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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black — Gaming · 2024 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black

Gaming · 2024 · Black

82
/ 100
From $129
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black at 82. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight 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

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 82).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 70).

Comfort

AirPods Max

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max leads on comfort (87 vs 80).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($129 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
82 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black
82
anc 70
sound 82
comfort 80
battery 86
features 82

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2020
2024
Variant
—
Black

AirPods Max

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight 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 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black

Which is better, AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight 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 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Midnight Black? +

AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.