Hi everyone and welcome back to Sound Approach! Today, we’re diving into two wireless gaming headsets from Audeze: the original Maxwell, and its newly released predecessor, the Maxwell 2. Both have the company’s signature planar magnetic drivers and aim to deliver audiophile-grade sound to gamers and music lovers alike. But there are some key differences you’ll want to know about before deciding to upgrade or not. Let’s break it down.
The Maxwell established itself as fantastic and extraordinarily popular gaming headset thanks to its exceptional sound quality, long battery life (80+ hours), and cross-platform wireless BT connectivity. It’s a headset that holds up even years after the original launch due to the aluminum and steel construction and it offers detailed audio and low distortion with outstanding frequency response, detail, and imaging.
Now, in early 2026, Audeze has introduced the Maxwell 2, building on the Maxwell foundation but also refining a few core aspects.
Both headsets use 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which deliver more accurate sound than typical gaming headsets that have dynamic drivers. On the original Maxwell, these drivers delivered expansive sound with a rich midrange and punchy bass, making it stand out among gaming headsets. Especially, the XBOX version which has Dolby Atmos for immersive gameplay.
The Maxwell 2 carries over the same driver size and enhances it with what Audeze calls SLAM technology, available on both the PS/PC and XBOX models and similar to Dolby Atmos, which improves bass response and spatial imaging. After testing both thoroughly, I can confirm that the SLAM technology does improve the imaging and soundstage, adding additional detail and dimensionality to the headphones. This means the bass response feels more impactful, the mid-range and highs are wider and airier, and the overall sense of immersion is more ethereal.
The Maxwell 2 also has an equalizer and sidetone capability built into the headphone to adjust play and listening to suit your preferences. The presets for the immersive and Audeze settings – that’s the name of the settings - are best for casual music listening and the increased treble and immersive presets seem best for gameplay.
Bottom Line (Sound): Both versions sound excellent, but the Maxwell 2 is slightly more defined with additional customization capabilities that the Maxwell 1 doesn’t have. This is really the biggest upgrade from the original version.
Comfort is one of the areas where the original Maxwell had some criticism. While solidly built, its headband and ear pads feel firm after a couple of hours of use. That timeframe is probably in the low-to-medium range for most users, whether for gameplay or music. The heavier weight, at 460g, especially when compared to similar products on the market that are much lighter, hampers the overall comfort. This is less noticeable on the earpads than on the strap that rests on your head.
For the Maxwell 2, Audeze redesigned the headband strap to be wider and ventilated, with many small holes, and equipped the earpads with a magnetic attachment system so they can be swapped and replaced more easily. These are both great updates to the original.
However, the Maxwell 2 is 100g heaver, coming in at a whopping 1.2lbs, due in large part to the design changes, added electronics, and already dense frame. Unfortunately, while Audeze did well to make improvements in sound-quality, they completely failed to make the Maxwell 2 more comfortable. If anything, the Maxwell 2 is more uncomfortable than the original. The new units come with two styles of straps, one thin, without ventilation, and the other about double the width. This wider band does support the weight of the headphones better, but long sessions will most likely end in discomfort due to the heavier weight.
Unfortunately, Audeze really missed the mark here, failing to take into account this generation where gameplay and listening sessions can last upwards of 4, 8, or 12 hours. This model definitely would have benefited from a lighter frame to offset the weight of the additional electronics and Audeze could have used the criticism of the first model to inform a design change in the 2nd. If Audeze decides to release a third version, I hope they’ll be able to integrate the same sound technology into a lighter headphone.
Both headsets include a detachable mic, but the Maxwell 2 mic benefits from improved AI noise-removal technology and mic volume adjustments during playback. This allows the user to increase or decrease the mic volume to integrate voice command into gameplay sessions for a little bit more autonomy with the microphone.
The original Maxwell’s mic was solid, well-constructed, and stable, which I really liked. Because I’m not a gamer, the volume level wasn’t an issue for me, but I can see how it’s a factor for avid gamers. Based on reviews by competitive gamers it was often pointed out that the mic on the original Maxwell wasn’t up to pro-streaming standards. The 2’s changes go a long way toward addressing that.
The battery life remains exceptional in both models at over 80 hours, making all-day use and travel sessions a non-issue, other than comfort. This kind of battery life is nearly unheard of in most wireless headphones, so it really stands out as an exceptional feature that helped launch the original Maxwell as such a popular product.
Let’s jump into the bottom line on the Maxwell 2.
If you have the Original Maxwell and are considering an upgrade:
- The Maxwell 2 is heavier than the original and not as comfortable, which can matter A LOT in long sessions.
- The Maxwell 2 does sound better, with additional customization and overall performance improvements, my favorite of which is the equalizer functionality and presets.
- Overall, I don’t think you’re getting enough of an upgrade to justify an additional $350 spend. Given the limited new features, there’s an argument to be made that the Maxwell 2 is more of a lateral update rather than a full upgrade. You’re trading slightly increased sound quality for comfort.
If you don’t have the Original Maxwell and are considering the Maxwell 2 for purchase:
- The original Maxwell stock has sold out at most places except the secondary market. If available, the Maxwell 1 is probably the better option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price!
- If you aren’t able to find the original headphones, the Maxwell 2’s are a good alternative. They sound excellent and do provide immersive listening. They’re high-quality, well-built, and sound great. Just be prepared for a heavier feel.
- We would definitely recommend for both gaming and listening if your sessions tend to be on the shorter side.
As always, thank you for joining us as we discussed the brand new-release of the Audeze Maxwell 2’s. We hope you’ve enjoyed our content and it helps you decide which direction to go in for your headphone needs!
