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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

86
/ 100
From $179
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) at 86. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 2 points — a narrow 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 7 Wireless (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 86).

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 84).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) more score per dollar ($179 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
86 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
86
anc 70
sound 86
comfort 84
battery 86
features 86

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2020
2022
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 7 Wireless (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 7 Wireless (Black)

Which is better, AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 7 Wireless (Black) worth the price? +

At $179, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (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 7 Wireless (Black)? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +

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