SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
SteelSeries
73 Overall Score
vs
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony
95 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
82 out of 100 medium confidence 13 reviews
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
Build quality 4
Comfort 3
Audio clarity 3
Multi platform compatibility 4
Value for money 3
Microphone quality 2
Sony WH-1000XM6
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Commute
Budget
Gaming
Work
Studio
Calls
Music
Specifications
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.28 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | AirWeave memory cushion | synthetic leather |
| Headband | Aluminum | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | neodymium | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 30 mm★ |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 5 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 22 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 36 Ω | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | — | LDAC |
| Surround | 7.1 Virtual Surround | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | — | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | 1.5 m | — |
| Range | 9.100000381469727 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 60 hrs★ | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 0.25 hrs★ | 3 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes | 10 min for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 12★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Arctis Nova 5 Companion App | Sony | Sound Connect |
Pros & Cons
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
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (89th percentile)89th %ile
Verdict
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6
Scores 95 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 6 of 36 specs.