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- Quick Summary: The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC delivers exceptional sound, strong ANC, and premium build quality, but its hefty 560-gram weight, reduced battery life, and $429/£429 price tag make it a more premium, and not necessarily better, choice than the original Maxwell 2.
The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC isn't a brand-new headset in Audeze's gaming lineup. It's actually a sequel to the already available Audeze Maxwell 2. However, this follow-up adds one key upgrade that its namesake gives away: active noise cancellation (ANC).
Now, I reviewed the original Maxwell 2 when it was released, but I'm treating this as a completely separate beast, starting again to determine whether this ANC version can be considered one of the best gaming headsets on the market. This also means that anyone who hasn't read my original review doesn't have to, as you'll get the full picture of the Maxwell 2 ANC here.
So, without further ado, here's what I liked, disliked, and what could have been better with the Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC.
Design, Build Quality, and Comfort
The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC is made from metal and advanced composites, with reinforced stress points designed to make the headset sturdy, durable, and built to last. I have nothing to complain about from a materials standpoint. It feels premium and sturdy, as you'd expect from a headset at this price point.
Unfortunately, the combination of metal and advanced composites does come at a 560-gram cost. There's no getting away from the fact that this is a very heavy headset, just like the original, and it's easily one of the biggest downsides to the Maxwell 2 ANC.
That being said, the extra-wide suspended headband and new memory-foam earpads do make it more comfortable than I initially thought, but you can't really engineer away carrying half a kilogram on your head for a long gaming session. If you lean forward, you'll also find the headset slowly slipping forward, no matter how tightly you adjust the headband.
Speaking of which, the headset is adjustable, with three holes on each side to feed pips through to make it looser or tighter, depending on your preference. Unfortunately, this three-step headband adjustment system is fiddly, with the holes feeling slightly too tight when you're trying to slot the pips into place. Unlike a sliding system, you're also limited to just three size increments, which can make finding the perfect fit a little frustrating, especially if you want to adjust it quickly between matches.
All that being said, I don't think the Maxwell 2 ANC is as uncomfortable as its weight might suggest. It's the weight itself that's cumbersome, and the clamping force is quite strong, so past the two-hour mark, you might start to feel a little constricted by the fit. That's not bad going, though, as most people probably need a break from wearing an over-ear headset after two or more hours anyway.
The heat buildup under the ear cushions is surprisingly minimal, too. Of course, things get hotter with over-ear headsets, but my ears never felt uncomfortably warm after an hour or more of wearing them, which is a notable achievement for a headset this heavy.
Moreover, the Maxwell 2 ANC features on-ear controls that are well placed and easy to use while wearing the headset, featuring a tactile volume wheel, game/chat mixer, equalizer, and playback controls. I also like the voice indicator that plays when you cycle through modes, turn the headset on or off, and so on. It's a handy addition that a lot of headsets have, but it's noticeable when one doesn't because it's hard to know exactly what settings you're adjusting using the on-ear controls mid-match.
Sound Quality and Gaming Performance
The sound quality is one of the Maxwell 2 ANC's biggest strengths. Featuring the same 90mm planar magnetic drivers as the original, they act as a serious differentiator from typical gaming headsets, and with 24-bit/96kHz wireless audio, LDAC, low-latency USB-C, SLAM tuning, and dual 1.4W amplifiers, this headset has all the tools to compete on a professional level, rather than just having good sound for a gaming headset.
The aviation-grade ANC is the other defining feature for this particular version. Audeze claims up to 35dB of noise reduction, and from what I experienced, the difference between ANC on, ANC off, and Transparency mode is stark.
With ANC enabled, I found I could barely hear background noise, while turning it off still leaves you with surprisingly effective passive noise cancellation from the earcups. Meanwhile, Transparency mode lets surrounding sounds through clearly — like, surprisingly so — which is handy when you need to hear what's going on around you.
There is one notable issue with the ANC, though. I've seen other users mention it, and I experienced it myself: with ANC turned on, I occasionally noticed a faint hiss or buzzing sound coming from the left earcup. It was annoying and distracting when it happened, although adjusting the headset's position on my head seemed to make it disappear more often than not. It could potentially have been something to do with how the earcup was clamping against my head, although it's strange that it was isolated to the left side, which was also the side of the mic. I'm not entirely sure what caused it, but it's definitely a drawback of note that hasn't been something I've exclusively uncovered.
Anyway, let's get into the sound in more detail.
Imaging
Playing a spatial sound test immediately showcased how good the Maxwell 2 ANC is at distinguishing where sounds are coming from. Left, right, and everything in between were incredibly easy to pinpoint, although judging whether a sound was from above or below wasn't quite as clear.
In actual gaming, this translates into strong positional audio, particularly at close to mid-range. In games like Counter-Strike 2 and Rainbow Six Siege, this became a particular strength, as I was able to pinpoint enemy footsteps and follow their movement through sound alone during testing. The way footsteps transition between the earcups is also impressively smooth, making it easy to track movement as an enemy moves around you.
Interestingly, the headset also supports self-calibrating head tracking in supported applications, including Embody Immerse Gaming Hive and Dolby Atmos Renderer. It's a nice addition for anyone looking to experiment with more immersive spatial audio.
Soundstage and Separation
The soundstage is impressive for a closed-back headset. A simple binaural knocking test sounded remarkably realistic, giving the impression that sounds were actually coming from different positions around me rather than simply playing through two earcups.
Audio separation is arguably even more impressive. In CS2 and Rainbow Six Siege, loud gunshots can sometimes dominate the soundscape, yet I was always able to pick out enemy footsteps underneath them. That's a big advantage in competitive games, as being able to distinguish one audio cue from another isn't always a guarantee when you buy a new set of headphones.
Bass, Midrange, and Treble
Bass performance is strong through the mid-to-upper frequencies, although I did find the default EQ lacked a little of that deep, low-frequency rumble you might want from cinematic games. Thankfully, the Audeze app's EQ controls include a Bass Boost preset, which adds considerably more of that satisfying sub-bass rumble around 40Hz.
Interestingly, I found the lowest bass frequencies had slightly more impact in Transparency mode than with ANC enabled, although the difference was very small. More importantly, even when pushing the deep bass, I didn't notice any rattling or distortion.
The midrange clarity is where I think the Maxwell 2 ANC excels the most. Voices and dialogue sound incredibly clear, making everything from in-game characters to sports commentary easy to understand. The treble performance is strong too, with the higher frequencies remaining clear and free from noticeable distortion or crackling.
I noticed this particularly in FC 26, where the stadium atmosphere and commentary sounded excellent. Crowd noise also had impressive left-to-right separation depending on where it was coming from in the stadium, while the menu music sounded great even with the default EQ.
I also played Resident Evil Requiem, which is perhaps the perfect showcase for what this headset can do. From faint, distant zombie moans to sudden bangs and screams, I found the sound to be incredibly detailed and clear. Combined with the ANC blocking out most of the distractions around you, it makes an already terrifying horror game even more immersive.
Microphone Performance
The Maxwell 2 ANC features a removable boom mic with a hypercardioid capsule, designed for directional pickup and improved background noise rejection. This all seems to be a solid foundation, as I found the microphone to be very clear, though I wouldn't call it broadcast-quality.
That's actually a little surprising, as I remember the original Maxwell 2 having an excellent microphone, but still, the mic is good quality for most gaming needs.
In testing, I found it did a great job of picking up my voice, even when you're speaking quietly. The only issue I found was that, on playback, my voice could sound quite loud and a little harsh. Speaking too loudly can also introduce a small amount of distortion, which isn't something I'd expect from a headset at this price point.
Background noise rejection is okay, despite the FILTER AI Noise Removal technology. It definitely ensures your voice remains audible over the surrounding noise, but it doesn't completely eliminate everything. For example, I use a mechanical keyboard that can get fairly loud while typing. The mic still picked up those key presses while I was speaking, which I assumed it wouldn't, given how Audeze highlights its ability to filter out distractions.
On the plus side, the highly flexible microphone cable makes it easy to position the boom exactly where you want it, and the mic is removable when you don't need it. There's also a convenient mic-mute switch on the right earcup, allowing you to quickly mute yourself without having to reach for software controls.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The connectivity is comprehensive, with options spanning Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast, LDAC, and AAC, alongside USB-C wireless and wired connections, giving the Maxwell 2 ANC plenty of flexibility. For anyone who wants one headset for PC, console, music, and general media, that's a strong proposition.
For this review, I tested the PlayStation version, which lets you switch between PS and PC modes on the USB-C wireless dongle depending on your setup. There's also an Xbox-compatible version available for non-PlayStation gamers.
Audeze claims up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC off and 35 hours with ANC on. That's a significant downgrade from the regular Maxwell 2, which boasts more than 80 hours despite having the same size battery inside. Clearly, the additional ANC technology has an impact on power consumption, even when it's switched off.
That said, while the reduction is disappointing, 35-40 hours is still enough for multiple long gaming sessions before you'll need to reach for the charger. It's also fairly normal compared with other wireless gaming headsets featuring ANC, so it's not necessarily a deal-breaker.
When it does eventually run out of battery, USB-C charging makes recharging straightforward, taking only a couple of hours to go from dead to fully charged in my experience.
Software and Customization
The Maxwell 2 ANC is fully supported by the Audeze app, available on Windows, Android, and iOS, and this is where most of the deeper customization lives.
The app is extremely easy to use, with a clean, simple interface that makes everything easy to find. Best of all, you don't need to pay anything extra to access these features.
As mentioned previously, the EQ settings are fully customizable through the app, so you can create your own profile or choose from several pre-made options. These include the aforementioned Bass Boost, Treble Boost, and even a Footstep preset designed specifically for shooters such as Rainbow Six Siege.
There's plenty more you can adjust, too. You can change the headset's volume, although I'd argue the physical volume wheel is much easier to use mid-game; cycle between ANC, ANC Off, and Transparency modes, toggle Sidetone, adjust the voice assistant volume, and change the AI Noise Filter between Off, Low, and High. You can also check the headset's current battery percentage directly through the app.
All of this gives you a great level of customization and adjustability, and importantly, it's all easy to understand and clearly explained within the app. I really have no complaints here. The Audeze app does exactly what it needs to do without making things unnecessarily complicated.
Price and Value for Money
At $429/£429, I'd be reluctant to call the Maxwell 2 ANC good value for money, especially when the original Audeze Maxwell 2 is around $90/£90 cheaper.
It's expensive, at the end of the day, and while I do rate the ANC and subsequent Transparency mode, this additional technology comes with a few trade-offs. Most notably, you're looking at a 50%+ reduction in battery life, while the headset remains extremely heavy for a gaming headset.
In my original Audeze Maxwell 2 review, I mentioned that I expected an ANC version to eventually be released, as ANC was one of the biggest omissions from the original. I also suggested it would likely cost more, and I wasn't wrong. However, a $90/£90 price increase is more than I anticipated, and, truthfully, I don't think the Maxwell 2 ANC is groundbreaking enough to justify it.
The original Maxwell 2 already has plenty of unique selling points, particularly its 90mm planar magnetic drivers and overall excellent audio quality. ANC is a useful addition, and the implementation here is good, but I don't think it's enough to make the extra $90/£90 feel worthwhile.
All that being said, if you do have plenty of money to spend on a headset, then the Maxwell 2 ANC is certainly worth considering. But if you're struggling to decide between this and the original Maxwell 2, my advice would be to save the money. You won't feel like you're massively missing out by choosing the standard Maxwell 2, especially as the original does a good job of passively blocking background noise anyway.
Pros and Cons
Here's a breakdown and summary of where the Maxwell 2 ANC excels, and where it falls a little short:
Pros
- Excellent sound quality from the 90mm planar magnetic drivers, with impressive clarity and detail.
- Strong audio separation and imaging, making it particularly good for competitive gaming.
- Effective ANC and Transparency modes, with a noticeable difference between each setting.
- Excellent connectivity and customization, including 24-bit/96kHz wireless audio, LDAC, USB-C, and EQ controls.
- Comfortable earcups with minimal heat buildup, despite the headset's considerable weight.
Cons
- Very heavy at 560 grams, which can become cumbersome during longer gaming sessions.
- $429/£429 price tag makes it difficult to recommend over the cheaper Maxwell 2.
- Battery life is significantly lower than the standard Maxwell 2, largely due to the addition of ANC.
- Fiddly three-step headband adjustment makes finding the ideal fit more difficult.
- Occasional ANC hiss/buzzing from the left earcup can be distracting.
Final Verdict
I would say the Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC has all the tools to be an excellent gaming headset. Its 90mm planar magnetic drivers, strong audio separation, impressive ANC, and versatile connectivity make it genuinely very good at what it's built for.
However, there are two things holding it back from being an exceptional recommendation: its 560g weight and $429/£429 price tag. The weight is cumbersome over longer sessions, while the relatively modest benefits of ANC over the already excellent Maxwell 2 don't quite justify the extra $90/£90.
Don't get me wrong, the Maxwell 2 ANC isn't bad. It's actually very good, and I enjoyed using it. But at this price, I think you need to really want ANC and Transparency mode to justify choosing it over the original. For everyone else, the standard Maxwell 2 remains the smarter buy.
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