SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold
Gaming · 2024 · Black
Bose QC45
Over-ear · 2021
Bose QC45 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold lands at 82 and Bose QC45 at 88. That puts Bose QC45 ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick Bose QC45 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Bose QC45Tuning, detail, and staging
Bose QC45 leads on sound (88 vs 82).
Noise cancelling
Bose QC45ANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QC45 leads on anc (86 vs 70).
Comfort
Bose QC45Long-session wearability
Bose QC45 leads on comfort (87 vs 80).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose GoldSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold more score per dollar ($129 vs $329).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Over-ear |
| Variant | Black | — |
| Release year | 2024 | 2021 |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
Bose QC45
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold vs Bose QC45
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold or Bose QC45? +
Bose QC45 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold worth the price? +
At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Is Bose QC45 worth the price? +
At $329, Bose QC45 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold or Bose QC45 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold or Bose QC45? +
Bose QC45 — leads on sound (88 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold or Bose QC45? +
Bose QC45 — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.