SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White)
Gaming · 2022 · White
AirPods Max (USB-C)
H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) 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 (White) 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
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
AirPods Max (USB-C)Tuning, detail, and staging
AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 88).
Noise cancelling
AirPods Max (USB-C)ANC strength for commute and travel
AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on anc (92 vs 70).
Comfort
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White)Long-session wearability
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) leads on comfort (86 vs 82).
Value for money
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) more score per dollar ($249 vs $549).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) | AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | — |
| Variant | White | — |
| 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 (White)
- +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 (USB-C)
- +Premium aluminum build
- +Seamless Apple integration
- +Head-tracked spatial audio
- −Still uses H1 (not H2)
- −Heavy at 384 g
- −No power button / auto-pause
FAQ: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) vs AirPods Max (USB-C)
Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) 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 (White) worth the price? +
At $249, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) 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 (White) 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.
Which is better for sound quality, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) or AirPods Max (USB-C)? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (White) or AirPods Max (USB-C)? +
AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.