Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (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) 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) 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
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

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)

ANC strength for commute and travel

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (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)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

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

Score breakdown

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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (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) vs HiFiMan Edition XS

Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (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) worth the price? +

At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (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) 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) or HiFiMan Edition XS? +

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

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

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