SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Sony WH-1000XM6
LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
Sony WH-1000XM6 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) lands at 88 and Sony WH-1000XM6 at 95. That puts Sony WH-1000XM6 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 Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Best sound quality in ANC class
- ✓LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- ✓Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sony WH-1000XM6Tuning, detail, and staging
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on sound (96 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM6ANC strength for commute and travel
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on anc (94 vs 70).
Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM6Long-session wearability
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on comfort (92 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 $449).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | — |
| Variant | PS5 Edition | — |
| Release year | 2022 | — |
| Driver | — | 30 mm dynamic |
| ANC | — | Hybrid · 12-mic with QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 LE |
| Codecs | — | LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | — | 30 h (24 with ANC on) |
| Charging | — | USB-C, 3 min for 3 h |
| Weight | — | 254 g |
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
Sony WH-1000XM6
- +Best sound quality in ANC class
- +LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- +Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
- −ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
- −Plastic build vs premium rivals
- −No higher-res codecs above LDAC
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 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 Sony WH-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) or Sony WH-1000XM6 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 Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on sound (96 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on anc (94 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.