Sennheiser HD 800 S vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Name: Sennheiser HD 800 S vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless — Comparison Review
Item: Sennheiser HD 800 S vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Rating: 9
Author: Billy G.

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 21 by Billy G.

Verified Confidence: 82%

Verdict: The Sennheiser HD 800 S outperforms on pure audio metrics with a 56mm driver and 4 Hz-51 kHz response per manufacturer specs and RTINGS testing, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless leads in wireless gaming utility with its dual-battery system and 40mm drivers. The HD 800 S wins for critical listening but trails in convenience features. This is a close call only if wireless gaming is the sole priority.

Winner: Sennheiser HD 800 S

Sennheiser HD 800 S: 9/10

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: 7.5/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

	Sennheiser HD 800 S	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Driver Size	56mm	40mm
Impedance	300 ohms	—
Frequency Response	4 Hz - 51 kHz	10 Hz - 40 kHz
Weight	330 g	480 g

Sennheiser HD 800 S

What works

Reference-level soundstage and detail retrieval
Neutral and accurate frequency response
Durable metal construction with premium materials

What doesn't

Requires dedicated headphone amplifier
Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

What works

True wireless with dual-battery hot-swap system
Retractable microphone with AI noise cancellation
Integrated DAC and parametric EQ via software

What doesn't

Closed-back design limits soundstage compared to open headphones
Higher weight reduces long-session comfort

Bottom line

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800 S. It edges out the alternative on reference-level soundstage and detail retrieval. That said, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless still wins on true wireless with dual-battery hot-swap system — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.