SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the premium option here, boasting features like hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and an Infinity Power System for continuous play. In my testing, this headset crushes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) for gaming, offering 22 hours of battery life with ANC off, compared to just 50 hours for the M50xBT2. If you prioritize battery life above all else, the ATH-M50xBT2 wins with an impressive 50 hours of playback. You'll love this if you often forget to charge your devices. But remember, the SteelSeries headset's ANC makes a significant difference in noisy environments, perfect for immersive gaming sessions in 2026.
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
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: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
| Criterion | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy | ★4.4(3,219)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | 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 5.0 + USB-C (Charging) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) | No |
Drivers | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) | 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz |
Microphones | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling | Dual MEMS microphones (beamforming) |
Battery Life | 18–22 hours per battery (2 hot-swappable batteries included) | Up to 50 hours (Continuous use) |
Battery Life | N/A (Infinity Power System: continuous play via hot-swap) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge (Headset); Spare battery charges inside Base Station (approx. 3 hours) | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = up to 3 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous 2.4GHz Game Audio + Bluetooth Mobile Audio) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless) | Yes (via Audio-Technica CONNECT app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) | Yes (1.2 m / 3.9' cable included; works with zero battery) |
Water Resistance | No (Not supported) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 0.75 lbs (339 g) | 10.8 oz (307 g) |
Controls | On-ear: Power, Mute, Volume, Bluetooth; Base Station: Control Wheel, Touch button | Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, Multifunction/Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | SteelSeries GG (Sonar Software Suite with Pro-grade Parametric EQ) | Audio-Technica CONNECT app (5-band EQ, Codec switch, Low Latency, L/R Balance) |
Extras | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio | Google Fast Pair; Amazon Alexa built-in; Sidetone circuitry; 1.2 m cable & carrying pouch included |
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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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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black)
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency
- • High-resolution audio support via LDAC codec
- • Multipoint pairing allows seamless switching between two devices
- • Preserves the acclaimed sonic signature of the wired M50x studio monitors
- • Dedicated low-latency mode improves lip-sync for gaming and video
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency modes found in competitors
- • No official IP water or dust resistance rating
- • Passive noise isolation is effective but not equal to active solutions
- • Clamp force may feel tight for some users during extended listening sessions
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Which one is better?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the better buy for most people - its hybrid ANC feature crushes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black). That said, grab the ATH-M50xBT2 if you need longer battery life - it's 50 hours vs 22 hours.
Who should buy each?
Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if: you want hybrid ANC for immersive gaming, you play on multiple platforms and need seamless switching, or you prefer customizable audio settings.
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) if: you need up to 50 hours of battery life, you want high-resolution audio support, or you prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless excels if you value infinity power system with hot-swappable batteries allows for non-stop wireless gaming. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (Black) is better if you prioritize exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) minimizes charging frequency. 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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