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

Sony WH-1000XM4

Over-ear · 2020

90
/ 100
From $349
VS
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

90
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM4 lands at 90 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 if…

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

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) 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-1000XM4

ANC strength for commute and travel

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

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

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

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Sony WH-1000XM4 90
vs
90 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

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 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-1000XM4 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

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

Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Wireless (Black) worth the price? +

At $349, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Does Sony WH-1000XM4 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 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.

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

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