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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 (USB-C) wins by 2
AirPods Max (USB-C) — H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking

88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max (USB-C) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) lands at 86 and AirPods Max (USB-C) at 88. That puts AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 86).

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 7 Wireless (Black)

Long-session wearability

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) leads on comfort (84 vs 82).

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 (USB-C)

Score breakdown

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black)
86
anc 70
sound 86
comfort 84
battery 86
features 86
AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86

Specs side-by-side

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) versus AirPods Max (USB-C) — full spec comparison
Spec SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless (Black) AirPods Max (USB-C)
Type
Gaming headset
—
Variant
Black
—
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 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 (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 7 Wireless (Black) vs AirPods Max (USB-C)

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

AirPods Max (USB-C) 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 (USB-C) worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in anc.

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

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.

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

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on anc (92 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.