Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2022
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black lands at 93 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) at 88. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight BlackTuning, detail, and staging
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black leads on sound (93 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight BlackANC strength for commute and travel
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black leads on anc (91 vs 70).
Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight BlackLong-session wearability
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Variant | — | PS5 Edition |
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black
- +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 · Midnight Black vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black — leads on sound (93 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black — leads on anc (91 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.