SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black)
Gaming · 2024 · Black
Sony WH-1000XM3
Over-ear · 2018
Sony WH-1000XM3 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) lands at 82 and Sony WH-1000XM3 at 86. That puts Sony WH-1000XM3 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sony WH-1000XM3Tuning, detail, and staging
Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on sound (86 vs 82).
Noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM3ANC strength for commute and travel
Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on anc (84 vs 70).
Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM3Long-session wearability
Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on comfort (85 vs 80).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) more score per dollar ($129 vs $349).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) | Sony WH-1000XM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Over-ear |
| Variant | Black | — |
| Release year | 2024 | 2018 |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
Sony WH-1000XM3
- +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
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) vs Sony WH-1000XM3
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) or Sony WH-1000XM3? +
Sony WH-1000XM3 scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) worth the price? +
At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +
At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) or Sony WH-1000XM3 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, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) or Sony WH-1000XM3? +
Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on sound (86 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) or Sony WH-1000XM3? +
Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on anc (84 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.