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Sony WH-1000XM5 — Over-ear · 2022
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5

Over-ear · 2022

93
/ 100
From $399
VS
Sony WH-1000XM5 wins by 3
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) — Gaming · 2022 · White
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)

Gaming · 2022 · White

90
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM5 lands at 93 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) at 90. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 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
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Sony WH-1000XM5

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on sound (93 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM5

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on anc (91 vs 70).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM5

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on comfort (92 vs 88).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

Sony WH-1000XM5 93
vs
90 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM5
93
anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)
90
anc 70
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 86
features 90

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM5 versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White) — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2022
2022
Variant
—
White

Sony WH-1000XM5

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 (White)

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-1000XM5 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM5 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the price? +

At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — 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-1000XM5 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 sound quality, Sony WH-1000XM5 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on sound (93 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM5 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (White)? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on anc (91 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.