Sony
Sony WH-1000XM3
Over-ear · 2018
86
/ 100
From $349
VS
SteelSeries
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
Gaming · 2022 · Black
86
/ 100
From $179
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM3 lands at 86 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Sony WH-1000XM3 86
vs 86 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
Score breakdown
Sony WH-1000XM3
86 anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
86 anc 70
sound 86
comfort 84
battery 86
features 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM3 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2018 | 2022 |
| Variant | — | Black |
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 7 Wireless (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: Sony WH-1000XM3 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 7 Wireless (Black) worth the price? +
At $179, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (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.