Head-to-head · Best Gaming Headsets

Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Fractal Scape

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Fractal Scape comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about comfort-focused gamers seeking wireless convenience — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #1 in Best Gaming Headsets

Audeze Maxwell 2

4.3

$329as of May 28

The Audeze Maxwell 2 delivers exceptional audio detail and separation ideal for competitive FPS gaming, with 90mm planar magnetic drivers and 80-hour battery life. However, reviewers noted it's extremely heavy and lacks sufficient sub-bass, making it less satisfying for immersive gaming or music. TechteamGB called it 'utter disappointment' due to poor microphone quality, while Sidegrade praised its gaming performance but noted it's a sidegrade from the original Maxwell. This headset suits analytical listeners and competitive gamers most, but others may find the weight and bass limitations off-putting.

Strengths

— Excellent detail and sound separation for competitive FPS gaming
— 90mm planar magnetic drivers with fast transient response
— 80-hour battery life

Watch-outs

— Incredibly heavy at 562-574 grams
— Limited sub-bass and bass quantity

$329 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Gaming Headsets

Fractal Scape

4.4

$200as of May 28

The Fractal Design Scape is a comfortable, versatile wireless gaming headset that offers solid sound quality and multi-platform compatibility. Reviewers praised its plush fabric construction, 320g weight for extended wear, and intuitive web-based setup without software bloat. While it lacks surround sound and cannot lay flat, it's well-suited for PC, Mac, and console gaming. The wireless docking station and control crown add convenience, though it's priced at $199, which some reviewers felt was fair for the quality. It's recommended for gamers seeking a premium, comfortable headset with good audio and no ANC.

Strengths

— Very comfortable with plush fabric that doesn't get hot
— Tuned sound quality out of the box without adjustments needed
— Wireless docking station with wireless charging and 2.4 GHz dongle storage

Watch-outs

— No surround sound or virtual surround sound capabilities
— Cannot be laid flat for storage or travel

$200 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Audeze Maxwell 2

The Audeze Maxwell 2's 90mm planar magnetic drivers outperform the Razer BlackShark V2 X in audio detail, but unlike the Fractal Scape, it lacks wireless connectivity and suffers from excessive weight and bass limitations that make it less ideal for casual or immersive gaming.

Fractal Scape

The Fractal Scape offers superior comfort and a unique control crown compared to the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, which has a more traditional design and lacks the plush fabric construction. Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, it doesn't offer active noise cancellation, but it provides a more intuitive setup experience without software bloat.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Audeze Maxwell 2	Fractal Scape
Connectivity	USB-C wireless dongle, USB-C wired, 3.5mm wired, Bluetooth	2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, USB
Driver Size	90mm planar magnetic	—
Battery Life	Up to 80 hours	Up to 50 hours with RGB off
Microphone	Detachable boom mic with AI noise reduction	Detachable boom mic
Compatibility	PC, Mac, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices	PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iPhone, Android
Audio Features	10 Hz - 50 kHz	2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Parametric EQ
Weight	562-574 grams	320g

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