AirPods Max · Arctic White
Over-ear · 2020
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max · Arctic White lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AirPods Max · Arctic White if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max · Arctic WhiteANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max · Arctic White leads on anc (86 vs 70).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($249 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max · Arctic White | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Gaming headset |
| Release year | 2020 | 2022 |
| Variant | — | PS5 Edition |
AirPods Max · Arctic White
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: AirPods Max · Arctic White vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Which is better, AirPods Max · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Max · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +
At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Max · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) 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 noise cancelling, AirPods Max · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
AirPods Max · Arctic White — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.
Which is the better value, AirPods Max · Arctic White or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)? +
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) — more score per dollar ($249 vs $549). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.