Introduction
The Sennheiser HD560s is widely considered the best ‘entry-level audiophile’ headphone for gaming because of its massive soundstage. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, meanwhile, is the pinnacle of gaming tech, offering ANC, hot-swappable batteries, and simultaneous Bluetooth.
Verdict
For pure competitive advantage, the Sennheiser soundstage is hard to beat. For every other convenience, the SteelSeries is the ultimate headset.
Sennheiser HD560s
Open-back, Neutral tuning, exceptional soundstage for footstep tracking.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Active Noise Cancellation, Hot-Swap Battery, GameDAC Gen 2 included.
Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Sennheiser HD560s | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back (Wired) | Closed-back (Wireless) |
| ANC | No | Yes |
| Microphone | None (Requires external) | Retractable ClearCast Gen 2 |
| Battery Life | Infinite (Wired) | Hot-Swap (Dual batteries) |
| Soundstage | Wide & Natural | Narrow & Immersive |
Soundstage and Imaging
The open-back design of the Sennheiser allows air to move, creating a '3D' space where it's very easy to tell exactly where a sound is coming from. The Nova Pro is closed-back, which is better for immersion and blocking out background noise, but can feel more 'inside your head'.
Which should you buy?
Buy the HD560s if:
- You already have a dedicated microphone
- You prioritise natural sound and music quality
- You play in a quiet room
Buy the Nova Pro Wireless if:
- You want the convenience of wireless
- You need to block out noise (ANC)
- You switch between PC and Console frequently
Last verified: 2026-02-22