Multiple reviews explicitly state there is no active noise cancellation, so the Maxwell relies on passive isolation instead of ANC.
Across reviews, ANC is consistently described as unusually strong for a gaming headset, effectively cutting low rumbles and much of the surrounding office or home noise. Several reviewers say it helps them miss voices and distractions even at moderate volume. Noise canceling can be toggled and adjusted via onboard controls and companion software. Tuning options exist, but some reviewers note mode feedback relies on chimes rather than clear voice prompts, which can be confusing.
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.
App support includes a PC-focused hub and a mobile companion, giving access to EQ, profiles, and certain feature toggles. Several reviewers mention that settings can overwrite between apps or feel barebones, but the core control options are there.
Reviewers generally report no noticeable lag or delay during games and media playback, suggesting sync is reliable in normal use.
Audio-video sync and latency performance are repeatedly praised when using the 2.4GHz dongle or wired connection, making it well-suited to competitive play. Bluetooth is positioned as secondary, with LE Audio helping but not replacing the dongle for lowest latency.
Bass is a major strength, with repeated praise for punch, sub-bass presence, and control rather than muddy low-end.
Bass is generally punchy for explosions and gunfire, but impressions vary by default profile: some find it underwhelming, others say it can get muddy or overbearing in certain mixes. Most agree EQ can dial in a better balance.
Battery life is consistently described as exceptional, with roughly 80 hours of use and fast charging that quickly restores long sessions.
Battery life is commonly rated average for the price: about 30 hours quoted, but real-world results vary widely by ANC and usage, with heavy ANC sessions dropping into the teens and ANC-off testing stretching much longer. Many comparisons note rivals at similar prices last significantly longer or offer hot-swap batteries.
Bluetooth support is broad and generally strong, though some reviews note switching behavior and dual-wireless playback limitations.
Bluetooth connectivity is generally described as quick and reliable for phones and secondary devices. It is often used for music or chat while gaming through the dongle. Simultaneous dongle plus Bluetooth audio is a major highlight, enabling dual-source setups for game audio plus phone audio. Reviewers generally find it genuinely useful for modern gaming routines.
Build quality is widely praised for premium materials and sturdiness, though at least one review flags early-unit durability concerns.
Build quality gets a generally positive but not luxury verdict: the headset is light and often described as well-made, yet its plastic construction can feel hollow or less premium than heavier competitors. Durability is usually considered adequate for normal use.
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.
Control usability is mostly praised thanks to distinct shapes, spacing, and tactile buttons, especially for mic mute and game-chat balance. Complaints center on a finicky volume wheel in some contexts and chime-based feedback that can be hard to interpret.
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.
Carrying case quality is typically described as a soft pouch or bag, sometimes with useful pockets, but not as protective as a hardshell case at this price. It is functional for light travel rather than rugged protection.
Charging is a strong point, with quick-charge support repeatedly described as delivering many hours of playback from a short top-up.
Fast charging is a clear plus, with multiple reviews citing a short top-up yielding meaningful play time. Full charge times and use-while-charging behavior are reported inconsistently across sources, but quick top-ups are broadly praised.
Clamp force is generally comfortable and secure, though impressions vary between firm, light, and moderately snug depending on reviewer fit.
Clamping force is generally low, which improves comfort and reduces hotspots. The tradeoff is that a few reviewers experienced minor shifting during movement.
Codec support is a strength, with reviews citing LDAC, LE Audio, LC3/LC3plus, AAC, and other modern wireless options.
Codec support is functional rather than audiophile-focused: reviews mention standard Bluetooth codecs plus LE Audio support, but also note the absence of premium options like LDAC or aptX. This aligns with its gaming-first positioning.
Despite the heavy frame, long-session comfort is usually rated good thanks to padding and weight distribution.
Comfort during long use is one of the strongest consensus positives, with many calling it among the most comfortable premium headsets they have tested. The lightweight chassis and breathable materials are repeatedly credited for marathon 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.
Design is often described as understated and premium-looking for a gaming headset, especially with the mic removed, and available in multiple colorways. Some dislike the headband aesthetic or note finishes that show marks easily.
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 is a practical plus for portability and aesthetics, letting the headset look more like regular headphones when removed. Some reviewers still prefer a stowable design to avoid misplacing the mic.
The dongle usually performs well and enables key wireless features, but some reviewers report occasional finickiness or port sensitivity.
The USB-C 2.4GHz dongle is consistently valued for low-latency, stable wireless on PC and supported consoles. Its PC/Other switch is frequently mentioned as convenient for moving between devices.
Earpads are commonly described as plush, soft, or dense, though heat buildup can become noticeable over time.
Earcup padding is widely praised for being plush, deep, and often breathable fabric, helping reduce heat build-up. The extra depth also helps keep ears from pressing into inner surfaces compared with some Sony over-ears.
The earcups offer useful swivel movement for neck rest and storage, though this is not a standout selling point.
Earcup swivel range is a standout, with several reviewers noting full rotation and the ability to lay the cups flat in both directions. This helps with neck resting and storage in the included pouch.
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.
Equalizer customization is robust enough to meaningfully change the headset, typically via a 10-band EQ and saved profiles. Many reviews recommend using EQ to broaden the headset beyond its FPS-oriented default sound.
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.
Frequency response accuracy is a recurring critique: several reviews describe a non-neutral, gaming-first curve with missing ear-gain style presence and other deviations. This is a major reason music listening is often rated only okay without EQ.
Game/chat balance is a real feature advantage, with both onboard controls and software support called useful in practice.
Game-chat balance controls are appreciated on compatible platforms for quick in-match tuning. However, there are reports of limited functionality or weaker integration on certain consoles, reducing its usefulness outside PC play.
Headband adjustment works, but reviewers regularly say the system is limited, coarse, or awkward to change.
Headband adjustability is generally innovative and secure, using a suspension-style system. Some reviewers love the quick locking adjustment, while others find fine-tuning while wearing the headset a bit fiddly.
Durability impressions are mixed: some reviewers praise long-term sturdiness, while another reports a serious hinge-related failure on an early unit.
Hinge durability is typically considered solid for a lightweight design, with spring-like mechanisms and enough flex to handle normal handling. A few notes suggest the adjustment mechanism can be finicky rather than fragile.
The included accessory bundle is generally considered solid, covering the boom mic, dongle, adapter, and required cables.
Included accessories are generally strong, commonly including the low-latency dongle, detachable mic, charging cable, and an analog cable. Several reviewers appreciate the long analog cable and the storage pouch layout.
Instrument separation is a strong point, with reviewers praising the headset’s ability to pull apart layers and individual elements.
Instrument separation and imaging are frequently highlighted as strengths for positional awareness, helping footsteps and directional cues stand out. A few reviewers still say top competitive headsets can render footsteps even more distinctly.
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.
Maximum-volume clarity is generally viewed as solid, with reviewers noting low harshness and reduced fatigue even when playing loud, high-intensity FPS content. Some treble roughness can appear depending on preset, but it is not widely described as piercing.
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.
Microphone noise reduction is often praised for isolating voice and suppressing background noise, including fans and nearby activity. A few real-world tests in loud, crowded spaces suggest performance can vary and may not remove all ambient chatter.
Call quality is acceptable to strong depending on setup, with the detachable boom mic performing much better than the internal mic array.
Microphone quality is widely viewed as good to excellent for in-game chat, Discord, and even work calls, with a noticeable jump over the original H9. A minority describe it as only serviceable in very noisy environments or slightly muffled compared with the very best mics.
Midrange performance is usually described as clear and present, though some reviewers still prefer EQ tweaks for their own taste.
Midrange presence can feel recessed or muted in default tuning, especially for music and lead instruments. Reviewers who used the custom EQ report it can restore clarity and presence.
Reviewers repeatedly describe the Maxwell as broadly compatible across PC, console, phone, and other common source devices.
Multi-platform compatibility is strong for PC and PlayStation, with support also discussed for Nintendo Switch when docked and typical Bluetooth devices. The notable exception is Xbox compatibility.
Multipoint support is present and useful, though the broader wireless switching behavior is not universally praised.
Multipoint is repeatedly called out as not supported, which is a downside for users who want seamless multi-device switching. The headset instead leans on dual-connection workflows with the dongle and Bluetooth.
Passive isolation is consistently rated good to very good, helping compensate for the lack of ANC.
Passive isolation is mixed: the pads and seal help, but the light clamp and airy fit mean it is not the most cocooning on its own. Many reviewers frame ANC as the key to strong isolation on this model.
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 decent but not compact: the cups lay flat and rotate well, but the headset does not fold down like some travel headphones. It is easy enough to pack in a bag, just not optimized for small cases.
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.
Preset EQ profiles are frequently criticized as too FPS-centric and limited in variety, even if some presets help highlight footsteps. Several reviews wish for better presets for music, RPGs, or cinematic games.
Replaceable earpads are a real practical benefit, and multiple reviews note that swapping them is straightforward.
Replaceable earpads are confirmed and appreciated by multiple reviewers, including reports of easy pad removal and replacement. A few sources still wish the overall serviceability were more standard across the whole headset.
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.
Sidetone control exists but is not perfectly tuned out of the box, with reports of a low default level and a robotic quality when pushed too high. Many users will want to adjust it to a comfortable middle setting.
Smudge resistance is a consistent nitpick on certain finishes, with multiple mentions of surfaces showing fingerprints or marks easily. Buyers who care about keeping gear pristine may need to wipe it down 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 often described as fast and straightforward, especially via the dongle. The software experience is more mixed, with some calling it basic, confusingly organized, or requiring extra steps for spatial personalization.
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 praised for competitive play with clear cues and satisfying impact, but default tuning is often viewed as FPS-focused rather than all-purpose. For music and non-FPS games, several reviewers recommend EQ tweaks to avoid a dark or uneven presentation.
Soundstage is widely considered spacious for a closed-back headset, even if a few reviewers stop short of calling it exceptional.
Soundstage width is generally regarded as good, creating convincing left-right placement in games. Some reviews note vertical positioning is less precise than horizontal placement.
Spatial audio support is a meaningful bonus through Tempest 3D and Dolby Atmos depending on platform version.
Spatial features include virtual surround and Sony 360-style personalization options, plus PS5 3D audio support in some setups. Benefits are mixed: some enjoy wider immersion, while others find the ear-photo personalization process cumbersome or not worth the effort.
General stability is good, with praise for both stable fit and reliable wireless behavior in normal use.
Fit stability impressions vary: some reviewers find it secure and stable thanks to the new headband and low weight, while others report the earcups can shift slightly because of the gentle clamp. Overall stability is good, just not vice-like.
Transparency-style passthrough is divisive: one review praises realism, while others describe sidetone/transparency behavior as noisy or poor.
The headset offers an ambient or awareness mode, but multiple reviews say it is not a true, voice-forward transparency mode. It can let in general room sound, yet holding real conversations is often easier by removing the headset.
Treble is usually described as clear and controlled rather than harsh, although tuning preference still varies by reviewer.
Treble is commonly described as safe and fatigue-resistant for long FPS sessions, but can sound crunchy, dull, or lacking sparkle depending on the preset. EQ adjustments tend to improve perceived detail for broader listening.
USB-C is important to the Maxwell’s versatility for charging, digital audio, and included accessory support.
USB-C is used for charging and the included low-latency dongle. Some reviewers call out limitations like the lack of USB audio in certain scenarios.
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.
Volume output is typically sufficient and can get loud, though a couple of reviewers describe it as slightly quieter than expected compared with older models. Overall, most report enough headroom for gaming and media.
The Maxwell is undeniably heavy, but several reviewers still say the weight is manageable once the fit is dialed in.
Weight comfort is excellent, with multiple reviews emphasizing the very light feel around 260g and how little it disappears during play. This low weight is frequently framed as a major advantage over heavier rivals.
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.
Multiple reviews explicitly state the dongle does not work with Xbox consoles, limiting native Xbox compatibility. Wired fallback may exist, but the main low-latency wireless path is not Xbox-ready.