Audeze Maxwell Review: Premium Wireless Gaming Headphones Worth the Price?

Explore the Audeze Maxwell wireless gaming headphones, packed with audiophile-grade planar drivers and premium comfort for serious gamers.

When it comes to gaming headsets, it’s rare to find one that blends audiophile-quality sound with gaming-centric features so seamlessly. Enter the Audeze Maxwell, a fresh entry from California’s Audeze—known for their high-end headphones costing four figures. The Maxwell is currently the most affordable in their lineup but still falls into the premium price bracket, retailing around $360-$400 depending on the platform version. So, does it deliver enough to justify this price tag? Let’s dive into what makes the Maxwell tick and where it might trip up.

Meet the Audeze Maxwell: Specs at a Glance

• Price: Approx. $360 (PlayStation/Switch/PC); $400 (Xbox/PC)
• Colors: Black, Gray
• Battery Life: Up to 80 hours
• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz USB-C adapter + Bluetooth
• Drivers: 90mm Planar Magnetic Drivers
• Weight: 490 grams
• Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch

What Is Audeze Maxwell?

The Maxwell is Audeze’s latest wireless gaming headset, succeeding the Mobius and Penrose models. It comes in two versions tailored for PlayStation/Switch or Xbox, both compatible with PC. Its flagship feature is the massive 90mm planar magnetic drivers, engineered to deliver pristine sound with low latency and a marathon battery life. However, with a starting price hovering near $360, it’s positioned firmly in the premium gaming headset market, competing against solid options like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.

Why Audeze Maxwell Stands Out: Pros

Design & Comfort

At first glance, the Maxwell’s design may not scream premium. Compared to sleeker, more compact wireless headsets like the Logitech G Pro X (which costs under $250), the Maxwell looks bulky — especially thanks to its enormous earcups. I half-joked that putting it on felt like strapping on tiny trash bins to my ears during a train ride.

But once you pick it up, the quality is undeniable. The frame combines mostly aluminum with a super-thin steel headband that makes the headset sturdy yet surprisingly lightweight for its size. The key to comfort lies in the soft, thick padding on the ear cups, which never got warm or sweaty during long gaming sessions.

The Maxwell’s internal suspension strap sits under the steel headband, distributing weight evenly, which means forget the pressure headaches you get from cheaper headsets. As someone with long hair, I appreciated that this suspension worked like a built-in hairband, letting me keep my strands out of my face without hassle—a little joy for fellow gamers with flowing locks!

One minor gripe is that adjusting the suspension straps isn’t as quick or intuitive as sliding earcup sliders, like on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which offers both options. So, while comfortable, tuning fit on the fly could be smoother.

Intuitive Controls

The headset sports a range of well-placed physical controls on its earcups, letting you tweak volume, mute the mic, and switch input modes without fumbling. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of the button layout, voice-guided prompts keep you informed about what adjustments you’re making—a handy touch during intense gameplay.

Sound Quality: Music and TV

The Maxwell shines brightest here. Thanks to the 90mm planar magnetic drivers, the sound is incredibly clean and rich, handling deep bass and crisp highs without distortion, even at high volumes.

I tested it with various tracks, including the dance anthem Marea (we’ve lost dancing) by Fred & The Blessed Madonna. The bass hit deep and tight without overshadowing midrange vocals or the dazzling synth lines in the high frequencies. Switching gears to jazz with Life In New York by WanderLight & Chill Select, the Maxwell revealed layers of warm bass and intricate details that other headsets, like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, missed. That comparison alone underscored how planar drivers elevate the listening experience.

Watching Netflix’s The Last Kingdom, I was enveloped in immersive surround sound that made battles and ambient scenes come alive. The only quirk was slightly subdued treble, likely due to how the show was mastered rather than the headset’s fault.

Gaming Performance & EQ Presets

Sound quality isn’t just about music—Maxwell delivers during gameplay, too. It offers multiple EQ presets tailored for different game genres and audio types.

Trying the “Immersive” preset with Skyrim and Total War: Attila was an auditory delight. Epic soundtracks flourished, and Attila’s battlefield chaos came through with surround precision. Skyrim’s creepy “Soul Cairn” map became genuinely spine-chilling with every ghostly moan and eerie whistle crystal clear.

I also tested the “Competition” and “Footsteps” EQs in Hell Let Loose, a game where hearing enemy steps can make or break your survival. The “Competition” preset did little to help, but “Footsteps” effectively amplified enemy footfalls over artillery and gunfire, saving me from more than one unexpected respawn.

Worth noting: the Xbox version supports Dolby Atmos on both Xbox and PC, enhancing spatial sound. This license isn’t included with the PlayStation version, which lacks Atmos support.

Mic Quality

No modern headset is complete without a good mic, and Maxwell doesn’t disappoint. It features AI-powered noise cancellation to clean up your voice on calls and in-game chats.

I tested the mic during calls and gaming, comparing it to an iPhone 15 Pro’s built-in mic. The Maxwell’s voice came through clearer, with less static. In Hell Let Loose, communication was key: players often complain about low or crackly mic volume on cheaper headsets like my old Corsair HS35. With Maxwell, my voice was loud and crisp, earning compliments from teammates.

Seamless Connectivity

Connecting the Maxwell is straightforward: Bluetooth offers convenience, while the included USB-C Wi-Fi dongle provides ultra-low latency for gaming with no dreaded audio lag or video sync issues. I loved that both channels work simultaneously—you can game and take calls or listen to music without missing a beat.

Battery Life That Lasts

Audeze claims over 80 hours of battery life, with a quick 20-minute charge giving you enough juice for “all-day gaming.” I’m skeptical about what “all day” means exactly, but after several days of gaming during a trip plus an hour of train music listening, I still had 70% battery left. That’s impressive stamina for any wireless headset.

Drawbacks to Consider

Pricey for a Gaming Headset

At around $360-$400, the Maxwell sits at the high end of gaming headset prices. If you’re on a budget or aren’t an audiophile, more affordable options like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 deliver solid performance for less.

Still, Maxwell’s premium planar driver tech justifies the cost if pure sound quality is your priority.

Smartphone App Could Be Better

The Audeze HQ app lets you tweak EQ settings from your phone. It’s functional but basic, lacking advanced features beyond what the headset offers.

On iOS, I ran into connectivity issues where the app couldn’t consistently detect the headset despite Bluetooth being connected and audio playing. Restarting the app fixed it but was annoying.

No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The Maxwell lacks ANC, which can hinder listening in noisy environments. On a recent trip, ambient noise drowned out the bass in certain tracks, even with the balanced sound profile and Bass Boost feature engaged.

While not a deal-breaker for home gaming, this absence is disappointing given the headset’s price point—especially compared to rivals like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which includes ANC.

Planar Driver Coil Noise

A known quirk of planar magnetic drivers is faint crackling noises when the drivers move. The Maxwell exhibits this too, but only at very low volumes or silence. For most users, this won’t be an issue during media playback at normal volumes but could bother producers or audiophiles seeking silent listening environments.

Final Thoughts on the Audeze Maxwell

Initially skeptical, I’m now convinced the Audeze Maxwell earns its place among premium gaming headsets. It may lack some convenience features like ANC and a flawless companion app, but its sound quality, comfort, mic performance, and battery life are outstanding.

Its biggest rival, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, offers ANC and better portability for on-the-go use, but Maxwell trumps it for pure audio fidelity and immersive gaming soundscapes. If you’re an audiophile gamer or someone who values sound quality above all else, Maxwell isn’t just a gaming headset—it’s a high-end headphone with gaming DNA.

“90mm planar magnetic drivers on the Maxwell deliver a clean, rich sound that transforms gaming into an audiophile experience.” – Reviewer

FAQ

• How long does the battery last on the Audeze Maxwell?
  Up to 80 hours of continuous use, with quick charging that offers a full day’s gaming in just 20 minutes.
• Does the Maxwell support multiple platforms?
  Yes, there are versions for PlayStation/Switch and Xbox, and both are compatible with PC.
• Is the Maxwell comfortable for long gaming sessions?
  Absolutely. Its lightweight aluminum frame and suspension headband reduce pressure, while soft padding prevents heat buildup.
• Does the headset have active noise cancellation?
  No, the Maxwell lacks ANC, which might be a downside in noisy environments.
• How good is the microphone quality?
  The AI noise-canceling mic delivers clear, loud voice communication praised during calls and multiplayer gaming.

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