Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones win for most people, thanks to their industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) and impressive 30-hour battery life. You'd expect SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless to compete fiercely, but its hybrid ANC doesn't quite match Sony's superior performance. In real-world use, the 30-hour battery means you can enjoy uninterrupted listening on long flights or commutes, while the SteelSeries offers only 18-22 hours with its hot-swappable batteries. If you're serious about audio quality and noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a no-brainer for your next upgrade in 2026.
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless 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: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | 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 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | 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; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C Fast Charge (Headset); Spare battery charges inside Base Station (approx. 3 hours) |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Simultaneous 2.4GHz Game Audio + Bluetooth Mobile Audio) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | Yes (2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (Not supported) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 0.75 lbs (339 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | 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, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
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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 Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are the better buy for most people - their industry-leading ANC crushes the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. That said, grab the SteelSeries if you need hot-swappable batteries for gaming - it's designed for longer play sessions.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you want top-tier noise cancellation, need excellent call quality with 8 microphones, or enjoy long listening sessions with up to 30 hours of battery life.
Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if: you need continuous play with hot-swappable batteries, want to switch seamlessly between gaming platforms, or prefer a customizable audio experience through the Sonar software.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels if you value market-leading 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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