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Audeze Maxwell vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AudezeMaxwellSteelSeriesArctis Nova 5 Wireless
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2023May 2024
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingNoNo
Driver size90 mm40 mm
Back–Closed
Impedance–36 ohms
Bluetooth codecsSBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3SBC
Lossless over USB-CYesNo
DriversPlanar magnetic; Fluxor magnet array with neodymium N50 magnets; Fazor phase management; ultra-thin Uniforce diaphragm; 10 Hz to 50 kHz; maximum SPL over 120 dB; THD < 0.1% (1 kHz, 1 mW)Neodymium magnetic drivers; 20–22,000 Hz response; 93 dB SPL sensitivity; THD under 1%
Audio featuresUp to 24-bit/96 kHz over the low-latency wireless dongle, and lossless up to 24-bit/96 kHz over USB-C; Dolby Atmos licence (Xbox version) or Tempest 3D Audio (PlayStation version); also supports LC3plus over Bluetooth LE Audio; multi-band EQ with up to four saved user profiles in the Audeze HQ appUSB-C 2.4GHz wireless dongle and Bluetooth Quick-Switch; both connections can remain active, but only one audio stream plays at a time. Arctis Companion app provides game-specific EQ presets with separate profiles for 2.4GHz and Bluetooth; supports 360° spatial audio. SBC Bluetooth playback tested by RTINGS; other codecs are not confirmed here. USB-C socket on headset is for charging, with no wired playback (Tom's Hardware)
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 80 hoursUp to 60 hours
Battery life detail1,800 mAh lithium-polymer battery; over 80 hours of wireless playback at 80 dBA; full charge in 2 hours (USB-C, 5 V, 1.8 A max)Up to 50 hours over 2.4GHz or 60 hours over Bluetooth on one charge
Fast charging20 minutes for a 25% chargeUSB-C; 15 minutes for up to 6 hours of play
Design
Weight490 g265 g
Bluetooth5.35.3
Two devices at onceYes–
Headphone cableYesNo
Controls–Volume wheel, mic mute, power/media button and Quick-Switch button for wireless mode, pairing and calls; 5X adds a ChatMix dial. PC ChatMix requires GG/Sonar on Windows 10 or later; PlayStation and Mac do not support ChatMix
MicrophonesDetachable hypercardioid boom microphone; built-in beamforming microphones for chat; FILTER AI noise reduction on a dedicated processorFully retractable bidirectional ClearCast boom with mute LED; 100–10,000 Hz response and −38 dBV/Pa sensitivity. UK tables name the 5/5P microphone Gen 2 and the 5X Gen 2.X; launch announcement specifies 32 kHz/16-bit microphone audio across the series. Sonar AI microphone noise cancellation requires Windows 10 or later
Fit and ear tipsOver-ear (circumaural), closed-back; aluminium yokes, spring steel headband and replaceable suspension strapClosed-back (Tom's Hardware); Airweave ear cushions, height-adjustable earcups and adjustable elastic suspension headband
Works withPlayStation and PC version, or Xbox and PC version; both work with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Nintendo Switch; USB-C with dual audio endpoints and game-chat mix; 3.5 mm TRRS analogue inputAll three versions support PC, Mac, PS5 and PS4, Nintendo Switch, USB-C mobile devices and Bluetooth devices; 5X additionally supports Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, with an Xbox/USB switch on its dongle. Arctis Companion app requires iOS 15.6 or Android 9; GG/Engine requires Windows 8.1 or macOS 10.13 or later
In the boxMaxwell headset, detachable boom microphone, USB-C wireless dongle, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, 3.5 mm TRRS cable, quick start guide and warranty cardHeadset, compact USB-C wireless dongle, 1.5 m USB-C to USB-A charging cable, 1.5 m USB-C to USB-A dongle adapter cable and product information guide

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