Compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite vs Audeze Maxwell

ANC is one of the strongest areas: reviewers repeatedly call it excellent for a gaming headset, with a few noting consumer ANC flagships can still do better.

Reviewers consistently noted that the Maxwell lacks active noise cancellation, so isolation depends on the closed-back pads rather than ANC processing.

Android compatibility is supported by platform lists and direct Android use.

Android support is present through Audeze HQ, but mobile EQ/app behavior was described as limited or inconsistent in one review.

The app ecosystem is powerful and flexible, though some reviewers find GG/Sonar setup or software behavior intrusive.

The Audeze HQ app supports battery, firmware, sidetone, and EQ controls, but reviewers often called it barebones, clunky, buggy, or incomplete.

aptX support is a weakness because the transcript evidence expresses a wish for it rather than confirming support.

Wireless gaming showed no notable delay in the cited review, supporting strong audio-video sync.

Wireless audio-video sync was generally praised, with reviewers reporting minimal lag or no noticeable delay during gaming and media playback.

Bass is generally praised for precision, depth, and tightness, though one reviewer felt it could be a little much depending on preference.

Bass performance drew strong praise for punch, control, definition, and sub-bass impact without overwhelming the rest of the mix.

Battery is a major strength due to the swappable dual-battery system and long per-battery runtime.

Battery life was one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly confirming very long runtimes near the advertised 80-hour range.

Bluetooth support is widely documented and praised, including simultaneous use, LE Audio/LC3 mentions, and phone or mobile use.

Bluetooth support is modern and useful, with Bluetooth 5.3 and strong codec support, though some reviewers preferred the dongle for gaming.

Build quality is consistently praised, with repeated evidence of metal construction, sturdiness, and premium feel.

Build quality was mostly praised for metal construction and sturdy materials, but a few reviewers raised concerns about early-unit durability or headband parts.

Hi-res playback and the GameHub/DAC system are core strengths, with many reviews citing 96kHz/24-bit wireless audio and DAC support.

Reviewers noted internal DSP/DAC handling and high-resolution digital playback, making the headset work without external DAC equipment.

Button and physical control usability is a strength, with repeated praise for intuitive controls, tactile wheels, and useful feedback.

Physical controls were generally appreciated, though reviewers were split between calling them clever and finding the multi-function layout confusing.

Cable quality received only limited attention, with one reviewer describing the USB-C cable as basic but functional.

The included pouch is useful but underwhelming at the price because several reviewers wanted a more protective hard case.

The Maxwell does not include a carrying case, which reviewers considered a drawback for a premium and bulky headset.

Charging is strong, especially through the base-station battery slot and quick-charge claims, despite one reviewer disliking cable charging on-head.

Charging was praised for fast top-ups, with multiple reviewers noting that short charging sessions restore many hours of playback.

Clamp comfort is mixed to negative, with several reviewers describing a tight clamp or stronger clamping force.

Clamp was usually comfortable or light despite the headset’s size, although one reviewer initially found the fit somewhat clamp-like.

Codec support is strong around LC3/LC3+, but aptX/LDAC evidence is absent or negative.

Codec support was a clear strength, with reviewers citing LDAC, LE Audio, LC3/LC3plus, AAC, and SBC support.

Comfort is mostly positive for long sessions, but not unanimous because one reviewer reported soreness after a long day.

Long-session comfort was mixed-positive: several reviewers wore it for hours, but heat, bulk, and weight remained recurring caveats.

Connectivity versatility is the product's clearest differentiator, with many reviews emphasizing multi-source, multi-platform mixing.

Connectivity versatility was a major strength, with dongle, Bluetooth, USB-C, and analog options across gaming and everyday use.

Console limitations are real because the highest Hi-Res mode is PC-focused and PS5/Xbox/Switch cannot fully use it.

Console compatibility depends on variant; reviewers repeatedly warned that PlayStation and Xbox wireless support are not fully interchangeable.

Design is consistently praised as premium, mature, and attractive, especially the sage/gold colorway.

The design was described as understated, sleek, and premium rather than flashy, though several reviewers also noted its bulk.

The detachable boom mic was praised as convenient because the headset can be used more like regular headphones when the mic is removed.

The dongle was often praised for low-latency wireless, but one review noted USB-related artifacting and finicky behavior.

Earcup padding is widely praised as plush and soft, though one review notes faux leather can become sweaty.

Earpad quality was generally strong, with reviewers praising plushness and seal, while some noted heat or a desire for velour/cooling pads.

The cups rotate flat for storage, but the headset does not fold, making rotation range useful but limited for travel.

The earcups swivel enough for storage or neck wear, and reviewers found the rotation comfortable and practical.

Earpad replacement is easy and positively supported by multiple mentions of removable or replaceable pads.

Earpad replacement was praised as easy, with multiple reviews noting twist-off or easily removable pads.

EQ customization is a major strength, including parametric EQ, detailed settings, and meaningful adjustment options.

EQ customization was a strong feature, with 10-band or custom profiles helping tune the Maxwell for music, games, and personal preference.

Fit and seal reliability improved with better cup movement, but this is supported by limited evidence.

Fit and seal were generally reliable, with reviewers crediting the pads and clamp for a solid passive seal.

Footstep support is supported by evidence that footsteps became easy to hear and position, though the exact scaling feature is not deeply discussed.

Footstep-focused EQ support exists and can help emphasize cues, though competitive-gaming opinions were mixed.

Frequency response is mixed because one review measured notable scoop-and-peak behavior that may require EQ correction.

Frequency response accuracy was praised by audio-focused reviewers for close target matching, linear bass/mids, and well-controlled tuning.

Game/chat balance is a strong feature through ChatMix, source mixing, and game-versus-voice balancing.

Game/chat balance control was valued on the headset and in software, though one reviewer saw app changes undo themselves.

Headband adjustability is good, with staged sizing and smoother, more rugged adjustment called out.

Headband adjustability was one of the most common ergonomic complaints because the notch/strap system offers limited fine adjustment.

Hinge and yoke durability is strongly supported by the full metal yoke construction evidence.

Hinge/headband durability was mixed, with one early unit reportedly breaking and another review flagging long-term durability concerns.

Accessories are generally generous, especially USB cables and included extras, but some reviewers criticize the lack of a hard case.

Included accessories were strong overall, with the dongle, boom mic, USB-C cable, adapter, and analog cable commonly mentioned.

One review specifically notes improved ability to separate low drum impact from bass-guitar notes.

Instrument separation was a repeated strength, with reviewers praising distinct instruments, layered game audio, and detail retrieval.

The built-in microphones are useful when the boom is retracted, but generally sit below the boom mic in quality.

Integrated microphone performance was usually weak compared with the detachable boom mic, despite being useful for convenience.

LDAC support was repeatedly confirmed and praised as part of the Maxwell’s high-quality Bluetooth feature set.

Maximum-volume clarity is supported by a review noting loud, clear bullet impacts during testing.

Maximum-volume clarity was strong, with reviewers noting clean sound at high volume and no grating or crunchy highs.

The boom microphone is mostly praised as clear, improved, and among the better wireless gaming headset mics, though one reviewer found it compressed.

Microphone impressions were mixed-positive: the boom mic was good for gaming and calls, while some found it muffled or merely serviceable.

Microphone noise reduction is strong overall, with reviewers noting less hiss, strong rejection, and effective control of unwanted background sounds.

Microphone noise reduction was widely praised for blocking keyboards, background noise, and other distractions while preserving speech.

Call quality is positively supported by coworker feedback that the reviewer sounded very clear.

Call and voice clarity were praised in the reviews that tested the boom mic directly, especially compared with typical headset microphones.

Midrange clarity is supported by notes about detailed mids and cleaner reproduction versus prior SteelSeries models.

Midrange clarity was generally good, with several reviewers praising clear mids and vocal presence, though one noted recessed mids in a V-shaped tuning.

Multi-platform compatibility is broad, covering PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile, and other devices.

The Xbox version was singled out as the most cross-platform option when used across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation.

Multipoint is positively supported by evidence that pairing and managing multiple devices is easier.

Multipoint and dual-connection behavior was one of the weakest areas, with reviewers often frustrated by no simultaneous Bluetooth plus dongle playback.

Passive isolation is consistently good to strong, helped by sealed cups and dense padding, though not every review treats it as a standalone strength.

Passive isolation was generally good to excellent thanks to the closed-back earcups and pads, though one reviewer found it weak versus ANC headphones.

Packaging/unboxing receives limited positive support from a reviewer who described the experience as premium-feeling.

Packaging was only briefly discussed, but one reviewer described it as luxurious and premium.

Portability is mixed: the cups rotate or articulate, but reviewers also call the headset bulky and not foldable.

Portability was limited by bulk and weight; the earcups can fold flat, but reviewers did not consider it travel-friendly.

Positional audio is a strong gaming feature, with reviewers praising cue location, directional audio, and close/distant sound placement.

Positional audio was usually strong, especially for footsteps, direction, and distance, although one review found competitive cues weaker than rivals.

Preset EQ quality is strong, with hundreds of game presets and countless audio profiles mentioned.

Preset EQ profiles were mixed: reviewers liked the presence of gaming presets, but some found several presets poor for music.

Replaceable earpads are supported by reviews noting removable or replaceable memory foam pads.

Replaceable earpads were praised, with reviewers noting detachable or removable pads and third-party pad possibilities.

Replaceable ear plates are lightly supported through compatibility with SteelSeries Booster Packs.

RGB customization is effectively absent, matching the Maxwell’s understated design rather than gamer lighting.

Sensor evidence was limited to head-tracking hardware support noted in one review.

Sidetone adjustment is supported for both boom and built-in microphones.

Sidetone was a repeated problem area, with reviewers citing static, interference, exaggerated sound, or poor execution.

Smudge resistance is weak because one review calls the metallic finish a fingerprint magnet.

Setup/software simplicity is mixed: menus can be clear and automatic connection works, but one reviewer found Sonar a headache.

Setup/software simplicity was mixed: some setup steps were easy, but software behavior and mobile reliability were recurring drawbacks.

Sound leakage control is excellent in the cited review, which notes protection against audio spillage.

Reviewers broadly praise the Elite's sound as rich, detailed, crisp, and unusually strong for both games and music, with only a few caveats about tuning.

Sound quality was the strongest consensus point, with reviewers repeatedly calling the Maxwell one of the best-sounding wireless gaming headsets.

Soundstage is a major strength, with reviewers describing width, depth, spaciousness, and well-supported game soundscapes.

Soundstage was generally good for a closed-back headset, though opinions ranged from not outstanding to wide and immersive.

Spatial audio is generally strong, especially for immersive or cinematic gaming, though one comparison notes sharper esports alternatives.

Spatial audio support was praised through PS5 Tempest 3D and Xbox/Dolby Atmos features, especially for immersion.

Wireless stability is good within normal range, though one review notes audio wavering only after multiple walls.

Wireless stability and range were strong in the reviews that tested coverage, with impressive house-wide or long-range performance.

Touch/control responsiveness is lightly supported through Bluetooth/media control from the headset.

Touch controls are not part of the control scheme; the headset relies on physical buttons and dials instead.

Transparency mode is supported as a practical way to hear surroundings without removing the headset, though evidence is limited.

Transparency mode evidence was limited but positive in one review, which found it realistic and not harsh.

Treble is clear but mixed: reviewers note detail and width, yet also report sharpness, fatigue, or a desire for more air.

Treble was generally controlled, clear, and detailed, though a few reviewers found stock tuning bright or needing EQ.

USB-C is present for charging and base connections, but one review notes USB-C does not support direct headset audio.

USB-C was a practical strength for audio, charging, dongle use, and broad device support.

Value is the most divisive attribute: reviewers admire the feature set but repeatedly stress the extreme $600 price and narrow target audience.

Value for money was widely praised because reviewers felt the Maxwell competes with more expensive headphones on sound quality.

Volume output is functionally controlled through the hub/headset, but one reviewer disliked losing normal Windows output control.

Volume output was strong, with reviewers noting plenty of loudness and substantial headroom.

Weight comfort is mixed: some reviewers say the 380g weight is manageable, while others call it heavy.

Weight comfort was mixed: reviewers repeatedly noted the 490–500g heft but often said the suspension design made it manageable.

Wireless latency is excellent in the cited reviews, with no notable lag or delay reported.

Wireless latency was usually strong through the dongle, though Bluetooth latency and rare lag/artifact issues were noted.

Xbox compatibility is a strength, with multiple reviews noting Xbox support through the GameHub or platform list.

Xbox compatibility was best with the Xbox version, while PlayStation-version wireless Xbox support was repeatedly limited or unavailable.