Skip to content
HearWiki

Sennheiser Massdrop HD 6XX vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - Great overall at around $190.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sennheiser Massdrop HD 6XX
Sound8.5
Value8.0
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery9.0
Calls8.5
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Sennheiser Massdrop HD 6XX vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
SpecSennheiser Massdrop HD 6XXSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
TypeGamingGaming
Price (USD)$260$190
HearWiki score82 / 100 · Great84 / 100 · Great
Released20162022
Audio
Driverdynamic, open-backdynamic
Driver size40 mm40 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response10Hz-41kHz10 Hz - 22,000 Hz
Impedance300 Ω38 Ω
Sensitivity103 dB/mW93 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth-5
Bluetooth version-5.0
Codecs-SBC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life-22 h
Battery life (ANC on)-36 h
Battery incl. case-44 h
Full charge time-15 min
Quick charge-15 min = 3 h
Wireless charging-No
Features
Active noise cancellingNoYes
ANC type-hybrid
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-No
Controls-buttons
Design
Weight260 g337 g
Water resistance-none
Detachable cableYes-
USB-CNoYes
Calls
Microphones-1

What reviewers said

Sennheiser Massdrop HD 6XX

The Sennheiser Massdrop HD 6XX is a budget-friendly open-back headphone that delivers a natural, mid-focused sound with excellent clarity, making it a solid entry point into high-fidelity audio. While its 300-ohm impedance demands a decent amplifier, its lightweight build and detachable cable add practical value, though the soundstage remains somewhat intimate and it's not meant for on-the-go use. Overall, it's a great value pick for critical listening at home rather than a bass-heavy or portable option.

  • Pro:Excellent midrange clarity and neutral tuning
  • Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight for long sessions
  • Pro:Detachable cable and included adapter add convenience
  • Con:Requires a powerful amp due to high impedance
  • Con:Limited soundstage compared to some open-backs
  • Con:Not suitable for travel or portable use

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium gaming headset that pairs solid wireless freedom with hybrid active noise cancellation and a handy hot-swappable battery setup. Its balanced sound, clear detachable mic, and strong app-based tuning make it a versatile pick for gamers, though it comes at a steep price and carries some tuning quirks. The included base station adds extra flexibility by juggling multiple audio sources and offering quick battery swaps for longer sessions.

  • Pro:Hot-swappable batteries for extended playtime
  • Pro:Versatile base station with dual audio connections
  • Pro:Effective noise cancellation and transparency mode
  • Con:Pricey compared to many rivals
  • Con:Frequency response consistency could be better
  • Con:ANC performance is decent but not class-leading

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.