SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold
Gaming · 2024 · Black
AirPods Max
Over-ear · 2020
AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold lands at 82 and AirPods Max at 88. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick AirPods Max if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
AirPods MaxTuning, detail, and staging
AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 82).
Noise cancelling
AirPods MaxANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 70).
Comfort
AirPods MaxLong-session wearability
AirPods Max leads on comfort (87 vs 80).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose GoldSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold more score per dollar ($129 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Over-ear |
| Variant | Black | — |
| Release year | 2024 | 2020 |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
AirPods Max
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold vs AirPods Max
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold or AirPods Max? +
AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold worth the price? +
At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Is AirPods Max worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold or AirPods Max 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, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold or AirPods Max? +
AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (Black) · Rose Gold or AirPods Max? +
AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.