Audeze Maxwell 2 Review: Is the Planar Gaming Headset Worth $330?
The Audeze Maxwell 2 is a closed-back gaming headset built around a large 90 mm planar magnetic driver. It adds a 2.4 GHz dongle, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio and an 80-hour battery. Audeze aims it at players who care about sound first.
It is not a safe pick for everyone. The mic is mediocre, there is no active noise cancelling, and the headset is heavy. We compare it with the Sony INZONE H9 II and the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro further down.
How We Built This Review
This article combines the official announcement from Headphones.com, independent coverage from SoundGuys and TechRadar, and the Amazon listing. We credit each source whenever we quote a measurement or an opinion.
Where the sources disagree, we show both numbers. Weight is the clearest example, and we flag it below.
Audeze Maxwell 2: Specs and Quick Verdict
⚙️ Quick Specifications
Full Specifications
| Spec | Audeze Maxwell 2 |
|---|---|
| Driver | 90 mm planar magnetic |
| Design | Closed-back, over-ear |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz to 50 kHz |
| Wireless | 2.4 GHz dongle, Bluetooth 5.3 (multipoint, Auracast, LE Audio) |
| Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth | No |
| Wired | 3.5 mm, USB-C |
| Battery | 80+ hours rated; about 2 hours full charge |
| Mic | Detachable hypercardioid, FILTER AI |
| ANC | No |
| Weight | 560 g (Audeze), 567 g (SoundGuys), 490 g (TechRadar) |
| Launch price | $329.99 PC/PlayStation, $349.99 Xbox |
The Good and the Bad
👍 The Good
- ✔ SoundGuys scored its sound 4.3 out of 5 in its MDAQS test.
- ✔ Battery life is rated above 80 hours, with fast top-ups.
- ✔ Bluetooth 5.3 supports LDAC, LC3 and multipoint.
- ✔ A 10-band EQ in the app lets you tune the sound.
👎 The Bad
- ✘ The mic is mediocre, according to TechRadar and SoundGuys.
- ✘ It cannot run 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth together.
- ✘ There is no ANC on this model.
- ✘ Reported weight is high, up to 567 g.
A strong-sounding planar headset with excellent battery life. Buy it for music and single-player games, and skip it if you want ANC, a great mic or a light headset.
What Is New Compared With the First Maxwell
The Maxwell 2 is a refresh rather than a reinvention. TechRadar says the first Maxwell sounds nearly the same and costs about $100 less. That is the main reason it could not give a full recommendation.
The upgrades are mostly about connectivity. You get Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio and Auracast, plus LC3 and LDAC codecs. The dongle supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio. The battery is rated above 80 hours.
Who Should Still Buy the Original
If you only play on one platform and care about sound alone, the first model may be the smarter buy. Check the current price on both before you decide. The newer headset makes more sense when you want modern Bluetooth features.
Design, Weight and Comfort
The Maxwell 2 is a large closed-back headset with big earcups to house the 90 mm planar driver. Headphones.com shows a ReSkin option for the earcup plates and a headband strap in its product images.
The Weight Question
Weight is where the sources clash. Audeze lists about 560 g in its announcement. SoundGuys measured 567 g. TechRadar reported 490 g, or 460 g without the plates.
Tom’s Guide says the ANC version adds about 70 g. That detail is consistent with a non-ANC weight near 490 g. So we treat the headset as roughly half a kilogram. For comparison, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is 367 g and the Sony INZONE H9 II is 260 g without its mic.
IGN’s review says the Maxwell 2 puts audio quality above everything else and stays comfortable for long sessions, even though it is heavier than most headsets. You can watch the full video here.
Video: IGN reviews the headset. Opinions in the video belong to the creator, so treat it as another point of view.
Sound Quality
Planar magnetic drivers move a thin diaphragm across its whole surface. Fans of the tech expect low distortion and fast transient response. The Maxwell 2 uses a 90 mm version and lists a 10 Hz to 50 kHz range.
SoundGuys rated it 4.3 out of 5 in its MDAQS test. Its overall score was 7.7 out of 10. That is the highest of the three headsets in our comparison, although each outlet scores differently.
Music Versus Games
Planar designs are generally prized for low distortion and tight bass, which suits music and cinematic games. Competitive shooter players may care more about low latency and a good mic, and the Razer is the better fit there.
Tuning With the App
The companion app includes a 10-band EQ. We suggest you start with a gentle curve and make small changes. Closed-back headsets also depend on a good seal, so judge the bass only after the earcups sit comfortably on your head.
Microphone and Calls
The detachable hypercardioid mic uses FILTER AI to cut background noise. Both TechRadar and SoundGuys call the quality mediocre. It is acceptable for party chat, and it will not impress a stream audience.
If voice quality matters, look at the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review first. Its 12 mm HyperClear Full Band mic is a stronger pitch. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X is a cheaper wireless option worth a look.
Battery, Connectivity and Charging
Audeze rates the battery at more than 80 hours. A 20-minute charge gives about 25%, and a full charge takes about 2 hours. That is an excellent figure for a planar headset.
The 2.4 GHz dongle carries up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio. Bluetooth 5.3 adds LC3, LDAC, AAC and SBC, plus multipoint and Auracast. You can also plug in with 3.5 mm or USB-C.
The Connectivity Catch
You cannot use the dongle and Bluetooth at the same time. A phone call or a podcast means switching modes. The Amazon listing sits at 3.8 out of 5 from 213 ratings, and many buyers mention mixed connectivity experiences. The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro handles both links together.
Using It on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch
The version on Amazon is the PC, PlayStation, Mac and Switch model. Audeze sells a separate Xbox version at $349.99, so check which one you are buying.
On PC and PlayStation, the 2.4 GHz dongle is the main link. It supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio. Phones rely on Bluetooth instead.
Switching Between Devices
Bluetooth 5.3 supports multipoint, so the headset can hold two phones or a phone and a laptop. The dongle still cannot run beside Bluetooth. That means you plug in, pick a mode and stay in it.
Many players will not mind. Others will find it annoying when a call comes in during a match. This is the main reason the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro suits phone users better.
Wired Options
The 3.5 mm jack and the USB-C port give you a backup. A wired link helps when the battery is flat. It also removes any wireless delay for competitive sessions.
Maxwell 2 vs the ANC Model
Audeze also sells an ANC version at $429. Tom’s Guide reviewed that model and gave it 3.5 out of 5. It says the ANC version adds about 70 g over the standard headset.
That is $100 more for a heavier body. Unless you travel or work in a noisy room, the standard Maxwell 2 looks like the better value. If you do need ANC, the lighter Sony INZONE H9 II costs $349.99.
How It Stacks Up on Paper
| Spec | Audeze Maxwell 2 | Razer BlackShark V3 Pro | Sony INZONE H9 II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | 90 mm planar | 50 mm TriForce | 30 mm |
| ANC | No | Hybrid ANC | ANC + ambient |
| Weight | 490-567 g | 367 g | 260 g (no mic) |
| Battery | 80+ h | Up to 70 h | 30 h rated |
| MSRP | $329.99 | $249.99 | $349.99 |
The table shows the trade-off clearly. Audeze buys sound character and battery life with weight and a weaker mic. For a full three-way breakdown, wait for our headset comparison.
GGChrono also reviewed the headset and asks whether it is the best again. His video is a good second opinion.
Video: GGChrono reviews the headset. Opinions in the video belong to the creator, so treat it as another point of view.
Price and How It Compares
The PC and PlayStation version launched at $329.99. The Xbox version is $349.99, and the ANC model is $429. Check the current Amazon price, since it changes often.
The Sony INZONE H9 II costs $349.99 and brings ANC with a much lighter body. The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro costs $249.99 and leads on battery and latency. See our Nova 5X vs HyperX Cloud III S Wireless comparison and the HyperX Cloud III S review if you want something cheaper.
Building a full setup? Our guides to the best OLED gaming monitors, the AULA AG75 Pro keyboard and the Logitech G PRO X Superlight 2 pair well with a premium headset. You can also compare the Razer Basilisk V4 Pro and the best gaming standing desks.
What Reviewers and Buyers Say
Opinions are mixed but mostly positive on sound. SoundGuys gave the headset 7.7 out of 10. TechRadar held back a full recommendation because the first Maxwell sounds nearly the same.
Amazon buyers rate it 3.8 out of 5 across 213 ratings, with connectivity complaints appearing often. Treat early ratings with care, since firmware updates can change the picture. We would wait for a few more months of feedback if you are price sensitive.
Who Should Buy It and Who Should Skip It
Buy It If
You want a rich, wide soundstage for music and story-driven games. You value a battery that lasts many days between charges. You are happy to use a separate microphone or a headset on a stand.
Skip It If
You need ANC, a light headband or a great built-in mic. Competitive players who want low latency and a better mic should read the Razer review. Frequent travelers should consider the Sony review instead.
Our score reflects published specifications and reviewer findings. We would revisit it after a price drop or a firmware update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Audeze Maxwell 2 worth $329.99?
It depends on what you value. SoundGuys scored it 7.7 out of 10 for its planar magnetic sound, while TechRadar said it could not fully recommend it because the first Maxwell sounds nearly the same and costs about $100 less. Buy it if you want the newer wireless features, and check the price of the original if you only care about sound.
Does the Audeze Maxwell 2 have noise cancelling?
No. The standard Maxwell 2 is a closed-back headset with passive isolation only. Audeze sells a separate ANC version at $429, and Tom’s Guide scored that model 3.5 out of 5.
How long does the Maxwell 2 battery last?
Audeze rates it at more than 80 hours. Its quick charge adds roughly 25% in 20 minutes, and a full charge takes about 2 hours.
Can I use 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth at the same time?
No. The Maxwell 2 does not support simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connections, according to the reviews we read. The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro does offer that, which is a point in its favor for phone users.
How much does the Maxwell 2 weigh?
Sources disagree. Audeze lists about 560 g, SoundGuys measured 567 g and TechRadar reported 490 g, or 460 g without the plates. Treat it as a heavy headset of roughly half a kilogram and try it on before you commit.
Is the Maxwell 2 microphone good?
It is the weak point. The detachable hypercardioid mic uses FILTER AI, but TechRadar and SoundGuys both called the quality mediocre. It is fine for party chat, and less ideal for streaming.
