SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black
Gaming · 2022 · Black
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Open-back
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black lands at 88 and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight BlackANC strength for commute and travel
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black leads on anc (70 vs 0).
Comfort
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 ProLong-session wearability
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro leads on comfort (88 vs 86).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight BlackSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($249 vs $599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Open-back |
| Variant | Black | — |
| Release year | 2022 | — |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro worth the price? +
At $599, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro 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 noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is better for comfort, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — leads on comfort (88 vs 86). Long-session wearability.