Audeze Maxwell 2 specifications and in-depth review

Audeze Maxwell 2

Manufacturer: Audeze

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is an over-ear gaming and PC headset designed for extended sessions, offering a broad range of connectivity options including 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, USB, and a 3.5mm wired connection. It is compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, making it versatile across major platforms. One of its standout attributes is its 80-hour battery life, backed by a 1800 mAh rechargeable cell that charges fully in just two hours.

On the technical side, the Maxwell 2 uses 90mm planar magnetic drivers with neodymium magnets, covering a frequency range from 10Hz to 50,000Hz at a sound pressure level of 115 dB/mW. It supports active noise cancellation, passive noise isolation, virtual surround sound, and spatial audio. Bluetooth audio quality is reinforced through LDAC, LE Audio, AAC, and Auracast support. The headset also includes a removable noise-canceling microphone with a mute function, on-device controls, and a detachable, tangle-free cable.

Pros
  • 80-hour battery life on a single charge covers extended use without frequent recharging
  • Supports multiple connection methods including 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, USB, and 3.5mm wired
  • Compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC out of the box
  • Removable noise-canceling microphone can be detached when not in use
  • Wide frequency response from 10Hz to 50,000Hz with large 90mm neodymium-magnet drivers
  • Includes both active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation
Cons
  • At 560g, the headset is notably heavy for extended wear sessions
  • Does not fold, making it less convenient to transport or store
  • No travel bag is included despite its size
  • Battery is not user-removable, limiting options if the cell degrades over time
  • Only a 1-year warranty period is provided
Who is this for?

The Maxwell 2 is well suited to dedicated PC and console gamers who need a single headset that works across multiple platforms, given its compatibility with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The 80-hour battery life makes it a strong fit for users who dislike frequent charging, while the combination of active noise cancellation and passive isolation suits those working or playing in noisy environments. The removable microphone and broad wireless connectivity options also make it a practical choice for users who regularly switch between gaming sessions and calls.

Who is this NOT for?

At 560g without a folding mechanism, this headset is a poor fit for users who need something lightweight and portable for commuting or travel, especially since no travel bag is included. Users who prioritize high-resolution Bluetooth audio through aptX HD or aptX Adaptive will find those codecs absent here. It is also not ideal for those who prefer in-line cable controls, as all controls are placed on the headset itself, which can be less convenient in certain setups.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
has a detachable cable
weight 560 g
has RGB lighting
can be folded
has an open-back design
has a tangle free cable
has stereo speakers

The Audeze Maxwell 2 uses an over-ear fit and a closed-back design, offering passive isolation without an open-back configuration. Weighing 560g, it is a substantial headset that does not fold for compact storage. It comes with stereo speakers and a detachable, tangle-free cable, though it lacks RGB lighting.

Sound quality:

lowest frequency 10 Hz
highest frequency 50000 Hz
has active noise cancellation (ANC)
Surround sound Virtual
supports spatial audio
driver unit size 90 mm
sound pressure level 115 dB/mW
has a neodymium magnet
has passive noise reduction
drivers count 2

The Maxwell 2 uses two 90mm drivers backed by neodymium magnets, covering a wide frequency range from 10Hz to 50,000Hz at a sound pressure level of 115 dB/mW. Both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction are present, helping to limit unwanted ambient sound. The headset supports spatial audio and virtual surround sound, rounding out a feature set aimed at immersive listening.

Microphone:

has a noise-canceling microphone
has a removable microphone
has a mute function
number of microphones 1

The Maxwell 2 includes a single removable noise-canceling microphone, allowing it to be detached when not needed. A dedicated mute function is also available, giving users quick control over their audio input during calls or sessions.

Power:

Battery life 80 hours
charge time 2 hours
battery power 1800 mAh
has a rechargeable battery
has a battery level indicator
has a removable battery

The Maxwell 2 is powered by a built-in 1800 mAh rechargeable battery that is not user-removable. It delivers up to 80 hours of battery life on a single charge, with a full recharge taking approximately 2 hours. A battery level indicator is included, so users can keep track of remaining charge without guesswork.

Connectivity:

connectivity 3.5mm, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB
compatibility PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
Can be used wirelessly
Bluetooth version 5.3
Has USB Type-C
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Low Latency
has LDAC
has LDHC
has Bluetooth LE Audio
has aptX HD
has aptX
has Auracast
has AAC

The Maxwell 2 connects via 3.5mm, 2.4GHz wireless, USB, and Bluetooth 5.3, with a USB Type-C port for both wired audio and charging. It is compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Supported Bluetooth codecs include LDAC, AAC, LE Audio, and Auracast, while aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, and LDHC are not supported.

Features:

control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
has a vibration function
Has an in-line control panel
warranty period 1 years
travel bag is included

The Maxwell 2 can be used as a headset and features on-device controls, though it does not have an in-line control panel on the cable. Vibration feedback is absent, and no travel bag is included in the package. The headset comes with a 1-year warranty.

Final Verdict

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is a feature-rich gaming headset built for users who want versatile platform support and long-haul wireless performance without compromising on audio capability. Its 80-hour battery life combined with multi-platform compatibility and a broad connectivity range make it a well-rounded option for dedicated console and PC users alike. The notable weight and non-folding build do limit its appeal for on-the-go use, but for those primarily using it at a desk or in a fixed gaming setup, these trade-offs are unlikely to be dealbreakers. Overall, the Maxwell 2 is a technically capable headset that delivers a wide feature set for stationary, immersive use.