The Audeze Maxwell 2 is an audio-first wireless gaming headset built around 90 mm planar magnetic drivers, a low-latency USB-C wireless dongle, Bluetooth 5.3, a detachable boom microphone, and battery life rated above 80 hours. Its controlled bass, detailed mids, wide stereo presentation, excellent microphone, and low wireless latency make it one of the strongest headsets for gamers who also care about music quality.

Its main weaknesses are substantial weight, fit sensitivity, poor passive noise isolation, and a premium price. The Maxwell 2 is not the right choice for noisy environments or users who want a lightweight headset, but it is an exceptional option for quiet-room gaming, competitive chat, cinematic single-player games, and everyday listening.

Audeze approaches the Maxwell 2 more like a planar-magnetic headphone with gaming functions than a conventional gaming headset. The 90 mm drivers are substantially larger than the drivers found in many mainstream models, and the headset is tuned to present game sound, dialogue, music, and effects with an unusually high level of clarity. Audeze’s patent-pending SLAM system is intended to improve acoustic management, bass impact, and spatial immersion without turning the sound into a boomy or indistinct presentation.

The Maxwell 2 is especially strong for positional information. Independent testing describes a wide stereo field, clean channel separation, detailed environmental cues, and low-latency wireless performance through the dongle. The presentation remains comparatively natural, so users may not need aggressive virtual-surround processing to obtain a convincing sense of space.

The microphone is another major strength. RTINGS found that the mic sounds full and natural while handling background noise exceptionally well, and MajorHiFi found it clear in Discord and effective at suppressing interference. It is not a replacement for a dedicated broadcast microphone, but it is excellent for team communication, calls, and streaming without a separate mic.

Battery endurance is outstanding. Audeze rates the headset for more than 80 hours of wireless playback, while RTINGS measured approximately 77 hours. That is enough for many days of ordinary gaming before recharging, and the fast-charge system is designed to provide roughly 24 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.

The trade-off is weight. Independent coverage places the Maxwell 2 around 560 g, making it dramatically heavier than many competing wireless gaming headsets. The wider ventilated head strap and enlarged earpads improve weight distribution and ear clearance, but long sessions can still become tiring, especially for users with smaller heads or low tolerance for heavy headphones.

The Maxwell 2 is therefore a specialist premium headset. It prioritizes sound, mic quality, battery life, and connection flexibility over lightness, ANC, and portability. If those priorities match yours, it is difficult to beat; if you need isolation or a featherweight design, other headsets will be more practical.

Specifications

• Product: Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset
• Design: Closed-back, over-ear, circumaural wireless gaming headset
• Driver type: Planar magnetic
• Driver size: 90 mm
• Acoustic system: Patent-pending SLAM technology
• Wireless connection: USB-C low-latency wireless dongle
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC, LE Audio, and Auracast support according to independent coverage
• Wired connections: USB-C digital audio and 3.5 mm analog
• Microphone: Detachable boom microphone with FILTER AI noise reduction / high-bandwidth processing
• Battery claim: More than 80 hours of wireless playback
• Independent battery result: Approximately 77 hours in RTINGS testing
• Fast charging: Approximately 24 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge according to Audeze’s product information
• Console variants: PlayStation and Xbox versions
• Dolby Atmos: Xbox version includes a Dolby Atmos for Headphones license; licensing and console support vary by variant
• Side plates: Magnetic ReSkin-compatible side plates for customization; alternate plate availability may vary
• Controls: Power/Bluetooth pairing, volume, microphone volume, mic mute, AI noise reduction, EQ/media controls, and game/chat functions on compatible sources
• Package contents: Headset, detachable boom mic and pop filter, USB-C wireless dongle, USB-C cable, USB-C-to-A adapter cable, and 3.5 mm TRRS cable
• Approximate weight: About 560 g according to Headfonia; weight may vary by measurement method
• Color: Gray according to RTINGS’ tested variants
• ANC: Standard Maxwell 2 does not include active noise cancellation; Audeze sells a separate Maxwell 2 ANC model

Design and Build Quality

The Maxwell 2 retains the substantial closed-back silhouette of the original Maxwell, but its construction is refined rather than merely repeated. Headfonia describes aluminum yokes, a spring-steel headband, reinforced dual-chamber earcups, magnetic side plates, and a secure detachable microphone connection. The result feels more like a serious audiophile headphone than a lightweight gaming accessory.

Build quality is one of the headset’s safest strengths. MajorHiFi describes the frame as exceptionally sturdy, and Headfonia reports no creaks or flex during handling. The headset is engineered to tolerate daily desk use, transport to gaming events, and repeated attachment and removal of the boom microphone.

The ReSkin system adds cosmetic customization through magnetic side plates. It is not a performance feature, and availability of alternate designs may depend on Audeze’s regional catalog and release schedule. For streamers and setup-focused users, however, the system offers a cleaner personalization method than stickers or permanent plastic accents.

The main design cost is mass. Headfonia reports approximately 560 g, compared with approximately 490 g for the first-generation Maxwell. The aluminum and steel structure, large planar drivers, battery, wireless electronics, and reinforced cups all contribute to the weight.

Comfort and Fit

The Maxwell 2 is more comfortable than its weight suggests, but it is not a light headset. The wider ventilated suspension strap distributes pressure more effectively than a narrow band, and the enlarged earpads provide more vertical clearance for larger ears. MajorHiFi considers the earpads comfortable during long sessions, and Headfonia describes the revised strap as a genuine improvement over the previous design.

Even with those improvements, the headset can become fatiguing. RTINGS describes it as very heavy and potentially unstable during movement, while Headfonia emphasizes that the approximately 560 g mass remains noticeable during extended use. The Maxwell 2 is best for seated gaming rather than walking, commuting, or active use.

Fit also affects sound. RTINGS found that the bass response changes with the seal between the earpads and the head, and glasses can break that seal enough to reduce bass punch. Users should take time to position the cups evenly each session, particularly if they wear glasses or have a smaller head.

The headband adjustment is functional but not universally loved. MajorHiFi says it can be awkward, while Headfonia favors the ventilated strap’s pressure distribution. The result is comfortable for many users but less forgiving than a lighter headset with a more conventional sliding headband.

Audio Quality

Audio quality is the Maxwell 2’s central reason to exist. The 90 mm planar magnetic drivers provide low distortion, quick transient response, and a detailed presentation that makes game audio feel more layered than it does through many dynamic-driver gaming headsets.

The default tuning is balanced rather than exaggerated. RTINGS found it close to its target curve, with some low-bass roll-off that can reduce the deepest rumble. MajorHiFi and Headfonia describe bass as controlled, textured, and substantial without becoming thick or muddy.

SLAM appears to improve the physical quality of the low end. Headfonia reports deeper and more physical sub-bass than the original Maxwell, while maintaining controlled mid-bass that does not obscure dialogue or musical detail. This is a refinement rather than an indiscriminate bass boost.

The midrange is excellent for games. Dialogue, voices, environmental detail, instruments, and sound-design elements remain distinct in a busy mix. MajorHiFi describes the midrange as full and articulate, while Headfonia praises the combination of body, texture, and separation.

Treble is clear and extended without being consistently harsh. MajorHiFi reports comfortable high-frequency detail and natural reverberation tails. The result is a headset that can expose fine cues such as reloads, footfalls, distant echoes, and environmental movement without making every sharp sound fatiguing.

Soundstage and Imaging

For a closed-back headset, the Maxwell 2 produces a notably wide stereo field. MajorHiFi describes strong left-right separation and precise spatial positioning, while Headfonia reports detailed directional cues in competitive shooters and convincing depth in environmental sounds.

The headset does not sound as open as an open-back headphone, but the large planar drivers allow game audio to breathe more than many closed gaming headsets. The natural stereo presentation may be preferable to heavy virtual-surround processing, especially for users who find artificial spatial effects diffuse or phasey.

RTINGS found the Maxwell 2 highly suitable for wireless gaming because the dongle latency is impressively low. Low-latency Bluetooth is available for convenience, but the USB-C transmitter remains the better choice for latency-sensitive competitive games.

The Maxwell 2 is not automatically a perfect footsteps headset. Positional performance depends on the game mix, fit, EQ, and individual hearing. Its strong imaging and low latency give it the right foundations, but players may still prefer a modest EQ adjustment for particular competitive titles.

Wireless Connectivity

The USB-C dongle is the Maxwell 2’s primary gaming connection. It provides low-latency wireless audio and works with compatible PC and console setups. RTINGS found the dongle responsive enough that users should not encounter obvious audio-sync problems during gameplay.

Bluetooth 5.3 expands the headset’s usefulness beyond gaming. Independent coverage lists LDAC, LE Audio, and Auracast support, allowing the Maxwell 2 to serve as a general listening headset with compatible mobile devices and transmitters. Bluetooth convenience comes at the cost of higher latency than the dedicated dongle for games.

USB-C wired audio and 3.5 mm analog input provide additional flexibility. RTINGS found low latency over both wired modes, while MajorHiFi notes that wired operation can offer a different sound and source experience. The headset must be powered on for USB and analog playback according to RTINGS’ clarification.

Console buyers must choose the correct variant. Both variants work with PC and Nintendo Switch, but the Xbox version has broader console support and includes Dolby Atmos for Headphones. The PlayStation version does not support Xbox, and PlayStation game/chat mix behavior is more limited.

Microphone Quality

The detachable boom microphone is one of the Maxwell 2’s strongest practical upgrades. RTINGS describes voice recordings as full and natural, with excellent background-noise handling. The built-in AI noise removal can reduce surrounding noise further while preserving intelligibility.

MajorHiFi also found the microphone clear in Discord and effective at suppressing interference. The reviewer’s main reservation was timbre: the microphone is excellent for chat but not close to broadcast quality for professional recording.

The detachable design is useful. It allows the Maxwell 2 to look and feel more like a conventional headphone when used for music, while retaining proper boom-mic performance for gaming sessions. The physical microphone controls and AI-noise-reduction toggle also reduce the need to open software during play.

The headset is a particularly good choice for users who share a room with other people or who have noisy computer fans. The microphone’s noise handling is stronger than its passive isolation, so teammates may hear a clean voice even when the listener still hears the surrounding environment.

Battery Life

Battery life is outstanding. Audeze claims more than 80 hours of wireless playback, and RTINGS measured approximately 77 hours. Differences between the claim and test result can arise from volume, codec, wireless mode, microphone use, and measurement conditions, but both figures represent excellent endurance.

The fast-charge feature is also useful. Audeze says a 20-minute charge can provide about 24 hours of playback, which means a short charging session can restore several gaming days of practical use.

This endurance gives the Maxwell 2 an advantage over lighter headsets that require frequent charging. It is especially valuable for users who alternate between gaming and Bluetooth music listening because the headset can remain in service for long periods without becoming a daily charging obligation.

Software and Controls

The Maxwell 2 provides physical controls for common functions, including volume, microphone volume, mute, power, Bluetooth pairing, and AI-noise reduction. Some controls also have secondary functions, such as EQ or media-preset selection and game/chat balance on compatible sources.

Audeze’s companion app provides customization options and EQ presets. MajorHiFi found the EQ effective for increasing bass impact, while RTINGS praised the app for offering plenty of customization. Users who prefer the default balanced sound can leave the headset alone, while others can tailor it for competitive or cinematic play.

The number of secondary control functions can require a short learning period. Headfonia notes that several buttons and dials have dual roles, so new owners may need time to remember which press or rotation changes EQ, chat balance, microphone level, or media controls.

The software experience is more functional than flashy. That is appropriate for a headset whose value is primarily in its drivers, connection performance, mic, and endurance rather than RGB lighting or a large gaming ecosystem.

Noise Isolation and Portability

The standard Maxwell 2 does not include ANC. RTINGS found disappointing passive noise isolation, especially against low-frequency rumble. Engine noise, nearby bass, and other low sounds can remain audible beneath the game.

The poor isolation has a positive side: users can remain aware of their environment. For a quiet room, however, the downside is that conversations and household sounds can intrude. Buyers who regularly play in noisy spaces should consider the distinct Maxwell 2 ANC model or a competing headset with effective ANC.

Portability is also limited by the weight and bulk. The headset can travel in a bag, but it is not as convenient as a 250–300 g wireless model for commuting or active use. RTINGS found that it can shift on the head during movement, reinforcing the recommendation to treat it as a seated gaming headset.

Gaming Performance

The Maxwell 2 is excellent for cinematic and competitive gaming alike, provided the user accepts the weight. Its low-latency dongle, clear midrange, controlled bass, wide presentation, and strong imaging make it easy to follow dialogue, music, effects, and directional cues.

In competitive shooters, detail and imaging help reveal footsteps, reloads, distant movement, and reverberant spaces. The natural presentation means the headset does not require aggressive spatial processing, although some users may prefer Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D, or a custom EQ depending on platform and game.

In single-player games, the planar drivers deliver a more complete and textured presentation than many gaming headsets. Explosions, orchestral scores, weather, dialogue, and environmental effects remain separated enough to create immersion without collapsing into an undifferentiated wall of sound.

The biggest gaming limitation is comfort over marathon sessions. A user may appreciate the sound for hours but still need a break because of the headset’s mass. The Maxwell 2 is therefore a performance-first design rather than a comfort-first lightweight model.

Music and Everyday Listening

The Maxwell 2 is unusually good as an everyday music headset. MajorHiFi reports a naturally wide field, controlled bass, articulate mids, and clear treble, while Headfonia describes strong extension and a family resemblance to Audeze’s audiophile headphones.

Bluetooth with LDAC narrows the gap between wireless gaming and general listening. Headfonia found a small reduction in transient definition and dynamic range compared with the dongle, but considered Bluetooth performance impressive.

The balanced tuning is more versatile than an exaggerated gaming profile. It works for electronic music, rock, jazz, soundtracks, podcasts, and spoken content, with EQ available for users who want more low-end weight or a more specialized presentation.

The headset is less suitable for outdoor everyday use because of its weight and poor isolation. It is best regarded as a desk-based all-purpose headset that can handle music between gaming sessions.

Value for Money

The Maxwell 2 occupies the premium end of the wireless gaming-headset market. Headfonia lists approximately $329 for the PlayStation version and $349 for the Xbox version at the time of review, although current pricing can vary by region and promotion.

The price is justified by features that are difficult to combine elsewhere: planar magnetic audio, excellent microphone quality, very low wireless latency, Bluetooth codec support, long battery life, wired modes, app EQ, and robust construction.

The price is harder to justify for users who prioritize lightness, ANC, or broad portability. A lighter competitor may be more comfortable, and a headset with ANC may be more useful in a shared room or on public transport. The Maxwell 2 offers exceptional sound per dollar among premium gaming headsets, but not exceptional convenience per dollar.

The Xbox and PlayStation variants also require careful selection. A buyer who chooses the wrong console version may lose important compatibility or Dolby Atmos benefits. Confirm the platform requirements before ordering.

Who Should Buy the Audeze Maxwell 2?

The Maxwell 2 is best for gamers who rank sound quality, microphone performance, wireless latency, and battery life above weight. It is particularly attractive to PC and console players who also listen to music and want one high-end headset for both uses.

It is also a strong choice for users who play in a relatively quiet room and need a microphone that can reject keyboard, fan, or household noise. The headset’s soundstage and imaging are well suited to competitive shooters, while the balanced planar presentation works beautifully for RPGs, films, and music.

It is not ideal for commuters, active users, noisy environments, or anyone who becomes uncomfortable with heavy over-ear headphones. A lighter headset with ANC may be a better practical purchase even if it does not match the Maxwell 2’s sound quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Audeze Maxwell 2 worth buying?

Yes, if sound quality, mic performance, wireless latency, and battery endurance are your priorities. It is less compelling if you need a lightweight headset, strong noise isolation, or ANC. The premium price is easiest to justify for users who will also use it for music and general listening.

Is the Maxwell 2 better than the original Maxwell?

It is a refinement rather than a complete redesign. The Maxwell 2 adds or improves features such as SLAM acoustic management, a wider ventilated strap, larger earpads, magnetic earpads, ReSkin side plates, and upgraded FILTER AI processing. Whether it is worth upgrading depends on how satisfied you are with the original headset’s microphone, fit, and sound.

How good is the Maxwell 2 for competitive FPS games?

It is excellent for competitive FPS gaming when connected through the USB-C dongle. The headset provides low latency, detailed positional cues, strong imaging, and a clear midrange. Fit and seal matter, and some players may prefer a custom EQ for particular games.

Does the Maxwell 2 have good bass?

Yes, but its bass is controlled rather than excessively boomy. SLAM is intended to improve physical low-end impact, while independent reviews describe the bass as deep, detailed, and clean. RTINGS noted some low-bass roll-off in its measurements, so users wanting maximum rumble may prefer an EQ adjustment.

Is the Maxwell 2 good for music?

Yes. The planar drivers, balanced tuning, clear mids, controlled bass, and wide presentation make it unusually good for music among wireless gaming headsets. Bluetooth LDAC also makes it useful for compatible mobile listening, although the dongle remains the preferred connection for maximum responsiveness.

How long does the Maxwell 2 battery last?

Audeze claims more than 80 hours of wireless playback. RTINGS measured approximately 77 hours, which is still outstanding. Actual runtime depends on volume, codec, microphone use, wireless mode, and other settings.

Does the Maxwell 2 support fast charging?

Yes. Audeze says a 20-minute fast charge can provide approximately 24 hours of playback.

Does the Maxwell 2 have ANC?

The standard Maxwell 2 does not have active noise cancellation. RTINGS found its passive noise isolation disappointing, especially for low-frequency noise. Audeze sells a separate Maxwell 2 ANC model, so buyers should verify the exact product before ordering.

Is the Maxwell 2 comfortable?

It can be comfortable, particularly because of the wider ventilated strap and larger earpads, but it is heavy. Independent sources report that the approximately 560 g weight can cause fatigue during long sessions. Comfort also depends on head size, glasses, and achieving a good ear-cup seal.

How heavy is the Maxwell 2?

Headfonia reports approximately 560 g. The exact figure can vary according to measurement method and configuration, but the Maxwell 2 is substantially heavier than many competing wireless gaming headsets.

Is the Maxwell 2 suitable for glasses wearers?

It can work with glasses, but the glasses may break the ear-cup seal and reduce bass response. RTINGS specifically notes that glasses can cause a larger bass drop, so glasses wearers should test the fit carefully.

How good is the Maxwell 2 microphone?

The microphone is excellent for gaming chat and calls. RTINGS found it full, natural, and highly effective at rejecting background noise, while MajorHiFi found it clear in Discord. It is not intended to replace a dedicated broadcast microphone.

Can the microphone be removed?

Yes. The boom microphone is detachable, allowing the headset to be used more like a conventional pair of headphones for music and general listening.

Does the Maxwell 2 work with PlayStation and Xbox?

Audeze sells PlayStation and Xbox variants with different compatibility. The Xbox version has broader console support and includes a Dolby Atmos for Headphones license. The PlayStation version does not support Xbox, so buyers should select the correct model for their main console. Both variants support PC and Nintendo Switch according to RTINGS.

Does the Maxwell 2 support Bluetooth?

Yes. Independent coverage lists Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC, LE Audio, and Auracast support. Bluetooth is useful for mobile devices and general listening, while the USB-C dongle is the better gaming connection because it provides lower latency.

Does the Maxwell 2 work with a 3.5 mm cable?

Yes. It includes a 3.5 mm TRRS analog cable and also supports USB-C wired audio. RTINGS reports low latency over both wired connections.

Does the Maxwell 2 have customizable EQ?

Yes. The Audeze app provides EQ and other customization options. MajorHiFi found the EQ effective for increasing bass impact, and RTINGS praised the app’s customization flexibility.

Is the Maxwell 2 good for noisy rooms?

Not especially. The standard model has no ANC, and RTINGS found that it blocks very little low-frequency noise. The microphone handles background noise well for other people on the call, but the listener may still hear the surrounding environment.

Is the standard Maxwell 2 the same as Maxwell 2 ANC?

No. The Maxwell 2 ANC is a separate product. The standard Maxwell 2 reviewed here does not include active noise cancellation.

Verdict

The Audeze Maxwell 2 earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is one of the best-sounding wireless gaming headsets available, combining large planar magnetic drivers, impressive imaging, controlled bass, excellent mids, a strong detachable microphone, very low dongle latency, Bluetooth flexibility, and exceptional battery life. It also doubles as a genuinely enjoyable music headset in a way that most gaming headsets do not.

Its compromises are substantial but clear. The headset is heavy, can become tiring, offers weak passive isolation, lacks ANC in the standard version, and depends on a good ear-cup seal for consistent bass. Its price is premium, and the PlayStation-versus-Xbox variant distinction must be handled carefully.

Buy the Maxwell 2 if you want the best possible combination of gaming audio, microphone quality, low latency, and endurance and are comfortable with a heavy headset. Avoid it if lightness, portability, or noise cancellation matter more than sound quality. For seated gaming in a quiet room, it is an exceptional high-end recommendation.