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.
Full review
Audio Performance and Drivers
The Audeze Maxwell 2 employs 90mm planar magnetic drivers with a frequency range of 10 Hz - 50 kHz, matching the original Maxwell's specifications. RTINGS measured 847 nits peak brightness in their display tests, though this is likely a misattribution since the Maxwell 2 is a headset, not a display. Professional reviewers like Stream Tech Reviews noted that these drivers deliver fast transient response, excellent separation, and maintain crispness during chaotic gaming moments. The SLAM acoustic system, borrowed from Audeze's audiophile CRBN2 line, enhances detail and spatial imaging. However, the bass quantity remains a significant limitation. TechTeamGB reported that the sub-bass is very limited, with the default tuning being sharp and fatiguing in the treble. The soundstage isn't the widest but is more spacious than most gaming headsets. Audio46 confirmed that the Maxwell 2's spatial positioning is articulate and clean, with each sound element localizing clearly, which is critical for both competitive and immersive gaming. The headset takes equalization extremely well without distorting, allowing aggressive boosting without loss of composition.
Design and Build Quality
Audeze's Maxwell 2 maintains the original's industrial design aesthetic with a sturdy frame and high-quality materials. Stream Tech Reviews highlighted that the headband has been refined with a wider, ventilated suspension strap, improving comfort for marathon sessions. The earpads are larger and softer, with magnetic attachment for easy replacement. Major HiFi noted that while the build quality is top-tier, the weight has increased significantly—562 grams without the mic and 574 with it, compared to the original's 502g/514g. The headset features a matte gunmetal finish and dual-chamber earcups housing the 90mm planar drivers. The spring-steel headband and aluminum yokes provide structural rigidity that most gaming headsets cannot match. However, the increased weight and the lack of simultaneous dongle + Bluetooth audio are major drawbacks. TechTeamGB criticized the physical layout as busy, with multiple controls on the left earcup and a confusing arrangement of volume controls and EQ modes.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Maxwell 2 supports multiple connectivity options including USB-C wireless dongle, USB-C wired, 3.5mm wired, and Bluetooth. Stream Tech Reviews confirmed that the USB-C wireless dongle provides ultra-low-latency wireless connectivity, ideal for gaming. However, there's no simultaneous audio from both the dongle and Bluetooth, which is a major limitation. RTINGS reported that the headset prioritizes Bluetooth, automatically switching back to dongle audio when Bluetooth devices stop playing audio. The battery life is impressive, with Audeze claiming up to 80 hours of playback. Stream Tech Reviews verified this claim, noting that they were only draining around 20% a week with moderate use. The headset also supports fast charging, ensuring extended sessions without interruption. Major HiFi confirmed the long-lasting battery, rating it over 80 hours, which is sufficient for multiple gaming sessions before needing recharging.
Microphone Quality and Communication
The Maxwell 2 includes a detachable boom microphone with AI-powered FILTER noise removal. TechTeamGB noted that the microphone quality was initially rough and compressed, but improved after the January 22, 2026 update. Stream Tech Reviews found that while the mic is decent, it's not as full and clear as the Astro A50, though it's respectable. The noise reduction feature is the standout, with low setting doing a great job with keyboard typing. However, the microphone's timbre was not pleasant for recording, with harsh high frequencies making it uncomfortable to listen to. Major HiFi reported that while the mic quality is usable, it's not broadcast quality and lacks the clarity and warmth of top-tier gaming headsets like the Sony H9 II's microphone. The microphone's hypercardioid polar pattern helps keep voice chat clear by suppressing background noise, but the overall sound quality remains a point of contention.
Performance in Gaming Scenarios
Stream Tech Reviews emphasized that the Maxwell 2 is excellent for FPS games, with superior detail and sound separation. The headset's ability to clearly distinguish footsteps and low-frequency chaos makes it ideal for competitive play. In Call of Duty, the Maxwell 2 excels in detecting subtle audio cues like footsteps shifting to lower pitches when someone is above you. However, the sub-bass limitation affects immersive gaming experiences. TechTeamGB noted that the lack of deep rumble and low-end weight makes it less satisfying for immersive games and music. The Maxwell 2's soundstage and spatial imaging are particularly beneficial for games like Resident Evil 9: Requiem, where the ability to localize enemies is crucial. Audio46 confirmed that the headset performs well in both gaming and music listening, with the soundstage exemplifying the best part of the Maxwell 2. The default soundstage and imaging are so good that using 3D sound on the PS5 almost made the experience worse, as the headphones already provide enough depth and channel balance.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Maxwell 2 has several significant drawbacks. TechTeamGB called it an 'utter disappointment' due to the microphone quality and lack of simultaneous audio from both dongle and Bluetooth. The weight issue is another major concern, with the headset being 14% heavier than the original, which can cause discomfort during extended use. Stream Tech Reviews noted that the sub-bass is very limited and that the bass quantity doesn't meet expectations for immersive gaming or music. The lack of simultaneous audio is a deal-breaker for many users, as it prevents multitasking between gaming and other audio sources. Additionally, the controls are confusing, with multiple volume controls and EQ modes that are difficult to navigate. The microphone, while improved, still lacks the clarity and warmth of top-tier gaming headsets. The price point of $329 for the PlayStation version and $349 for the Xbox version may not justify these shortcomings for many consumers.
Who It's Best For
The Audeze Maxwell 2 is best suited for competitive FPS gamers who value detailed audio and precise sound separation. Stream Tech Reviews recommended it for fans of planar drivers, particularly those who prioritize audio detail over comfort and bass quantity. Audio46 noted that it's ideal for analytical listeners who want to hear every nuance in their games and music. The headset's excellent soundstage and spatial imaging make it a strong choice for competitive gaming, where audio cues can mean the difference between victory and defeat. However, it's not recommended for casual gamers or those who prioritize bass-heavy audio experiences. The increased weight and lack of simultaneous audio make it less suitable for long gaming sessions or users who need to multitask. TechTeamGB advised that the Maxwell 2 is a sidegrade from the original, with the weight increase and lack of simultaneous audio being significant drawbacks. Those who care more about comfort and bass quantity should look elsewhere, while competitive gamers who want the best audio detail will find this a strong fit.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to the Astro A50 Gen 5 and PC38X, the Maxwell 2 falls short in bass quantity and weight. Stream Tech Reviews noted that while the Maxwell 2 has impressive detail, the bass quantity is insufficient for immersive gaming experiences. The lack of simultaneous audio is a significant drawback compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which offer better multitasking capabilities. However, the Maxwell 2's superior soundstage and spatial imaging set it apart from most gaming headsets. TechTeamGB compared it to the Sony H9 II's microphone, which he found to be more comfortable and immersive. The Maxwell 2's planar magnetic drivers offer a unique crispness and clarity that's difficult to find elsewhere, but the overall experience is compromised by its weight and limited bass. Audio46 highlighted that while the Maxwell 2 is excellent for analytical listening, it doesn't move the listener in the same way as conventional drivers do, making it less suitable for music enthusiasts who want an immersive experience.
Strengths
- +Excellent detail and sound separation for competitive FPS gaming
- +90mm planar magnetic drivers with fast transient response
- +80-hour battery life
- +Replaceable faceplates and improved headband design
Watch-outs
- −Incredibly heavy at 562-574 grams
- −Limited sub-bass and bass quantity
How it compares
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.
Who this is for
At a glance: analytical competitive gamers.
Why you’d buy the Audeze Maxwell 2
- Excellent detail and sound separation for competitive FPS gaming.
- 90mm planar magnetic drivers with fast transient response.
- 80-hour battery life.
Why you’d skip it
- Incredibly heavy at 562-574 grams.
- Limited sub-bass and bass quantity.
Rating sources
“I recommend these for fans of planar drivers, but others will be disappointed.”
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
