Gaming Headsets
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni
8.4/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$399.99at Amazon
Buy on AmazonAll products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
Audeze
Audeze Maxwell 2
Sound
4.3/ 5
SoundMDAQS Overall4.3
1.05.0
A 4.3 puts its audio quality in the top third of gaming headsets we've measured.
Measured on 18 of the 149 we've cataloged.
See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation · Audio quality
No one has reported on this pair yet.
Be the first. We ask a few quick questions about living with it, then check the note before publishing.
Own the Audeze Maxwell 2?
Be the first owner to write in — three answers, four quick reads, shown under a pseudonym.
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Audeze Maxwell 2SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | -8.9 |
| 25 | -2.0 |
| 32 | 5.0 |
| 40 | 2.8 |
| 50 | 4.0 |
| 63 | 4.5 |
| 80 | 2.4 |
| 100 | 1.1 |
| 125 | -0.6 |
| 160 | -2.2 |
| 200 | -3.1 |
| 250 | -2.9 |
| 315 | -2.3 |
| 400 | -1.8 |
| 500 | -1.0 |
| 630 | -0.4 |
| 800 | 0.2 |
| 1000 | 0.1 |
| 1250 | 1.1 |
| 1600 | 1.6 |
| 2000 | 4.8 |
| 2500 | 8.9 |
| 3150 | 8.7 |
| 4000 | 5.8 |
| 5000 | 7.2 |
| 6300 | 7.5 |
| 8000 | 8.7 |
| 10000 | 4.0 |
| 12500 | -0.3 |
| 16000 | -1.7 |
| 20000 | -14.4 |
Audeze Maxwell 2
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -2.4 |
| 26 | -1.9 |
| 33 | -4.9 |
| 41 | -0.4 |
| 52 | -1.9 |
| 65 | -2.3 |
| 82 | -2.8 |
| 103 | -1.1 |
| 130 | -0.4 |
| 163 | 1.9 |
| 205 | 4.0 |
| 259 | 5.9 |
| 325 | 7.4 |
| 410 | 8.9 |
| 516 | 10.4 |
| 613 | 12.7 |
| 772 | 15.6 |
| 972 | 17.6 |
| 1220 | 22.2 |
| 1540 | 21.5 |
| 1940 | 22.2 |
| 2440 | 30.1 |
| 3070 | 31.0 |
| 3870 | 32.3 |
| 4870 | 36.0 |
| 6130 | 41.4 |
| 7720 | 37.8 |
| 9720 | 33.0 |
| 12200 | 29.5 |
| 15400 | 33.3 |
| 19400 | 35.2 |
Audeze Maxwell 2
4.5
3.6
3.6
4.3
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (1–5), modeled from the measured response. Higher is better across timbre, distortion, and immersiveness — add other models to see where this one lands.
SoundGuys review
SOUNDGUYS rating
Reviewed byJhaycee CalvezVideo Producer/WriterReviewed February 2026
7.7/ 10
RecommendedBattery life9.5
Comfort & fit7.5
Connectivity8.5
Design7.5
Portability6.0
Features7.0
The verdict
The Audeze Maxwell 2 is a great improvement over the original. However, if you already own the original Maxwell, I would wait for the upcoming ANC version. As a gamer, the sound performs well across most genres, but it felt too warm and heavy on my head after extended sessions.
✓Liked: Great competitive FPS performance, Improved bass response, 80+ hour battery
✕Could be better: No noise cancelation, Missing simultaneous wireless connections, Heavy and uncomfortable over long hours
Owners
How we verify ownersNobody who owns the Audeze Maxwell 2 has written in yet.
Owner notes are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not edited by us. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from notes.
Own the Audeze Maxwell 2?
Three answers, four quick reads, one sentence nobody tells you before buying. Shown under a pseudonym.
Related comparisons
Browse all versus ›See how the Audeze Maxwell 2 stacks up against the competition.
Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
I can't believe the Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC is still missing this crucial gaming feature Audeze finally added noise cancelation to its flagship gaming headset. Here's what it still left out.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorExclusive: Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC coming in Q1 2026Audeze confirmed to me at CES that the ANC variant is launching soon with silver accents and premium pricing.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help you
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributor
Adam BirneyManaging EditorExclusive: Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC coming in Q1 2026Audeze confirmed to me at CES that the ANC variant is launching soon with silver accents and premium pricing.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorMore Gaming Headsets
See our top picks ›
Gaming Headsets
Alienware AW Pro Wireless
8.0/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$229at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Gaming Headsets
Audeze Maxwell (1st gen)
7.9/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$299at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Gaming Headsets
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
7.7/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Mic in voice chat — worse than expected
$96at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Gaming Headsets
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 (Gen 2)
7.6/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$169.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Gaming Headsets
Logitech G G PRO X 2 Lightspeed
7.5/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$217.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon