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Sony WH-1000XM4 — Over-ear · 2020
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM4

Over-ear · 2020

90
/ 100
From $349
VS
Sony WH-1000XM4 wins by 2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition

88
/ 100
From $249
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM4 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM4 lands at 90 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) at 88. That puts Sony WH-1000XM4 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 if…

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

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (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-1000XM4

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sony WH-1000XM4 leads on sound (90 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM4

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM4 leads on anc (88 vs 70).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM4

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM4 leads on comfort (89 vs 86).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($249 vs $349).

Sony WH-1000XM4 90
vs
88 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM4
90
anc 88
sound 90
comfort 89
battery 82
features 86
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
88
anc 70
sound 88
comfort 86
battery 86
features 88

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM4 versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM4 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2020
2022
Variant
—
PS5 Edition

Sony WH-1000XM4

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 Pro (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-1000XM4 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM4 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +

Sony WH-1000XM4 scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM4 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

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

At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does Sony WH-1000XM4 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (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-1000XM4 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +

Sony WH-1000XM4 — leads on sound (90 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM4 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +

Sony WH-1000XM4 — leads on anc (88 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.