AirPods Max (USB-C)
H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White
Gaming · 2024 · Black
AirPods Max (USB-C) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White at 82. That puts AirPods Max (USB-C) ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
- ✓Premium aluminum build
- ✓Seamless Apple integration
- ✓Head-tracked spatial audio
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White 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
AirPods Max (USB-C)Tuning, detail, and staging
AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 82).
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max (USB-C)ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on anc (92 vs 70).
Comfort
AirPods Max (USB-C)Long-session wearability
AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on comfort (82 vs 80).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic WhiteSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White more score per dollar ($129 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max (USB-C) | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | — |
| Battery | 20 h | — |
| Weight | 384 g | — |
| Connectivity | BT 5.0, USB-C lossless | — |
| Type | — | Gaming headset |
| Variant | — | Black |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
AirPods Max (USB-C)
- +Premium aluminum build
- +Seamless Apple integration
- +Head-tracked spatial audio
- −Still uses H1 (not H2)
- −Heavy at 384 g
- −No power button / auto-pause
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White
- +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 (USB-C) vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White
Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Max (USB-C) worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in anc.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White 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 sound quality, AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Arctic White? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.