SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Open-back
Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) lands at 88 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S 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
Sennheiser HD 800 STuning, detail, and staging
Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on sound (95 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)ANC strength for commute and travel
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) leads on anc (70 vs 0).
Comfort
Sennheiser HD 800 SLong-session wearability
Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on comfort (88 vs 86).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($249 vs $1,699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) | Sennheiser HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Open-back |
| Variant | PS5 Edition | — |
| Release year | 2022 | — |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
Sennheiser HD 800 S
- +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 (PS5 Edition) vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +
At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) or Sennheiser HD 800 S 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 Pro (PS5 Edition) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
Sennheiser HD 800 S — leads on sound (95 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.