Audeze Maxwell vs Arctis Nova Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Audeze Maxwell & Arctis Nova Pro many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Audeze Maxwell rather than the Arctis Nova Pro.

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The Audeze Maxwell?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Audeze Maxwell? 

  • The Audeze Maxwell features planar magnetic drivers for exceptionally detailed, low-distortion audio reproduction across all frequencies, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro uses dynamic drivers.
  • Audeze Maxwell comes with an extended battery life of up to 80 hours for uninterrupted multi-day gaming and travel, whereas the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro uses dual swappable batteries that provide about 20–22 hours each.
  • It supports Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity for simultaneous pairing with a phone and gaming device, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro uses a proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless base with limited Bluetooth availability.
  • The Audeze Maxwell has a broader frequency response of 10 Hz–50 kHz for richer bass and clearer ultra-high treble, whereas the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro covers 10 Hz–40 kHz.
  • Audeze Maxwell features a higher wireless range of approximately 20 meters for more freedom of movement, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro maintains a range closer to 12 meters.
  • It includes a lightweight magnesium and aluminum frame for enhanced durability and long-term structural integrity, whereas the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro uses a steel and reinforced plastic build.
  • The Audeze Maxwell supports simultaneous 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth audio for mixing game sound with mobile calls or music, while the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro separates its wireless and Bluetooth connections without true simultaneous playback.
  • Audeze Maxwell features a faster USB-C charging system that reaches significant playtime with a short charge for convenient quick top-ups, whereas the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro relies on battery swapping that requires keeping extra cells charged.

Maybe the Arctis Nova Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Audeze Maxwell. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check Audeze Maxwell Best Price

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureAudeze MaxwellArctis Nova Pro
Driver TypePlanar magnetic driversDynamic drivers
Battery LifeUp to about 80 hoursAround 20–22 hours per battery
Bluetooth SupportFull Bluetooth 5.3 with multipointLimited Bluetooth on Xbox/PC version only
WeightHeavier around 490 gLighter around 340 g
Headband DesignWider suspension styleSlimmer adjustable steel band
Frequency Response10 Hz–50 kHz10 Hz–40 kHz
Wireless RangeApproximately 20 mApproximately 12 m
Microphone TypeDetachable boom plus internalRetractable boom with built-in side-tone
Spatial AudioNative head-tracking Dolby Atmos via PC/console360° Spatial Audio with Sonar software
Charging PortUSB-C fast chargeDual hot-swappable Li-ion battery with base station charging
Ear Pad MaterialThick memory-foam leatherettePremium leatherette with breathable fabric layer
Onboard ControlsSimple ear-cup buttons and wheelExtensive ear-cup controls plus base-station dial
EQ CustomizationAudeze HQ app with 10-band EQSteelSeries GG/Sonar software with parametric EQ
Connectivity Extras2.4 GHz dongle + Bluetooth simultaneousDual-wireless with 2.4 GHz transmitter base
Build MaterialsMagnesium and aluminum frameSteel and reinforced plastic frame
Included CablesUSB-C and 3.5 mm analogUSB-C, dual batteries, 3.5 mm analog
PriceCheck Audeze Maxwell PriceCheck Arctis Nova Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Active Wireless Gaming: Both headsets provide low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connections for stable, lag-free gaming sessions across consoles and PCs.
  • Wired Connectivity: Both include a 3.5 mm analog input, letting users switch to a wired connection when preferred or when batteries are low.
  • USB-C Charging: Both use a modern USB-C port for fast, convenient charging and easy cable sharing with other devices.
  • Detachable Boom Microphone: Both feature a removable boom mic, giving users high-quality voice capture for gaming chats and the option to detach it for casual listening.
  • Integrated Secondary Microphone: Both incorporate an internal mic for quick calls or voice chat without the external boom.
  • Multi-Platform Compatibility: Both work seamlessly with PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices for versatile gaming and media use.
  • Surround Sound Support: Both support virtual surround formats such as Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos to create immersive positional audio.
  • Custom EQ Control: Both allow fine-tuning of sound profiles through companion software with adjustable equalizer settings.
  • Game-Chat Mixing: Both provide on-ear controls to balance game audio and voice chat levels in real time during play.
  • Memory-Foam Ear Cushions: Both use plush memory-foam earpads that enhance comfort and maintain a secure acoustic seal.
  • Steel Reinforced Headband: Both have an internal steel frame that adds durability and long-term structural stability.
  • Long Wireless Range: Both maintain a strong wireless connection of roughly 10–20 meters indoors for flexible movement while gaming.
  • Low Latency Performance: Both deliver sub-30 ms latency, ensuring precise audio synchronization for competitive gaming.
  • High-Resolution Audio: Both reproduce a wide frequency range for detailed, high-fidelity music and in-game sound effects.
  • Firmware Upgradability: Both receive regular firmware updates through their companion apps to improve features and maintain performance.
  • Fold-Flat Ear Cups: Both have ear cups that rotate to lay flat, making them easier to store or rest around the neck when not in use.

Check Audeze Maxwell Best Price

Check Arctis Nova Pro Best Price

Common Features

FeatureAudeze MaxwellArctis Nova Pro
Wireless Gaming2.4 GHz low-latency wireless for lag-free gaming2.4 GHz low-latency wireless for lag-free gaming
Wired Option3.5 mm analog cable input for wired listening3.5 mm analog cable input for wired listening
USB-C ChargingModern USB-C port for charging and dataModern USB-C port for charging and data
Detachable Boom MicRemovable boom microphone for clearer chatRemovable boom microphone for clearer chat
Built-in MicIntegrated secondary mic for quick callsIntegrated secondary mic for quick calls
Multi-PlatformCompatible with PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and mobileCompatible with PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and mobile
Surround/Spatial SupportWorks with Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and other virtual surroundWorks with Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and other virtual surround
Custom EQApp/software-based equalizer to adjust sound profileApp/software-based equalizer to adjust sound profile
Game/Chat MixOn-ear balance controls for game and voice chat levelsOn-ear balance controls for game and voice chat levels
Memory-Foam EarpadsPlush memory-foam cushions for comfort and sealPlush memory-foam cushions for comfort and seal
Steel Headband CoreInternal steel frame for strength and longevityInternal steel frame for strength and longevity
Long Wireless RangeStable connection of roughly 10–20 m indoorsStable connection of roughly 10–20 m indoors
Low LatencySub-30 ms effective latency for competitive gamingSub-30 ms effective latency for competitive gaming
High-Resolution AudioCapable of reproducing full-range hi-res audioCapable of reproducing full-range hi-res audio
Firmware UpdatesRegular firmware updates via companion softwareRegular firmware updates via companion software
Fold-Flat Ear CupsEar cups rotate to lay flat for storage or transportEar cups rotate to lay flat for storage or transport
Durable BuildPremium materials designed for daily heavy usePremium materials designed for daily heavy use
Price Check Audeze Maxwell Price Check Arctis Nova Pro Price

FAQ

Are both headsets compatible with multiple gaming platforms?
Yes, both the Audeze Maxwell and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro work with PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices through their 2.4 GHz wireless dongle or 3.5 mm wired connection.

Do the Audeze Maxwell and Arctis Nova Pro support wired listening?
Yes, each headset includes a 3.5 mm analog input so you can continue using them if the battery is low or when a direct wired connection is preferred.

Can both headsets be charged via USB-C?
Yes, both models feature a USB-C port for fast charging and easy compatibility with modern cables.

Do they both have detachable boom microphones?
Yes, each headset comes with a detachable boom mic for clear gaming communication and the flexibility to remove it when listening to music or traveling.

Is there an internal microphone for quick calls on both models?
Yes, both headsets include an integrated secondary mic that allows you to take calls or chat without attaching the external boom mic.

Do both headsets support virtual surround or spatial audio?
Yes, they are compatible with spatial formats like Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos, creating immersive 3D soundscapes for games and movies.

Can users customize sound profiles on both headsets?
Yes, each headset provides companion software with a multi-band equalizer so users can adjust the audio to their personal preference.

Do they both allow game and chat audio mixing?
Yes, each model features on-ear controls that let you adjust the balance between game audio and voice chat while you play.

Are the ear cushions on both made from memory foam?
Yes, both headsets use thick memory-foam earpads that enhance comfort and provide a secure acoustic seal for better sound isolation.

Do the headbands on both contain steel reinforcement?
Yes, each headset is built with an internal steel frame that adds durability and maintains structural integrity over time.

Do both maintain a stable wireless range for movement?
Yes, they each provide a strong wireless connection of roughly 10–20 meters indoors, allowing freedom to move around while gaming or listening to music.

Is low-latency audio performance a shared feature?
Yes, both the Audeze Maxwell and Arctis Nova Pro deliver sub-30 ms latency, ensuring precise audio synchronization important for competitive gaming.

Can both reproduce high-resolution audio?
Yes, they are capable of delivering a wide frequency response and high-fidelity sound suitable for critical music listening and detailed in-game audio.

Do both support firmware updates for improvements?
Yes, each headset can receive firmware updates through its companion app, ensuring ongoing feature enhancements and performance fixes.

Are the ear cups on both able to fold flat for storage?
Yes, both models have rotating ear cups that lay flat, making them easier to store in a bag or rest comfortably around the neck when not in use.

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