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AirPods Max (USB-C) — H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

88
/ 100
From $249
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 88).

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 Pro (Black)

Long-session wearability

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) leads on comfort (86 vs 82).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) more score per dollar ($249 vs $549).

AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs
88 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Score breakdown

AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)
88
anc 70
sound 88
comfort 86
battery 86
features 88

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max (USB-C) versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max (USB-C) SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)
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
—
2022

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Pros
  • +Premium aluminum build
  • +Seamless Apple integration
  • +Head-tracked spatial audio
Cons
  • −Still uses H1 (not H2)
  • −Heavy at 384 g
  • −No power button / auto-pause

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Pro (Black) worth the price? +

At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) 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 Pro (Black)? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.