Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset Immerses You in the Game

Comfort, style, and crystal clear audio, all in one package

Bottom Line: Audeze delivers a high-quality audio experience with the sleek and comfortable Maxwell.

UPDATE 6.22.2022 - Clarified how the strap adjustments work.

Back in July 2022, I was introduced to Razer’s Kaira Pro headset, which was known for its PS5 compatibility. At the time, it was among my favorite headsets, and for about a year, it remained as such. Until Audeze was kind enough to send me the Maxwell. While I still love my Kaira Pro, the $100 price increase to the Maxwell brings a crisper, cleaner, and more luxurious listening experience, and it’s well worth the added cost.

Before even trying on the Maxwell, I knew I was in for something very, very comfortable. The ear cushions are about an inch thick and quite soft. But more than just being cozy against my temple, the larger cushions seem to create a tighter seal that keeps background noise out. When I’m invested in writing an article with the talent of artists like John Williams and Harry Gregson-Williams blaring in my ears, I prefer to hear only my music of choice. And with the noisy neighbors I have, noise reduction is an absolute blessing.

The Maxwell offers convenience through multiple connections, including ultra-low latency wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm analog cable, and a USB-C cable. In testing all methods, I didn’t hear much of a difference between them, though I suspect the wireless options had a slightly higher latency than the wired connections. 

Booming bass, unrivaled audio

I’ve used quite a few headsets in the past, including HyperX’s Cloud II and quite a few off-brand models, and I’m confident that the Maxwell delivered one of the cleanest audio experiences. There’s usually at least a hint of hollowness or a slightly impaired bass, but Audeze’s 90mm planar drivers produce high-quality, unfettered sound. For reference, similar models top out at 40mm to 50mm drivers, which don’t quite have the same range.

I primarily use the comfortably snug headset for music, but its purpose is to elevate gaming. The model I tested was for PlayStation consoles, however, the only real difference between the PlayStation and Xbox versions was the embedded Dolby Atmos license available for Xbox. Oh, and the little Audeze logo is either blue or green, respectively. 

As a survival horror fanatic, I needed to hear what those advanced drivers would do for games like The Evil Within 2 and Dead Space. I was not disappointed to find that it made both games doubly as horrifying, as the creaks and ambient noises of the USG Ishimura and Anima’s haunting melody were even more spine-chilling than when projected through my TV. Games that thrive on booming bass and explosions, such as DOOM Eternal, were equally as impressive. Just, you know, for different reasons.

I really wish I had access to a PS5, because I can only imagine how that Tempest 3D audio sounds through the Maxwell. 

Keeping in touch & solving a common problem

I’m not a big talker when it comes to multiplayer gaming, but I needed to see if the microphone was the same high quality as the drivers. My initial rounds in Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed were pretty rough. Then l remembered the microphone volume wheel on the left earpiece. At 50% volume, none of my teammates had any issues hearing my chaotic commands, even when matches were in full swing and proton beams were blasting all over the place. 

When I tested the microphone with a simple audio recorder, I was pleased to hear nothing but my voice. No background static or tinny interference. I didn’t sound like I was in a big empty room. It was just my voice and the occasional meow of a cat desperately needing my attention. Which was even more impressive, considering he wasn’t squawking at his highest volume.

With other headsets (and my Razer Anzu glasses), whenever I had to use the microphone on my PC via a Bluetooth connection, the audio quality took a drastic hit. This didn’t happen with the Maxwell.   

The highs and the lows 

I kept trying to find issues with the audio quality, listening closely for any sort of underlying discrepancy. There simply isn’t one that I’ve found. Everything was so clear, to the point where I could turn off subtitles and not miss a beat. 

Equally as impressive as the audio quality is the battery life. Audeze touts an 80-hour battery, and it seems like it would come pretty close to that. I clocked about 25 hours of use, and the battery had just hit around 65%. Recharging the Maxwell is also pretty quick thanks to the use of USB-C.

My only real gripe is that the headset can’t be easily adjusted for different head sizes. In fact, the only real adjustment you can make is to the strap that runs parallel to the metal band, which is held in place by four screws. Thankfully, you don’t have to unscrew it each time you want to make an adjustment as the screws are small enough to slip through the holes. According to Audeze, there are five positions so you can better customize the strap for your head.

Do you need it?

I have to give this an emphatic, “Yes!” 

If you’re a gamer or love to lounge and get lost in your own world listening to music, Audeze’s Maxwell will elevate that experience. Plush ear cushions and a solid, durable build lend to a comfortable fit for most head sizes.