Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear · 2020
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)
Gaming · 2022 · White
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM4 lands at 90 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) 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 (White) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM4ANC strength for commute and travel
Sony WH-1000XM4 leads on anc (88 vs 70).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2020 | 2022 |
| Variant | — | White |
Sony WH-1000XM4
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM4 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)? +
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 (White) worth the price? +
At $349, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Does Sony WH-1000XM4 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 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-1000XM4 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)? +
Sony WH-1000XM4 — leads on anc (88 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.