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Sony WH-1000XM6 — LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM6

LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3

95
/ 100
From $449
VS
Sony WH-1000XM6 wins by 5
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

Sony WH-1000XM6 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM6 lands at 95 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) at 90. That puts Sony WH-1000XM6 ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM6 if…

  • ✓Best sound quality in ANC class
  • ✓LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
  • ✓Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning

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

Sony WH-1000XM6

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on sound (96 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM6

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on anc (94 vs 70).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM6

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on comfort (92 vs 88).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) more score per dollar ($349 vs $449).

Sony WH-1000XM6 95
vs
90 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM6
95
anc 94
sound 96
comfort 92
battery 88
features 96
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)
90
anc 70
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 86
features 90

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM6 versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM6 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)
Driver
30 mm dynamic
—
ANC
Hybrid · 12-mic with QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor
—
Bluetooth
5.3 LE
—
Codecs
LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC
—
Battery
30 h (24 with ANC on)
—
Charging
USB-C, 3 min for 3 h
—
Weight
254 g
—
Type
—
Gaming headset
Variant
—
Black
Release year
—
2022

Sony WH-1000XM6

Pros
  • +Best sound quality in ANC class
  • +LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
  • +Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Cons
  • −ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
  • −Plastic build vs premium rivals
  • −No higher-res codecs above LDAC

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-1000XM6 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM6 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)? +

Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM6 worth the price? +

At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — 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-1000XM6 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 sound quality, Sony WH-1000XM6 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)? +

Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on sound (96 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM6 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)? +

Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on anc (94 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.