Apple AirPods Max 2
Apple
88 Overall Score
vs
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 61561
SteelSeries
56 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Max 2
78 out of 100 high confidence 159 reviews
The Apple AirPods Max 2 receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, powerful noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Many users praise the clear, immersive audio and the effective ANC that can block out most background noise. However, significant complaints include high weight causing neck discomfort, poor battery life with rapid drain, and connectivity issues like frequent disconnections. A few users also report defective units that stop working within weeks, and the lack of a power-off button is a common frustration.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Powerful noise cancellation
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Premium build quality
- Comfortable for extended use
Cons
- Heavy weight causes neck discomfort
- Poor battery life with rapid drain
- Frequent disconnection issues
- No power-off button
- Defective units stop working early
Sound quality 35
Noise cancellation 28
Battery life 12
Build quality 15
Weight and comfort 10
Connectivity 8
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 61561
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Work
Commute
Gaming
Calls
Music
Studio
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 61561 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.39 kg★ | 0.76 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | AirWeave Memory Foam |
| Headband | Breathable knit mesh with stainless steel frame | Steel |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | neodymium |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, Live Translation, Bluetooth Headphones – Starlight with AppleCare+ (2 years) | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless Multi-Platform Gaming Headset — Neodymium Magnetic Drivers — 2.4GHz + Bluetooth — 38Hr USB-C Battery — Gen2 AI Mic — PlayStation, PC, Switch, VR, Mobile - White |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | Spatial Audio, Tempest 3D |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Detachable Cable | ✗ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 38 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs | 0.25 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1.5 Hour | 15 min charge for 6 hours more game |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | iOS Only | Sonar Software |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | ✓★ |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max 2
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 61561
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong mic (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong anc (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong battery (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average comfort (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Max 2
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 36 specs.