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Sony WH-1000XM3 — Over-ear · 2018
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM3

Over-ear · 2018

86
/ 100
From $349
VS
Sony WH-1000XM3 wins by 4
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition

82
/ 100
From $129
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM3 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM3 lands at 86 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) at 82. That puts Sony WH-1000XM3 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…

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

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) 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

Sony WH-1000XM3

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on sound (86 vs 82).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM3

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on anc (84 vs 70).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM3

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on comfort (85 vs 80).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($129 vs $349).

Sony WH-1000XM3 86
vs
82 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM3
86
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)
82
anc 70
sound 82
comfort 80
battery 86
features 82

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM3 versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM3 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2018
2024
Variant
—
PS5 Edition

Sony WH-1000XM3

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 Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)

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: Sony WH-1000XM3 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Does Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) 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, Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on sound (86 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on anc (84 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.