Sennheiser HD 800S
Over-ear · 2016
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White)
Gaming · 2022 · White
Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 800S lands at 95 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) at 88. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S ahead by 7 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 Nova Pro (White) 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 800STuning, detail, and staging
Sennheiser HD 800S leads on sound (95 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
Sennheiser HD 800SANC strength for commute and travel
Sennheiser HD 800S leads on anc (93 vs 70).
Comfort
Sennheiser HD 800SLong-session wearability
Sennheiser HD 800S leads on comfort (94 vs 86).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) more score per dollar ($249 vs $1,699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 800S | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2016 | 2022 |
| Variant | — | White |
Sennheiser HD 800S
- +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 (White)
- +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 800S vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White)
Which is better, Sennheiser HD 800S or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White)? +
Sennheiser HD 800S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. 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 Nova Pro (White) worth the price? +
At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does Sennheiser HD 800S or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) 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 Nova Pro (White)? +
Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on sound (95 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sennheiser HD 800S or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White)? +
Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on anc (93 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.