Compare Audeze Maxwell vs EKSA E1000 Gaming Headset

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

Reviewers distinguish the headset from true active noise cancellation, noting that noise reduction is not on the headset itself but related to microphone processing.

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

Android compatibility is supported in one WT review that tested the headset with an Android phone.

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

The WT model has app/software support on PC, with reviewers referencing SoundBase or companion software for sound and mic controls.

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

Audio-video sync looks strong in the WT evidence, with reviewers citing less-than-30 ms latency and reporting no noticeable lag.

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

Bass generally helps games feel punchy, with reviewers noting strong low-end response, improved sub-bass, and boomy gaming impact, though one review says premium-level sub-bass is missing.

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

Battery evidence is mixed: one reviewer got only 7-8 hours, while others reported or cited roughly 30-36 hours depending on lighting and use.

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

Bluetooth is not supported on the WT model in the reviewed evidence; reviewers repeatedly say it uses 2.4 GHz wireless instead of Bluetooth.

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

Build quality ranges from cheap-feeling plastic to sturdy-for-the-price construction; WT reviews tend to be more favorable than some wired E1000 reviews.

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

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

Physical controls are widely covered and mostly practical, including inline wheels, mute switches, onboard volume wheels, and clear button operation.

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

Cable quality is generally praised for thick, braided, durable, or long cabling, although one review says the wired E1000 cable is too short.

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

Carry case quality is a small positive, with several reviews mentioning an included pouch, bag, or soft carrying solution.

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

Charging is straightforward on WT reviews, with USB-C and about 2.5 hours to full charge repeatedly mentioned.

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

Clamping force is a weakness in the wired E1000 evidence, with reviewers saying pressure lands on the ears and can feel tight.

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

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

Comfort is highly inconsistent: some reviewers wore it for hours comfortably, but others reported tightness, pressure, hard padding, slipping, or discomfort after longer use.

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

Connectivity versatility is strong in WT coverage because reviewers mention both wireless and wired use across consoles, computers, and mobile-style devices.

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

Console limitations center on connection mode: wireless is not universal, with Xbox often requiring 3.5 mm and USB-A or PlayStation/PC support being more limited.

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

Design is polarizing: reviewers like the RGB gamer look and visual flair, but some find it cheap, loud, or too obviously gamer-styled.

Detachable cable convenience depends on version: the wired E1000 is criticized for a fixed cable, while WT coverage praises the detachable 3.5 mm option.

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

The microphone is not detachable on the reviewed units, although reviewers note it can fold, swivel, or tuck away.

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

The USB dongle is important to the WT experience, with reviews describing it as supplied, easy to pair, and central to the wireless connection.

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

Ear cup padding receives mixed-to-positive coverage, ranging from soft, thick, cushiony pads to cheaper-feeling or non-premium memory foam.

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

Earcup swivel and rotation are clear limitations, with several reviewers saying the cups do not rotate, fold, or adjust ergonomically enough.

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

Earpad replacement ease is lightly supported by one video transcript where the reviewer checks the pads and says they are replaceable.

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

Equalizer customization is a WT strength on PC, with reviewers noting custom profiles, game/music modes, and tweakable sound settings.

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

Fit and seal reliability are mixed: some reviewers report a snug seal, while others note gaps, fixed ear angles, or noise entering through poor alignment.

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

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

Frequency response accuracy receives negative evidence from one review that says all ranges sounded weak and indistinct.

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

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

Headband adjustability is generally positive, with click adjustment, firm fit control, and matching length markers mentioned across reviews.

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

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

Included accessories are strongest on WT reviews, which mention cables, dongle, pouch, manuals, and charging gear, while one wired review found extras sparse.

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

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

The headset includes an integrated boom microphone, with reviews noting rotation, fold-up movement, or a built-in mic arm depending on model.

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.

Microphone impressions are mixed overall: many reviewers praise clear or good-enough voice pickup, but a few find it scratchy, tinny, low-volume, or only suitable for game chat.

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

Microphone noise reduction is one of the better-supported positives, with many reviews saying ENC or the noise-canceling mic reduced background sound and kept voice clearer.

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

Call and chat quality is mixed: several reviewers found it useful for calls or conferencing, while others warned about Discord friendliness, low volume, or limited clarity.

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

Midrange feedback is limited and mixed, with one review hearing muddiness in the mids at lower volume while another says the headset emphasizes low and mid frequencies.

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

Multi-platform compatibility is a major selling point across reviews, with PC, PlayStation, Mac, Xbox, Switch, mobile, tablets, and wired/wireless use mentioned.

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

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

Passive isolation varies by fit: some reviewers say it blocks outside sound well, while another says noise isolation leaves something to be desired.

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

Packaging evidence is limited and modest, with one review describing simple packaging plus a pouch and few extras.

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

Portability and foldability are weak because at least one reviewer says the headphones do not fold or rotate.

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

Positional audio is generally good for gaming, with many reviewers hearing footsteps, players, or sound direction clearly, though one review wanted better depth.

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

Preset EQ coverage is positive on the WT model, with gaming, music, FPS, movie, MOBA, and genre presets described.

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

Replaceable earpads are lightly supported by one video review that says the pads are replaceable.

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

RGB customization is a recurring limitation: reviewers like the lighting, but many say it is fixed, not programmable, or only on/off.

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.

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

Setup is mostly simple and plug-and-play, but one WT review says PC pairing instructions were incomplete until using troubleshooting steps.

Sound leakage evidence is limited but favorable in one review, which says the snug fit avoids large gaps where sound can escape.

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

Sound quality is the most divided attribute: some reviews call the E1000 clear, immersive, and good for gaming, while others describe it as muffled, muddy, boxy, or less suited to music.

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

Soundstage is a recurring positive for gaming, with reviewers describing improved, wide, airy sound that helps create a larger sense of space.

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

Spatial audio is a frequent gaming positive, especially when 7.1 or surround mode is enabled, though it is more of a gaming effect than audiophile tuning.

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

Stability evidence is mixed, from one wired review saying the headset feels unstable to WT/wired reviews praising firm clamp or uninterrupted wireless 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 was generally controlled, clear, and detailed, though a few reviewers found stock tuning bright or needing EQ.

Treble evidence is limited to one review, which says the headset does not reproduce much of the higher frequencies, so treble clarity is not a strength.

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

USB-C is supported for WT charging in multiple reviews and is presented as the charging port or included charging cable.

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

Value for money is generally positive because reviewers repeatedly frame the headset as inexpensive, budget-friendly, or strong for the price, though not always best-in-class.

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

Volume output is mostly strong, with several reviewers saying the headset gets loud or is easy to control, though one PS5 reviewer found the wired model not very loud.

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

Weight comfort is positive in WT reviews, which describe the headset as lightweight, comfortable, or well-distributed despite its size.

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

Wireless latency is a consistent WT strength, with reviewers citing low-latency 2.4 GHz operation and no noticeable delay in use.

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

Xbox compatibility is possible but limited, with evidence showing wired controller use rather than universal dongle support.