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

Sony WH-1000XM3

Over-ear · 2018

86
/ 100
From $349
VS
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White) — Gaming · 2022 · White
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)

Gaming · 2022 · White

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 (White) 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 (White) 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

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM3

ANC strength for commute and travel

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

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White) more score per dollar ($179 vs $349).

Sony WH-1000XM3 86
vs
86 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM3
86
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)
86
anc 70
sound 86
comfort 84
battery 86
features 86

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM3 versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White) — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM3 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2018
2022
Variant
—
White

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 (White)

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 (White)

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)? +

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 (White) worth the price? +

At $179, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Does Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (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 noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)? +

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

Which is the better value, Sony WH-1000XM3 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)? +

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White) — more score per dollar ($179 vs $349). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.