Audeze Maxwell Wireless Headphones
The Audeze Maxwell is one of the best gaming headsets in its price range, and that may actually be an understatement because it also competes with several headphones in the same price class. It offers a lot for the price, although there are a few problems that you should know about before buying it.
The build quality is great overall, but we noticed that the padding on the back of the headband started to peel. The glue was separating even though the headphones were not yet a month old. There are also no size extensions on the swivel joints. The headband adjustment works, but if you normally extend your headphones to their maximum size, this could become an issue.
The buttons provide plenty of functions, but some controls are not placed in the most convenient locations. For example, the noise reduction control is positioned awkwardly on top of the microphone and affects both microphones. This can make it difficult to know exactly what you have changed when enabling sidetone or activating Bluetooth. There are also no voice prompts to tell you the battery level when you turn the headset on. The Audeze Maxwell is one of the most requested wireless gaming headsets, and it does almost everything you need. The main issue is its weight, which can feel like a workout for your neck. After 30 days of use, it became one of my new favorites, but there are still a few annoying bugs.
What Are the Pros of Audeze Maxwell Headphones?
- Great battery life
- Great design
- Excellent microphone performance
What Are the Cons of Audeze Maxwell Headphones?
- Poor portability
- Disappointing noise isolation
- Stability is not the best
Build Quality
The Audeze Maxwell wireless headphones have good build quality. They feel sturdier than the previous model because of the combination of materials used in their construction.
Leather is used on the earcups and headband, while the headband frame also has metal construction. The earcups feel wide and solid, and the combination of these materials gives the headphones a durable feel.
The headband and earcups can be adjusted to fit your head and ears. Once you find the right position, you generally do not need to adjust them again.
Comfort
The wide, padded earcups provide a comfortable fit and give your ears plenty of room. However, the Audeze Maxwell is heavier than many other headphones because of its planar magnetic drivers.
The weight is noticeable, especially when the headphones are worn for a long time. The leather design helps distribute the weight across the headset, but extended use can still cause fatigue.
Availability of Colors
The Audeze Maxwell comes in two versions: PlayStation and Xbox. We tested the Xbox version, which is available in a black colorway.
The Ultraviolet Edition was also released for Xbox on August 15, 2023. This version has a bright electroplated finish that changes from blue to pink. The color change is only cosmetic and does not affect the performance of the headphones.
Style
The Audeze Maxwell has a different style from the previous model. It comes with a removable boom microphone as well as an integrated microphone, giving you different options depending on how you use the headset.
The removable boom microphone is useful for gaming and communication, while the integrated microphone can be used when you do not want the boom attached.
Portability
The Audeze Maxwell is bulky and is not designed to be highly portable. The earcups can swivel and fold flat, which helps reduce the amount of space they take up.
Even after folding, however, they still take up considerable room in a bag. A carrying case is included to protect the headphones when you take them with you.
Stability
The stability of the Audeze Maxwell is not its strongest point. The headphones have a high clamping force, but they are also quite heavy.
They stay in place well when you are gaming at a computer desk. However, if you want to use them while moving around, the weight can make them shift, and they may fall off your head during strong movements.
Sound Quality
The Audeze Maxwell has a neutral sound profile that makes it suitable for a wide range of uses. Sound effects such as explosions and gunfire are clear, while dialogue and other instruments sound natural and are easy to distinguish.
The Audeze app also provides a graphic EQ that lets you adjust the sound according to your preference.
If you want an even more neutral sound, you can use the Immersive EQ sound profile and check the Raw Frequency Response. The EQ allows you to adjust the bass and other parts of the sound further, which is useful if you prefer a different sound profile.
Noise Isolation
The noise isolation performance is disappointing. The headphones do not block much outside noise, particularly low-frequency sounds such as traffic coming through an open window.
They can reduce some chatter and perform better against higher-frequency sounds, including noise from computer fans.
If you need gaming headphones with stronger noise isolation and ANC, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Wireless PS/Xbox is worth considering instead.
Recording Quality
The recording quality of the boom microphone is excellent. Voices sound clear and well defined, making the microphone a strong choice if you regularly communicate with other players while gaming.
The integrated microphone also captures your voice clearly, giving you another option when you do not want to use the boom microphone.
Battery Life
The Audeze Maxwell has excellent battery life. The manufacturer claims up to 80 hours of battery life, and our testing produced roughly the same result.
That gives you enough battery life to game for several days without recharging. Actual battery life will depend on factors such as volume and how you use the headset.
The headphones also have an auto-off timer that helps preserve battery life when they are not being used. Audeze also claims that a 20-minute charge can provide 20–30 hours of playtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Audeze Maxwell good for gaming?
Yes. The Audeze Maxwell is a strong gaming headset with good sound quality, excellent microphone performance, and very long battery life. It also stays in place well when you are gaming at a desk.
Is the Audeze Maxwell comfortable?
The wide and padded earcups provide good comfort, but the headset is heavy because of its planar magnetic drivers. Wearing it for several hours can cause fatigue.
How long does the Audeze Maxwell battery last?
The Audeze Maxwell is rated for up to 80 hours of battery life, and our testing produced roughly the same result. Actual battery life depends on volume and usage.
Does the Audeze Maxwell have a good microphone?
Yes. The boom microphone provides clear voice recording and works well for gaming and communication. The integrated microphone also captures voices clearly.
Is the Audeze Maxwell portable?
Not particularly. The headphones are bulky and take up a considerable amount of space in a bag. The earcups can swivel and fold flat, but the headset remains relatively large.
Does the Audeze Maxwell have good noise isolation?
No. Noise isolation is one of its weaker areas. It does not block much low-frequency noise, such as traffic coming through an open window, although it performs better against some higher-frequency sounds.
Is the Audeze Maxwell stable?
It is stable when you are sitting at a computer desk, but the weight can become a problem when you are moving around. Strong head movements can cause the headphones to shift or fall off.
Does the Audeze Maxwell have an EQ?
Yes. The Audeze app provides a graphic EQ that allows you to adjust the sound. You can also select different sound profiles according to your preference.
Is the Audeze Maxwell good for music?
Yes. Its neutral sound profile works well for different types of audio. Vocals, dialogue, instruments, and game sounds are clear and easy to distinguish, while the graphic EQ gives you additional control over the sound.
Does the Audeze Maxwell come with a microphone?
Yes. It has a removable boom microphone and an integrated microphone. The boom microphone is particularly useful for gaming and communication.
Is the Audeze Maxwell good for long gaming sessions?
The padded earcups make it comfortable around the ears, but its weight is the main concern during long sessions. The planar magnetic drivers make the headset heavier than many alternatives, and extended use can cause fatigue.
Is the Audeze Maxwell Right for You?
The Audeze Maxwell is a good choice if your priority is sound quality, microphone performance, battery life, and gaming performance. Its 80-hour battery life is particularly useful if you do not want to charge your headset frequently.
The main reasons to look elsewhere are weight, portability, stability during movement, and noise isolation. If you mostly game at a desk and want a headset with excellent battery life and a strong microphone, the Maxwell makes a lot of sense. If you regularly travel with your headphones or need strong noise isolation, its bulky design and weaker noise isolation may be more noticeable.