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sennheiser HD 800S or SteelSeries Arctis 7+ (Black)? +

Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on anc (93 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.