Audeze Maxwell 2
The Audeze Maxwell 2 evolution brings SLAM™ acoustic management, Bluetooth 5.3, and a redesigned comfort system to the world's best sounding headset.
- Wireless
- 90mm Planar Magnetic Drivers
- Detachable Boom Mic
- 560g
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Community Evaluation
Performance Tiers
Community consensus based on aggregated review data.
Fit Recommendation
Optimized for ergonomic comfort over long sessions.
Based on long-term clamping force, headband expansion, and cup depth volume.
Review Consensus
Aggregated from 155+ verified sources.
Technical Specifications
Audio
Connectivity
Microphone
Build & Features
Overview
The Audeze Maxwell 2 is the successor to the widely acclaimed Maxwell, further refining the formula that made it the gold standard for gaming audio. While the core 90mm planar magnetic drivers return, they have been updated with Audeze’s patent-pending SLAM™ (Spatial Language and Acoustic Management) technology, providing even greater spatial precision and a tighter, more controlled low-end response.
The Maxwell 2 also addresses the connectivity needs of modern gamers with Bluetooth 5.3 support, including LE Audio and LDAC for high-resolution wireless streaming. The redesigned headband and new magnetic earpads aim to improve comfort, though the headset remains one of the heaviest on the market at 560g.
Key Features
SLAM™ Acoustic Management: This new technology enhances the already legendary planar magnetic drivers, improving soundstage depth and positional accuracy while maintaining the signature Audeze clarity.
Bluetooth 5.3 & LE Audio: Ultra-modern wireless connectivity ensures low latency and high-fidelity audio across a wider range of devices, with improved multipoint stability.
Mag-Swap Earpads: The new magnetic earpad system makes changing cushions effortless, allowing users to swap between different materials or replace worn pads in seconds.
80+ Hour Battery Life: Maintaining its class-leading endurance, the Maxwell 2 provides well over a week of gaming on a single charge, with quick-charge capabilities that give hours of play in just minutes.
Audio Quality
Audio performance remains the Maxwell’s greatest strength. The 90mm planar drivers deliver a level of detail and transient speed that dynamic drivers simply cannot match. With the new SLAM™ technology, the bass response is noticeably punchier without bleeding into the mids, and the sense of “air” and space around instruments and sound effects is class-leading.
High-frequency extension is smooth and detailed, revealing subtle environmental cues in competitive games like footsteps or reloads that other headsets often mask.
Comfort & Build
Constructed with aluminum yokes and a steel headband, the Maxwell 2 is built to withstand years of heavy use. To mitigate the substantial 560g weight, Audeze has introduced a wider, ventilated suspension headband that distributes pressure more evenly across the skull.
The magnetic memory foam earpads are slightly wider than the original, providing a better seal and more room for the ears. However, users sensitive to weight may still find the headset taxing during marathon sessions exceeding 4-5 hours.
Verdict
The Audeze Maxwell 2 is not a radical departure, but a meaningful refinement of the best gaming headset ever made. If you want the absolute highest quality audio available in a wireless gaming package and can handle the weight, there is still no better option on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on community census data and common user queries, these are the most frequently discussed topics for this headset.
Is the Maxwell 2 more durable than the original?
Yes. The primary upgrade in the Maxwell 2 is the 'Pressure Relief' venting system. Small openings in the internal housing allow air pressure to escape when you put on the headset, preventing the delicate planar diaphragms from crinkling or tearing—addressing the #1 failure point of the Gen 1.
Can I use this for professional music production?
Absolutely. The 90mm planar drivers provide a very flat, analytical frequency response that is far more accurate than standard dynamic gaming headsets. While it's heavy for a studio session, the audio fidelity rivals dedicated hifi headphones like the Sennheiser HD600 series.
Does the Maxwell 2 support simultaneous wireless audio?
No. Similar to the original, it uses a 'Priority' system rather than true mixing. You can stay paired to your phone via Bluetooth and your PC via the dongle, but the headset will mute game audio to prioritize an incoming call. You cannot listen to music from your phone while gaming on PC simultaneously.
How do I fix the 'metal foil' sound in the ear cups?
Even with the new relief vents, the planar drivers can still crinkle if you apply heavy external pressure. If you hear a crinkle, gently lift the ear cup away from your head to let the air pressure equalize. If the sound remains while stationary, it may be a factory defect in the planar tensioning.
Is the battery life really 80+ hours?
Yes. In community testing, the Maxwell 2 frequently exceeds its 80-hour rating at 50% volume. It is one of the few headsets where you can legitimately go two full weeks without needing a USB-C cable, even with daily gaming sessions. Turning off the AI noise cancellation can squeeze out an extra 5-8 hours.
Series Progression
Support & Resources
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