Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
H1 · ANC · Spatial Audio · USB-C
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
Gaming · 2022 · Black
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) lands at 89 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) at 86. That puts Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) if…
- ✓Best-in-class build quality
- ✓Apple ecosystem integration
- ✓USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)Tuning, detail, and staging
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on sound (92 vs 86).
Noise cancelling
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)ANC strength for commute and travel
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) leads on anc (92 vs 70).
Comfort
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)Long-session wearability
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) leads on comfort (84 vs 80).
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).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | — |
| ANC | Hybrid 9-mic | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | — |
| Codecs | AAC + Lossless USB-C | — |
| Battery | 20 hr (with ANC) | — |
| Charging | USB-C | — |
| Weight | 384 g | — |
| Type | — | Gaming headset |
| Variant | — | Black |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)
- +Best-in-class build quality
- +Apple ecosystem integration
- +USB-C with lossless support (Vision Pro)
- −No new chip vs original
- −Heavy at 384g
- −No fold-flat design
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
Which is better, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) scores 89 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) worth the price? +
At $549, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in anc.
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 Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) 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, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)? +
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.