Audeze Maxwell Review: Outstanding Audio from Planar Magnetic Drivers That Are Worth The Investment Even For Non-Gamers

Audeze Maxwell Review

The $299 Audeze Maxwell headphones set themselves apart from others on the market through their combination of audiophile-quality sound and robust gamer-centric design. Unlike typical gaming headsets that often compromise on audio fidelity, the Maxwell employs planar magnetic drivers, renowned for their precision and detail, to ensure an unparalleled listening experience when immersed in a game or enjoying music.

This attention to sound quality, coupled with their sturdy premium build, Bluetooth 5.3 support with LDAC codec, and impressive battery life, makes the Maxwell a standout choice for those seeking both high-performance gaming and exceptional audio. While they come with a hefty price tag, their ability to deliver clear, accurate sound and versatile connectivity options justifies the investment for serious gamers and audiophiles alike​.

I’m not a gamer. I’m going to concentrate on the Maxwells as work companions and for general audio use. For the most part, they perform well, but they can prove heavy for a long day, especially when compared to earbuds. The audio quality, however, distinguishes the Maxwells and will be the tipping point for most purchases. The microphone, co-developed with Shure, works fine, plus audio on calls and in video conferences is outstanding.

To be real, though, the Audeze Maxwell headphones are overkill if purchased just for work (though if you can get an employer to pay for them, good on you!). As a personal investment, those looking for remote work headphones should look at the variety of dedicated conferencing headphones reviewed on SeriousInsights.net. If the Maxwells aren’t doing double (or triple) duty as music, gaming or streaming entertainment companions, buying them would prove a suboptimal investment.

What we like

Pros

• Detailed, clear, and accurate sound
• Premium build
• Bluetooth 5.3 and other connectivity
• Planar magnetic drivers
• 80-hour battery life
• Compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck
• Physical buttons and dials, no touch controls
• Audeze HQ app is good when available
• Powered features work when wired
• Good AI-noise reduced microphone performance

The over-the-ear, closed-back Audeze Maxwell headphones deliver an extraordinary audio experience, producing audio that is both detailed and clear. Every note and nuance are captured with precision, allowing for a rich and immersive audio experience that caters to both gamers and audiophiles. This level of sound quality elevates gameplay, music, and media consumption to a new standard, making it a top choice for those who prioritize auditory excellence.

The Maxwell’s Fluxor™ magnet array planar magnetic drivers are known for producing exceptionally detailed and accurate sound across a wide frequency range. Unlike traditional dynamic drivers, planar magnetic drivers employ a thin, flexible diaphragm (Ultra-Thin Uniforce™) embedded with conductive elements suspended between powerful magnets (Neodymium N50). This design allows for faster response times and reduced distortion, resulting in clearer, more precise audio reproduction. The Maxwell’s 90mm drivers ensure a robust low-end response while maintaining clarity in the mid and high frequencies, offering an immersive and balanced listening experience for gaming and music.

I spend a lot of time listening to music through earbuds. The 80mm difference between these headphones and the top earbuds (usually with 10mm drivers or less) offers so much more surface for sculpting sound. Superior materials and size matter when listening to music. It also matters during gameplay, though people who primarily look to headphones for phone calls or video meetings will find little need for the subtle audio reproduction delivered in the Audeze Maxwell platform. If, however, those calls are occasionally compared to music and gaming use, the utility of the headphones comes into play and may make sense for buyers who seek audio excellence between the drudgery of meetings.

Built to last, the Maxwell boasts solid build quality, using sturdy materials that withstand the rigors of daily use. The earcups are generously padded with soft memory foam, wrapped in faux leather that remain cool even during extended use. The headband, supported by a sturdy metal strip and suspension strap, ensures a secure yet comfortable fit; however, the lack of fine adjustment may bother some users. The metal components and robust construction inspire confidence in the headset’s durability, while the design choices ensure that it can endure the demands of frequent use without compromising on comfort or functionality.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Maxwell supports the LDAC, SBC and AAC codecs, LE Audio and open standard LC3plus, allowing for high-resolution audio streaming without wires. The wireless freedom combined with top-notch audio performance is a significant advantage for both gaming and music listening. The headphones also support multipoint connectivity. In some instances, such as sharing the headphones between the dongle and Bluetooth, the Audeze HQ app may require that a connection be abandoned to work. For instance, using the app on an iPhone connected via Bluetooth requires disconnecting the dongle for the app to recognize the headphones. Multipoint to a point.

The Audeze Maxwell’s are made for people who like connectivity options. Beyond multipoint via Bluetooth 5.3, these cans also include a 2.4 GHz dongle (thankfully USB-C with a USB-A adapter) and wired connections via a standard 3.5mm audio cable and USB-C. The headphones can charge and deliver music at the same time via the USB-C connection.

One of the standout features of the Maxwell is its impressive battery life, with its 1800mAh Lithium-polymer battery capable of lasting up to 80 hours on a single charge (depending on volume level). This longevity ensures that the headphones are always ready for action, whether you’re in the middle of a gaming marathon or enjoying a long playlist. The extended battery life reduces the need for frequent recharging, adding to the convenience and reliability of the headset. Fast charging turns 20 minutes on a power block into several hours of listening time. Battery level can be seen on the app when connected.

Versatility is a key strength of the Maxwell, as it is designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of devices, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck. This cross-platform compatibility makes it a flexible choice for users with multiple gaming systems or devices, ensuring consistent performance and ease of use across different platforms.

The on-device controls of the Audeze Maxwell headphones are designed for user convenience, featuring tactile, physical buttons and dials that ensure reliable and intuitive operation. These controls include volume adjustment, microphone mute, and playback management, allowing users to make quick and precise changes without fumbling through touch-sensitive surfaces. The layout is ergonomically designed, with distinct, well-spaced buttons that can be easily located and operated even during intense gaming sessions or while on the move (once you add their location to your spatial mental map). This practical approach to controls enhances the overall user experience, offering a seamless and frustration-free way to manage audio settings directly on the headphones.

The app, Audeze HQ, works across all platforms, but the desktop only works when the headphones are connected via the dongle, with firmware updates limited to a USB-C connection. The mobile app supports Bluetooth, allowing for volume, sidetone, EQ, auto-shutdown timing, and voice prompt volume. The headphones can also be reset to factory defaults in the app.

As for EQ, the app comes preset for gamers, with EQs for “Competition” and “Footsteps.” They even offer a game-specific page of custom EQs from GadgetryTech. The headphones will store four additional presets, which sync across the headphones. Audeze suggests the Maxwells for audio mixing workflows, which suggests that they recognize their value for pure audio. It would be nice to have a page of presets (or actual presets) for music. I know the company does not want to cannibalize their high-end headphone sales, but for many, these will be the planar magnetic headphones they can afford. It it would be nice for Audeze to offer more support across use cases.

I like that the Audeze Maxwell electronic features also work when using an audio cable. Some powered headphones only deliver passive default audio and experiences when plugged into the auxiliary. Not the Maxwells. They continue to provide amplification and on-device controls regardless of how they are connected.

The Audeze Maxwells include two microphone options: built-in beamforming microphones, and a detachable, hypercardioid boom microphone. The built-in microphone is convenient for quick, on-the-go communication and maintains a low-profile design. The microphone incorporates FILTER™ Noise Reduction Technology for clear communications, making it suitable for casual conversations and voice commands even in noisy environments.

The removable boom microphone is designed to offer superior voice quality, making it the preferred choice for gamers and professionals who require clear and precise communication. The boom microphone benefits from being positioned closer to the mouth, which helps to capture voice more accurately and reduces the intrusion of background noise. It also includes the same AI noise-canceling features, ensuring clear audio capture, even in louder settings. The Shure-designed boom microphone also comes with a foam cover to reduce the spits and pops of speaking.

Audeze backs the Maxwell headphones with a 1-year warranty.

What could be improved

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy
• Cumbersome to travel with because of size, lack of case
• No active noise cancellation (ANC)
• Desktop requires dongle or USB-C connection
• Headphones require firmware updates
• Audeze needs to become an Apple-certified developer
• Low-battery messaging needs to be handled better
• Volume default returns to a low level
• Spatial audio not a standard
• More sustainable packaging

Although the Maxwell headphones come with a premium price tag, they are slightly less expensive than elite headphones from Bose and Sony. Those headphones, however, are not gamer headphones―and they are designed for travel with case included. So, while price can be a significant barrier for many potential buyers, quality and features can overcome price, and in this case, likely will for many.

The exceptional sound quality and robust design will often prove enough to justify the cost for many audiophiles and dedicated gamers. For those seeking Planar drivers, the Maxwell headphones are the inexpensive option compared to Audeze’s other headphones, which can range from $400 to $2000.

Weighing more than many other headphones, the Maxwell’s weight can be cumbersome for prolonged use. While the magnetic drivers and superior materials contribute to performance, the weight can lead to discomfort during extended sessions. Users who prioritize lightweight and portable headsets may find this a drawback. I personally find the fit a bit less subtle than I would like.

Over long periods of time, I find gravity taking over from the clamping force of the headphones, pulling them down on the top of my ears. Gravity also plays a role in pulling on the headphones when I tilt my head forward. Because the headphones only have a couple of adjustments via the strap, I can’t make the micro-adjustments that would likely remedy both issues.

I would also like to see Audeze include a case. These headphones are an investment, and they don’t deserve to be tossed into a bag when traveling, even though their materials and build may hold up to significant abuse. They already fold flat, so include a case to protect them when traveling (which would also help eliminate the foam in the packaging design as noted below).

Despite its high-end specifications, the Maxwell lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), which is a feature many users expect in premium headphones. This omission means that the headphones might not be as effective in noisy environments, potentially diminishing the listening experience when background noise cannot be controlled. Sound isolation is very good from the closed-back design, but ANC would take these headphones to the next level.

An app on all platforms supports the Audeze Maxwells. Unfortunately, on Windows and macOS, the app only works when the headphones are connected via the dongle or USB-C. Users should be aware that periodic firmware updates (details here) to the dongle and the headphones are required to ensure optimal performance. Headphone updates require a USB-C connection. Some may find this kind of maintenance annoying for headphones, though it is becoming increasingly common as advanced features derive more from software than hardware. Ideally, the dongle would be mounted on a direct USB-C port and not through a hub.

I experienced a conflict between the long battery life and the headphones being dead if I didn’t return to them regularly. I would hear, “Power on,” and then no sound because the headphones shut down. My analysis suggests that auto power off does not work when in auxiliary mode. Regardless, the low battery experience needs to be improved, stating “Low battery,” rather than “Power on” if the battery is low.

Another experience issue that I’m sure is intentional but is annoying comes when first turning on the headphones: the volume level doesn’t return to its last state; rather, it starts at a low level in wired configuration. Perhaps this is a hearing protection feature, but I would prefer, at least, to have the option for the headphones to remember their last volume setting regardless of the connectivity option in use. I would also like the headphones to provide a consistent experience across connectivity modes.

I don’t like versions of devices that strip features. Spatial audio, for instance, isn’t available in the Playstation Mawell headphones. Playstation and Xbox versions support those device’s implementation of spatial audio. Only the Xbox version includes a Dolby Atmos license, which seems odd, given how common that is on other headphones. On the PC, Dolby software is required to enable the feature. I received the Playstation version, which supports Sony’s Tempest 3D but does nothing for Mac users tied to Apple Music Spatial Audio.

Audeze offers a Dolby Atmos head tracking for production workflows. Again, I’d like to see Dolby Atmos as a standard feature, with Sony as a single variant, or just included as an unused feature when disconnected from a PlayStation. I get the licensing issues, but I’d rather pay more and have a better experience across all platforms. Those with both gaming platforms would require two pairs of Maxwells to optimize their gaming experience.

The minimalist packaging is mostly cardboard, but the headphones are encased in non-recyclable foam. I would like to see the company invest in packaging engineering at the same level as its audio components. Various protection alternatives, such as paper mâché and bamboo, would enhance sustainability and the overall user experience. As mentioned above, providing a case would also protect headphones in transit.

Audeze Maxwell: The bottom line

The Audeze Maxwell headphones stand out with their exceptional sound quality, driven by planar magnetic drivers, and a durable, premium build that caters to both gamers and audiophiles. Their long 80-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.3 support, variety of codecs, and compatibility with multiple gaming platforms are key features that make them a versatile and high-performance choice.

However, the high price point, heavy design, lack of active noise cancellation, and other quirks may deter some users. The large size and lack of a case for travel are additional drawbacks to consider.

While I don’t love the weight of the Audeze Maxwells, they currently sit in a place of honor on my desktop headphone stand as my go-to cans for listening to music. I still prefer my Jabra Evolve2 buds as my primary conferencing choice; when I want to be immersed in music or a movie, I switch to the Audeze Maxwells, but I do wish they supported Apple’s Spatial Audio to polish up my listening experiences.

Audeze provided the Maxwell headphones for review. Images courtesy of Audeze unless otherwise noted.

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