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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue

Gaming · 2022 · Black

90
/ 100
From $349
VS
Sony WH-1000XM5 wins by 3
Sony WH-1000XM5 — Over-ear · 2022
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5

Over-ear · 2022

93
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue lands at 90 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility

Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Sony WH-1000XM5

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on sound (93 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM5

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on anc (91 vs 70).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM5

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on comfort (92 vs 88).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue 90
vs
93 Sony WH-1000XM5

Score breakdown

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue
90
anc 70
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 86
features 90
Sony WH-1000XM5
93
anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89

Specs side-by-side

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue versus Sony WH-1000XM5 — full spec comparison
Spec SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue Sony WH-1000XM5
Type
Gaming headset
Over-ear
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2022
2022

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue worth the price? +

At $349, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Is Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the price? +

At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.

Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue or Sony WH-1000XM5 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 Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on sound (93 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) · Navy Blue or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on anc (91 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.