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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) · Navy Blue — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue

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) · Navy Blue 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) · Navy Blue 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) · Navy Blue

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

AirPods Max 88
vs
88 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue
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) · Navy Blue

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) · Navy Blue

Which is better, AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue? +

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) · Navy Blue worth the price? +

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

Does AirPods Max or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Black) · Navy Blue 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) · Navy Blue? +

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) · Navy Blue? +

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