SteelSeries
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
88
/ 100
From $249
VS
Apple
AirPods Max (USB-C)
H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) lands at 88 and AirPods Max (USB-C) at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
- ✓Premium aluminum build
- ✓Seamless Apple integration
- ✓Head-tracked spatial audio
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) 88
vs 88 AirPods Max (USB-C)
Score breakdown
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
88 anc 70
sound 88
comfort 86
battery 86
features 88
AirPods Max (USB-C)
88 anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) | AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | — |
| Variant | PS5 Edition | — |
| Release year | 2022 | — |
| Driver | — | 40 mm dynamic |
| Codecs | — | AAC, SBC |
| Battery | — | 20 h |
| Weight | — | 384 g |
| Connectivity | — | BT 5.0, USB-C lossless |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition)
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 (USB-C)
Pros
- +Premium aluminum build
- +Seamless Apple integration
- +Head-tracked spatial audio
Cons
- −Still uses H1 (not H2)
- −Heavy at 384 g
- −No power button / auto-pause
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) vs AirPods Max (USB-C)
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) or AirPods Max (USB-C)? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +
At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.
Is AirPods Max (USB-C) worth the price? +
At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in anc.
Does SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (PS5 Edition) or AirPods Max (USB-C) 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.