Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones unless you prioritize gaming versatility. The numbers speak volumes: 24 hours of battery life beats the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless's 22 hours, plus its advanced noise cancellation is unmatched. In real-world use, the Bose headphones provide superior comfort and immersive audio. The 254g weight feels lighter during extended wear, making it a go-to for long listening sessions. Meanwhile, the SteelSeries shines with its hot-swappable batteries, ideal for uninterrupted gaming, but you might find the ANC less effective during casual listening.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired | 2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless + Bluetooth 5.0; Base Station: 2x USB-C System, 1x 3.5mm Line-In, 1x 3.5mm Line-Out |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) | SBC |
ANC | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) |
Drivers | Custom-designed proprietary drivers | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) |
Frequency Response | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | Advanced array (12 microphones total) | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) | 18–22 hours per battery (2 hot-swappable batteries included) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Infinity Power System: continuous play via hot-swap) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C Fast Charge (Headset); Spare battery charges inside Base Station (approx. 3 hours) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Simultaneous 2.4GHz Game Audio + Bluetooth Mobile Audio) |
Low Latency Mode | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) | Yes (2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless) |
Wired Mode | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) |
Water Resistance | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) | No (Not supported) |
Weight | 254 g (0.56 lb) | 0.75 lbs (339 g) |
Controls | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) | On-ear: Power, Mute, Volume, Bluetooth; Base Station: Control Wheel, Touch button |
App Eq | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) | SteelSeries GG (Sonar Software Suite with Pro-grade Parametric EQ) |
Extras | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio |
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- • Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
- • Extremely comfortable with plush earcups and headband
- • Supports aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound for Android
- • Foldable design makes it more portable than the NC700
✗ Cons:
- • High price tag compared to competitors
- • 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
- • USB-C port is for charging only (no USB audio)
- • Cannot fully turn off ANC (only switch modes)
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
✓ Pros:
- • Infinity Power System with hot-swappable batteries allows for non-stop wireless gaming
- • Base Station enables seamless switching between two platforms (e.g., PC and Console)
- • Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio mixing is perfect for taking calls while gaming
- • Sonar software provides a professional-grade parametric EQ for precise audio tuning
- • Premium build with retractable mic and effective Active Noise Cancellation
✗ Cons:
- • ANC components inside the ear cups may cause discomfort for users with larger ears
- • Bluetooth connectivity is limited to the basic SBC codec
- • High price point places it in the top-tier luxury bracket
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Which one is better?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the better buy for most people - its 24-hour battery life crushes the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless's 22 hours. That said, grab the SteelSeries if you need nonstop gaming with its hot-swappable battery feature.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if: you want superior noise cancellation, need long battery life for travel, or enjoy immersive audio experiences.
Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if: you play games for hours on end, need seamless platform switching, or value hot-swappable batteries for continuous use.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones excels if you value market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is better if you prioritize infinity power system with hot-swappable batteries allows for non-stop wireless gaming. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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