Compare Audeze Maxwell vs Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II

Active noise cancellation is absent, and reviewers who care about ANC treat that omission as a real limitation.

ANC is unusually effective for a gaming headset, cutting steady hums, appliances, and even nearby construction. A few users report cabin pressure, seal-related rumble, wind weakness, or occasional artifacts.

The Android version of Swarm II mirrors the useful PC controls, letting players adjust headset settings from a phone while using another gaming source.

The app/software experience is mixed-to-negative overall, ranging from stable but basic to buggy, clunky, incomplete, or unreliable.

Swarm II exposes ANC, microphone controls, button mapping, EQ, and device settings on PC and mobile. Its breadth is a strength, but several launch-period users encountered crashes, stalled updates, or transmitter-detection failures.

Audio-video sync evidence is positive where tested, with no noticeable lags or delays during games and movies.

Bass is usually praised as punchy, detailed, and controlled, though a few reviewers note it is not a boomy basshead tuning without EQ.

The dual-driver design produces powerful, physical bass that makes games feel cinematic without always sacrificing detail. The stock tuning can be overly boomy, and extreme boost or ANC behavior may introduce distortion.

Battery life receives near-universal praise, with reviewers repeatedly describing the 80-hour class endurance as impressive or exceptional.

Two roughly 40-hour removable batteries make battery anxiety almost disappear, with reported runtime ranging from about 30 to 50 hours per pack. The spare is normally charged and ready before the active one is depleted.

Bluetooth performance has limited scored evidence here, with one reviewer reporting annoying stutter at distance.

Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio is excellent for calls, music, and gaming at once, with separate volume control. Pairing and call-volume bugs appear in some units, and this is not true multi-device Bluetooth multipoint.

Build quality is mostly praised as sturdy, premium, or tank-like, but early-unit failures and cosmetic wear create some caution.

Most users describe a premium, sturdy mix of metal, soft-touch plastic, fabric, and tactile controls that withstands normal knocks well. Concerns center mainly on the thin suspension mesh and isolated durability complaints.

Built-in DAC and hi-res playback evidence is positive but limited, centered on high-bitrate decoding without external gear.

Certified 24-bit/96kHz playback gives the headset ample detail and headroom over compatible USB connections. Platform caps and subtle real-world differences mean the hi-res badge matters more to PC listeners than every console player.

Physical controls are often appreciated, but reviewers also mention a learning curve, confusing multifunction wheels, or poor placement.

The physical wheels and buttons are generally tactile, logically placed, and partly remappable. Some find the controls crowded, the volume steps too coarse, or individual functions hard to identify by touch.

Cable quality has limited scored evidence; one reviewer calls the included USB-C cable very basic.

Carry case quality is effectively poor because one reviewer explicitly criticized the absence of any case or bag.

The rigid fitted case is widely praised for protecting the headset, batteries, dock, mic, and accessories. It feels suitably premium, although its large footprint makes it less travel-friendly than it first appears.

Charging is praised because short top-ups provide many hours or a full day of additional use.

The compact transmitter dock keeps the spare battery charged and ejects it cleanly for a seconds-long swap. This rotation gives desk users nearly uninterrupted wireless operation.

Clamping force is generally viewed positively because it seals without feeling overly tight in most reports.

Clamp is comfortable or moderate for many heads and helps maintain a reliable seal. Others experience initial tightness, vacuum-like pressure, or concentrated discomfort, so fit is highly head-shape dependent.

Codec support is well regarded because reviewers value LDAC, LE Audio, LC3/LC3plus, and other higher-quality or future-facing options.

Support for modern Bluetooth codecs such as LC3+ and LDAC can deliver high-quality wireless streams on compatible devices, though availability varies by headset version.

Long-session comfort is mostly positive despite heat and weight caveats; many reviewers could wear it for hours after adjusting.

Soft sculpted cushions and good weight distribution let many reviewers wear the headset for full workdays or marathon gaming. Others develop top-of-head pain within an hour or two, making long-session comfort the product’s most divisive trait.

Connectivity versatility is a major strength because reviewers value Bluetooth, dongle, USB-C, analog, and broad platform support, despite switching caveats.

CrossPlay switching, dual wireless audio, and optional transmitters make the headset exceptionally flexible across rooms and systems. Extra dongles cost more, only one 2.4GHz stream plays at a time, and some launch setups were unreliable.

Console compatibility has real caveats around buying the correct version and uncertain cross-platform wireless behavior.

The Xbox model offers the broadest native compatibility, while the PC/PlayStation model cannot connect to Xbox. Game/chat mixing and certain codecs are also tied to the selected version, creating avoidable fine print.

Design and aesthetics are mostly praised as understated, premium, sleek, and non-gamer-looking, though one reviewer finds it clunky.

The understated metal-and-fabric design looks far more luxurious and less overtly gamer-like than earlier Turtle Beach headsets. Its large earcups remain bulky, but most reviewers are comfortable wearing it in public.

The wired option is valued as a useful fallback or flexibility feature, even though the headset still needs power.

The detachable microphone is valued because it makes the headset easier to use as headphones for music or travel.

Removing the boom mic quickly converts the headset into a cleaner-looking pair of everyday headphones, while flip-to-mute is usually convenient. A few users prefer retractable designs or trigger mute accidentally when moving the boom.

Dongle impressions are mixed, with praise for range or form factor offset by artifacting, connection failures, or USB-controller sensitivity.

The included second transmitter is a major convenience for switching between separated systems without moving cables. Expansion units cost extra and have sometimes been unavailable, defective, or unrecognized by Swarm II.

Earpad padding is often plush and comfortable, but repeated caveats mention heat, sweat, thinness, or firmness.

The angled memory-foam cushions are usually described as soft, breathable, plush, and glasses-friendly. A minority find the cloth scratchy or warm, and it isolates less completely than leatherette.

Ear cup swivel evidence is positive, with one reviewer noting the cups rested comfortably around the neck.

The cups generally swivel and tilt far enough to sit flush or rest comfortably around the neck. One customer found the movement slow enough to make single-ear listening awkward.

An incorrectly seated earpad can cause unwanted ANC noise or rumble. Reinstalling and fully twisting the pad into place resolved the issue in testing.

Earpad replacement is praised as easy, with several reviewers noting twist-off or easily removable pads.

The cushions use simple twist locks, making them straightforward to remove and reinstall without tools.

EQ customization is valued because the headset responds well to EQ, though reviewers criticize clunky interfaces and occasional access limitations.

The onboard-saving 10-band EQ can tame the strong bass and treble or create game-specific profiles. It is effective, though some reviewers want finer bands, more presets, or a truly neutral starting point.

Fit and seal reliability are praised where discussed, especially for maintaining passive isolation.

The contoured pads and swiveling yokes usually form a secure ANC-friendly seal across varied head shapes. Small heads, unusually large heads, and seal-sensitive users report slipping, pressure, or vacuum sensations.

The footsteps-focused feature is useful but not universally ideal; one reviewer preferred more custom EQ control for competitive FPS use.

Superhuman Hearing can make footsteps and gunfire more obvious in tactical shooters. Its heavy rebalancing often hollows out music, dialogue, and other effects, so many prefer a custom EQ instead.

Frequency response evidence is highly positive, with reviewers highlighting target matching, linearity, and controlled tuning.

The default signature is intentionally V-shaped rather than neutral, emphasizing bass and upper treble while keeping most mids audible. Listeners seeking studio accuracy will need EQ and may still notice uneven low-end character.

Game/chat balance control is repeatedly praised for quickly adjusting game and voice levels without heavy software dependence.

The dedicated mix wheel is convenient where supported and can be reassigned. Its function depends on the headset version and platform, and mobile control behavior was inconsistent for at least one tester.

The large cushions and ProSpecs relief channels are repeatedly praised for avoiding painful pressure on glasses arms. Even long-session glasses wearers generally report a comfortable fit.

Headband adjustability is one of the clearest weaknesses, with reviewers criticizing the limited notches, awkward strap, and imperfect fit granularity.

The metal sliders hold their position securely but can require excessive force and are awkward to change while worn. Several users also need frequent repositioning or cannot size the headset down enough.

Hinge durability evidence is negative due to a reported early unit breaking during normal use.

The frame feels robust overall, but one owner added a headband accessory out of concern that the suspension structure might deteriorate over time.

Included accessories are praised for quality and usefulness, especially the included adapter and cables.

The package is generous, with a hard case, two batteries, charging transmitter, second dongle, detachable mic, and cable. Some buyers still wanted another transmitter or charging cable included at this price.

Instrument separation and detail retrieval are repeatedly praised, with reviewers noting clear layering in music, games, and busy mixes.

The dual drivers usually keep layered effects, music, and ambience distinct, even in busy shooters. Separation can become less convincing in chaotic battle-royale mixes or beside strong open-back and planar competitors.

Integrated microphone evidence is mostly negative, with several reviewers calling the built-in mics bad, compressed, or inferior to the boom mic.

The built-in beamforming mics are convenient for calls when the boom is removed and provide more discreet public use. They pick up more room noise, sound less polished, and were buggy or inaccessible for some reviewers.

LDAC receives positive evidence, with one reviewer saying audio quality remained exceptional in LDAC testing.

LDAC can provide higher-quality Bluetooth listening, but support is restricted to the PC/PlayStation version rather than the broadly compatible Xbox model.

Maximum-volume clarity is praised because highs remain clean and the headset avoids harshness or distortion when turned up.

The headset can play very loudly while staying impressively clean in many tests. At the extremes, boosted bass or sharp treble can become distorted, fatiguing, or painful.

Microphone performance is mixed: the boom mic can be clear or strong, but some reviewers call it muffled, merely serviceable, or not creator-grade.

The detachable 9mm boom is one of the strongest headset microphones in this class, often described as clear, warm, and suitable for meetings or casual content creation. Some listeners hear thinness or sibilance, and a few launch units suffered severe bugs.

Microphone noise reduction is one of the most praised non-audio features, repeatedly removing keyboard, fan, vacuum, and ambient noise effectively.

AI processing and noise-gate controls can reduce keyboards, chatter, and machinery without heavily damaging speech. It is not always aggressive enough, and some reviewers prefer it off because it flattens the voice.

Call and chat microphone evidence is adequate rather than studio-grade, with the boom mic considered good enough for work calls or gaming.

Teams, Discord, party chat, and work calls usually sound clear and full through the boom mic. The integrated microphones are less dependable, and one customer experienced unusably low voice volume.

Midrange clarity is mostly described as clear, natural, or accurate, with occasional criticism that gaming tuning can make vocals sound thin or recessed.

Mids and vocals are generally detailed despite the strong bass, supporting both games and music well. The stock tuning can recess dialogue in dense scenes or become muddy before EQ correction.

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength where discussed, with reviewers emphasizing broad support across common gaming and media devices.

The Xbox version works across Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch, and mobile, making it the safest all-platform purchase. The PC/PlayStation version is similarly flexible except for its complete lack of Xbox support.

Multipoint and wireless source handling are mixed: Bluetooth multipoint can help, but lack of simultaneous Bluetooth plus dongle playback frustrates several reviewers.

The headset mixes one Bluetooth source with one 2.4GHz source, but it does not provide true Bluetooth multipoint. Some users report device-priority confusion or call-volume failures when multiple connections are involved.

Passive isolation is mostly praised thanks to the closed cups and pads, though one reviewer found outside sound cut through more than expected.

The sculpted cushions create a useful passive seal that blocks a surprising amount of room noise before ANC is enabled. Cloth coverings and imperfect fit can still let voices and sound leakage through.

The dominant view is that this is a flagship headset with exceptional audio, battery convenience, microphone quality, and platform flexibility. The premium price, polarized headband comfort, and early software bugs keep it from being universally safe.

Packaging quality has limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the packaging luxurious.

The presentation feels premium and carefully organized, matching the headset’s flagship positioning.

Portability is limited by the large, heavy cups, even when they fold flat.

The removable mic and restrained styling make the headset usable away from a desk. Nearly 400 grams, deep earcups, and an oversized case prevent it from being genuinely compact travel gear.

Positional audio is often excellent for gaming, but competitive-focused reviewers note weaker verticality or pinpoint footstep accuracy than some rivals.

Most reviewers locate footsteps, gunfire, distance, and movement with excellent precision, especially in tactical shooters. Dense action, low-volume complaints, and a few negative customer experiences show performance is not flawless for everyone.

Preset EQ profiles are context-dependent: some gaming presets help, while music performance can suffer and some profiles sound poor.

The built-in profiles provide quick tonal changes and several reviewers enjoy them. Bass-heavy or competitive modes can sound exaggerated or hollow, making custom EQ the more reliable option.

Replaceable earpads receive positive evidence because reviewers describe the pads as easy to remove, replace, or swap.

The stock pads can be removed with easy twist locks, simplifying replacement or reseating when the ANC seal is wrong.

Only the battery-side faceplate is removable, so the design does not meaningfully support interchangeable cosmetic plates or broad aftermarket customization.

Sidetone is the most consistently criticized feature, with noise, feedback, static, and bugs outweighing one positive report about loud monitoring.

Mic monitoring is useful for controlling speaking volume, but current implementation is inconsistent. It can be very quiet, fail to work as expected, or become unavailable when ANC is active.

Smudge resistance is weak in the one scored review, which says the cups show oil after handling.

Soft-touch surfaces and ridged metal plates readily show oils, dust, and trapped debris, although fingerprints generally wipe away without much effort.

Setup simplicity is mostly positive for plug-and-play use and firmware guidance, though some reviewers criticize broader UX/app friction.

Basic pairing and source switching are often instant and intuitive out of the box. Firmware updates, first-time CrossPlay configuration, and Swarm II detection caused serious friction for a notable minority.

The breathable cloth cushions do not contain sound as effectively as denser leatherette pads, so some audio can escape at higher levels.

Reviewers consistently frame sound quality as the Maxwell's core strength, often calling it best-in-class or audiophile-grade for a wireless gaming headset.

The broad consensus favors rich, punchy, highly immersive sound with strong detail for games, music, and movies. Its stock bass and treble are not neutral, and a minority finds the result muddy, sharp, or inferior to cheaper alternatives.

Soundstage earns strong praise from several gaming-focused reviews, while audiophile and competitive reviewers describe it as merely adequate or narrower than some rivals.

The closed-back headset creates a surprisingly broad, enveloping stage with strong depth and atmosphere. It still trails good open-back designs in openness, and one customer found it narrower than an older Turtle Beach model.

Spatial audio is usually a useful immersion bonus, especially on PS5 Tempest or Dolby, but some reviewers avoid it for competitive play.

Dolby Atmos adds enjoyable height, distance, and environmental detail in supported games and movies. Competitive players may prefer native game audio because virtualization can add reverb or soften precise cues.

Stability is mostly strong for wireless range or physical fit, though Bluetooth distance artifacts appear in one review.

The main 2.4GHz link is usually rock-solid, reconnects quickly, and reaches through walls farther than most rivals. Isolated low-battery hiccups, Bluetooth pairing problems, and defective dongles temper that strength.

Transparency-style passthrough is strongly praised in one review for realism and lack of harshness.

Transparency mode is useful for hearing family, calls, or surroundings without removing the headset, and its level can be adjusted in the app. On-headset mode control is less flexible than some users expect.

Treble is generally controlled and clear, but some reviewers hear too much brightness or less openness depending on EQ and use case.

Highs are crisp and reveal fine effects, but the stock tuning often pushes them too far. Sensitive listeners report sibilance or painful sharpness, which is usually reduced with EQ.

USB-C supports charging and wired digital playback on compatible PC and PlayStation setups. Wired platform support and included cable types are limited enough that some users will need an adapter.

Value for money is strongly positive overall: many reviewers call the price justified despite acknowledging the upfront cost.

At about $350, the headset is undeniably expensive, but enthusiasts often see the money in its audio, ANC, mic, batteries, case, and connectivity. Casual players and comfort-sensitive buyers can obtain solid results for much less.

Volume output is considered ample, with reviewers describing the headset as plenty loud or unusually powerful.

Output ranges from extremely powerful on some PCs to unexpectedly quiet on PS5 or Bluetooth for several users. Coarse wheel increments and occasional control bugs make level adjustment less consistent than it should be.

Weight comfort is the main ergonomic tradeoff: reviewers call it heavy, but many say the distribution keeps it usable for long sessions.

At roughly 382–396 grams, the headset is objectively heavy, though good cushions and distribution make it feel manageable for many. Others develop head or neck discomfort quickly because the narrow mesh carries too much load.

Wireless latency is generally low enough for gaming, though reviewers occasionally report small lag or system-specific issues.

The 2.4GHz connection and low-latency Bluetooth options produce effectively immediate game audio, with multiple reviewers reporting no perceptible lag.

Xbox compatibility favors the Xbox version for broader platform support and Dolby Atmos, but PlayStation support may carry risk or limitations.

The Xbox version works natively with Microsoft consoles while retaining broad support for PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile. It is the preferred version for buyers who own multiple console families.