Multiple reviews explicitly state there is no active noise cancellation, so the Maxwell relies on passive isolation instead of ANC.
There is no active noise cancellation. The open-back design prioritizes airflow and natural sound, so it can’t cancel distractions the way closed-back ANC headsets can.
Reviews say the headset works with Android and that Android users can access Audeze HQ features there.
Works on Android over Bluetooth and supports the Swarm II mobile app, but several advanced audio features are PC-centric and mobile options can feel limited.
Audeze HQ offers useful controls and updates, but reviewers repeatedly describe the app/software as basic, primitive, or inconsistent.
Swarm II provides firmware updates plus access to EQ, mic controls, spatial options, and game/chat features. Stability and feature parity vary by platform, and some users report connection or preset issues.
Reviewers generally report no noticeable lag or delay during games and media playback, suggesting sync is reliable in normal use.
Audio latency is best over the 2.4GHz dongle and 3.5mm wired mode. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening but not ideal when timing is critical.
Bass is a major strength, with repeated praise for punch, sub-bass presence, and control rather than muddy low-end.
Bass is generally controlled rather than thunderous. Some reviews find it punchy enough for games, but many note weaker sub-bass and less impact for explosions or bass-heavy music.
Battery life is consistently described as exceptional, with roughly 80 hours of use and fast charging that quickly restores long sessions.
Battery life is repeatedly praised, usually meeting the advertised ~50 hours and sometimes exceeding it, so most users can go many sessions between charges.
Bluetooth support is broad and generally strong, though some reviews note switching behavior and dual-wireless playback limitations.
Bluetooth generally works reliably for calls and media, but it’s higher latency than the 2.4GHz dongle and switching between sources can take a couple seconds. True simultaneous game audio (2.4GHz) plus Bluetooth mixing isn’t supported. You can toggle/QuickSwitch between sources instead.
Build quality is widely praised for premium materials and sturdiness, though at least one review flags early-unit durability concerns.
Build is mostly plastic to keep weight low and is generally described as solid and flexible. It doesn’t feel as premium as metal-framed competitors, and the unusual suspension design raises long-term questions for some.
The Maxwell’s internal DAC and high-resolution playback support are highlighted as part of its strong digital audio feature set.
Physical controls are usually described as thoughtful and usable once learned, even if some reviewers find the layout a bit crowded.
Controls are mostly on one earcup with a prominent volume wheel. Some find them easy to locate, while others dislike similarly shaped buttons or coarse volume steps.
The included USB-C cable is serviceable, but at least one review calls it very basic rather than premium.
Pack-in cables are commonly braided, longer than average, and better than typical bundled cables, drawing positive comments across multiple reviews.
A high-end carrying case is not included, and at least one reviewer specifically calls out the absence of any carrying case or bag.
The included pouch/bag is useful for scratch protection but isn’t a structured case and offers limited impact protection.
Charging is a strong point, with quick-charge support repeatedly described as delivering many hours of playback from a short top-up.
USB-C charging is convenient, with multiple reviews citing fast charging (often roughly under a couple hours) and the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.
Clamp force is generally comfortable and secure, though impressions vary between firm, light, and moderately snug depending on reviewer fit.
Clamp is typically gentle and glasses-friendly, but the same light clamp can reduce stability for people who move around a lot.
Codec support is a strength, with reviews citing LDAC, LE Audio, LC3/LC3plus, AAC, and other modern wireless options.
Despite the heavy frame, long-session comfort is usually rated good thanks to padding and weight distribution.
Comfort is a standout theme: lightweight build, breathable pads, and low clamp keep it easy to wear for hours, especially for glasses wearers.
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 usually described as sleek, understated, and premium rather than flashy.
A restrained, modern look with distinctive open-back grilles and floating cups. It reads more functional than flashy, which some prefer and others find plain.
Detachable wired connections add flexibility, with reviewers valuing the included 3.5mm and USB-C listening options.
The detachable boom mic is frequently treated as a convenience feature because it makes the headset easier to use outside dedicated gaming.
The detachable boom mic and flip-to-mute are convenient for switching between gaming and casual use. A few mention the boom length or ergonomics as minor annoyances.
The dongle usually performs well and enables key wireless features, but some reviewers report occasional finickiness or port sensitivity.
The included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is the preferred mode for low-latency gaming and tends to be stable, while also enabling the best PC-only audio options.
Earpads are commonly described as plush, soft, or dense, though heat buildup can become noticeable over time.
Earpads are described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, often using fabric rather than pleather to reduce heat. Many note they’re removable for cleaning or replacement.
The earcups offer useful swivel movement for neck rest and storage, though this is not a standout selling point.
The earcups don’t swivel flat, which makes it less convenient to rest around the neck or pack neatly compared with headsets that fold or rotate.
Earpad replacement is easy, with multiple reviewers describing removal and swapping as simple or quick.
Custom EQ is available and meaningful, giving users room to tune the headset, even though the software interface is not universally loved.
A 10-band EQ with custom presets is a core strength (especially on PC). A few reviewers report EQ-related artifacts or odd behavior with non-default profiles.
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.
Reviewers praise the Maxwell’s tuning and measurement focus, often describing it as accurate or unusually well-aligned for a gaming headset.
Tuning is broadly balanced with a mild upper-frequency emphasis that favors detail and competitive cues. Multiple notes point to less sub-bass than many closed-backs and occasional treble unevenness.
Game/chat balance is a real feature advantage, with both onboard controls and software support called useful in practice.
Game/chat mix is typically handled in the companion software rather than with a dedicated hardware dial, which is workable on PC but less convenient mid-game.
Headband adjustment works, but reviewers regularly say the system is limited, coarse, or awkward to change.
Adjustment relies on a suspension/velcro system rather than sliding yokes. It fits many heads well, but it’s less granular and some worry about long-term velcro tension.
Durability impressions are mixed: some reviewers praise long-term sturdiness, while another reports a serious hinge-related failure on an early unit.
The floating, band-suspended earcup design avoids traditional hinge stress points and feels robust in early use, but it’s unconventional enough that long-term wear remains an unknown.
The included accessory bundle is generally considered solid, covering the boom mic, dongle, adapter, and required cables.
The bundle typically includes the dongle, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, detachable mic (often with a windscreen), and a pouch. Braided cables and overall completeness get frequent praise.
Instrument separation is a strong point, with reviewers praising the headset’s ability to pull apart layers and individual elements.
Instrument and layer separation is strong, helping complex mixes and busy game scenes remain distinct rather than blending together.
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.
Clarity at high volume is generally strong with little distortion, though a few reports suggest certain EQ modes can introduce artifacts, especially at lower listening levels.
The detachable microphone is generally viewed as good to solid for headset use, though not on the level of a dedicated standalone mic.
Microphone noise reduction is one of the headset’s strongest communication features, with repeated praise for blocking keyboard and background noise.
Noise handling is generally good with adjustable noise gates and processing, but some reviewers hear occasional dips or artifacts when noise reduction is too aggressive.
Call quality is acceptable to strong depending on setup, with the detachable boom mic performing much better than the internal mic array.
Mic clarity is above average for a gaming headset, especially over the dongle/high-bandwidth modes. Over Bluetooth it can sound more compressed and less full.
Midrange performance is usually described as clear and present, though some reviewers still prefer EQ tweaks for their own taste.
Midrange is typically clear and present, keeping dialogue and key cues intelligible even in busy scenes.
Reviewers repeatedly describe the Maxwell as broadly compatible across PC, console, phone, and other common source devices.
Connectivity is flexible via 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog, covering PC, PlayStation, Switch, and phones well. Xbox support is the main caveat because it isn’t wireless.
Multipoint support is present and useful, though the broader wireless switching behavior is not universally praised.
Passive isolation is consistently rated good to very good, helping compensate for the lack of ANC.
Passive isolation is minimal by design. Sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, so it’s poorly suited to shared rooms, offices, or commuting.
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 EQ quality is mixed: some presets are useful, especially Footsteps, while others are viewed as unnecessary or not ideal for music.
The default Signature Sound profile is widely considered the most balanced and reliable. Superhuman Hearing and other presets can sound artificial or overly bright, and some profiles behave inconsistently.
Replaceable earpads are a real practical benefit, and multiple reviews note that swapping them is straightforward.
Earpads are removable and replacements/mod options are available or expected, which helps hygiene and long-term maintenance.
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.
Mic monitoring/sidetone is adjustable and often described as hiss-free, but several reviewers found it too quiet unless set very high or noted it doesn’t feel especially strong.
Basic setup is often easy, but the software experience ranges from merely simple to clearly buggy or incomplete depending on platform and firmware.
Setup is straightforward when everything behaves, but multiple reviews mention finicky detection, firmware/update hiccups, or settings that don’t persist, making the experience inconsistent.
Sound quality is the Maxwell’s defining strength, with multiple reviewers calling it class-leading or the best-sounding gaming headset in its bracket.
Overall sound quality is a highlight: detailed, natural-leaning audio with strong positional clarity. The most common caveats are lighter low-end impact and occasional brightness depending on content and EQ.
Soundstage is widely considered spacious for a closed-back headset, even if a few reviewers stop short of calling it exceptional.
Soundstage is notably wide and airy thanks to the open-back cups, creating a speaker-like sense of space that helps immersion and directional awareness in quiet rooms.
Spatial audio support is a meaningful bonus through Tempest 3D and Dolby Atmos depending on platform version.
PC-focused spatial features (often Waves 3D) can add useful directionality, though results vary by game and some listeners prefer it off for the cleanest, most natural presentation.
General stability is good, with praise for both stable fit and reliable wireless behavior in normal use.
Stability is mixed: it can sit comfortably when you’re stationary, but the light clamp and floating cups may shift with head turns or quick movement.
Transparency-style passthrough is divisive: one review praises realism, while others describe sidetone/transparency behavior as noisy or poor.
Treble is usually described as clear and controlled rather than harsh, although tuning preference still varies by reviewer.
Treble tends to lean bright for detail and cue pickup, but several reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance, especially with certain presets or EQ changes.
USB-C is important to the Maxwell’s versatility for charging, digital audio, and included accessory support.
Charges over USB-C; reviewers treat the USB-C connection as power/charging rather than a full-featured wired audio link.
Value for money is one of the strongest consensus positives, with reviewers repeatedly saying the audio performance justifies the price.
Volume output is extremely strong, with multiple reviewers noting that the headset gets very loud and still retains usable headroom.
Overall loudness is adequate for many, but multiple reviewers note an odd volume curve or that it needs higher percentage settings to reach their preferred listening level.
The Maxwell is undeniably heavy, but several reviewers still say the weight is manageable once the fit is dialed in.
Weight is consistently noted as very low for a wireless headset (around 300g), helping it feel almost invisible during long sessions.
Wireless latency is generally praised, with low-latency dongle use repeatedly described as responsive enough for gaming.
Xbox support depends on version, with the Xbox model offering the fullest compatibility while PlayStation units lose wireless Xbox support.
Xbox use is described as wired-only through the controller via 3.5mm, with no native Xbox wireless support.