SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
SteelSeries
39 Overall Score
vs
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony
88 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
No customer feedback yet
Sony WH-1000XM4
68 out of 100 high confidence 545 reviews
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones receive mostly positive feedback for their excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfort. However, many users report durability issues, particularly with the hinges, and some complain about software quirks like the speak-to-chat feature and Bluetooth connectivity problems. While the audio experience is highly praised, the build quality and software reliability are common concerns.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Great battery life
- Customizable EQ via app
Cons
- Hinge durability issues
- Speak-to-chat feature glitchy
- Bluetooth connectivity problems
- Charging issues
- Touch controls unreliable
Sound quality 28
Noise cancellation 22
Build quality 15
Comfort 12
Battery life 10
Bluetooth connectivity 8
Scores
Budget
Commute
Work
Gaming
Music
Calls
Studio
Specifications
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.24 kg★ | 0.25 kg |
| Ear Cushion | AirWeave memory foam | foamed urethane |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | — | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 105 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset Hi-Fi Drivers 360° Spatial Audio Comfort Design Durable Ultra Lightweight Noise-Cancelling Mic PC, PS5/PS4, Switch, Xbox - White | LDAC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | industry-leading |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.0★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 9.100000381469727 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 5 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 5★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Sonar Software | Sony | Headphones Connect |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX0 |
Pros & Cons
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
- Strong mic (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong comfort (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average social proof (24th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Sony WH-1000XM4
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (13th percentile)13th %ile
Verdict
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 18 of 40 specs.