SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
If you are torn between SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones, this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Comparison: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
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 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | 18–22 hours per battery (2 hot-swappable batteries included) | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
Battery Life | N/A (Infinity Power System: continuous play via hot-swap) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge (Headset); Spare battery charges inside Base Station (approx. 3 hours) | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous 2.4GHz Game Audio + Bluetooth Mobile Audio) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | No (Not supported) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 0.75 lbs (339 g) | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | On-ear: Power, Mute, Volume, Bluetooth; Base Station: Control Wheel, Touch button | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
App Eq | SteelSeries GG (Sonar Software Suite with Pro-grade Parametric EQ) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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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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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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Which one is better?
Based on ratings and feature balance, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has a slight edge for quality and performance. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (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))
For value or versatility: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones (Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system)
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. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). 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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