ConsFirst / Gaming headsets / Compare
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless vs Audeze Maxwell 2
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on comfort. Audeze Maxwell 2 wins on sound.
The biggest complaint about the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is connection issues and units that stop working; for the Audeze Maxwell 2 it's heavy, warm and hard to adjust. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless | Audeze Maxwell 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in gaming headsets | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Wireless | Wireless |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 15% | 23% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Sound | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Microphone | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Battery / connection | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
- Connection issues and units that stop working
Amazon's summary says owners are split on wireless connectivity and reliability, with some reporting connection issues, poor audio and headsets that stop working.
- Comfort isn't universal
Wirecutter dismissed the Nova 5X with a group of headsets it found uncomfortable for various head sizes or prone to slipping. Tom's Guide loved the comfort but says it made its tester's ears a bit hot after 3 hours.
- No ANC, and the app has limits
Tom's Guide and TechRadar both list the lack of active noise cancelling. TechRadar adds that not every game preset makes a noticeable difference.
Source: Tom's Guide review, TechRadar review
Audeze Maxwell 2
- Heavy, warm and hard to adjust
SoundGuys lists 'heavy and uncomfortable over long hours': its reviewer managed 4 hours, the pleather got warm, and the headband is 'an absolute pain to adjust'. TechRadar flags the weight, and Tom's Guide calls the adjustment annoying. Wirecutter says it fell off the back of its tester's head. Amazon owners are mixed on comfort.
- No simultaneous dongle and Bluetooth
Tom's Guide, TechRadar and SoundGuys all list the lack of simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio. Amazon's summary says some owners' USB dongles keep disconnecting.
- Pricey, with a mic some find only okay
TechRadar calls the mic 'merely okay': its AI noise reduction didn't work well until tuned. Tom's Guide lists the price as a con, and Amazon owners split on value, with some calling it overpriced.
Who should pick which
Pick the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless if
Mid-budget wireless with a very long battery
Players who like per-game EQ presets
Using a console and a phone at once (dongle plus Bluetooth)
Skip it if: You need noise cancelling; Reliability matters more to you than features; Your ears run hot in long sessions
Pick the Audeze Maxwell 2 if
The best sound for both games and music
Very long battery
Players who want a premium mic
Skip it if: Weight or heat bothers you; You want Bluetooth and dongle audio at the same time; You own the original Maxwell (a small upgrade)
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