SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
If you're looking for the best performance, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the flagship option that crushes the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e in audio technology with its immersive 360° Spatial Audio. However, it’s slightly heavier at 12 oz compared to the luxurious 10.8 oz of the Px7 S2e, which may make a difference during long listening sessions. In real-world use, the Arctis Nova offers 22 hours of battery life, but the Px7 S2e takes the lead with up to 30 hours. That means you can enjoy your tunes for longer without worrying about recharging—ideal for travel or long gaming sessions. The choice ultimately boils down to whether you prioritize advanced audio capabilities or extended playback time.
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
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 Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
| Criterion | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy | ★4.4(1,676)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 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) |
Drivers | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) | 2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 10 Hz – 30,000 Hz |
Microphones | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling | 6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony) |
Battery Life | 18–22 hours per battery (2 hot-swappable batteries included) | Up to 30 hours |
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 Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous 2.4GHz Game Audio + Bluetooth Mobile Audio) | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless) | No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) | Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables) |
Water Resistance | No (Not supported) | No (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 (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button) |
App Eq | SteelSeries GG (Sonar Software Suite with Pro-grade Parametric EQ) | Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Basic Bass/Treble tone controls only) |
Extras | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio | Wear-Detection Sensor; 24-bit DSP Engine; Hard-shell carrying case 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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Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
✓ Pros:
- • Luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing
- • Sophisticated 24-bit DSP tuning offers a significant sonic upgrade over the standard S2
- • Support for high-quality codecs (aptX™ Adaptive/HD) ensures fidelity on Android
- • USB-C port functions as a direct digital audio interface for computers
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control without accidental touches
✗ Cons:
- • App EQ is restricted to simple Bass and Treble sliders (no multi-band equalization)
- • Active Noise Cancellation is effective but trails behind top-tier Sony and Bose models
- • No official water resistance rating (IP) warns against use in rain or heavy workouts
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Which one is better?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the better buy for most people - its immersive 360° Spatial Audio crushes the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e. That said, grab the Px7 S2e if you need longer battery life with up to 30 hours of playtime - it's lighter and more comfortable for extended use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if: you want the best audio experience for gaming, you need seamless switching between devices, or you appreciate advanced sound tuning.
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e if: you prioritize longer battery life with 30 hours, you prefer lighter headphones for comfort, or you want a more luxurious build quality with fine materials.
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?
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless excels if you value infinity power system with hot-swappable batteries allows for non-stop wireless gaming. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e is better if you prioritize luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing. 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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