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SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition

82
/ 100
From $129
VS
AirPods Max wins by 6
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 5 (PS5 Edition) 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 (PS5 Edition) 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)
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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 82).

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 80).

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($129 vs $549).

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) 82
vs
88 AirPods Max

Score breakdown

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition)
82
anc 70
sound 82
comfort 80
battery 86
features 82
AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) versus AirPods Max — full spec comparison
Spec SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) AirPods Max
Type
Gaming headset
Over-ear
Variant
PS5 Edition
—
Release year
2024
2020

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (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

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 5 (PS5 Edition) vs AirPods Max

Which is better, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) 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 (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $129, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (PS5 Edition) 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 (PS5 Edition) 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 (PS5 Edition) 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 (PS5 Edition) or AirPods Max? +

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