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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

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 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 if…

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

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

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 70).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

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 88
vs
88 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (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 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 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)

Which is better, AirPods Max 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 worth the price? +

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

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 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 noise cancelling, AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)? +

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

Which is the better value, AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black)? +

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