SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Get the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless unless you need ultimate comfort. The numbers: 24-hour battery life on the Bose QuietComfort SC vs 22 hours with ANC on the SteelSeries. Plus, the Bose weighs just 8.5oz, making it easier for all-day wear. In real-world use, the SteelSeries offers an Infinity Power System with hot-swappable batteries for non-stop gaming. However, Bose's world-class noise cancellation and adjustable modes are perfect for anyone wanting to tune out distractions, making it a fantastic mid-range choice for those who prioritize comfort and long battery life.
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Bose QuietComfort SC
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 Bose QuietComfort SC
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Bose QuietComfort SC
| Criterion | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Bose QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy | ★4.6(16,733)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 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | Not disclosed by manufacturer |
Microphones | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable |
Battery Life | 18–22 hours per battery (2 hot-swappable batteries included) | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
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; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 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) | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) |
Water Resistance | No (Not supported) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 0.75 lbs (339 g) | 8.5 oz (240 g) |
Controls | On-ear: Power, Mute, Volume, Bluetooth; Base Station: Control Wheel, Touch button | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) |
App Eq | SteelSeries GG (Sonar Software Suite with Pro-grade Parametric EQ) | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) |
Extras | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap |
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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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Bose QuietComfort SC
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
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Which one is better?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the better buy for most people - its Infinity Power System allows endless gaming without downtime.
Who should buy each?
Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if: you game for hours without interruption, need top-tier sound customization, or switch between devices frequently.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort SC if: you prioritize comfort for long listening sessions, need excellent noise cancellation, or want a lightweight option for travel.
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. Bose QuietComfort SC is better if you prioritize world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. 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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