Nothing Headphone (a) B186 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
Nothing
87 Overall Score
vs
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
SteelSeries
38 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
88 out of 100 medium confidence 12 reviews
Users are overwhelmingly positive about these Nothing headphones, praising the exceptional battery life, comfortable fit, and intuitive controls like the scroll wheel. The sound quality is generally considered great for the price, though one audiophile friend rated it 5/10 and some note the noise cancellation isn't the strongest. The app's customization options and sleek design are also highlights, with minor complaints about glossy plastic showing smudges and snugness over long periods.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Intuitive controls
- Great sound for price
- Customizable app
Cons
- Glossy plastic shows smudges
- Noise cancellation not strongest
- Slightly snug over long periods
- Transparency mode could improve
Battery life 6
Sound quality 7
Comfort 5
Controls 5
App customization 5
Noise cancelling 4
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Music
Commute
Work
Gaming
Studio
Calls
Specifications
| Nothing Headphone (a) B186 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | on-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.46 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | Faux Leather |
| Headband | Liquid Silicone Padding | Aluminium |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | 100 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 10 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 2200 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB★ | 93 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | — |
| Surround | Virtual Surround | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive hybrid | AI Powered |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | — |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 135 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 5★ | 1 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Pattern | — | Bi-Directional |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | Nothing X | Sonar Software |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | — |
Pros & Cons
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong battery (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average affordability (25th percentile)
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
- Strong mic (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong build (74th percentile)
- Below average comfort (7th percentile)7th %ile
- Below average social proof (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average affordability (18th percentile)18th %ile
Pricing
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
No current pricing available
Verdict
Winner: Nothing Headphone (a) B186
Scores 87 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 39 specs.
