Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

86
/ 100
From $179
VS
AirPods Max wins by 2
AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) lands at 86 and AirPods Max at 88. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) 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)
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

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).

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

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

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

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

FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) vs AirPods Max

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

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

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.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

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

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

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

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

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