Sony WH-1000XM6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
What Buyers Say
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns praise for its exceptional noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and comfortable fit for many users, with several calling it the best headphones they've owned. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious drawbacks: uncomfortable clamping force and shallow earcups causing pain, buggy multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a fingerprint-prone finish, and disappointing customer service regarding warranty repairs and promised free gifts. While the ANC and audio are top-tier, comfort and reliability issues prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Clear and detailed sound quality
- Comfortable for many users
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Uncomfortable clamping force
- Shallow earcups causing pain
- Buggy multipoint Bluetooth
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- Poor customer service
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this headset, praising its build quality, comfort, and sound clarity across multiple platforms. The Bluetooth adapter's USB shape is a minor annoyance for some PS5 users, and the mic picks up background noise, but overall it is seen as a budget-friendly, high-value purchase.
Pros
- Build quality
- Comfortable fit
- Great audio clarity
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Lightweight design
Cons
- USB adapter shape blocks other ports
- Microphone picks up background noise
- Slightly pricey for some
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.28 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | AirWeave memory cushion |
| Headband | synthetic leather | Aluminum |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | neodymium |
| Driver Size | 30 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 36 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 93 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | — |
| Surround | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Studio-Quality, New Sandstone Color | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony | Sa | 7.1 Virtual Surround |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | — |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | — |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.5 m |
| Range | 10 m★ | 9.100000381469727 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 60 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs | 0.25 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | Arctis Nova 5 Companion App |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | — |
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
- Strong mic (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong battery (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong connectivity (91st percentile)91st %ile
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 11 of 41 specs.