Compare beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless Over-Ear Gaming Headset vs Audeze Maxwell

No review describes true ANC. Noise reduction is achieved through the closed-back seal (passive isolation) and an ambient/augmented mode, not active cancellation.

Multiple reviews explicitly state there is no active noise cancellation, so the Maxwell relies on passive isolation instead of ANC.

Reviews say the headset works with Android and that Android users can access Audeze HQ features there.

Wireless-focused reviews describe a companion app that manages presets, EQ, button behavior, sidetone toggles, and power settings. Other reviews describe a no-software experience, implying feature depth may vary by model or connection path.

Audeze HQ offers useful controls and updates, but reviewers repeatedly describe the app/software as basic, primitive, or inconsistent.

Wireless-focused reviews describe the low-latency dongle as subjectively delivering negligible lag between on-screen action and audio cues.

Reviewers generally report no noticeable lag or delay during games and media playback, suggesting sync is reliable in normal use.

Bass is the most divisive tuning element. Several reviews describe it as subdued or under-emphasized unless EQ/presets are used, while another review characterizes bass as strong; expectations and EQ use appear to drive the experience.

Bass is a major strength, with repeated praise for punch, sub-bass presence, and control rather than muddy low-end.

Battery life is repeatedly framed as a strength: multiple reviews cite 50 hours, and one reviewer reports real-world estimates closer to roughly 68–71 hours at moderate volume.

Battery life is consistently described as exceptional, with roughly 80 hours of use and fast charging that quickly restores long sessions.

Bluetooth pairing and day-to-day stability are described as reliable, with quick connections and no major dropouts reported in the wireless-focused reviews.

Bluetooth support is broad and generally strong, though some reviews note switching behavior and dual-wireless playback limitations.

Build impressions are split: several reviewers call the construction sturdy and dependable (often noting metal elements), while others describe the shell as lightweight or plasticky for the price.

Build quality is widely praised for premium materials and sturdiness, though at least one review flags early-unit durability concerns.

The Maxwell’s internal DAC and high-resolution playback support are highlighted as part of its strong digital audio feature set.

The single wheel/button control scheme is viewed as intuitive (volume, mute, mode toggles), but some reviewers dislike that it feels clicky or that button/wheel noises can carry through the headset or mic.

Physical controls are usually described as thoughtful and usable once learned, even if some reviewers find the layout a bit crowded.

Cables are often praised as thick/braided and durable, but one reviewer reports audible cable rub/microphonics in the earcups when the cable brushes clothing.

The included USB-C cable is serviceable, but at least one review calls it very basic rather than premium.

A high-end carrying case is not included, and at least one reviewer specifically calls out the absence of any carrying case or bag.

Fast charging is called out as convenient, with a commonly cited example of about 15 minutes of charge yielding around five hours of use.

Charging is a strong point, with quick-charge support repeatedly described as delivering many hours of playback from a short top-up.

Clamp force is commonly described as just right for staying secure without squishing, though a minority note it can feel a little tight over extended wear.

Clamp force is generally comfortable and secure, though impressions vary between firm, light, and moderately snug depending on reviewer fit.

Codec support is only lightly documented in the provided reviews: SBC and LC3 are explicitly mentioned, while higher-end codecs are not confirmed.

Codec support is a strength, with reviews citing LDAC, LE Audio, LC3/LC3plus, AAC, and other modern wireless options.

Comfort is usually rated very high thanks to plush velour/memory-foam pads and balanced weight, but at least one reviewer with larger ears reports long-day discomfort from shallow, round cups that press on the ears.

Despite the heavy frame, long-session comfort is usually rated good thanks to padding and weight distribution.

The Maxwell stands out for connection flexibility, with reviewers repeatedly noting wired, dongle, Bluetooth, and USB-C options.

Platform support is broad, but multiple reviews warn that version-specific console support creates real limitations for some wireless use cases.

Aesthetics lean gamer-forward (notably orange accents). Some reviewers like the sophisticated two-tone look, while others find it not discreet enough for everyday public use.

The design is usually described as sleek, understated, and premium rather than flashy.

Detachable cables make it easier to swap devices and replace worn parts. Multiple reviews note that some features and controls are reduced or unavailable when using the analog 3.5mm path.

Detachable wired connections add flexibility, with reviewers valuing the included 3.5mm and USB-C listening options.

The detachable boom mic is consistently framed as a practical win, letting you remove it for music or when using a dedicated external mic.

The detachable boom mic is frequently treated as a convenience feature because it makes the headset easier to use outside dedicated gaming.

The low-latency dongle is highlighted as a strong option for gaming, with reports of easy pairing and very responsive feel in play.

The dongle usually performs well and enables key wireless features, but some reviewers report occasional finickiness or port sensitivity.

Pad material and plushness are praised, but cup depth/shape can be a comfort limiter for some users, with reports of ears touching drivers or being squeezed after long use.

Earpads are commonly described as plush, soft, or dense, though heat buildup can become noticeable over time.

Cups are described as tilting to help achieve a seal, but not offering full swivel in at least one review.

The earcups offer useful swivel movement for neck rest and storage, though this is not a standout selling point.

Earpad replacement is easy, with multiple reviewers describing removal and swapping as simple or quick.

EQ customization is considered useful and often recommended, particularly for adding low-end presence if the stock tuning feels restrained.

Custom EQ is available and meaningful, giving users room to tune the headset, even though the software interface is not universally loved.

Reviews suggest the headset seals reliably for most users, helping both comfort and passive isolation.

The Footsteps-style EQ options are described as making key cues easier to notice, especially in competitive games.

Multiple reviews characterize the tuning as balanced, neutral, or flat, emphasizing accuracy over exaggerated bass or treble boosts.

Reviewers praise the Maxwell’s tuning and measurement focus, often describing it as accurate or unusually well-aligned for a gaming headset.

Game/chat balance is a real feature advantage, with both onboard controls and software support called useful in practice.

Fit adjustment is described as straightforward with a wide range, making it easy to dial in height and seal even while wearing the headset.

Headband adjustment works, but reviewers regularly say the system is limited, coarse, or awkward to change.

Hinges/yokes are generally presented as solid and confidence-inspiring, with no durability failures reported in the provided reviews.

Durability impressions are mixed: some reviewers praise long-term sturdiness, while another reports a serious hinge-related failure on an early unit.

Included accessories are consistently described as practical for multi-device use, typically including a detachable mic and multiple cables; wireless-focused reviews also reference a low-latency dongle.

The included accessory bundle is generally considered solid, covering the boom mic, dongle, adapter, and required cables.

Separation and layering are described as strong, keeping dialogue, music, and effects distinct even in busy game mixes.

Instrument separation is a strong point, with reviewers praising the headset’s ability to pull apart layers and individual elements.

Built-in microphones add convenience, but they are usually judged clearly weaker than the detachable boom mic.

LDAC support is directly highlighted in several reviews as a notable audio-quality advantage over Bluetooth.

Even at high output, reviewers say the headset stays controlled rather than harsh, with plenty of headroom available.

The detachable microphone is generally viewed as good to solid for headset use, though not on the level of a dedicated standalone mic.

Noise reduction on the mic is repeatedly praised for rejecting keyboard clacks and room noise. A platform caveat appears in one review, where background reduction was less effective in a console test compared with PC.

Microphone noise reduction is one of the headset’s strongest communication features, with repeated praise for blocking keyboard and background noise.

Microphone quality is a standout across reviews, with clear, natural voice capture that works well for team chat and work calls. One reviewer notes it can sound quieter on PlayStation than on PC.

Call quality is acceptable to strong depending on setup, with the detachable boom mic performing much better than the internal mic array.

Midrange clarity is consistently a highlight, helping voices and key game cues cut through with definition and natural detail.

Midrange performance is usually described as clear and present, though some reviewers still prefer EQ tweaks for their own taste.

Across reviews, the headset is positioned as broadly compatible (PC, PlayStation, and mobile), with feature access varying by connection type. Xbox support is the least consistent in the provided reviews.

Reviewers repeatedly describe the Maxwell as broadly compatible across PC, console, phone, and other common source devices.

Multipoint is explicitly described as seamless in at least one review, letting the headset stay connected across devices without manual switching.

Multipoint support is present and useful, though the broader wireless switching behavior is not universally praised.

Passive isolation is generally described as good for voices and incidental noise, helped by thick pads and a solid seal, but it is less effective against constant low-frequency hum like engines or appliances.

Passive isolation is consistently rated good to very good, helping compensate for the lack of ANC.

Packaging gets positive notes for feeling premium, organized, or well-protected out of the box.

Portability is helped by folding/swiveling earcups, but the headset’s size and weight still make it less travel-friendly than smaller rivals.

Positional audio is a clear strength, with repeated praise for hearing direction, placement, footsteps, and other in-game cues.

Preset profiles are generally described as effective but subtle, offering practical tweaks for genres like shooters or action games rather than drastic changes.

Preset EQ quality is mixed: some presets are useful, especially Footsteps, while others are viewed as unnecessary or not ideal for music.

Replaceable earpads/parts are repeatedly highlighted as a long-term value feature, making it easier to refresh comfort and maintain the headset over time.

Replaceable earpads are a real practical benefit, and multiple reviews note that swapping them is straightforward.

There is no RGB lighting system here, and one reviewer explicitly frames the headset’s look as intentionally non-RGB and understated.

Sensor support is lightly evidenced through built-in head-tracking hardware mentioned in Dolby Atmos Renderer support.

Mic-monitoring/sidetone-style modes are mixed: one reviewer reports a noticeable hiss when enabled, while others focus on its usefulness rather than its noise floor.

Sidetone/transparency adjustment is inconsistent across reviews, with some calling it excellent and others saying it is noisy or effectively unusable.

Setup is generally described as straightforward and plug-and-play. The main complexity comes from choosing the connection type, since certain functions are reported to depend on USB power and/or the app.

Basic setup is often easy, but the software experience ranges from merely simple to clearly buggy or incomplete depending on platform and firmware.

Overall sound is described as detailed, clear, and immersive, with a more neutral/accurate tilt than bass-boosted consumer tuning, making it strong for competitive gaming and solid for general listening. Wired USB listening is sometimes described as a bit cleaner and less prone to interference than analog, and one review suggests wired USB can slightly tame problematic treble behavior.

Sound quality is the Maxwell’s defining strength, with multiple reviewers calling it class-leading or the best-sounding gaming headset in its bracket.

Soundstage and positional imaging are repeatedly praised for being wide and precise, helping with directional cues like footsteps and gunfire.

Soundstage is widely considered spacious for a closed-back headset, even if a few reviewers stop short of calling it exceptional.

Spatial audio support is a meaningful bonus through Tempest 3D and Dolby Atmos depending on platform version.

General stability is good, with praise for both stable fit and reliable wireless behavior in normal use.

An ambient/augmented listening mode is described as convincing and genuinely useful for hearing the room or holding a conversation without removing the headset. Several reviews note this functionality depends on connection/power, and it is not a full-featured headphone-style transparency experience in every setup.

Transparency-style passthrough is divisive: one review praises realism, while others describe sidetone/transparency behavior as noisy or poor.

Treble is described as lively and detailed, but some reviewers report occasional harshness or distortion depending on source and settings.

Treble is usually described as clear and controlled rather than harsh, although tuning preference still varies by reviewer.

USB-C is central to the design for both charging/power and wired audio paths, and several reviews treat the USB connection as the primary way to unlock full functionality.

USB-C is important to the Maxwell’s versatility for charging, digital audio, and included accessory support.

Value for money is one of the strongest consensus positives, with reviewers repeatedly saying the audio performance justifies the price.

Maximum loudness is usually adequate, but at least one review reports controller/analog output being too quiet for proper immersion on some consoles.

Volume output is extremely strong, with multiple reviewers noting that the headset gets very loud and still retains usable headroom.

The headset is repeatedly described as feeling light on the head (low-to-mid 300g range cited in some reviews), which supports long-session comfort.

The Maxwell is undeniably heavy, but several reviewers still say the weight is manageable once the fit is dialed in.

Wireless latency is generally praised, with low-latency dongle use repeatedly described as responsive enough for gaming.

Xbox results are inconsistent: at least one review reports USB not working on Xbox and low volume over controller analog, while other reviews claim Xbox compatibility. Treat Xbox support as connection-dependent and verify your intended setup.

Xbox support depends on version, with the Xbox model offering the fullest compatibility while PlayStation units lose wireless Xbox support.