Audeze Maxwell Review for 2026: Who It Suits and What to Check
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Audeze Maxwell Review: a planar magnetic wireless gaming headset, how Maxwell and Maxwell 2 differ and who should buy one.
This audeze maxwell review looks at a wireless gaming headset that built its name on planar magnetic drivers, a type of driver normally found in expensive audiophile headphones. Audeze brought that approach to a headset with a boom microphone, and the Maxwell has become a favorite for players who care about sound quality as much as chat features.
Below you will find what the Maxwell offers, how the original differs from the newer Maxwell 2, who should buy one and what to compare. The product table shows the Maxwell models that are in stock, along with other Audeze headsets.
What Makes the Audeze Maxwell Different
Most gaming headsets use small dynamic drivers. Audeze uses planar magnetic drivers, which move a thin flat diaphragm across a magnetic field. The result is typically fast, detailed sound with strong bass control, which helps in games where you need to hear footsteps and positional cues.
The headset connects wirelessly through a USB dongle and also through Bluetooth, so it can serve a PC and a phone at once. Versions are sold for PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Switch, and the platform you pick decides which dongle ships in the box.
Maxwell vs Maxwell 2
The original Maxwell is sold in versions for PlayStation, Mac, PC and Switch, and for Xbox. The newer Maxwell 2 adds active noise cancellation and appears in listings for both PlayStation and Xbox. Newer units cost more than the original, so decide whether you will use noise cancellation.
If you play in a quiet room, the original is excellent. If you play in a noisy household or travel with the headset, the Maxwell 2 is worth the extra.
Sound Quality
This is the headset's strongest point. Planar drivers deliver clear mids and highs and tight bass, which suits both competitive shooters and cinematic games. Music sounds better than on most gaming headsets, and the headset works well for movies.
The Maxwell has a few built-in sound profiles and can be adjusted through the Audeze HQ software, which lets you set EQ and microphone options on PC.
Microphone and Chat
The Maxwell uses a detachable boom microphone with a mute indicator and a sidetone option so you can hear your own voice. The microphone is good for party chat and streaming, though not a replacement for a dedicated desktop mic.
Comfort and Build
The headset is large and well padded, with a metal frame and big ear cups that suit long sessions. The planar drivers add weight, so some players find it heavy over a full day. Check the weight on the listing and try it if you can.
Replacement ear pads and headbands are widely sold by third parties, which is a sign of a loyal user base, and it is useful when the pads wear.
Battery Life and Connection
Battery life is long enough for several days of normal gaming, and charging is over USB-C. You can keep playing wired while charging if you need to. Bluetooth lets you connect a phone alongside the dongle, so you can take calls while gaming.
Who Should Buy It
- Players who care about sound quality and positional audio.
- Console and PC gamers who want one headset for both.
- People who like music and movies on their gaming headset.
- Not ideal for players who find heavy headsets tiring.
Alternatives
Strong rivals include the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and the Sony Pulse Elite. For a head-to-head, see our arctis nova pro vs audeze maxwell comparison, the steelseries arctis nova pro wireless review and the sony pulse elite review, or browse the best gaming headset guide.
Setting Up the Maxwell on Each Platform
On PC, plug the dongle into a USB port and install Audeze HQ to adjust the equalizer, microphone levels and sidetone. On PlayStation, the dongle plugs into the console and the headset appears as a USB audio device, so chat and game sound both work without extra cables. On Xbox, use the version made for the console, because the licensed dongle handles the wireless link.
Because the headset also supports Bluetooth, you can pair it with a phone for calls, music or a second source. Learn the button that swaps the game and chat balance, since it lets you lower the chat when a game gets intense without opening a menu.
Getting Better Sound From a Planar Headset
Planar headsets reward a good seal. Make sure the ear cups sit flat against the head, and move glasses arms out of the way if bass sounds thin. Try a different EQ preset for each type of game, with more emphasis on footsteps in shooters and a warmer curve for story games. A fresh set of third-party ear pads can change both comfort and tuning, so treat pad choices as part of the setup.
Long-Term Ownership
A headset this size takes daily wear. Wipe the pads now and then, store the headset on a stand rather than in a bag and keep the dongle in the same USB port to avoid loose connectors. Check the warranty terms before buying, and buy from a seller that clearly says the unit is new, because gaming headsets are often resold with unclear coverage.
Audeze headsets have a loyal following among players who also listen to music, so there is a useful body of community advice on pads, headbands and tuning if you want to go further.
FAQ
Is the Audeze Maxwell good for gaming?
Yes. It is known for accurate, detailed sound and a good microphone, and it works across PC and consoles.
Which Maxwell should I buy for Xbox?
Choose the version made for Xbox, because the dongle and licensing differ by platform. Check the listing carefully.
Does the Maxwell 2 have noise cancellation?
The Maxwell 2 listings mention active noise cancellation, which the original does not have.
Can I use it with a phone?
Yes, through Bluetooth, and you can use it with the dongle at the same time.
Final Verdict
If you want a headset that sounds closer to a pair of studio headphones than most gaming gear, this audeze maxwell review says the Maxwell is hard to beat. Pick the right platform version, decide whether you want noise cancellation, and compare the models in the product table.
Prices and availability can change, so check the product page before ordering.
