Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is the flagship option here, boasting industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that crushes the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. On the other hand, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers an impressive 22 hours of battery life with its hot-swappable battery system, making it ideal for marathon gaming sessions. If you’re gaming for hours, its seamless switching between platforms gives it an edge in versatility. Key specs: Battery Life: 20h vs 22h and Weight: 0.85 lb vs 0.75 lb.
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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
| Criterion | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(3,079)Amazon | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; USB-C (charging + lossless wired audio) | 2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless + Bluetooth 5.0; Base Station: 2x USB-C System, 1x 3.5mm Line-In, 1x 3.5mm Line-Out |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Codecs | AAC, SBC (Wireless); ALAC (Wired via USB-C) | SBC |
ANC | Yes (Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) |
Drivers | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) |
Frequency Response | Not officially specified | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | 9 mics (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup - 2 shared) | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling |
Battery Life | Up to 20 h (with ANC/Spatial Audio) | 18–22 hours per battery (2 hot-swappable batteries included) |
Battery Life | N/A (Smart Case preserves battery, does not charge) | N/A (Infinity Power System: continuous play via hot-swap) |
Charging | USB-C | USB-C Fast Charge (Headset); Spare battery charges inside Base Station (approx. 3 hours) |
Multipoint | Automatic Switching (Apple ecosystem only) | Yes (Simultaneous 2.4GHz Game Audio + Bluetooth Mobile Audio) |
Low Latency Mode | Ultra-low latency via USB-C (wired) | Yes (2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Lossless digital audio via USB-C cable) | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) |
Water Resistance | None | No (Not supported) |
Weight | 0.85 lb (385 g) | 0.75 lbs (339 g) |
Controls | Digital Crown (volume/control), Noise Control button | On-ear: Power, Mute, Volume, Bluetooth; Base Station: Control Wheel, Touch button |
App Eq | iOS Settings (Headphone Accommodations) | SteelSeries GG (Sonar Software Suite with Pro-grade Parametric EQ) |
Extras | Personalized Spatial Audio; Find My support; Smart Case (low power mode) | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio |
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Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
✓ Pros:
- • Seamless switching and integration within Apple ecosystem
- • Class-leading ANC and Transparency modes
- • Native Lossless Audio support via USB-C cable
- • Premium build quality with breathable mesh canopy
✗ Cons:
- • Heavier than most competitors (385g)
- • Smart Case offers minimal physical protection
- • Retains older H1 chip (misses Adaptive Audio/Conversation Awareness)
- • Expensive MSRP ($549) unchanged
- • No official water resistance rating
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
✓ Pros:
- • Infinity Power System with hot-swappable batteries allows for non-stop wireless gaming
- • Base Station enables seamless switching between two platforms (e.g., PC and Console)
- • Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio mixing is perfect for taking calls while gaming
- • Sonar software provides a professional-grade parametric EQ for precise audio tuning
- • Premium build with retractable mic and effective Active Noise Cancellation
✗ Cons:
- • ANC components inside the ear cups may cause discomfort for users with larger ears
- • Bluetooth connectivity is limited to the basic SBC codec
- • High price point places it in the top-tier luxury bracket
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Which one is better?
Battery life: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is rated for up to 22 hours. That said, grab the AirPods Max if you want the best ANC experience - it's perfect for total immersion in music or movies.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if: you need top-notch Active Noise Cancellation for immersive listening, you frequently switch between Apple devices, or you want lossless audio via USB-C.
Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if: you want the longest battery life for gaming, you need to connect multiple devices simultaneously, or you prefer a lighter headset for extended use.
Conclusion
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) excels if you value seamless switching and integration within apple ecosystem. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is better if you prioritize infinity power system with hot-swappable batteries allows for non-stop wireless gaming. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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