Sony WH-1000XM4 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 unless you need non-stop gaming capabilities. In real-world use, the Sony WH-1000XM4 shines with its industry-leading ANC and lightweight design at 8.96 ounces, making it perfect for long flights or commutes. On the flip side, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers hot-swappable batteries, which is great for gamers, but its comfort can be an issue for those with larger ears. You get 22 hours max, but it’s worth considering how you plan to use them.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
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: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sony WH-1000XM4
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | 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 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | 18–22 hours per battery (2 hot-swappable batteries included) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (Infinity Power System: continuous play via hot-swap) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h 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 | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | No (Not supported) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 0.75 lbs (339 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | On-ear: Power, Mute, Volume, Bluetooth; Base Station: Control Wheel, Touch button |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | SteelSeries GG (Sonar Software Suite with Pro-grade Parametric EQ) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
✓ Pros:
- • Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- • Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- • Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP water resistance rating
- • Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- • Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- • LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
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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?
Grab the SteelSeries if you need continuous play and love gaming - it's a no-brainer with its hot-swappable batteries.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want top-tier noise cancellation for travel, need up to 30 hours of battery life, or prefer a lightweight design for long sessions.
Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if: you need uninterrupted gaming with hot-swappable batteries, want to mix audio from two sources, or prefer a premium build with adjustable ANC.
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?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). 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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