Multiple reviews explicitly state there is no active noise cancellation, so the Maxwell relies on passive isolation instead of ANC.
Active noise cancellation is repeatedly called best-in-gaming or near it, especially for low-frequency noise like fans and HVAC, with less hiss than older models. Multiple reviews still say it does not match the voice reduction of top consumer ANC headphones.
Reviews say the headset works with Android and that Android users can access Audeze HQ features there.
Audeze HQ offers useful controls and updates, but reviewers repeatedly describe the app/software as basic, primitive, or inconsistent.
Reviewers generally report no noticeable lag or delay during games and media playback, suggesting sync is reliable in normal use.
Over the primary 2.4GHz link, reviewers typically report very low latency suitable for competitive play. Over Bluetooth, some call out higher latency on SBC for gaming unless you can use LC3 or LC3+.
Bass is a major strength, with repeated praise for punch, sub-bass presence, and control rather than muddy low-end.
Bass is generally praised as tight and controlled with good punch for explosions and low-end detail; several reviewers note it can be tailored further with game presets or EQ when you want more impact.
Battery life is consistently described as exceptional, with roughly 80 hours of use and fast charging that quickly restores long sessions.
The dual-battery system largely removes battery anxiety; reviews cite roughly 20–30 hours per battery depending on use and settings, plus quick charging. A few still note the per-battery runtime is not class-leading for the price. The replaceable battery approach (two swappable cells, one charging in the hub) is repeatedly highlighted as a longevity and convenience win, even though swapping may briefly interrupt power in some use cases.
Bluetooth support is broad and generally strong, though some reviews note switching behavior and dual-wireless playback limitations.
Build quality is widely praised for premium materials and sturdiness, though at least one review flags early-unit durability concerns.
Build quality is consistently framed as premium, with extensive metal parts and a sturdy feel. Some critiques focus on smaller fit-and-finish issues like fingerprint-prone surfaces or occasional base-station quirks in specific reviews.
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.
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.
Most reviews mention a soft case or pouch that feels premium enough, but many also argue a hard travel case should have been included at this price.
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 generally comfortable and secure, though impressions vary between firm, light, and moderately snug depending on reviewer fit.
Clamping force trends on the tight side to maintain a strong seal for ANC; some reviewers find it fine, while others report pressure points (especially with glasses) and fatigue over time.
Codec support is a strength, with reviews citing LDAC, LE Audio, LC3/LC3plus, AAC, and other modern wireless options.
Codec support is described as unusually strong for a gaming headset, emphasizing Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio with LC3 and LC3+. Some reviewers still miss more universal high-end codecs like aptX or LDAC on phones.
Despite the heavy frame, long-session comfort is usually rated good thanks to padding and weight distribution.
Comfort is often rated highly thanks to plush pads and a suspension headband that spreads weight well, but comfort is not universal: several reviews mention heat buildup and the need for breaks during long sessions.
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.
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 dongle usually performs well and enables key wireless features, but some reviewers report occasional finickiness or port sensitivity.
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.
Custom EQ is available and meaningful, giving users room to tune the headset, even though the software interface is not universally loved.
EQ options are a major strength: reviews highlight deep customization (including parametric EQ on PC) and the ability to tune both playback and mic, with mobile controls available for console use.
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.
Game/chat balance is a real feature advantage, with both onboard controls and software support called useful in practice.
Game/Chat mixing is a strong point when used with the hub dial and/or Sonar, and some reviews highlight ways to achieve ChatMix with minimal software. The benefit is smaller if you only use one platform or dislike extra virtual devices.
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 accessory bundle is generally considered solid, covering the boom mic, dongle, adapter, and required cables.
Instrument separation is a strong point, with reviewers praising the headset’s ability to pull apart layers and individual elements.
Detail retrieval and layering are strong in many reviews, though at least one reviewer says separation can fall short for isolating specific cues like footsteps in busy scenes compared to more esports-tuned sets.
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.
Microphone noise reduction is one of the headset’s strongest communication features, with repeated praise for blocking keyboard and background noise.
AI noise rejection is a standout: reviews report strong suppression of loud background noise with voice staying intelligible, though some note increased processing artifacts at maximum settings.
Call quality is acceptable to strong depending on setup, with the detachable boom mic performing much better than the internal mic array.
The retractable boom mic is widely described as one of the clearest wireless gaming headset microphones, good enough for calls and team chat, while the built-in mics are convenient but a clear step down in fidelity.
Midrange performance is usually described as clear and present, though some reviewers still prefer EQ tweaks for their own taste.
Reviewers repeatedly describe the Maxwell as broadly compatible across PC, console, phone, and other common source devices.
Compatibility is a headline feature: reviews repeatedly emphasize broad multi-platform support (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and mobile) and a hub designed to keep multiple systems connected at once.
Multipoint support is present and useful, though the broader wireless switching behavior is not universally praised.
Multipoint and multi-device behavior is commonly praised, with reviewers highlighting stable management of multiple Bluetooth devices and the overall reliability of switching between sources.
Passive isolation is consistently rated good to very good, helping compensate for the lack of ANC.
Passive isolation benefits from a strong seal and plush pads; several reviewers say it blocks a lot even before ANC, though the tighter clamp that helps isolation can affect comfort.
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.
Portability is mixed: earcups can lay flat and the headset can travel, but it does not fold down and several reviewers call it bulky for commuting.
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.
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.
At least a couple of reviews mention finishes that pick up fingerprints easily, implying you may need to wipe the headset down more often.
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 usually described as straightforward via the GameHub, and the feature set is powerful across mobile and PC apps. However, multiple reviewers criticize the desktop software experience as intrusive, confusing, or buggy depending on platform and workflow.
Sound quality is the Maxwell’s defining strength, with multiple reviewers calling it class-leading or the best-sounding gaming headset in its bracket.
Across reviews, sound quality is repeatedly described as top-tier for both gaming and music, with the biggest gains showing up on PC where the 24-bit/96kHz wireless mode can be used. A few reviewers still call the tuning a bit sterile or not night-and-day better than cheaper rivals unless you use EQ.
Soundstage is widely considered spacious for a closed-back headset, even if a few reviewers stop short of calling it exceptional.
Soundstage is commonly described as wide and immersive for a closed-back gaming headset, helping games feel less cramped and improving directional awareness.
Spatial audio support is a meaningful bonus through Tempest 3D and Dolby Atmos depending on platform version.
Spatial audio and positional effects are frequently praised as immersive and smooth, leaning more cinematic than razor-sharp esports tuning. A minority of commentary points to weaker precision in some directions, especially behind you.
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.
Transparency mode is present and generally treated as functional, but most reviews focus far more on ANC and isolation than on transparency performance.
Treble is usually described as clear and controlled rather than harsh, although tuning preference still varies by reviewer.
Treble detail is high, but multiple reviews note elevated highs that can sound sharp or cause fatigue with certain tracks or long sessions until you dial it back with EQ.
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 extremely strong, with multiple reviewers noting that the headset gets very loud and still retains usable headroom.
The Maxwell is undeniably heavy, but several reviewers still say the weight is manageable once the fit is dialed in.
At roughly 380g, many reviewers call it heavy compared to mainstream gaming headsets, though the suspension strap helps. Weight is a bigger issue for those sensitive to neck fatigue or who dislike bulky headsets.
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.