Compare Cooler Master CH351 Gaming Headset vs Audeze Maxwell

There is no strong case for active noise canceling here; one included review flatly says the headset is not noise-canceling.

Reviewers consistently noted that the Maxwell lacks active noise cancellation, so isolation depends on the closed-back pads rather than ANC processing.

Android support is explicitly listed for the CH351, making mobile pairing part of its intended use case.

Android support is present through Audeze HQ, but mobile EQ/app behavior was described as limited or inconsistent in one review.

Software support is inconsistent in the included reviews, ranging from no companion app at all to optional PC software on another Cooler Master unit.

The Audeze HQ app supports battery, firmware, sidetone, and EQ controls, but reviewers often called it barebones, clunky, buggy, or incomplete.

Wireless audio-video sync was generally praised, with reviewers reporting minimal lag or no noticeable delay during gaming and media playback.

Bass is a recurring strength, delivering weighty explosions and energetic low end without fully burying other cues.

Bass performance drew strong praise for punch, control, definition, and sub-bass impact without overwhelming the rest of the mix.

Battery life was one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly confirming very long runtimes near the advertised 80-hour range.

Wireless stability is the CH351's biggest weakness, with persistent static and buzzing reported even during active use.

Bluetooth support is modern and useful, with Bluetooth 5.3 and strong codec support, though some reviewers preferred the dongle for gaming.

Material quality looks decent for the money, though not every component feels equally premium.

Build quality was mostly praised for metal construction and sturdy materials, but a few reviewers raised concerns about early-unit durability or headband parts.

Reviewers noted internal DSP/DAC handling and high-resolution digital playback, making the headset work without external DAC equipment.

Control usability varies sharply, from simple inline buttons on one review unit to a crowded, error-prone earcup layout on the other.

Physical controls were generally appreciated, though reviewers were split between calling them clever and finding the multi-function layout confusing.

The CH331's permanently attached fabric-wrapped cable is long, practical for desk use and presented as a solid part of the package.

Cable quality received only limited attention, with one reviewer describing the USB-C cable as basic but functional.

The Maxwell does not include a carrying case, which reviewers considered a drawback for a premium and bulky headset.

Charging was praised for fast top-ups, with multiple reviewers noting that short charging sessions restore many hours of playback.

Clamp was usually comfortable or light despite the headset’s size, although one reviewer initially found the fit somewhat clamp-like.

Codec support was a clear strength, with reviewers citing LDAC, LE Audio, LC3/LC3plus, AAC, and SBC support.

Long-session comfort is mixed: soft pads help, but weight and head pressure are recurring complaints.

Long-session comfort was mixed-positive: several reviewers wore it for hours, but heat, bulk, and weight remained recurring caveats.

Connectivity versatility was a major strength, with dongle, Bluetooth, USB-C, and analog options across gaming and everyday use.

Console compatibility depends on variant; reviewers repeatedly warned that PlayStation and Xbox wireless support are not fully interchangeable.

Styling lands well in both reviews, whether you prefer playful colorways or a more subdued black-on-black look.

The design was described as understated, sleek, and premium rather than flashy, though several reviewers also noted its bulk.

Cable convenience is mixed across the included reviews, with one headset using a removable aux cable and the other a fixed cord.

A detachable boom mic adds welcome flexibility for switching between gaming use and a cleaner everyday setup.

The detachable boom mic was praised as convenient because the headset can be used more like regular headphones when the mic is removed.

The CH351 includes a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle, but the wireless experience is undermined by static noise.

The dongle was often praised for low-latency wireless, but one review noted USB-related artifacting and finicky behavior.

The ear pads are a consistent positive, described as soft faux/protein leather and generally comfortable on the ears.

Earpad quality was generally strong, with reviewers praising plushness and seal, while some noted heat or a desire for velour/cooling pads.

Cup movement is limited overall; the CH331 cups pivot outward but do not offer especially generous articulation.

The earcups swivel enough for storage or neck wear, and reviewers found the rotation comfortable and practical.

Earpad replacement was praised as easy, with multiple reviews noting twist-off or easily removable pads.

EQ customization is weak overall, either missing entirely or present but not especially effective.

EQ customization was a strong feature, with 10-band or custom profiles helping tune the Maxwell for music, games, and personal preference.

Fit and seal were generally reliable, with reviewers crediting the pads and clamp for a solid passive seal.

Footstep-focused EQ support exists and can help emphasize cues, though competitive-gaming opinions were mixed.

The drivers reproduce both heavy bass and finer ambient details well enough to sound convincing, even if the signature is not neutral.

Frequency response accuracy was praised by audio-focused reviewers for close target matching, linear bass/mids, and well-controlled tuning.

Game/chat balance control was valued on the headset and in software, though one reviewer saw app changes undo themselves.

The CH331 offers useful headband extension, giving it enough adjustment range for fit tuning.

Headband adjustability was one of the most common ergonomic complaints because the notch/strap system offers limited fine adjustment.

Hinge/headband durability was mixed, with one early unit reportedly breaking and another review flagging long-term durability concerns.

The CH351 package is well equipped with a dongle, aux cable and detachable microphone.

Included accessories were strong overall, with the dongle, boom mic, USB-C cable, adapter, and analog cable commonly mentioned.

The reviews point to good layer separation, making footsteps, ambience and soundtrack elements easier to distinguish.

Instrument separation was a repeated strength, with reviewers praising distinct instruments, layered game audio, and detail retrieval.

Microphone functionality is a core feature across the included reviews, even though the exact implementation differs.

Integrated microphone performance was usually weak compared with the detachable boom mic, despite being useful for convenience.

LDAC support was repeatedly confirmed and praised as part of the Maxwell’s high-quality Bluetooth feature set.

Maximum-volume clarity was strong, with reviewers noting clean sound at high volume and no grating or crunchy highs.

Microphone impressions were mixed-positive: the boom mic was good for gaming and calls, while some found it muffled or merely serviceable.

The CH351 mic does a notably good job suppressing nearby household noise in the included test.

Microphone noise reduction was widely praised for blocking keyboards, background noise, and other distractions while preserving speech.

On the CH351, the detachable mic is clear and loud enough for chat or streaming without sounding thin.

Call and voice clarity were praised in the reviews that tested the boom mic directly, especially compared with typical headset microphones.

Midrange detail is solid for the class, with dialogue and vocal texture coming through better than a typical one-note budget tuning.

Midrange clarity was generally good, with several reviewers praising clear mids and vocal presence, though one noted recessed mids in a V-shaped tuning.

The CH351 stands out for broad platform support across consoles, computers and mobile devices.

The Xbox version was singled out as the most cross-platform option when used across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation.

Multipoint and dual-connection behavior was one of the weakest areas, with reviewers often frustrated by no simultaneous Bluetooth plus dongle playback.

Passive isolation is limited, with one review explicitly noting that room sounds still bleed through.

Passive isolation was generally good to excellent thanks to the closed-back earcups and pads, though one reviewer found it weak versus ANC headphones.

Packaging was only briefly discussed, but one reviewer described it as luxurious and premium.

Portability is not a strength, as the included evidence points to a desk-first design rather than a travel-friendly one.

Portability was limited by bulk and weight; the earcups can fold flat, but reviewers did not consider it travel-friendly.

Positional audio was usually strong, especially for footsteps, direction, and distance, although one review found competitive cues weaker than rivals.

Preset tuning is not a standout, with profiles either absent or too similar and bass-skewed to feel useful.

Preset EQ profiles were mixed: reviewers liked the presence of gaming presets, but some found several presets poor for music.

Replaceable earpads were praised, with reviewers noting detachable or removable pads and third-party pad possibilities.

RGB lighting exists on the CH331, but control is minimal and limited to basic on or off behavior rather than real customization.

RGB customization is effectively absent, matching the Maxwell’s understated design rather than gamer lighting.

Sensor evidence was limited to head-tracking hardware support noted in one review.

Sidetone was a repeated problem area, with reviewers citing static, interference, exaggerated sound, or poor execution.

Basic setup is easy enough, but the overall experience is weakened by limited customization and, on the CH351, awkward controls.

Setup/software simplicity was mixed: some setup steps were easy, but software behavior and mobile reliability were recurring drawbacks.

The included reviews consistently praise big, immersive gaming sound, although the CH351's wireless buzzing drags down the overall experience. Both reviews paint wired operation as a strong scenario, with seamless connection and better overall sound performance.

Sound quality was the strongest consensus point, with reviewers repeatedly calling the Maxwell one of the best-sounding wireless gaming headsets.

Wide staging is one of the clearest strengths, helping worlds feel larger and positional cues easier to place.

Soundstage was generally good for a closed-back headset, though opinions ranged from not outstanding to wide and immersive.

Spatial or virtual surround performance is a real highlight, adding convincing depth and directionality in games.

Spatial audio support was praised through PS5 Tempest 3D and Xbox/Dolby Atmos features, especially for immersion.

On-head stability is only average, with one review noting that the headset can slide around during movement.

Wireless stability and range were strong in the reviews that tested coverage, with impressive house-wide or long-range performance.

Touch controls are not part of the control scheme; the headset relies on physical buttons and dials instead.

Transparency mode evidence was limited but positive in one review, which found it realistic and not harsh.

Treble detail is good enough to keep smaller environmental sounds audible, including birds, crackling fire and distant effects.

Treble was generally controlled, clear, and detailed, though a few reviewers found stock tuning bright or needing EQ.

USB-C is part of the CH351 setup, appearing in its dongle and port layout.

USB-C was a practical strength for audio, charging, dongle use, and broad device support.

Value for money was widely praised because reviewers felt the Maxwell competes with more expensive headphones on sound quality.

Volume output is described as lively and forceful, with enough punch to make games and music sound exciting.

Volume output was strong, with reviewers noting plenty of loudness and substantial headroom.

Both reviews call the headset noticeably heavy, which becomes more obvious the longer you wear it.

Weight comfort was mixed: reviewers repeatedly noted the 490–500g heft but often said the suspension design made it manageable.

Wireless latency was usually strong through the dongle, though Bluetooth latency and rare lag/artifact issues were noted.

Xbox support is not a strength in the included evidence, and one review specifically steers Xbox shoppers toward other models.

Xbox compatibility was best with the Xbox version, while PlayStation-version wireless Xbox support was repeatedly limited or unavailable.