AirPods Max (USB-C)
H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)
Gaming · 2022 · White
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 7 Wireless (White) at 86. That puts AirPods Max (USB-C) ahead by 2 points — a narrow 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 7 Wireless (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 86).
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max (USB-C)ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on anc (92 vs 70).
Comfort
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)Long-session wearability
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White) leads on comfort (84 vs 82).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White) more score per dollar ($179 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Max (USB-C) | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (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 | — | White |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
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 7 Wireless (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 7 Wireless (White)
Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 7 Wireless (White) worth the price? +
At $179, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (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 7 Wireless (White)? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (White)? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.