The Maxwell 2 makes sense at a gaming desk, where its wireless dongle and boom microphone can stay close to the console. On a train, two things change. Its weight is harder to forget, and the closed earcups let much of the low rumble through. Decide where you’ll wear it before getting absorbed in the driver specification.

Sound Quality

90mm planar magnetic drivers
Closed-back over-ear design

On the Xbox Maxwell 2, RTINGS found balanced overall sound with some roll-off in the lowest bass. The boom mic kept speech distinct in background noise. The balanced soundtrack helps you follow the game. The mic’s filtering helps teammates hear your callouts when there’s noise around you. There’s no active noise cancellation for the sound reaching your ears. ¹

Comfort & Battery Life

560g
Rechargeable headset
Powered analog operation

Weight is likely to decide the purchase for some people. RTINGS found the bulky cups could shift and noted little isolation from low-frequency outside noise. Its Xbox unit ran for roughly 77 hours in continuous use, a useful margin between charges. Keep the charging cable somewhere accessible. Plugging in the analog lead still requires power in the headset. ¹

Connectivity

USB-C dongle
Bluetooth
USB audio
3.5mm

Buy the edition for the console you need to support. This review covers the Maxwell 2 for PlayStation, which also works on PC. RTINGS tested the Xbox edition. ¹ The Xbox edition includes a Dolby Atmos for Headphones license that activates through the Dolby Access app. ² The headset switches between Bluetooth and the wireless dongle. To hear your phone and your game together, leave the phone on Bluetooth. On PlayStation or PC, connect the game system by wired USB or a compatible 3.5mm connection. On Xbox, use a compatible controller’s 3.5mm jack. ² ³

Microphone & Chat

Detachable boom microphone
Wireless USB-C dongle

The boom gives you a consistent microphone position even if you turn toward a second monitor. RTINGS found that its Xbox test unit kept speech intelligible in background noise. ¹ The PlayStation package also includes the detachable boom. For a shared gaming room, the important distinction is which side hears less noise: teammates can benefit from the mic handling even when you can still hear people in the room.

Isolation & Design

Closed-back cups
90 mm planar drivers
Passive listening isolation

The closed cups separate game sound from the room through their physical seal. This version has no active cancellation for the listener. In RTINGS’ test of the Xbox edition, low-frequency noise still made it through. ¹ A console kept near a quiet desk is a different proposition from a laptop set up beside a loud fan. The headset’s microphone processing cannot cancel that sound for the person wearing it.

Alternatives

Owners of the original Maxwell already have a planar gaming headset. Changing makes more sense to solve a particular fit, microphone or connection problem than simply to get the same type of driver again. If your current headset feels too heavy an hour into a game, try a lighter design first.

Verdict

The Maxwell 2 is a good fit for seated play in a quiet room. I’d make comfort and console compatibility the buying checks, then enjoy the long gaps between charges.

Audeze Maxwell 2 review

Pros

Cons