Compare Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming Headset vs Audeze Maxwell

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

Android use over Bluetooth was positively reported in the reviews that tested it. Phone pairing appears simple and dependable.

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

There is no companion app. Reviewers repeatedly called out the lack of software for custom EQ tuning, firmware tools, or deeper personalization.

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

Low-latency 2.4GHz performance is one of the headset's clear strengths. Reviewers repeatedly described gaming and video playback as free of noticeable lag or sync issues.

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

Bass is controlled rather than huge. Some reviewers liked the punch and fullness, but others felt it lacked impact for music and cinematic use.

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

Battery life is a standout strength. Multiple reviews cited roughly 80 to 100 hours, with real-world use stretching across many days or nearly two weeks.

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

Bluetooth performance was consistently reliable in the reviews, with smooth switching and stable use across phones and other portable devices. Simultaneous dual-audio playback is not supported. Reviews indicate you can switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes, but not use both together.

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

Build quality is generally solid thanks to the aluminum headband and sturdy overall feel, but not flawless. Some reviewers thought the controls or parts of the plastic construction felt cheaper than the better materials elsewhere.

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 controls are easy to understand and placed logically, but tactile feel and volume stepping drew criticism. Usability is decent overall, just not especially refined.

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

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.

Charging is straightforward and convenient. Reviews praised the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.

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

Clamp is well judged for many users, but not universally. Some reviewers found it secure and comfortable, while others described it as tight during longer sessions.

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

Codec support appears basic. One review specifically noted the lack of high-resolution codec support.

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

Long-session comfort is one of the H3 Wireless's biggest strengths overall. Most reviewers found it easy to wear for hours, though a few with larger heads reported pressure over time.

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.

The design is clean, understated, and intentionally free of flashy RGB. Reviewers generally liked the simple esports style and its more grown-up look.

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

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

The removable boom mic adds useful flexibility. Reviewers liked being able to switch between gaming use and a cleaner everyday headphone setup.

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

The 2.4GHz dongle is easy to use and very reliable. Reviewers praised its stable connection, long range, and gaming-ready low latency.

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

The large memory foam ear cups and mixed leather-mesh finish were usually praised for comfort and breathability. A few reviewers found them a bit firm or tight for larger ears.

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

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 flexibility is limited to basic onboard presets. Without an app or custom bands, users have very little room to fine-tune the sound.

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.

The tuning is optimized more for competitive usefulness than tonal neutrality. Accuracy in positional cues is good, but the overall balance is not especially natural or reference-like.

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.

Headband adjustment appears straightforward and usable, but it was not a major talking point. Reviews suggest simple functionality rather than standout flexibility.

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

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

The included extras cover the basics well, typically including the dongle, detachable mic, charging cable, and a pouch or bag. The bundle is useful rather than premium.

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

Separation of key sounds is very good in games. Multiple reviewers highlighted how clearly footsteps, reloads, dialogue, and other positional cues cut through the mix.

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.

The headset stays clear at practical listening levels and has enough headroom for gaming. Reviews did not report major breakup or muddiness when played loudly.

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.

Background rejection is a real plus. The mic does a decent to very good job reducing keyboard noise and other room sounds, though it is not perfect in louder environments.

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

Microphone quality is good enough for Discord, calls, meetings, and normal game chat, but it is not consistently elite. Some reviews praised crisp clarity, while others called it thin or below average.

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

Midrange is one of the weaker parts of the tuning. Reviews that discussed it often described mids as flatter and less detailed than the treble-focused gaming cues.

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

Multi-platform support is one of the headset's biggest advantages. PC, PlayStation, Switch, Mac, phones, and handheld use were all highlighted positively, with Xbox being the main exception.

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

True multipoint support is absent. Reviews that addressed it explicitly treated this as a limitation rather than a buggy implementation.

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

Passive isolation is solid for a closed-back headset. The pads and closed design help block distractions even though this is not an ANC model.

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.

The built-in Game, Music, and Movie presets are usable, but most reviewers said the differences are subtle. They help a bit, but they do not radically reshape the headset.

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

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.

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

Setup is very easy and plug-and-play friendly. The flip side is that this simplicity comes partly from the lack of companion software and deeper controls.

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

Sound quality is strongest in gaming, where the headset emphasizes clarity, positioning, and useful detail. It is generally good overall, but several reviewers found it less satisfying for music and movies than for competitive play.

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

The H3 Wireless creates a roomy enough presentation for strong directional gaming cues. It does not read as ultra-wide or surround-heavy in every review, but imaging and space were consistently praised.

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

Spatial audio support was praised in the most detailed positive review, where it noticeably improved immersion and directional awareness in games.

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.

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

Treble detail is generally a strength, helping footsteps, reloads, whispers, and other small cues stand out. Reviewers usually found it clear without becoming painfully sharp.

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

USB-C charging is standard here and was consistently presented as a positive, practical choice.

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.

Volume output is strong, with one reviewer specifically noting that competitive play was easily loud enough well below maximum volume.

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

It is not the lightest headset on paper, but the weight is generally well managed. Most reviewers still found it comfortable thanks to padding and pressure distribution.

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 compatibility is a clear weakness. Several reviews explicitly said there is no Xbox support or Xbox-specific version for this model.

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