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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

90
/ 100
From $349
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 5
Sennheiser HD 800 S — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Open-back

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) lands at 90 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility

Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on sound (95 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

ANC strength for commute and travel

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) more score per dollar ($349 vs $1,699).

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) 90
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800 S

Score breakdown

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)
90
anc 70
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 86
features 90
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95
anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) versus Sennheiser HD 800 S — full spec comparison
Spec SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) Sennheiser HD 800 S
Type
Gaming headset
Open-back
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2022
—

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) worth the price? +

At $349, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.

Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S 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 Pro Wireless (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S — leads on sound (95 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.