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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni
8.4SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$399.99at Amazon
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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 19 of the 149 we've cataloged.
SoundGuys review
Read the full 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.
✓What we like
✓Great competitive FPS performance
✓Improved bass response
✓80+ hour battery
✕What could be better
✕No noise cancelation
✕Missing simultaneous wireless connections
✕Heavy and uncomfortable over long hours
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) against the SoundGuys house target — the dashed curve. The closer the measured line tracks the target, the more neutral the tuning; peaks ride above the target, dips fall below it.
Frequency response — measurement data
| 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.
Passive isolation — measurement data
| 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.
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 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 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
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