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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black

Gaming · 2022 · Black

88
/ 100
From $249
VS
HiFiMan Edition XS — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Edition XS

Planar magnetic

88
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black lands at 88 and HiFiMan Edition XS 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 HiFiMan Edition XS if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black

ANC strength for commute and travel

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

HiFiMan Edition XS

Long-session wearability

HiFiMan Edition XS leads on comfort (88 vs 86).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($249 vs $499).

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black 88
vs
88 HiFiMan Edition XS

Score breakdown

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black
88
anc 70
sound 88
comfort 86
battery 86
features 88
HiFiMan Edition XS
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black versus HiFiMan Edition XS — full spec comparison
Spec SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black HiFiMan Edition XS
Type
Gaming headset
Planar magnetic
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2022
—

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight 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

HiFiMan Edition XS

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black vs HiFiMan Edition XS

Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black or HiFiMan Edition XS? +

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 HiFiMan Edition XS worth the price? +

At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Midnight Black or HiFiMan Edition XS 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 HiFiMan Edition XS? +

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 HiFiMan Edition XS? +

HiFiMan Edition XS — leads on comfort (88 vs 86). Long-session wearability.