Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White
Over-ear · 2022
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White lands at 93 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) at 88. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White 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
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic WhiteTuning, detail, and staging
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White leads on sound (93 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic WhiteANC strength for commute and travel
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White leads on anc (91 vs 70).
Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic WhiteLong-session wearability
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White leads on comfort (92 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 $399).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Variant | — | PS5 Edition |
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White
- +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 (PS5 Edition)
- +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-1000XM5 · Arctic White vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 93 — 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-1000XM5 · Arctic White 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-1000XM5 · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White — leads on sound (93 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Arctic White — leads on anc (91 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.